PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 ZIMBABWEAN COUPLE DEPORTED OVER SECRET BURIAL OF CHILD IN BOTSWANA A Zimbabwean couple has been deported from Botswana after secretly burying their child without notifying authorities. Motilinah Mpofu and Christopher Ncube were convicted on Thursday of concealing a death after they allegedly dug a grave for their child in the dead of night. The Gaborone court heard the child had died suddenly. Instead of reporting the death to police, health officials, or traditional leaders, the couple quietly buried the youngster and hoped no one would find out. But the secret did not stay buried for long.   Police moved in and arrested the pair. In sentencing, the court ordered that the couple be taken to the Plumtree Border Post for deportation to Zimbabwe.  Top Botswana lawyer Winnie Masitha who offered the couple free legal representation during the trial, confirmed the deportation to BTV News. Masitha believed that the matter should not be viewed only through the lens of crim...

 Two U.S troops killed, one missing in Iranian attack on Jordan base as regional conflict escalate.    The U.S. military announced Saturday that two American service members were killed and another remains missing after an Iranian attack on a military base in Jordan, marking the first U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian fire since the opening days of the war. The attack occurred Friday as U.S. and allied forces defended the base against ballistic missiles and drones. Four additional service members were injured and evacuated to hospitals in Jordan before later being released. The identities of the two fallen troops have not been released. Since the conflict began, 16 U.S. service members have been killed, and more than 430 have been wounded. The announcement came as Iran escalated its rhetoric, with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warning the United States of "unforgettable lessons" if attacks continue. Iran also declared it was suspending its commitments under a tempor...

Federal prosecutor reveals new details in fatal ICE shooting that contradict earlier account of Texas immigration operation New details released by federal prosecutors have raised new questions about the fatal shooting of a longtime U.S. resident by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Houston earlier this month, contradicting parts of the government's initial account of the incident. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, was shot and killed on July 7 while driving to a construction job with three co-workers, including his brother. His death sparked protests in Houston as family members demanded greater transparency. They described Salgado Araujo as a hardworking father who had lived in the United States for 35 years and was close to obtaining legal status. Federal prosecutors said ICE officers were actually searching for two Guatemalan men believed to be subject to deportation and mistakenly believed Salgado Araujo and the passengers in his van matched their description. Accord...

 Kroy Biermann says his kids are suffering ‘mental abuse’ from Kim Zolciak Kroy Biermann has asked the court to reject Kim Zolciak’s request for an emergency hearing that could change their custody arrangement. In his filing, the former NFL player acknowledged that a genuine emergency exists affecting the children’s well-being, but he strongly disputed Zolciak’s criticisms of those involved in supporting the kids.  Biermann and his attorneys alleged that the children are enduring ongoing mental abuse from Zolciak, and emphasized that ignoring the recommendations of the guardian ad litem and therapists could cause irreparable harm. Zolciak, however, has argued that Biermann is not adequately caring for their four children while they remain in his custody. She claimed the kids often reach out to her for food or medicine, and accused Biermann of subjecting one child to frightening, rage-filled tirades.  In her earlier motion, she criticized the guardian ad litem’s investigat...

 An Iowa man had just finished his shift when he was thrust into a second job as a life-saving hero.  On July 14th, Alex Horak had gotten off of work and was making his way home on the same roads he travels daily.  A sudden flash of dust caught Alex's attention, causing him to veer from his normal route onto a graveled side road. As he turned, he began noticing that a nearby train was operating in a peculiar fashion. Alex says that once he realized the train was slowing to a stop, he knew that some kind of accident had taken place. Only seconds later, Alex discovered a vehicle that had obviously been struck by the train. He then noticed two occupants still inside of the mangled vehicle.   As Alex was making his way to the vehicle, it suddenly burst into flames. Now, Alex was in a life or death situation with only seconds to spare. Hero mode was activated.  With thousands of gallons of ethanol, only feet from the burning car, Alex sprang into action.  A...

