PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Kathy Griffin claims Jimmy Fallon has banned her from his show for being too controversial Comedian Kathy Griffin has revealed that she believes she’s been “banned” from The Tonight Show, explaining her decade-long absence from the program. Griffin, 65, last appeared on the show in 2014, before Jimmy Fallon became host, and now suspects she’s been deliberately excluded.  In a recent Instagram video, she joked about being “too inappropriate or too controversial” for Fallon’s guest lineup, adding that being shut out of television programs has become a recurring theme in her career. Griffin criticized Fallon’s guest choices, particularly his decision to feature UFC fighter Conor McGregor, whom she referred to as a “convicted rapist.” She argued that such bookings send harmful messages to women and marginalized groups, reinforcing inequality.  She also revisited Fallon’s controversial 2016 interview with Donald Trump, where he playfully tousled Trump’s hair, saying the momen...

 Three Brothers Charged with Murder in Eswatini After Allegedly Beating Mother’s Boyfriend to Death Three brothers have been charged with murder following the alleged brutal killing of their mother’s boyfriend in the Hhohho Region, police and court officials said. The accused — Mlondi Mbuli, 25, Sakhelwe Mbuli, 18, and Lindani Mdziniso, 23 — appeared in the Mbabane Magistrates Court on suspicion of murdering Njabulo Ngwenya. The incident reportedly occurred on June 28, 2026, in Hholoshini. Principal Magistrate Sfiso Vilakati ordered the three men to remain in custody until July 10, 2026, as prosecutors prepare to transfer the case to the High Court, which handles serious criminal matters such as murder. According to investigators, the suspects allegedly attacked Ngwenya with bricks, stones, sticks, punches, and repeated kicks, inflicting fatal injuries. Police believe the assault stemmed from accusations that Ngwenya was having a romantic affair with the brothers’ biological mother...

Anambra Woman Amputated After Bus Accident, Abandoned by Fiancé Weeks After Traditional Introduction Loveth Sunday, a 27-year-old hairstylist and perfume seller from Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, has shared her harrowing story of survival, loss, and resilience after a devastating road accident that claimed her left leg and ended her engagement. The incident occurred on April 12, 2019, in front of the Oraifite Police Station. Sunday was standing by the roadside on her way to Onitsha to buy items for a sibling when a bus with brake failure veered off the road and struck three people. Two individuals died in the crash, while Sunday survived but sustained severe injuries. She was rushed to several hospitals by sympathisers but was reportedly rejected by five facilities before receiving treatment at the sixth. Sunday spent five days in a coma. Upon regaining consciousness, doctors informed her that both legs were at risk of amputation, but one was ultimately s...

 "I No Longer Love Yvonne Jegede, But I'll Risk My Life to Protect Her" — Kunle 'Abounce' Fawole Opens Up Nollywood actor Kunle "Abounce" Fawole has revealed that although he no longer has romantic feelings for his ex-wife, actress Yvonne Jegede, he would still do everything possible to protect her because she is the mother of their son. Speaking during an interview on With Chude, Fawole reflected on their failed marriage, saying he has chosen peace over bitterness and prefers not to hold grudges against people he once loved. "I had a girlfriend once, but it didn't work. I think we're just on different planes," he said, adding that he would rather take the blame than live with resentment. The actor also said he has no interest in pretending someone no longer exists after a relationship ends. "I don't want to see somebody that I used to be with down the street and turn my face away," he said. When asked directly if he still...

France Football has weighed in on the long-held belief that Ballon d’Or winners must play for European clubs, as debate intensifies during the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, has historically been won predominantly by players representing clubs in Europe’s top leagues, including PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé in 2025 and Manchester City’s Rodri in 2024. This has reinforced the perception that playing in Europe is essential to claim the prize. However, in a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, the organiser said the Ballon d’Or has had no restriction on a player’s club affiliation since 2007, stressing that the award is presented to “the best player in the world, full stop.” The clarification comes as discussions over this year’s Ballon d’Or favourite gather momentum alongside the closing stages of the World Cup. According to France Football, the award was initially created in 1956 for the best European pla...

