PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 ALICK MACHESO PULLS OUT OF SOUTH AFRICA SHOW CITING XENOPHOBIC UNREST Top Zimbabwean musician Alick Macheso has withdrawn from the Silala Festival in South Africa, scheduled for 11 July and featuring leading Mzansi artists including Makhadzi.  The decision comes amid reports of xenophobic unrest and protests targeting foreign nationals in the country. This is a bold statement following the backlash that Makhadzi received over alleged comments over the unrest in Zimbabwe and her upcoming show at Macheso show set for Alex Sports Club in Harare. In a statement released on Saturday night, Macheso said he would not be part of the event. His full, unedited statement reads: Official Statement!!! We regret to inform you Mafunzi wa Mishumo, Varungu vedu, Amakhiwa , our fans, supporters, and festival attendees that we are unable to participate in this year's Silala Festival. This decision has been necessitated by the current security situation, protests, and unrest affecting foreign na...

Minnesota daycare owner who received $3.7 million in state funds pleads guilty to $5.4 million fraud scheme   Two Minnesota daycare operators have pleaded guilty in fraud cases involving millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded programs, marking the first convictions tied to a growing controversy over childcare assistance fraud in the state. Fahima Mahamud, 50, who operated Future Leaders Early Learning Center, admitted to defrauding the state’s childcare assistance program of $4.6 million. The daycare received $3.7 million in childcare assistance funds in 2025, the highest amount awarded to any provider in the state that year. Mahamud was arrested in February after closing her daycare and booking a flight to London on the same day. Prosecutors did not accuse her of falsifying attendance records, but she admitted to failing to collect required copayments from enrolled families. Investigators argued that the arrangement allowed families to receive free childcare while the daycare cont...

 "I don't want to talk about Pastor Adeboye because do you know what it means to be a pastor? A pastor should rebuke a bad government, they don't benefit from it. I'm disappointed with our own set of pastors. My generation feels like a failure. The way I'm angry, eehhh. Our politicians are lavishing our resources, yet we keep praising them with the same resources we sent them to manage for us. Every politician is there to represent the citizens, serve the people, and remain accountable to them. We don't know our rights in this country. They use our money to send their children and relatives abroad to study while ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer. That's why they go after people like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who speaks against them." — Pastor Odumeje

 Iran's new supreme leader vows revenge after father's assassination amid reported threats against Trump  Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed Saturday that revenge for the assassination of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, "will most certainly be carried out." The statement came after Ali Khamenei's burial ceremony, which followed a week of public mourning that included repeated calls from some mourners for the death of President Donald Trump. Mojtaba Khamenei did not specifically mention Trump in his remarks. The new supreme leader, who was seriously wounded in the attack that killed his father and has not appeared publicly since, issued the message through his Telegram channel. He pledged to avenge his father's death and those killed in recent conflicts, saying those responsible would be brought to justice. He declared that revenge was a national demand and said those responsible would not die peacefully. Khamenei also insisted...

 Dozens rescued as catastrophic flooding inundates Missouri campgrounds, state of emergency declared Dozens of people were rescued across Missouri Friday after severe flooding caused dangerous conditions, trapping campers, residents and motorists as rapidly rising waters swept through parts of the state. Emergency crews conducted more than 90 water rescues as flash floods overwhelmed areas of Reynolds and Iron counties. Several campers who had taken refuge on the roof of a building at Bearcat Getaway Campground were rescued after the structure collapsed, raising concerns that some people may have fallen into the water. Authorities later confirmed the campers were safe. Five campers who had initially been reported missing from the campground were also located and accounted for. In nearby Iron County, more than 200 people at the Taum Sauk campsite, including about 168 teenagers and 60 adults, were evacuated by National Guard helicopters after heavy rainfall caused water levels to ris...

 Russian strikes kill six in Ukraine as Kyiv says it damaged Russian ships in Sea of Azov attacks     Russian strikes across Ukraine killed six people, including a child, and injured 29 others as fighting continued overnight, while Ukrainian forces said they damaged dozens of Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov. Ukraine’s military said its overnight drone operation struck 21 Russian tankers used to transport oil and petroleum products, along with four tugboats, two cargo ships and a dredging vessel. Russian officials acknowledged drone attacks but reported that only four ships were damaged and said one person was killed. In Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, four people, including a child, were killed after two aerial bombs struck a crowded civilian area. Seventeen others were wounded in the attack, according to regional officials. The capital Kyiv was also targeted in overnight missile and drone strikes, leaving 11 people injured, including a child. Emergency crews repor...