 SOLUDO COMMISSIONS CHINUA ACHEBE STATUE, DESCRIBES LITERARY ICON AS AN ENDURING SYMBOL OF EXCELLENCE By MaryAnn Chukwuma. Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, on, July 18, commissioned a statue of the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, at the Ugwu Nwasike Roundabout in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area. The unveiling ceremony, held in Achebe's hometown, attracted government officials, traditional rulers, literary enthusiasts, academics, and members of the public who gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of one of Africa's greatest authors. Speaking during the event, Governor Soludo described the statue as more than a monument, saying it stands as a powerful symbol of excellence, authenticity, courage, and the timeless values Professor Achebe represented. The Governor noted that the monument embodies a message that should inspire present and future generations to emulate the life, ideals, and remarkable contributions of the literary gian...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE POLICE CONDEMN ATTACK ON STUDENT, ARREST 3 SUSPECTS OVER CAUSING GREVIOUS HURT IN BAUCHI   CP Vows to Bring Perpetrators to Justice, Intensifies Manhunt for Fleeing Suspects The Bauchi State Police Command has recorded significant progress in its ongoing fight against violent crime in the state following swift action on a case of assault involving a student and subsequent arrests made in connection with the incident. The Command wishes to inform the public that on 15th July 2026 at about 1300hrs, 18-years-old student of Government Day Secondary School, Miri, Bauchi, was attacked by two unknown young men while returning home at Birindi Sabon Kauran Lafiyari. According to the complaint lodged at 'B' Division GRA Bauchi by the victim’s father, the hoodlums, who were armed with machetes, intercepted the student and demanded to know where he was coming from. Upon his response, one of the suspects inflicted a wide and deep machete cut ...

 TROOPS OF 65 BATTALION DISMANTLE SUSPECTED ILLEGAL BUNKERING SITE, ARREST SIX SUSPECTS IN ORILE Troops of 65 Battalion have successfully dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering site in the Orile General Area of Lagos State, leading to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of items linked to the illicit activity. The operation, conducted on 16 July 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected economic saboteurs operating within the area. Acting swiftly on the information, the troops carried out a targeted raid on the suspected site and apprehended six individuals believed to be involved in the illegal bunkering operation. Items recovered during the operation included four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products. Troops also recovered a white Ford bus and a tanker suspected to have been used in support of the illicit activity. The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and ...

 3 dead, 4 injured as truck crashes and traps occupants before exploding in Adazi-Ani  The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has confirmed a fatal lone road traffic crash that claimed the lives of three persons on Friday, July 17, 2026.  The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. near St. Jude Catholic Church, Adazi-Ani, along the Nnobi–Agulu–Awka Road.  According to the FRSC, the cr@sh involved a Mercedes-Benz 608 commercial truck with registration number XB270NNL.  Preliminary investigation showed that the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure, caught fire, and the driver lost c0ntrol.  The truck crashed into a roadside barricade, somersaulted, and trapped some occupants as it became £ngulfed in flames.  A Press Statement released by the Sector Public Education Officer, SRC Margaret B Onabe said a total of seven male occupants were involved. While three persons di£d on the spot, four others sustained serious injuri£s....

Peter Obi visits Isaac Fayose amid controversy over Seyi Tinubu meeting Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, on Saturday, July 18, paid a visit to businessman, Isaac Fayose, in Abuja. The visit comes barely 24 hours after Fayose called out Obi for not visiting him despite his consistent support for his presidential ambition. Fayose said this in a video released after he was bashed by Obi’s supporters for hanging out with Seyi Tinubu and praying for his father, Presidnet Tinubu. Fayose had shared a video of him, Seyi and others praying for President Bola Tinubu, themselves and the country. The meeting sparked reactions online, particularly among supporters of Obi, with some questioning Fayose’s engagement with associates of the presidentand his loyalty to Obi. Responding to his critics, Fayose said he has a right to associate with anyone he so choose to. He mentioned that since he has been supporting Obi and even gave up his hotel in Ibadan for his camp...