 Armed Robbers Hack Father of Five in Ondo, Suspect Arrested  A 47-year-old father of five, Idris Clement, a popular refrigerator and air conditioner technician, has been brutally murdered by suspected armed robbers in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday around 1:00 a.m. in the Shagari axis of Akure South Local Government Area, when three suspected robbers invaded the community, attacking residents and carting away valuables. According to family accounts, the robbers had already attacked two houses in the area before forcing their way into Clement’s family compound. The deceased reportedly confronted one of the intruders to protect his family, unaware that the others were heavily armed. “They attacked him with axes and cutlasses before one of them brought out a gun and shot him,” his son, AbdulFatai Clement, said. “The robbers fled immediately after he collapsed. We rushed him to the hospital, but he had lost so much blood. The doc...

 Portable Fires Back at YCee Over 'Olodo Uprising' Feud, Brags About 10-Year US Work Permit Controversial Nigerian street-hop artist Portable has once again shown that he is never one to back down from a verbal brawl. The singer has fired back at rapper YCee, responding to criticisms and being labeled as the leader of the so-called 'Olodo Uprising.' The Genesis of the 'Olodo Uprising' The online feud originally sparked after rapper YCee commented on what he described as a rising wave of "brain-rot" content online, tagging the phenomenon the "Olodo Uprising" (a Yoruba term colloquially used to describe uneducated or foolish behavior). The debate quickly went viral, drawing heated reactions from several online personalities, including content creators Peller and Jarvis. Never one to stay silent when his name or brand is associated with controversy, Portable took the opportunity to address the critics head-on during a recent appearance on the po...

" Tomorrow July 6th, I turn a new year. The eve of my birthday is always a reflective one in recent times because I used to share my birthday with my mom. God rest her soul. Today, I’m thankful for all the love and prayers I’ve received from everyone these past few days. Thank you. Tomorrow, by God’s special grace, we celebrate ❤️💃🏽💃🏽😍😍🥳🥳🥳"

 Trump pardons 11 people, including former Abramoff business partner and nine convicted in vehicle emissions cases  President Donald Trump issued pardons Friday to 11 people, including former Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff's business partner, Adam Kidan, and nine individuals convicted in cases involving vehicle emissions systems. Earlier in the day, Trump announced on social media that he had pardoned several people he said had been prosecuted for "fixing their car," declaring that they were being set free. The White House later released the full list of recipients, identifying nine of them as individuals charged with violating the Clean Air Act by disabling vehicle emissions monitoring systems or selling devices designed to bypass those systems. The pardons follow a memo Trump signed earlier this week directing the Environmental Protection Agency to allow Americans greater freedom to repair and modify their own vehicles. The directive also addresses aftermarket auto p...

 Ukrainian drone strikes hit St. Petersburg oil terminal as war escalates deep inside Russia  A Ukrainian drone strike hit an oil terminal in St. Petersburg on Saturday, according to Russian officials, as Kyiv continues its sustained campaign targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure. Authorities said the attack struck the Kirovsky district along the Baltic Sea. The regional governor reported that air defenses intercepted 72 drones over St. Petersburg and surrounding areas during the overnight assault. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strikes are part of what he described as “long-range sanctions” on Russia. He also said Ukrainian forces targeted a military site on Kronstadt island near St. Petersburg, calling the oil infrastructure a source of funding for Russia’s war effort. The Kirovsky district had previously been targeted in June ahead of a major international economic forum held in the city. The broader campaign against Russian energy facilities has intens...

 Paul Pelosi, involved in California hit-and-run that damaged parked car, may face misdemeanor charges    Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was involved in a hit-and-run incident Friday in California that damaged a parked vehicle, authorities said, and he could face misdemeanor charges. The 86-year-old was driving his brown convertible in Yountville in Napa County when he struck a legally parked car, briefly stopped, and then drove away. No injuries were reported. Authorities said a witness saw the collision and called 911. Sheriff’s deputies later located Pelosi about a quarter mile from the scene, noting damage to the front of his vehicle. He reportedly told officers he knew he had hit something but was unsure what caused the damage or when the impact occurred. Officials said no alcohol was detected in Pelosi’s system. He was not arrested, and the sheriff’s office recommended a misdemeanor charge for leaving the scene of an accident. He was ...