 Taylor Swift paid more than $160,000 for New York City permit tied to Madison Square Garden wedding Taylor Swift paid more than $160,000 to the city of New York for a permit connected to her high-profile wedding celebration at Madison Square Garden, covering the cost of city services required for the event. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the permit fee covered the city’s response, including resources needed to manage security and traffic around the venue. The New York Police Department assigned dozens of officers to the area as part of the security operation. The department also announced temporary street closures and transportation access changes around Madison Square Garden and nearby areas ahead of the celebration. The event required additional city planning due to the large number of guests and public attention surrounding the couple. Officials said the permit was finalized shortly before the wedding took place. Before the ceremony, Swift and Travis Kelce donated $26 million to sev...

 Kate Middleton attends Wimbledon women's final with mother Carole Middleton Princess Kate returns to Royal Box for Wimbledon ladies' singles final Kate Middleton attended the Wimbledon ladies' singles final on Saturday, July 11, continuing her long-standing tradition of watching one of the tournament's biggest matches. The Princess of Wales arrived at Centre Court with her mother, Carole Middleton, and waved to spectators before taking her seat in the Royal Box. She wore a red belted dress by Roland Mouret for the occasion. As patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Kate has been a regular presence at Wimbledon since taking on the role in 2016. She has attended the tournament almost every year since marrying Prince William in 2011 and regularly presents the trophies at the men's and women's finals. Also attending Saturday's match were Kate's younger brother, James Middleton, and his wife, Alizée Thevenet, who shared a photo of their coor...

 Rosie O'Donnell says she left her hit talk show after learning she had $100 million Rosie O'Donnell says she decided to leave The Rosie O'Donnell Show after learning she had accumulated $100 million, saying she no longer felt the need to keep working for more money. Speaking to Page Six, the comedian said she knew it was time to step away once she reached that financial milestone. 'When I heard that number, I thought, "OK, now I'm done,"' O'Donnell said. She explained that her priority shifted to spending more time with her children. 'I wanted to be at their softball games. I wanted to be at school plays,' she said, adding that she felt she had enough money to care for her family, support charitable causes and help others. The Rosie O'Donnell Show aired from 1996 to 2002 and became one of daytime television's biggest successes. O'Donnell said Warner Bros. later offered her $100 million to continue the show for another two years...

 Kajuru LG Chairman Enrols 100 Vulnerable Residents In Kaduna Health Insurance Scheme The Executive Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Council, Hon. Dauda Madaki, has announced the enrollment of 100 vulnerable residents of the local government into the Kaduna State Contributory Health Scheme (KADCHMA) as the first batch of beneficiaries. Madaki made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), Malam Abubakar Hassan, on Thursday. The beneficiaries, drawn from the elderly, less privileged, and other vulnerable groups in Kajuru Local Government Area, are expected to benefit from essential healthcare services under the state health insurance scheme. During the meeting, both parties discussed modalities for the seamless enrollment of beneficiaries and the effective implementation of the programme to ensure transparency, efficiency, and improved access to healthcare. Speaking during the visit, Ma...

 Five ECWA Wuse II Church Members Die In Road Accident While Traveling To Burial In Southern Kaduna A delegation from ECWA Wuse II Church, Abuja, was involved in a fatal road accident while traveling to Samaru Kataf in Southern Kaduna for the burial of the mother of Mrs. Avong. According to information available, five members of the church lost their lives in the accident. The deceased have been identified as: - Mrs. Naomi Barnabas - Mrs. Julie Ladan - Mrs. Grace (Gambo) Daniel Sati - Mrs. Esther Tukur - Mrs. Theresa S. Gandu Several other members of the delegation reportedly sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment. The tragic incident has left the church and the families of the victims in mourning.  Members of the public have been urged to remember the bereaved families, the injured, and the ECWA Wuse II Church community in their prayers during this difficult time.

 PRESS RELEASE ABIA POLICE COMMAND APPREHENDS SUSPECT FOR ARMED ROBBERY *SUSPECT* Chidera Okorie, male, 22 years, of Obinolu Ngodo Isiochi. *FACTS OF THE CASE* 1. Leveraging on actionable intelligence, on 05/07/2026, operatives of the Isuochi Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended Chidera Okorie, a 22-year-old male from Obinolu Ngodo Isiochi. The suspect is known to be habitually robbing unsuspecting members of the public using a stainless lighter designed to resemble a pistol, thereby instilling fear in his victims and dispossessing them of their belongings. During his arrest, other related items were recovered from his possession. Investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation. 2. Members of the public are hereby advised to report any such security concerns to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s Emergency Hotlines:👇 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08079210006. Together, we keep Abia safe. See Som...