 A Memphis mother is facing serious charges after shooting a man that she found under her daughter's bed. Officers with the Memphis Police Department were called to the 3000 block of Travis Road at approximately 1:45 a.m. Thursday, July 16th. As officers arrived on the scene, they discovered an adult male laying in front of the home. A closer inspection would confirm the man was deceased due to a gunshot wound to the back of the head. The investigation would lead officers straight to 36-year-old Kendra Scott.  Kendra would admit to officers that she had shot the man, but only because she had discovered him hiding under her juvenile daughter's bed. According to Kendra, when she discovered the man he was muttering, "I did what I had to do." However, as the investigation continued, officers would interview the juvenile daughter. The young girl admitted to police that she had invited the man into her room. She went on to tell officers that her mother had previously threat...

 A man in Kansas City spent an unbelievable 8 hours in a port-a-potty tank after falling in while trying to retrieve his Mt. Dew. Crew members with Patriot Portable Restrooms were in the process of checking all of the port-a-pottys to ensure they were empty. This is a routine action before having the port-a-pottys towed away.  The port-a-pottys in question had been provided for the World Cup Games that had been hosted in Kansas City, Missouri.  As crews went to each port-a-potty and knocked, it seemed like a normal day with the company until they knocked on a locked port-a-potty door. The worker called out and received no response. He then gave the typical 10 minute warning for the person to leave the port-a-potty. After waiting 10 minutes and still no response from the occupant behind the locked door, the worker flagged down an officer with Kansas City PD. Once an officer became involved, the occupant did answer but replied that he couldn't reach the door to get out. Bot...

 Alleged Money Laundering :  EFCC  Faults Defence Counsel’s Ploy to Delay Trial in Uyo The  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC,  has frowned at the delay tactics being employed  in the trial of Musa Saliu Adekunle,  who is being prosecuted by the Commission  on  five-count  charges bordering on money laundering, obtaining by false pretence and conspiracy before Justice Maurine A. Onyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.   At the resumed hearing of the matter on Friday July 10, 2026, the defense counsel,   I. G. Udofia told the court that he could not proceed with the cross examination of the third prosecution witness,  Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC,   DSE Mubarak Isah, because, according to him, he was appearing as Adekunle’s lawyer for the first time and needed to familiarize himself with the case. In frustration, the prosecution counsel,   Joshua Abolar...

 LASPA CHARGES LAGOSIANS ON RESPONSIBLE PARKING AS STATE PREPARES FOR STRUCTURED ON-STREET PARKING  The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has stressed the need for responsible parking across Lagos, reaffirming its commitment to creating a safer, more orderly, and efficient parking system across the State.  The General Manager, LASPA, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, disclosed this yesterday while speaking on some of the activities of the Authority. She reiterated the State Government's resolve for an effective parking system and urged Lagos motorists to make parking plans an essential part of their daily journey as the Authority commences the structured on-street parking programme soon. Emphasising the need for Lagosians to adopt a new parking culture of planning their trips in advance, she said, "Before leaving home, motorists should think about where they are going, the most suitable mode of transportation and the availability (nearest) approved parking slots to their destinat...

Matt Damon says he and Ben Affleck are adjusting to a new stage as their children grow older and leave home Matt Damon says he and longtime friend Ben Affleck are entering a different stage of parenthood as their children grow older. In an interview with PEOPLE, the 55-year-old actor said he and Affleck, 53, are experiencing similar moments in their lives because many of their children are now becoming adults. “We’re at very similar stages with the kids, and it’s definitely a new phase of life,” Damon said. Damon, who shares daughters Alexia, 27, Isabella, 20, Gia, 17, and Stella, 15, with his wife Luciana, said he and Affleck often reflect on how quickly their children have grown. “It doesn’t take much to get us emotional at this point,” he said. Affleck, who shares three children, Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 13, with former wife Jennifer Garner, has also been navigating the transition as his children become older. Damon said he is preparing for the possibility of having al...

