PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Jennifer Garner’s decision not to apologize to her children resonates with mothers globally Jennifer Garner has offered a heartfelt look at the realities of balancing motherhood with her Hollywood career, emphasizing that she refuses to feel guilty for working. In a candid interview with InStyle, the actress explained that she wants to model the value of hard work for her children rather than apologize for missing certain moments.  Garner acknowledged that her career has sometimes meant sacrificing everyday parenting duties like school pickups or being the “Lunch Mom,” but she believes those experiences have taught her family that life is about resilience and balance, not perfection. She also reflected on a period when she intentionally stepped back from acting to prioritize her children, especially during what she described as a time of upheaval in her family.  Now that her kids are older, Garner has returned to acting with renewed enthusiasm, grateful to embrace projec...

 LAGOS STATE TRAINS RESIDENTS ON HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS PRODUCTION In furtherance of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Office of Rural Development, through its Agency, the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), has continued its Year 2026 Training and Empowerment Programme for residents across Lagos State with a training on the production of household chemicals such as disinfectant, balm ointment, liquid soap and other household products. Delivering his keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje reaffirmed Governor Sanwo-Olu's commitment to poverty alleviation and the creation of self-reliant citizens through skills acquisition and empowerment programmes, thereby advancing the administration's vision of making Lagos State a 21st-century economy. Dr. Agbaje further disclosed that, to ensure the programme reaches residents across the State, Governor Sanwo-Olu app...

 A highly decorated Army aviator who served in two different conflicts has lost his life in such an unexpected way, his family is left shocked. 68-year-old Melvin Dixon was enjoying an afternoon walk with his young grandson around his property in Geneva County, Alabama, on Tuesday, July 14th, when death came out of nowhere to claim him. At approximately 4:30 p.m. as Melvin leisurely strolled along with his grandson, a large limb suddenly broke from an oak tree in his yard and plummeted directly onto Melvin. Melvin was pinned to the ground by the large limb. A frantic rescue operation was initiated by family and neighbors while simultaneously calling 911. Melvin's neighbor ran to his home and retrieved a jack, which he used to lift the limb off of Melvin. Family members were able to drag Melvin free as the weight was lifted from him. Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone present, Melvin was pronounced deceased on scene. The random nature of this incident has left both the fami...

 A 20-year-old Utah young Utah woman stayed home when her father took her mother and her three brothers out to enjoy a day in nature. They would never return from the trip.  An entire family, sadly, lost their lives after being swept away by a sudden flashflood in Wayne County, Utah.  According to reports, 58-year-old Spencer Long, who was a captain with the Provo Fire & Rescue, had taken his three sons- Thayne, Gage, and Reid along with his wife Katrina for a family outing. Only his daughter Lydia decided to stay behind. Spencer had loaded up the family and headed out for some hiking and canyoneering close to Bicknell in Wayne County, Utah, on Friday, July 17th. This attempt to spend some quality time as a family would end in heartbreak as the entire family perished together. As the family traversed the dramatic landscape, a sudden thunderstorm erupted from seemingly nowhere. The storm dumped a significantly large amount of water in a very short time, causing catastr...

 More than 70 people, including over 50 soldiers, killed in Mali terrorist attack: officials At least 50 Malian soldiers were killed in an attack by terrorists and Tuareg separatists as they left the strategic northern town of Anefis, officials said on Sunday, AFP reported. The attack on the army convoy leaving Anefis occurred on Saturday, following weeks of fighting with both sides attempting to take control. In early July, FLA Tuareg separatists and an Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group briefly captured the town and encircled a military base used by the Malian army and Russian paramilitaries from Africa Corps. Both the terrorist group and the Tuareg separatists claimed responsibility for the attack. 'Heavy' toll "The provisional toll of the attack is extremely heavy – more than 50 soldiers killed and at least 24 prisoners," a local elected official, close to the ruling government, told AFP. The official, who asked to remain anonymous, said it was the deadliest attack s...