 Retired footballer Karel Snoeckx in coma after ‘being brutally stamped in the head in front of family A former pro-footballer has been left in a coma after being brutally stamped in the head during a horror road rage clash witnessed by his family. Retired Belgian player Karel Snoeckx, 52, was left fighting for his life in hospital after the violent attack in Turnhout, Belgium on Saturday. Karel was out driving with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law when chaos struck.   An argument reportedly broke out between the ex-midfielder and two pedestrians at the intersection of Steenweg op Oosthoven and Hogestraat.   According to local media, Karel honked at the two strangers for crossing the road dangerously.   Lieselotte Claessens of the Antwerp Public Prosecutor’s Office said: “A dispute between the driver of a car and two pedestrians escalated severely.”   Karel was punched in the face, put in a chokehold, and then repeatedly stomped on the head, local media report...

 Paraguay senator threatens to seek Kylian Mbappé’s extradition to stand trial in her country Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla, who has faced widespread backlash over remarks widely condemned as racist toward France star Kylian Mbappé after the two countries met in the World Cup on July 4, is now considering legal action against the forward, alleging defamation and slander.   According to Amarilla's attorney, Guillermo Duarte Cacavelos, the senator is evaluating whether to file a complaint in Paraguay after Mbappé publicly responded to her comments.   "If these charges are accepted by the Paraguayan courts, the maximum sentence could reach three years in prison, which would meet the requirements established under the extradition treaty between France and Paraguay," Duarte Cacavelos told Le Parisien.   The lawyer's comments were made in reference to Mbappé's reaction to Amarilla's statements. The Real Madrid forward reportedly described the senator as a ...

 Sadio Mane retires from international duty for Senegal after 2026 World Cup Senegal captain and forward Sadio Mané has announced his retirement from international football following his country's 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  The 34-year-old Al-Nassr star confirmed his decision in a statement published by Senegalese outlet Le Quotidien, bringing an end to a distinguished 14-year international career. "Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag," Mané said. "I gave the very best of myself and I always fought fiercely for our homeland. Your constant support has been the engine of my success." While stepping away from playing for the national team, Mané expressed his willingness to continue serving Senegal in a different capacity in the future. "Tomorrow, I will gladly put my experience at the service of the nation, whether within a technical staff, on the sidelines as a coach, or in the governing bodies...

 Newly discovered marine species named after Cape Verde’s Vozinha Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has received an extraordinary honour after a newly discovered marine species was named after him in recognition of his remarkable performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The new species of marine mollusc, a tiny red sea slug measuring about four millimetres, has been officially named Aldisa vozinhai by renowned Spanish marine biologist Professor Jesús Ortea in his latest scientific publication, Historias de la Bioadversidad (Biodiversity Stories). The species was discovered in the Caribbean waters near Havana, Cuba, and the island of Guadeloupe during Ortea’s biodiversity research. The publication coincided with the ongoing World Cup, where Vozinha emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise stars. The 40-year-old goalkeeper captured global attention after producing a man-of-the-match display in Cape Verde’s opening Group Stage fixture against European champions Spain. His seven outstan...

  South African footballer Jayden Adams, 25, dies weeks after participating in World Cup 2026 Weeks after featuring for his country at the World cup, South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, has passed at 25. South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced his passing in a statement.  “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams. South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.” Police in South Africa said they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning. “The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed, and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the pu...

 Drug abuse: Marwa calls for girl-child protection, seeks partnership with traditional rulers - Commends daughter at book launch as Emir of Zazzau expresses hope for positive change  Chairman/chief Executive officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has called for the protection of the girl-child against systemic vulnerabilities that drive women and youth toward drug abuse and exploitation. Marwa who made the call in his remarks at the public presentation of a book: "In The Shadow of the Neem Tree," written by his daughter, Barrister Mariam Marwa-Abdu in Kaduna on Saturday 11h July 2026, stated that "by protecting the girl-child, we protect the family, and by protecting the family, we secure the nation." He said effort to protect the vulnerable in the society is not one to be left to government and non-governmnental organisations alone but must be embraced by every stakeholder including traditional institutions. Ac...