 “The Bear” actress Abby Elliott files for divorce from producer Bill Kennedy after nearly 10 years of marriage Abby Elliott has filed for divorce from producer and writer Bill Kennedy after nearly 10 years of marriage. The actress, known for her role as Natalie on FX’s The Bear, filed court documents on Friday, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split, according to documents obtained by TMZ. Elliott listed July 8 as the date of separation and requested joint legal and physical custody of the couple’s two children, Edith, 5, and William, 3. In the filing, Elliott also requested spousal support from Kennedy and asked the court to prevent him from receiving support. She further requested that Kennedy contribute toward her legal fees. A representative for Elliott has not yet commented on the filing. Elliott and Kennedy first met in 2014 while working on the film *Sex Ed*, which Kennedy wrote and Elliott starred in alongside Glen Powell, Haley Joel Osment and Lor...

Trump administration limits international students’ U.S stays to four years without approval in new visa rule     The Trump administration has finalized a new rule that will limit how long international students can remain in the United States, requiring federal approval for stays longer than four years. The Department of Homeland Security said the policy will take effect in September and will also restrict when students can change their academic majors or programs. The move represents a significant shift from previous rules, which generally allowed international students to remain in the country for the duration of their degree program. Under the current system, many students are permitted to stay beyond four years if their academic programs require additional time. The new rule establishes a fixed limit and requires students seeking extensions to receive approval from the federal government. DHS officials said the changes are intended to improve oversight of international st...

U.S imposes 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports over alleged unfair trade practices     The United States is moving forward with a 25% tariff on imports from Brazil after concluding that the country engaged in a series of trade practices Washington considers unfair. The tariffs, announced after a yearlong review, are scheduled to take effect July 22. Some products will be exempt from the new duties, including goods not widely produced in the United States or those officials believe could cause supply chain disruptions. Exempted items include coffee, beef, oranges, orange juice, certain oil and gas products, and aerospace components. U.S. trade officials said the investigation found concerns involving Brazil’s trade policies, including weak anti-corruption measures, tariff practices and other actions considered harmful to American businesses. The move comes despite the United States maintaining a trade surplus with Brazil in goods for several years. Officials said the tariffs are ...

  Aisha Yesufu Slams Deputy Speaker Kalu for Feuding with Abia Governor Otti Prominent activist and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) member, Aisha Yesufu, has criticised Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, saying he has no business engaging in a feud with Abia State Governor Alex Otti. In a post on X on Saturday, Yesufu advised Kalu to maintain a friendly relationship with the governor, especially as he is reportedly attempting to woo Otti into the All Progressives Congress (APC). “These people say they know politics but constantly display lack of knowledge. Ben Kalu had no business beefing Alex Otti,” Yesufu wrote. She argued that Kalu should have been “very friendly with Alex Otti” and explained his actions to fellow APC members as an effort to recruit the governor. According to her, this approach would avoid upsetting the APC at the federal level while preserving support at the state and local levels. Yesufu accused Kalu of arrogance, saying he “decid...

Rapper Drake bet $1.5 million on Argentina to win the final Canadian rapper Drake placed an impressive $1.5 million bet on Argentina to defeat Spain in regulation time in the World Cup final. If the world champions win the match within 90 minutes, the musician will pocket a payout of over $5 million. Drake has long been known for his interest in sports betting, but his predictions often don’t come true. In late May, he bet $1 million on an Arsenal victory in the 2025–26 Champions League final, but the English team lost to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout. The final between Spain and Argentina will be played on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, USA.

