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 Serena Williams falls to 20-year-old Maya Joint in Wimbledon return after nearly four-year singles absence Serena Williams showed flashes of the power and precision that defined her Hall of Fame career in her return to professional singles tennis Tuesday, but ultimately fell short in a three-set opening-round loss at Wimbledon. The 44-year-old Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, was defeated 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 by 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint in a match that lasted 2 hours and 22 minutes on Centre Court. It marked Williams’ first singles appearance in nearly four years, since the 2022 U.S. Open. Williams still produced trademark moments, including powerful serves and heavy groundstrokes that once carried her to seven Wimbledon singles titles. But Joint, ranked 87th, absorbed the pace and proved steadier on the biggest points, repeatedly finding angles that pushed Williams out of position. “I don’t know what just happened, to be honest,” Joint said afterward. “I didn’t get ...

 Netflix recreates Gene Wilder’s voice with AI for new Willy Wonka competition series, raising ethics questions Netflix is using AI to recreate the voice of late actor Gene Wilder for a new unscripted competition series set in the “Willy Wonka” universe, the company announced. The series, titled “Wonka’s The Golden Ticket,” will feature 12 contestants who win “Golden Tickets” and bring a partner with them as they enter a re-created version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory to compete in a series of games and challenges. The show’s teaser includes an AI-generated version of Wilder’s voice delivering an opening line about returning to his “beloved chocolate factory.” Wilder, who originated the role of Willy Wonka in the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” died in 2016 at the age of 83. His career also included roles in “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” and “Young Frankenstein.” According to the announcement, the voice recreation was created with permission from Wild...

 Michael Byrne, ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ and ‘Braveheart’ actor, dies at 82 Actor Michael Byrne, known for roles in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “Braveheart” and “Coronation Street,” has died at the age of 82. Byrne died on June 20, though no cause of death has been released. His career spanned decades across film, television and theater, with more than 170 screen and stage credits over roughly 70 years. The London-born British actor often portrayed villainous characters. His film work included General Vogel in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” Smythe in “Braveheart,” Admiral Kelly in “Tomorrow Never Dies,” and an older version of Gellert Grindelwald in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.” On television, he appeared in the long-running soap opera “Coronation Street,” playing Ted Page across 67 episodes. His stage career also remained active for decades, with one of his later notable performances coming in 2018, when he appeared in Robert Icke’s a...

 Anna Dawson, Keeping Up Appearances Actress, Dies at 88 Anna Dawson, known for her role in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 88. Her death was announced in a post shared by Christ Church Anglican at Kororāreka Russell on the Paihia Community Facebook page in New Zealand.  The post stated she died on Saturday, June 27, in Kerikeri at 3pm, describing her as a “much treasured member” of the local faith community. Funeral arrangements were yet to be announced. Dawson appeared in *Keeping Up Appearances* as Violet, the affluent sister of Hyacinth Bucket, during the run of the sitcom before stepping away from acting in 1995. Her husband, John Boulter, a former soloist with the Black and White Minstrel Show, died around six months earlier. The couple had lived in Okiato and Tapeka in New Zealand and were known within the Russell community. Born in Lancashire, Dawson spent part of her childhood in Tanganyika, then a British colonial territory in East Afric...

 Danny Glover Reveals Alzheimer's Diagnosis for the First Time Danny Glover has disclosed for the first time that he is living with Alzheimer's disease, saying he was diagnosed in 2023 after his family noticed changes in his memory. Speaking in an interview with PEOPLE ahead of his 80th birthday on July 22, the actor said he is still coming to terms with the diagnosis but does not view it as the end of his life. "I'm still not accepting in my mind all parts of it," Glover said. "There are the moments that you keep remembering that validate the fact that you can remember stuff. And there are moments I'll never forget." His daughter, Mandisa Glover, said the family first observed changes in 2022. She recalled that her father had long been known for remembering detailed events from decades earlier, but she began noticing gaps in stories he had told many times before. According to Mandisa, the family later learned he had Alzheimer's disease. She said...