 Wear Uniforms, Name Tags Before Attending to Patients, Medical Expert Tells Health Workers By Ebele Egoh The Medical Officer in Charge of General Hospital, Umueri, Dr Chinenye Obi, has directed health workers at the facility to wear their official uniforms and name tags while attending to patients, saying the measure is essential for professionalism and easy identification. Obi gave the directive on July 9,  during an inspection by the Anambra State Hospital Administrator, Dr Frank Ifeanaeme, who visited the hospital with his management team to assess staff performance and service delivery. The inspection showed that most workers were at their duty posts and properly dressed in their official uniforms with visible name tags, although a few were absent or failed to comply with the dress code. Consequently, Ifeanaeme directed the Head of Administration to issue queries to staff members who breached the dress code. The Hospital Administrator also raised concerns over poor record...

 15 states sue Trump administration over proposed cuts to school mental health funding program Fifteen states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in an effort to stop planned cuts to a federal program that provides funding for mental health services in schools. The legal challenge is the latest development in a dispute between Democratic-led states and the U.S. Department of Education over the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program, a $1 billion initiative created by Congress to help schools hire and train mental health professionals. The states argue that the administration is attempting to end the grants despite a previous court order blocking the funding cuts. They say terminating the program would result in millions of dollars in lost support for school districts nationwide. The program was expanded after Congress approved additional funding following a series of school shootings, including the 2022 attack at Robb Elementary School in U...

 Nadine Menendez reports to prison to begin 4½-year sentence in bribery case   Nadine Menendez, the wife of former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, reported to federal prison Friday to begin serving a 54-month sentence for her role in a bribery scheme involving her husband and several New Jersey businessmen. Menendez was required to surrender by 2 p.m. and was taken into custody at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Florida, where she will serve her sentence. She was sentenced last September after being convicted of her involvement in a scheme in which she and Bob Menendez accepted cash, gold bars and a luxury vehicle in exchange for using the senator’s political influence. A judge previously delayed the start of her sentence for several months so she could receive treatment for breast cancer. Her attorneys later requested another postponement until October 30 to allow time for additional medical procedures, but the request was denied. Prosecutors opposed the ex...

 California man loses hand after explosive device detonates while cleaning up firework debris on beach A Northern California man suffered life-changing injuries after an explosive device detonated while he was picking up Fourth of July firework debris from a beach. Jason Turner and his girlfriend were walking along Point St. George Beach in Del Norte County on Sunday, collecting leftover fireworks to help clean up the shoreline after the holiday celebrations. During their cleanup, Turner found what appeared to be a cylindrical, bomb-like object partially sticking out of the sand near the waterline. When he picked it up, the device suddenly exploded, causing severe injuries that resulted in the loss of his hand. Deputies responding to reports of the explosion found Turner in the beach parking lot with a serious hand injury. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Investigators have not determined what type of device exploded and said no identifiable remains of the obj...

 AES Defense Ministers Review Draft Statute for Unified Force Defense ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States met in Ouagadougou to examine the draft statute for the bloc's planned unified force. The meeting was chaired by Burkina Faso's Minister of War and Patriotic Defense, Major General Célestin Simpore. According to Simpore, the objective is to lay the foundation for the "true army" that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are building together, Sputnik reported. "The ambition is therefore to continue strengthening our human and material capabilities and to further enhance operations," he said.

 "My heart rejoices with every family that has been reunited with their loved ones after weeks of pain, fear and uncertainty. Welcome home. But as others celebrate, my family møurns. My uncle, Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, will never come home. He was taken from us, and his life was brutålly cut short. Our joy is incomplete because one chair at our table will remain empty forever. Today, we celebrate those who returned while remembering the one who never did. Rest in peace, Uncle Michael. You will never be forgotten."

 (TW) A Georgia Animal Control Officer is facing charges after placing 4 healthy puppies in the incinerator. 39-year-old Carlos Santillan was arrested on Monday, July 6th, and charged with four counts of cruelty to animals.  The Monroe County Sheriff's Office received a tip back in June that Carlos had placed 4 puppies into an incinerator on June 18th. The inevitable happened. It was truly awful.  The department launched an investigation and were able to substantiate the claims by having a necropsies performed on the pups.  A vet found soot in the puppies lungs confirming they had been alive when they were placed into the incinerator.  Carlos Santillan was immediately fired from his job as a Monroe County Animal Control Officer upon his arrest. Carlos Santillan was booked into Monroe County Jail but was later released on a $5,000 bond. That's a low bond for the alleged crime- in my personal opinion.