 Fire breaks out on Brooklyn Bridge during July Fourth fireworks show, no injuries reported    A fire broke out on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York during the city’s July Fourth fireworks celebration, briefly sending flames and smoke into the air before firefighters extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported. Fire officials said two fire engines responded to the scene and crews were seen working to put out the fire shortly before 10 p.m. The bridge had been closed to traffic for the event at the time. Authorities said minor fires can occur during fireworks displays and are part of the reason safety measures keep spectators at a distance. The fireworks show was moved earlier in the evening due to the threat of severe weather that disrupted Independence Day celebrations across parts of the East Coast. In Washington, D.C., storms forced an evacuation of crowds gathered on the National Mall, with other events in the region delayed or canceled.

 Iran holds mass funeral for supreme leader amid anti-US chants, calls for revenge and high-level official appearances     Iran’s top officials and relatives of the newly installed supreme leader appeared publicly Sunday at funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a large display of unity and defiance as the country continues tense negotiations with the United States over ending the war. Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” calling for retaliation over the Feb. 28 attack that killed the 86-year-old leader along with other senior officials and ignited the conflict. Some hard-line voices also demanded the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump. The new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared in the public ceremonies, which are taking place over several days. He is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being injured in the strike that killed his father. At the height of the con...

Trump allies push new plan to block pregnant foreign women after Supreme Court ruling on birthright citizenship case    After the Supreme Court struck down a Trump-era effort to restrict birthright citizenship, allies of President Donald Trump and MAGA figures quickly shifted focus to a new proposal aimed at preventing pregnant foreign women from entering the United States, setting up a fresh immigration and citizenship debate. The ruling on Tuesday found an executive order unconstitutional that sought to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to noncitizen parents. In the aftermath, conservative commentators and Trump allies floated the idea of restricting entry for pregnant foreign nationals, arguing it would address what they describe as “birth tourism” and related citizenship concerns. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said Trump remains committed to protecting “natural-born American citizenship,” adding that he has directed Congress to pursue legislative act...

Iga Swiatek’s Wimbledon title defense ends with third-round upset loss to Alexandra Eala, who makes history for the Philippines  Iga Swiatek’s Wimbledon title defense came to an end in the third round on Saturday, falling 7-6 (9), 6-2 to 21-year-old Alexandra Eala, who delivered a breakthrough performance to extend her historic run for the Philippines. Eala became the first Filipino player, male or female, to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam singles tournament, marking a major milestone in her career and for Philippine tennis. Swiatek entered Wimbledon as the defending champion after winning her first title at the All England Club a year earlier with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 victory over Amanda Anisimova in the final.

 One dead, three injured after lightning strikes group of beachgoers on Fort Myers Beach, Florida  A person was killed, and three others were injured Friday after lightning struck a group of beachgoers in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, officials said. Emergency crews responded to the 6500 block of Estero Boulevard after reports that four people had been struck during a thunderstorm. When responders arrived, they found one person unresponsive while bystanders were already performing CPR and using an AED. Despite lifesaving efforts, that individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The other three victims were taken to local hospitals for further evaluation. Their conditions were not immediately released. Authorities urged beachgoers and residents to pay close attention to rapidly changing weather conditions, especially during storms that can produce sudden lightning strikes. Officials warned people to avoid open water, seek sturdy shelter immediately if lightning is seen or thunder...

 Security guard pulled alive from collapsed basement after days trapped following Venezuela earthquakes Rescuers pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from the rubble of a collapsed basement early Thursday, bringing a dramatic close to a days-long rescue effort following twin earthquakes that devastated parts of Venezuela earlier this month. Hernán Alberto Gil Flores had been trapped since June 24 beneath the debris of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in La Guaira. Search crews made initial contact with him over the weekend and worked continuously to reach his position in an unstable underground space. As the rescue unfolded, teams from multiple countries coordinated efforts to stabilize the structure, tunnel through debris, and maintain communication with Gil Flores. He was eventually brought out on a stretcher, wearing an oxygen mask and covered with an orange tarp, as responders and onlookers applauded and cheered. Members of international rescue teams embraced in r...