  Michael Olise Shatters Pelé's Historic World Cup Assist Record France's World Cup campaign may have ended without a podium finish, but winger Michael Olise ensured his tournament would never be forgotten by carving his name into the history books. The Bayern Munich playmaker has officially set a new FIFA World Cup record for the most assists in a single tournament, surpassing the legendary Brazilian icon Pelé. Overtaking a Football Legend Olise secured his historic seventh assist during France's high-scoring 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place play-off. In doing so, the 23-year-old eclipsed Pelé's long-standing record of six assists, which was established during Brazil's legendary 1970 World Cup run. A Masterclass in Playmaking Throughout the competition, the former Crystal Palace academy graduate was the heartbeat of the French attack. Olise's pinpoint crossing, vision, and composure made him a constant threat, forming a lethal partnership with captain K...

 "Okay… we have thanked God. We have reflected. We have danced. Now can we misbehave just a little? 😉🖤🔥 Because apparently, 55 has LEGS. The face card? Still valid. The confidence? Fully paid for. The heels? They didn't come to negotiate. And me? I have absolutely nothing to explain. 😌 I have earned every year. Every lesson. Every scar. Every laugh line. Every ounce of the woman I have become. So yes, I'm ageing. Beautifully. Boldly. Gratefully. And on my own terms. If this is what 55 is giving… Please speak respectfully. 😏🔥🖤 Self styled  💄Layinka  📸 : OLAMIDE DAVID  Hair : G A L • Glam Affairs Lagos"

 "Now that's what I call representation! So proud of Burna Boy. He had a global stage, and he gave the world a performance to remember Nigeria by. This is what all patriots should do. Well done!"

 Nolan Wells’ mother responds after receiving anonymous hate mail following son’s death on Horn Island Nolan Wells’ mother has responded after receiving an anonymous letter containing criticism following the death of her 18-year-old son. Christine Wonsley shared a photo of the mail on Facebook and addressed the sender, who did not include a return address. “Whoever sent this to my home, may the good Lord have mercy on your soul,” Christine wrote. “Bold enough to send this crap but not bold enough to list your return address.” The letter appeared to feature a photo of Christine during a press conference with her husband, Elmore Wonsley, alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton, who had placed their hands on her shoulders. The sender added drawings of arrows pointing from Crump and Sharpton’s eyes toward Christine, along with several dollar signs. Christine said her family was already dealing with the loss of their son while trying to find answers about what hap...

 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: 2026/2027 POST-UTME SCREENING EXERCISE PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT 2026/2027 POST-UTME SCREENING EXERCISE The Management of the College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia, Nasarawa State wishes to inform the general public and all prospective candidates that the 2026/2027 Post-UTME Screening Exercise will commence Monday, 20th July, 2026. Eligibility Requirements: - Candidates must have scored a minimum of 170 in the 2026 UTME. - Candidates must have chosen the College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia as their First Choice Institution during JAMB registration. - Candidates must possess five (5) credit passes in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics at not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. Application Procedure:  The application and screening exercise will be conducted online only. - Application portal: www.nascns.edu.ng/application - Opening Date: Monday, 20th July, 2026 Form & Online Screening fee: NGN5,000 POST UTME Fee: NGN2,000 T...

 "I don't believe in all these diagnoses" - Shaquille O'Neal shares message for parents of autistic kids Shaquille O’Neal’s openness about his own challenges has shaped the way he speaks to parents raising children with special needs. The NBA legend has shared that he grew up with ADHD, which made school difficult and left him feeling judged.  He recalled being labeled unfairly by teachers and struggling with stuttering, experiences that gave him empathy for kids who are treated differently. So when asked about autism during an interview in Abu Dhabi, O’Neal didn’t focus on medical terms or diagnoses.  Instead, he emphasized love, protection, and responsibility. “A child is a child,” he said, explaining that parents should focus on providing care and support rather than labels.  His perspective comes from personal experience, and he even took time after the game to meet a fan’s son with autism, showing the generosity that has become part of his reputation. That gener...