 An 8-year-old Illinois girl was playing on her backyard swing set when a bolt of lightning took her life. Kinsley Tschida was enjoying her 4th of July by swinging on her backyard swingset at her Serena, Illinois home. According to reports, Kinslee had just been instructed to come inside by her father after distant thunder was heard. Sadly, Kinslee never had a chance. Only mere seconds after being told to come inside, Kinslee was struck by lightning. Her sister was only feet away with additional extended  family members when the strike came from seemingly nowhere.  Despite Kinslee's mother, who is a nurse, and additional family members, immediately beginning CPR, they could not revive Kinslee.  EMS arrived and performed additional life-saving measures, but Kinslee was pronounced deceased upon arrival at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ottawa, Illinois. Kinslee was going to start third grade at Rutland Grade School in the fall. Our thoughts are with the family and friends o...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE The Editors,  PHYCHOMOTIVE WELLBEING: POLICE HOLDS MONTHLY PHYSICAL FITNESS EXERCISE IN BAUCHI  The Bauchi State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+) today conducted its monthly physical fitness exercise across all Area Commands and Divisions in the State.   The exercise, which commenced early this morning at the Command Headquarters and simultaneously in Area Commands, Divisions, and Formations, had in attendance members of the Command’s management team, other senior police officers, and rank and file personnel. Activities included road walks, jogging, and other drills aimed at enhancing the physical and mental alertness of officers.   Addressing personnel after the exercise, CP Sani-Omolori emphasized that physical fitness is a core requirement for effective policing. He noted that a healthy and agile workforce is better positioned to respond...

 Joy Behar rejects Kamala Harris for 2028, tells 'The View' co-hosts they're not living in 'reality' During a heated discussion on The View, Joy Behar dismissed Kamala Harris as a viable 2028 presidential candidate, arguing that her previous loss to Donald Trump showed she lacked the ability to win.  While Alyssa Farah Griffin pointed out Harris’s strong name recognition and fundraising power, Behar countered with her own list of potential contenders, including Jon Ossoff, Josh Shapiro, Gavin Newsom, and JB Pritzker.  Sara Haines added Wes Moore and Pete Buttigieg to the mix, though Behar questioned whether voters would support a gay candidate. The conversation quickly turned to identity politics, with Behar insisting her co‑hosts weren’t being realistic about what voters would accept. Haines pushed back, saying charisma and character matter more than labels, citing Barack Obama’s rise as proof that voters can be won over by a candidate’s message.  Sunny Hostin side...

 Kathy Griffin, 65, teases that she’s dating 22-year-old man: 'Have at it, internet' Kathy Griffin stirred up speculation about her love life by sharing a photo of herself holding hands with a much younger man. The 65‑year‑old comedian leaned into the buzz by revealing that he was just 22, captioning the image with a cheeky invitation for the internet to weigh in.  The post quickly drew a flood of comments, prompting Griffin to respond in all caps that she was “dying” at the reactions, punctuating her amusement with clapping and laughing emojis. Fans and fellow celebrities chimed in with a mix of humor and support. Some joked about the age gap, while others praised the young man’s manners, noting that if he opened the car door for her, he was already showing more class than many older men.  RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Cynthia Lee Fontaine added fire emojis to celebrate Griffin’s possible new romance, underscoring the playful tone of the online conversation. Griffin’s personal...

 The Odyssey movie restricts comments amid heated casting backlashes Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey has become the center of heated debate, prompting the studio to restrict comments on its official social media accounts. The epic fantasy, starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and Elliot Page, has faced backlash from right‑wing voices online, including Elon Musk, over its diverse casting choices.  Much of the criticism has been labeled racist, misogynistic, and transphobic, particularly targeting Nyong’o’s role as Helen of Troy and Page’s inclusion in the ensemble. The uproar reflects a broader trend in Hollywood, where casting decisions often spark polarized reactions. Similar controversies have surrounded recent adaptations like The Little Mermaid and Snow White.  In this case, critics argue Nolan altered characters for diversity or awards‑season appeal, while defenders note that Helen of Troy is a mythological figure with no histori...