 Masked group with Confederate flags marches in Washington, DC on July 4    Masked men, some carrying Confederate flags, marched through Washington, D.C. on the Fourth of July, chanting “reclaim America, reclaim America” as they moved through areas near Union Station, according to video from the scene. Footage shows the group moving in formation while repeatedly calling for the removal of immigrants. Some participants were seen carrying flags featuring symbols associated with Patriot Front, a group described by the Anti-Defamation League as a white supremacist organization. Additional video posted on social media appears to show the group marching near a Washington Metro station and traveling on the transit system while wearing masks and coordinated gear. A separate image taken by a photographer shows individuals in face coverings and matching attire consistent with Patriot Front branding riding the Metro.

 Canadian boy dies of rabies after bat lands on his face during sleep     An 11-year-old Canadian boy died from rabies after a bat landed on his face while he slept during a 2024 family trip to a cottage in northern Ontario, according to a medical case report. Doctors say the boy awoke when the bat made contact with his nose and mouth. His father removed the animal and released it outdoors. Because there were no obvious bite marks or signs of injury, the family did not seek immediate medical care. About a week later, the child began developing numbness and tingling on the right side of his face, followed by facial swelling and loss of appetite. He was first evaluated at an urgent care clinic, where he was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and prescribed antiviral medication, but his symptoms continued to worsen. He was later taken to an emergency department, where doctors noted sensory loss on one side of his face, gum ulcers, and abnormal lab results. Given the reported b...

 Toke Makinwa Sparks Debate: Why Nigerian Men Only Offer Money in Relationships Popular Nollywood actress and media personality, Toke Makinwa, has ignited a fresh wave of conversation online after challenging the stereotype that modern Nigerian women are inherently materialistic. Speaking on a recent episode of the MENtality podcast, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Makinwa argued that the dynamics of modern romance are heavily influenced by what men bring to the table. The Transactional Nature of Romance Addressing the age-old debate on dating and financial expectations, Makinwa pointed out that relationships have always had a transactional element, dating back to ancient times. Rather than blaming women for this reality, she places the responsibility squarely on men, suggesting they have set the standard themselves. From time immemorial, a relationship between a man and a woman has always been transactional, right from the Garden of Eden, right from our parents’ days, Makinwa explain...

 U.S Government to Closely Monitor Nigeria's 2027 Elections, Says Representative Riley Moore The United States government will tightly monitor the execution and results of Nigeria's upcoming 2027 general elections, according to U.S. Congressman Riley Moore. The lawmaker indicated that President Donald Trump's administration intends to keep a watchful eye on West Africa's largest democracy to ensure electoral integrity. Speaking in an interview with NoireTV, Moore explained that Washington is deeply invested in the democratic trajectory of Nigeria. When questioned about the U.S. government's role in ensuring a credible election, Moore asserted that both he and the administration would be paying very close attention to how the transition unfolds. Legislative Pressure and Security Assistance Restrictions Moore's comments coincide with escalating legislative actions in Washington targeting Nigeria's domestic policies. The congressman, who previously participated...

 Egypt rules out 'popular normalisation' with Israel if no 'just peace' Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said there will be "no popular normalisation" with Israel unless a just peace is achieved that ends the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Sisi's remarks came during a Saturday speech at the inauguration ceremony for the State Strategic Command headquarters in Egypt's New Administrative Capital east of Cairo, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. "There will be no lasting peace, no true stability, and no popular normalisation except with a just peace that ends the occupation, puts an end to injustice and aggression, restores rights to their rightful owners, and provides security for all," the president said, Anadolu Agency reported. A just peace would provide the peoples of the region with "an opportunity to live in stability and...