 Prince William Attends Order of the Thistle Ceremony on Princess Diana's Birthday Prince William attended the annual Order of the Thistle service at St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh on Tuesday, an engagement that coincided with what would have been the 65th birthday of his late mother, Princess Diana. Known as the Duke of Rothesay while in Scotland, William joined senior members of the royal family for the ceremony, wearing the traditional deep green velvet robe and feathered hat associated with the Order of the Thistle. He arrived with his uncle, Prince Edward, shortly before King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The King and Queen were welcomed with a Royal Salute by The King's Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers, followed by the national anthem. Outside the cathedral, a small group of anti-monarchy protesters displayed placards reading "What Did You Know?" and chanted "Not my King." The Order of the Thistle is Scotland's highest ...

 Frankie Muniz and Paige Price Muniz Announce End of Marriage Frankie Muniz and his wife, Paige Price Muniz, have confirmed they are ending their marriage. The Malcolm in the Middle actor and racing driver, 40, announced the news on Wednesday, July 1, in a post on social media. “Life update! Following a period of separation that we kept private, Paige and I have decided to move forward with ending our marriage,” he wrote on X, alongside a video of the family dancing together. The clip was captioned: “Who says you can't stay best friends with your baby momma?” Muniz said the decision followed a period in which the couple had already been living apart. He described the relationship as having shifted into a friendship and co-parenting arrangement after a decade together. “After 10 beautiful years together, we’ve grown in ways that made us realize our relationship feels most natural and strong as a deep friendship and as co-parents,” he wrote. He added that their son, Mauz, remains the...

 Mother of NFL star Calais Campbell found dead inside Atlanta home, his brother charged with murder The Campbell family is facing heartbreaking tragedy after the death of their matriarch, Nateal Campbell, 71, who was found unresponsive in her Atlanta home during a welfare check.  Police later identified her eldest son, Ciarre Campbell, as the suspect, charging him with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony.  The family released a statement expressing devastation at the loss, while taking solace in the belief that she has been reunited with her late husband, Chuck, and asking for privacy as they grieve. Authorities revealed that Ciarre, a former Colorado State football player and older brother of Baltimore Ravens star Calais Campbell, had barricaded himself inside the home before being detained.  Investigators have obtained search warrants for the property, clothing, and DNA samples, while noting prior police calls to...

 'Oh, my God': Two people arrested after climbing Empire State Building Two masked individuals stunned New Yorkers on July 1 when they scaled the Empire State Building and unfurled a banner bearing the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”  The dramatic stunt drew immediate attention, with police shutting down nearby streets around 5th Avenue and 34th Street. Witnesses described the pair as looking “like ninjas” as they descended the skyscraper before being taken into custody by the NYPD. The incident sparked speculation about the duo’s motives. Some onlookers thought it might have been a marriage proposal, while others suggested it was performance art meant to capture attention.  Stephanie Hazlewood, who works inside the building, said she first learned of the event through a livestream shared by a colleague. While the NYPD confirmed the arrests, they did not immediately release details about potential charges. Empire State Buil...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE  The Editors,  SUSPECT APPREHENDED FOR ALLEGED SPREAD OF FALSE RUMOURS AND OBTAINING MONEY UNDER FALSE PRETENSE IN LANZAI In a bid to stop the spread of false information,  misinformation and disinformation  across the State, Bauchi State Police Command has arrested one Umar Abubakar, an 18-years-old male, resident of Lanzai Town, Darazo LGA, for allegedly spreading false rumours of an impending attack and obtaining money under false pretenses. According to a report received at Darazo Division on 28/06/2026 at about 1510hrs from a traditional ruler in Lanzai, the suspect was alleged to have gone around Lanzai Town spreading rumours that herders would attack the town within three days. Furthermore, the suspect was also alleged to have collected the sum of N4,000 from two households for prayers and sacrifices to allegedly avert the said attack. During interrogation, the suspect admitted that the information was false. He ...

BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE The Editors, BAUCHI POLICE ARREST 3 SUSPECTS OVER CULPABLE HOMICIDE FOLLOWING NAMING CEREMONY CLASH IN KIRFI LGA  Police operatives in Bauchi, have arrested three suspects in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy, disturbance of public peace, and culpable homicide that occurred during a naming ceremony in Dosi Hamlet, Bara Village, Kirfi LGA. Based on information received at Kirfi Division from the Officer in Charge of Bara Police Outpost, on 1st July, 2026 at about 1000hrs, an 80-years-old man, resident of Dosi Hamlet reported that on 30th June, 2026, he lodged a complaint regarding an incident that occurred on 25th June, 2026 at about 1830hrs. It was reported that during a naming ceremony at Dosi Hamlet, youths from Tudun Sullubawa Hamlet had a misunderstandi ng with youths of Dosi Hamlet. In the process, one Sani Abacha Alhaji Jabbi, male, 27-years-old of Dosi Hamlet was violently attacked with cutlasses by youths from Tudun Sull...

 PRESS RELEASE RE: MURDER OF 80-YEAR-OLD ADEBOLA EZEKIEL AND WIFE, ABIODUN EZEKIEL: FCT POLICE SECURE CONVICTION. … as FCT High court sentences suspect to death by hanging. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that it has secured the conviction of Jonathan Marcus, who was arrested and prosecuted in connection with the gruesome murder of Mr. Adebola Ezekiel (80) and his wife, Mrs. Abiodun Ezekiel, at their residence in Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja. The tragic incident, which occurred on 1st April, 2024, at the deceased persons’ residence in Zone D, Apo Legislative Quarters, was subjected to an extensive investigation. The investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, Jonathan Marcus, a former driver to the deceased, who was tracked to Obajana, Kogi State, where he had gone into hiding after he committed the crime. He was subsequently arrested and brought to Abuja for further investigation. During interrogation, the suspect co...

 FREE STATE SAPS ADDRESSES DISTRICT LOOTING INCIDENTS AND SECURES 3116 ARRESTS IN HIGH-DENSITY OPERATION While the city of Bloemfontein experienced a day of peaceful marches, several other districts across the Free State province unfortunately suffered incidents of public violence, looting, and property damage. Free State Provincial #SAPS units responded swiftly to these flare-ups, restoring order and making multiple arrests. In Odendaalsrus, businesses were targeted by looters, resulting in the immediate arrest of three suspects. Meanwhile, in Thabong (Sunrise View area), seven shops were looted and two SAPS operational vehicles were damaged. No arrests have been made yet in the Thabong area, but investigations are ongoing. In Vredefort, a large-scale disturbance led to the looting of 20 shops and damage to one police vehicle. Officers arrested four suspects for public violence and one suspect for Malicious Damage to Property (MDTP) specifically linked to the vehicle damage. In Tu...

 The Kano State Hisbah Board has announced that its upcoming mass wedding programme, known as “Auren Gata” (marriage for the privileged), is open to both Muslim and Christian couples who meet the eligibility criteria. Deputy Commander of the Hisbah Board, Mujahideen Aminuddeen, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Wednesday. He explained that three Christian couples had participated in the previous edition held in October 2023, though he could not yet confirm if any Christian couples had registered for the forthcoming event. Preparations are currently underway for the next mass wedding, with a date yet to be announced. According to Aminuddeen, the programme targets widows, widowers, divorcees, spinsters, and bachelors, particularly orphans and individuals from underprivileged families who cannot afford marriage expenses. “The programme is playing a key role in strengthening families and reducing immorality in the state,” Aminuddeen said. H...

 Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji arrested at Abuja airport A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has reportedly been arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on arrival from Enugu via a chartered flight. It was gathered that the former minister was taken into custody on Wednesday at the airport. According to reports, it was disclosed that Nnaji is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, for interrogation. The ICPC had been on the trail of the former minister since he resigned from office last year following investigations that revealed he forged his academic certificates. Recall that Nnaji was appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology by President Bola Tinubu on August 16, 2023. He later resigned on October 7, 2025, following allegations that he forged his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, credentials

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will introduce downloadable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for voters who have lost or damaged their original cards as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria's electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, during a courtesy visit to the commission's headquarters in Abuja. Amupitan explained that the downloadable PVC option would only be available to voters who had previously collected their physical PVCs but later lost or damaged them. He clarified that the initiative would not apply to first-time registrants who had never obtained a physical card. According to him, eligible voters must report the loss or damage of their PVCs to INEC at least 90 days before an election to enable the commission to process the replacement. The INEC Chairman also an...