 Rubio reveals child rapist controversially pardoned by Walz deported from U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Tou Lue Vang, a Minnesota man convicted of raping a 10‑year‑old girl, has been deported despite receiving a pardon from Gov. Tim Walz. Vang, who pleaded guilty in 2005 and admitted to repeated assaults, had his conviction erased by Minnesota’s Board of Pardons in June, just days before his scheduled removal.  Rubio said the pardon threatened to shield Vang from deportation, but federal authorities ultimately terminated his legal status and expelled him from the U.S. The decision sparked political backlash, with critics accusing Walz and other board members of protecting a dangerous offender. Attorney General Keith Ellison countered that the pardon did not restore Vang’s green card and therefore did not prevent deportation.  Supporters of the pardon pointed to letters from both Vang and his victim, who expressed forgiveness and urged leniency. Still,...

 Kristi Noem revealed divorce at birthday bash marred by 'bimbofication' backlash  Kristi Noem’s mother, Corinne Arnold, revealed that the former Homeland Security Secretary announced her divorce during what was supposed to be a joyful family birthday party. Arnold described the moment as “excruciating,” explaining that Noem was pressed to share details after returning home to South Dakota.  When asked directly if she and her husband Bryon would reconcile, Noem admitted they were ending their 34‑year marriage. Reports claim Bryon Noem had been living a “secret double life,” allegedly engaging in online fetish communities tied to “bimbofication.” According to accounts, he shared photos with fetish models that involved balloons under clothing to mimic breasts. Arnold said this discovery was the “final blow” to the marriage, which had already been strained.  The scandal added to Noem’s recent professional setbacks, including her dismissal by President Trump and reassign...

 Tearful Vicky Pattison, 38, reveals she feels 'lost' because she doesn't have a baby Vicky Pattison has opened up about feeling lost as she and her husband Ercan try to start a family. The 38‑year‑old former Geordie Shore star tearfully admitted on the BBC’s Sort Your Life Out Unpacked podcast that she never imagined reaching this age without children.  Having frozen her eggs at 35, resulting in three embryos, she said the decision gave her a “security blanket,” but confessed that patience is not her strong suit as she longs for motherhood. Pattison explained that while she has always felt proud of her career and achievements, something shifted recently, leaving her with a deep desire for a baby.  She praised Ercan as someone who will make a wonderful father and emphasized that they are trying not to put too much pressure on themselves.  Still, she acknowledged the suffocating societal expectations placed on women once they marry, noting in past interviews that the ...

WORLD POPULATION DAY: FIRST LADY OLUREMI TINUBU WANTS NIGERIANS TO REGISTER FOR NIN First Lady Oluremi Tinubu wants every Nigerian to register and obtain a National Identity Number, citing the need for accurate population data that will enable the government plan effectively and provide essential services for Nigeria’s growing population. The statement forms part of her message marking World Population Day 2026, where she joins the global community in pledging commitment to building a future where every individual, especially women and young people, has access to quality healthcare, education, and opportunities to reach their full potential.   It notes that as population continues to grow, there must be increased investment in the nation’s greatest asset, the people, adding that through collective action, Nigeria can empower families, promote healthy lives, support the youth and ensure sustainable development for generations to come.

 Algeria reopens airspace to Malian flights, state media says Algeria has fully reopened its ‌national airspace to air traffic from Mali, allowing all flights ​to and from the West ​African country, Algerian state media ⁠reported. Both countries had closed their airspace ​to each other's aircraft in April ​2025 after Algeria said its military had shot down a Malian surveillance ​drone that had violated its ​airspace. Mali rejected Algeria's account, saying the ‌drone ⁠crashed inside Malian territory. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune early on Saturday also ordered the return of his ​country's ambassador ​to ⁠Mali's capital, Bamako. Algeria recalled its ambassador for consultations ​in April last year in ​the ⁠wake of the diplomatic row between the two countries.

 NAF ENHANCES COUNTER-TERRORISM CAPABILITIES WITH SUCCESSFUL ACCEPTANCE OF ADDITIONAL THREE AW109 TREKKER HELICOPTERS IN ITALY The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has achieved another significant milestone in its fleet modernisation efforts with the successful completion of a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) on an additional batch of three AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters at the Leonardo Helicopters facility in Vergiate, Italy. Conducted from 29 June to 3 July 2026 by a delegation comprising representatives of the NAF and the Ministry of Defence, the exercise highlights the Federal Government's sustained commitment to strengthening Nigeria's air power capabilities and enhancing the operational readiness of the Armed Forces to effectively address evolving security challenges. The comprehensive inspections and flight evaluations undertaken during the acceptance exercise confirmed that the helicopters fully met contractual specifications and operational requirements ahead of their delivery ...