 PRESS RELEASE ABIA STATE POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS NOTORIOUS DRUG PEDDLERS: RECOVERS ILLICIT SUBSTANCES *SUSPECTS* 1.David Chika Nwakamma, male, 50 years, of Amapuife, Osisioma LGA, Abia State. 2.Stanley Moses (a.k.a. “Rati Boy”), male, 33 years, of Njaba LGA, Imo State. 3.Ibe Chisom, male, 29 years, of Mbaise LGA, Imo State. 4.Austin GodsWill, male, 27 years, of Mbaise LGA, Imo State. *EXHIBITS RECOVERED* •Quantities of substances suspected to be hard drugs packaged for distribution. •Suspected freshly harvested/planted cannabis. *FACTS OF THE CASE* 1. Acting on credible and actionable intelligence regarding the cultivation and sale of illicit drugs in Osisioma, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit Headquarters, on 16/07/2026, apprehended the above-listed suspects, all of whom are residents in Osisioma, Abia State, and recovered suspected hard drugs and freshly harvested cannabis, and suspected substances (cannabis ) packaged for sale. Investigations are ongoing. ...

Oscar-winning Irish actress Brenda Fricker dies at 81 Brenda Fricker, the first Irish woman to win an Academy Award, has died at the age of 81 following a period of ill health. Fricker earned the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1990 for her performance as Bridget Fagan Brown in the acclaimed 1989 film "My Left Foot," portraying the devoted mother of writer and painter Christy Brown, who was born with cerebral palsy. Daniel Day-Lewis, who starred as Brown, won the Academy Award for Best Actor for the same film. Director Jim Sheridan remembered Fricker as a remarkable actress with a powerful personality, describing her as passionate about every aspect of life while also being warm, funny and deeply talented. Following her Oscar victory, Fricker said she was shocked to receive the award, admitting she never believed it was possible. During her acceptance speech, she thanked Christy Brown for inspiring the film and paid tribute to his mother. In later years, she often joked ...

 Two men discover they were switched at birth 38 years ago, sue North Dakota hospital over lost lives and family bonds     Two men who learned through DNA testing that they were accidentally switched at birth nearly four decades ago are suing a North Dakota hospital, saying the mistake deprived them and their families of the lives they should have had. Kyle Bylin discovered the shocking truth after taking an at-home DNA test he received during a Christmas gift exchange. The test led him to a biological relative through a genealogy website, eventually connecting him with Jeremy Morrison, whose DNA confirmed the two men had been switched as newborns. Bylin and Morrison were the only two babies born on Jan. 26, 1988, at Unity Medical Center in Grafton, North Dakota. According to their lawsuit, they were mistakenly sent home with each other’s families shortly after birth. Bylin, who was born Jeremy Morrison, still has the hospital identification bracelet that incorrectly...

 Deadly flooding devastates Texas Hill Country, damaging farms, ranches, and livestock operations again, one year after historic floods Severe flooding has struck Texas Hill Country again, leaving at least two people dead, prompting hundreds of water rescues, and causing widespread damage to farms, ranches, and livestock operations nearly a year after a deadly flood disaster devastated the region. Several areas received more than 2 feet of rain over a matter of days, bringing nearly a year’s worth of precipitation in less than a week. The intense rainfall sent dangerous floodwaters through river valleys, damaging rural communities and agricultural areas. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller declared an agricultural emergency for impacted areas, citing extensive damage to crops, fencing, grazing land and transportation routes. The declaration allows state resources to assist farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses as recovery efforts begin. Gov. Greg Abbott also issued a ...

 South African anti-migrant attacks: Countries call for debate at AU summit Nigeria and Ghana condemn the ongoing anti-immigrant violence in South Africa and want the issue of "Afrophobia" discussed at the next African Union summit, Abuja said on Saturday. South Africa been swept by weeks of protests and unrest targeting undocumented immigrants, causing tens of thousands to flee the country. Nearly 150,000 people have left in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally based on figures provided by African countries that have repatriated their nationals.