 "No Sensible Lyrics" – Portable Accuses Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Olamide of Creative Decline Controversial Nigerian street-pop sensation Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, widely known as Portable, has sparked fresh debate in the music industry after calling out the country's biggest musical exports. In a recent video broadcast, the 'Zazu' crooner claimed that immense wealth and fame have diluted the creativity of megastars Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Olamide. The Traps of Too Much Comfort According to Portable, the lifestyle of luxury and comfort enjoyed by these A-list artists has disconnected them from the daily realities of the average Nigerian. He argued that their current discographies lack the substance and motivation that once defined their earlier work, shifting instead toward superficial themes. "I noticed that Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Olamide don’t praise God in their songs; they only sing about ladies," Portable asserted in his broadcast...

 STATEHOUSE STATEMENT Re: The Matter of Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew and the fictitious  Presidential Economic Advisory Council  We are aware of the public interest in the matter of a man called  Adeyemi Adeniyi Matthew, who has been parading himself as the director-general of a fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council cum Presidential Economic Advisory Council. The office of the Chief of Staff to the President first blew the whistle on the existence of the illegal agency, following complaints from officials of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council that another government agency appeared to be functioning at cross-purposes with it. The Chief of Staff, on October 17, in a letter, asked the DSS and the Police to probe the activities of ‘fraudsters and imposters’ forging appointment letters purportedly from his office. “The attention of this office has been drawn to the activities of certain individuals and groups engaged in the forgery of official ...

 FEC APPROVES NEW NYSC UNIFORM, GRADUATION CEREMONY IN MAJOR REFORMS By Doris Onyekachi  The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved a far-reaching reforms for the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, including the introduction of a new uniform for corps members and an official graduation ceremony to mark the end of service. The decision, taken at the latest FEC meeting, is part of efforts to reposition the scheme, enhance the welfare of corps members, and give the one-year national service a more structured and dignified conclusion. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the development on  June 29 in a post on his X handle, describing the approval as a major milestone in repositioning the NYSC for the future. According to the approvals, corps members would wear a new official uniform, while an end-of-service graduation ceremony will be instituted nationwide. NYSC Management is expected to release further details on the design of the uniform a...

 KADVS Arrests Seven Suspected Armed Bandits In Kaduna, Recovers Firearm, Other Exhibits Operatives of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS) have arrested seven suspected armed bandits during a midnight operation in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, recovering a locally made firearm, cash, mobile phones, charms, and other items. The operation, conducted at about 2:12 a.m. on June 30, was led by the Kubau Sector Coordinator, Abubakar Shuaibu, following intelligence that prompted security operatives to lay an ambush along the Ikara–Zuntu route.  The road has been identified as a major corridor frequently used by suspected bandits and kidnappers, particularly on market days. According to KADVS, operatives intercepted a Golf 3 vehicle with registration number PHC 146 XA conveying the suspects.  A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of one locally made gun, ₦350,750 in cash, six mobile phones, charms, iron rods, and other exhibits believed to be connected...

 Bandits Kill Six Abducted Southern Kaduna Residents Despite Ransom Payment At least six residents of Kutaho Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State have reportedly been killed by bandits while in captivity, despite the community paying a significant ransom for their release. The victims were among several people kidnapped when armed bandits attacked the village on February 9, 2026. According to sources familiar with the incident, those killed have been identified as Friday Agama, Kunama Dogo, Monday Tanko, Lami Williams, a man identified only as Pawpaw's brother, and another captive known as Catchiest, who reportedly died after suffering severe punishment from the kidnappers. The sources also disclosed that two victims, Williams Ishaya and Iliya Dauda, have regained their freedom and are currently receiving medical treatment in Kachia for injuries and trauma sustained during their captivity. Two other abductees, identified as Shedrack and Daniel Ganga, were also s...