 FG DOES NOT OPERATE A SHADOW BUDGET: 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 The Federal Government has noted recent public commentary alleging that approximately two percent of GDP amounting to over ₦8 trillion was spent outside the approved budget based on references to the IMF Representative in Nigeria and the Fund's 2026 Article IV Consultation Report.  These claims are incorrect and risk misleading the public regarding the government's financial management. For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government does not operate a "shadow budget" or expend public funds outside the constitutional and statutory framework established for public finance. Under Sections 80 - 83 and 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), public funds may only be withdrawn and expended in accordance with the Constitution and laws enacted by the National Assembly. Accordingly, Fed...

 Penélope Cruz says she is still learning about husband Javier Bardem after 15 years of marriage Penélope Cruz has spoken about her long-term relationship with Javier Bardem, saying she still feels she is learning about her husband after more than 15 years of marriage. The actress, 52, discussed her marriage while promoting her new film The Invite in a recent PEOPLE in 10 interview, where she reflected on how relationships continue to evolve over time. “I feel like I'm still learning, you know? And I am with somebody that I've known for 33 years,” she said. Cruz added that even in long relationships, people continue to discover new things about each other. “I really know that person, but it's like, is there a day where you really get to know yourself? No. So the same with your partner,” she said. Cruz and Bardem, 57, first met in 1992 while filming the Spanish dark comedy Jamón Jamón. Bardem later recalled in an interview with GQ that there was early chemistry between them,...

 Fuel shortages spread across Russia as Ukrainian strikes target energy infrastructure Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy and logistics infrastructure are contributing to fuel shortages across parts of Russia, with officials acknowledging supply challenges as the conflict continues. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently confirmed that the country is experiencing gas shortages, while reports indicate that fuel restrictions are now in place in dozens of Russian regions following repeated strikes on refineries and fuel facilities. According to reports, Ukraine has intensified attacks on oil refineries, fuel logistics sites, military factories and other infrastructure as part of its campaign against Russian military supply chains.  President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said he had approved a 40-day drone campaign aimed at increasing pressure on Russia. The reported disruptions have led to long queues at some petrol stations, with videos circulating online showing confrontatio...

 Kebbi Hisbah raids hotel, arrests 25 over immoral acts Operatives of the Kebbi Hisbah Board, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, have arrested 25 youths in Argungu town for alleged involvement in immoral acts. The Director of Shariah of the Board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, July 4, 2026. “On July 3, the Kebbi Hisbah Board carried out a raid at a hotel in Argungu and successfully apprehended 25 suspects allegedly involved in immoral activities,” he said.   “Those arrested include 12 males and 13 females. “The operation is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to combat social vices, promote moral values, and maintain peace and decency across Kebbi.” Kamba added that the board would conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with the law, and anyone found culpable would face the appropriate legal process. More photos below. 

 IGP DISU VISITS ENUGU, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SCIENCE-DRIVEN POLICING, CHARGES OFFICERS ON PROFESSIONALISM The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to advancing intelligence-led, technology-driven, and evidence-based policing during a working visit to Enugu State. As part of the visit, the IGP participated in the commissioning of the Centre for DNA Forensics, Criminal Investigation and Biotechnology (DeFOCI), where he described the facility as a strategic national asset that will strengthen criminal investigations, enhance the administration of justice, and support the adoption of scientific methods in modern policing. The IGP commended the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Godfrey Okoye University, the DNA Learning Center, and all partners whose collaboration led to the establishment of the Centre. He noted that the facility would provide valuable opportunities for foren...

 Nigerian-British grandma arrested with 13kg cocaine concealed in plantain peels  - As NDLEA intercepts Malaysia-bound cocaine shipments hidden in walls of Orijin bitters cartons, arrests PhD student mastermind; nabs 75-year-old grandpa in Plateau, recovers large tramadol consignments in vehicle fuel tanks A 67-year-old Nigerian-British grandma Mrs. Mary Yetunde Barek have been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following the discovery of 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed in peels of plantain which appeared as real plantains and packed among other food items in her luggage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos. The suspect who works as a caregiver in the United Kingdomn was arrested at the departure hall of terminal 2 of the Lagos airport while attempting to board a Virgin Atlantic airline flight to London on Sunday 28th June 2026. A thorough search of her bags resulted in the discovery of 31 big wraps of cocai...