 AFRIKA MAYIBUYE MOVEMENT LEADER FLOYD SHIVAMBU CLAIMS THE FIRST UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS TO ARRIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA WERE THE DUTCH SETTLERS WHO LANDED AT THE CAPE IN 1652, SPARKING FRESH DEBATE OVER THE COUNTRY'S HISTORY AND TODAY'S IMMIGRATION POLICIES Afrika Mayibuye Movement leader Floyd Shivambu has made controversial remarks about South Africa's history, arguing that the country's first undocumented or illegal immigrants were not modern-day migrants but the Dutch settlers who arrived at the Cape in 1652 under the Dutch East India Company (VOC). According to Shivambu, those early European settlers entered and occupied the land long before modern immigration laws existed. He also referred to later British arrivals after 1806, saying they formed part of the colonial expansion that changed South Africa's political and social landscape. His comments come as South Africa continues to debate illegal immigration, border security, and calls from some groups for tougher a...

  CHAOS ERUPTS IN JEFFREYS BAY AS HOMES ARE SET ABLAZE, DOZENS ARRESTED AND FOREIGN NATIONALS MOVED TO SAFETY FOLLOWING ANTI-IMMIGRATION PROTESTS Violence broke out in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, after an anti-immigration protest escalated into unrest, leaving homes destroyed, businesses damaged and dozens of people arrested. According to police, 69 people were arrested after the protests turned violent. Authorities said at least one person was hospitalised, while 23 tuck shops were looted and damaged during the unrest. Officials also confirmed that a number of foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, were moved to a temporary place of safety after their homes and businesses came under attack. Several houses were reportedly set alight during the violence. The demonstrations were linked to concerns over illegal immigration and were associated with the March and March movement. Police and other law enforcement agencies have since been deployed to restore order and investigate crimin...

 BREAKING NEWS…. ANAMBRA SECURITY UPDATE: MANHUNT OPERATIONS YIELD RESULT AS THE SUSPECT IN ALLEGED FLOGGING OF A 12-YEAR-OLD BOY TO DEATH SURRENDERS   Following sustained manhunt operations by the Anambra State Police Command’s Safe School Protection Squad, in collaboration with officers of the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters, and continuous engagement with stakeholders and community leaders in Adazi-Ani, the principal suspect, Mrs. Dim Ebere, aged 47, has voluntarily presented herself at the Neni Police Station. The suspect is currently in Police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, where the ongoing investigation will be concluded.  To this end, the Command commends the cooperation of the Adazi-Ani community, traditional institution, and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the suspect’s surrender. The family of the deceased and members of the public are hereby assured that the Command remains ...

 Court Orders Final Forfeiture of 52 Houses in Lagos Justice Alexandra Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, ordered the final forfeiture of 52 terrace and maisonette  units located in the Lekki area of Lagos. The properties, located at Mercyville Estate, Covenant Way, off New Road, Ilasan, Lagos, were recovered from Fielddreams Limited, Ifeanyi Nweke and Amex Savings and Loans Limited. The judge gave the order, following a Motion on Notice filed and argued by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through its counsel, Franklin Ofoma. The Commission had, on August 14, 2024, secured the interim forfeiture of the properties through an order granted by Justice Akintayo Aluko, following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Ofoma.  The order was made in favour of one  Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, a real estate developer and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Ga...

 El-Rufai's Wife Appeals To International Community As Former Governor Marks 150 Days in Detention Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has appealed to the international community over her husband's continued detention, describing his 150 days in custody without trial as a serious test of the rule of law in Nigeria. In a statement released on July 16, Asiya said she was speaking "not as a politician, lawyer or diplomat, but as a wife, a mother and a Nigerian woman." She reflected on the human impact of the prolonged detention, saying, "One hundred and fifty days is not a legal phrase. It is five months of missed meals, missed prayers, missed proper mourning of his deceased mother, missed family conversations, interrupted medical care and moments we can never recover." El-Rufai was arrested on February 16, 2026, and was temporarily released for three days in March to attend his mother's burial before being returned t...