 NDLEA TAKES CUSTODY OF SEIZED 6,778 KG CANADIAN LOUD AT LAGOS PORT In a massive blow to transnational drug trafficking networks, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has formally taken custody of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis, recently intercepted during a joint examination of two containers by NDLEA operatives, officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other security agencies at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos. The historic seizure was the culmination of a painstaking, months-long intelligence-led operation spearheaded by the NDLEA Special Investigation Unit and the NDLEA Marine Intelligence Unit, working in close collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Nigeria Customs Service. At the formal handover and takeover ceremony at Apapa Port in Lagos, the agency warned that it would not stop at mere confiscations but would aggressively go after the financial structures of the syndicates to ensure traffickers derive ...

 NIGERIA, VIETNAM TARGET TEXTILE REVIVAL Nigeria and Vietnam have agreed to deepen economic cooperation, with a focus on trade, investment, and the textile industry.  This followed a meeting between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and Vietnam's Deputy Foreign Minister, Le Anh Tuan, in Abuja. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Vietnam called for the speedy conclusion of agreements on investment protection and the avoidance of double taxation to boost investor confidence. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, expressed Nigeria's readiness to partner with Vietnam on industrial cooperation and job creation through technology transfer and skills development. Ambassador Enikanolaiye further noted that Vietnam has recorded global success in the textile and garment industry, offering valuable lessons for Nigeria's textile revival. Both countries also agreed to hold their first Political Consu...

 900 arrested during South Africa anti-migrant protests South African police said more than 900 people were arrested on Tuesday, when there were nationwide anti-migrant protests which were mostly peaceful but occasionally descended into violence and looting. Tebello Mosikili, a deputy national police commissioner, told a press conference that of the 120 marches that took place on Tuesday, 108 were peaceful while 12 needed law enforcement to intervene due to unrest, TRT Afrika reported. Some of those arrested were undocumented migrants detained for violating immigration rules, while others were arrested for public violence, harbouring illegal immigrants and robbery. Mosikili said police reinforcements had been deployed to five of the country's nine provinces overnight to respond to isolated incidents of looting and criminality. Supporting police officers Soldiers were sent to Johannesburg's Hillbrow neighbourhood to support the police, where two people – including a 17‑year‑old ...

 SANWO-OLU FLAGS OFF PBAT FEEDS "SNACKS FOR THOUGHT" PROGRAMME, URGES PRIVATE SECTOR TO ADOPT PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has flagged off the pilot phase of the Adopt-A-School PBAT Feeds Programme, "Snacks for Thought," at Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, reiterating that no child should learn on an empty stomach. Describing the initiative as a transformative partnership, the Governor said it would improve children's nutrition, enhance learning outcomes and strengthen human capital development. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. 'Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State was honoured to host the pilot phase of the landmark initiative under the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme. She noted that the programme reflects the shared commitment of the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and the private sector to securing a...

 CBN revokes licenses of 46 Microfinance banks The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licenses of forty-six (46) Microfinance Banks with effect from July 1, 2026. A statement released by the apex bank today July 1, says the revocation was approved by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, following the banks’ failure to meet the regulatory requirements for continued operation as licensed financial institutions. According to the revocation order, the action became necessary due to Insufficient assets to meet liabilities, Closure of operations without the CBN approval, Inactivity and cessation of financial intermediation, Failure to commence operations within 12 months of licence approval, and Failure to maintain minimum capital funds unimpaired by losses. CBN said the revocation of the licenses is part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the stability of the financial sector, protect depositors, and ensure that licensed institut...

 Cubana Chiefpriest Set to Acquire NPFL Football Club: Here is What Fans Should Expect Popular Nigerian socialite and business mogul Pascal Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chiefpriest, has sent shockwaves through the local sports community by announcing his upcoming acquisition of a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club. On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the celebrity entrepreneur revealed his strategic plans to invest heavily in domestic football, pointing to a major shift in his business portfolio. According to Cubana Chiefpriest, this landmark move is fueled by a desire to uplift grassroots talents and breathe new life into Nigeria’s premier division. Elevating the Local Game Sharing an enthusiastic update about the ongoing negotiations, the socialite declared that he is "on the verge of buying into a football club" with the ultimate goal to "support football talents & also uphold the glory of the Nigerian football league." The self-proclaimed "Celebr...