Nigerian singer Tems becomes first female African artiste to earn Diamond single in U.S Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has achieved a new milestone by becoming the first female African artist to earn a Diamond single in the United States. She attained the milestone for the song “Wait For U”, her acclaimed collaboration with American rapper Future featuring Canadian rapper Drake, after the song surpassed 10 million certified units in the US. According to data released by the global music monitoring platform Chart Data, the hit song has surpassed the baseline requirement, selling over 11 million units in the American music market. “US Certifications (@RIAA): Future (@1future) Feat. @Drake & @temsbaby, WAIT FOR U 11x Platinum (11,000,000),” the platform announced via its official X handle.

Man arrested after crashing car into Jay-Z and Beyonce’s mansion gate in New York A man has been arrested after driving ‘at speed’ up Beyonce and Jay-Z’s driveway, causing damage by hitting their gate.   The 63-year-old man, described as ‘confused’ by police, failed to stop before crashing into the gate at the singers’ $26,000,000 (£ 19 million) East Hampton home.   Police reported he was driving ‘at a high rate of speed up the driveway’ but didn’t ‘stop at the closed mechanical driveway gates’, resulting in ‘significant damage’.   It’s not believed he meant the couple any harm, having stopped at another house down the road looking for a woman but was told she did not live there.   Detective Sergeant Jennifer Dunne told Page Six that he ‘has no criminal history and he seemed confused at the scene and after the arrest '.   ‘He did not make any threats or mention names of the residents. It could just be a chance he picked that house if he was having a medical issu...

 UNITED KINGDOM: “It’s never too late” - Nigerian father of five, graduates as nurse at 64  A 64-year-old Nigerian man who recently graduated as a nurse in the United Kingdom says he hopes his journey shows you are never too old to get a degree. John Adesoye, who grew up in Nigeria, worked as an electronics technician in Greece before moving to the UK in 2013 and deciding on a career change. The father-of-five has now secured a nursing role at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he started working as a healthcare assistant in 2014 “If I can do it, others can too. People are more brilliant and stronger than they think,” he said. Adesoye said his career change to healthcare was motivated by a desire to care for people. “When I was caring for electronic devices, I was happy when I could get broken devices working again. “In my work in healthcare, when patients get better it gives me great joy and satisfaction,” he said. The graduate worked across various hospital departments inc...

 Nigerian nurse honoured with national bravery award in UK for saving patient who set her own head on fire while attempting to vape  A Nigerian nurse has been honoured with a national bravery award in the United Kingdom for saving his patient’s life after she set her own head on fire during a doomed attempt to vape from her hospital bed.  Emmanuel Ndubuisi managed to avert potential disaster when he stepped in to combat a fire that threatened to engulf his ward at Sunderland Royal Hospital, The Mirror reported. An unnamed female patient triggered the blaze after trying to smoke her e-cigarette while connected to an oxygen supply. She had managed to set fire to her head, inflicting burns in the process, but the incident was contained thanks to Emmanuel’s quick thinking. Emmanuel cut off her oxygen supply and used a fire extinguisher to put down the remaining flames before they were able to take hold during the incident, which took place last August. The patient, in her 50s...

 16-year-old Nigerian boy dies after entering lake in UK  Police have named a 16-year-old boy who d!ed after getting into difficulty in a lake in Lincoln, United Kingdom.  Iretomiwa Abiodun Micheal, also known as Tomiwa, was rescued from Swanholme Lakes on 9 July, 2026 and d!ed later in hospital, Lincolnshire Police said in a statement on Friday, July 17.  Lincolnshire Police received a call at around 5:48pm reporting a concern for safety at the popular lake location.  Emergency services, including Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and the East Midlands Ambulance Service, attended the scene to rescue the boy. Despite initial signs of response to treatment at the location, he sadly passed away at the hospital at 8:50pm with his parents by his side. Police have announced that a file will be passed to the coroner for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning. In the statement issued by Lincolnshire Police, Tomiwa’s parents, Abiodun and Tope M...

The Anambra State High Court 2, Ogidi Judicial Division, has convicted and sentenced one James Onuorah to 25 years’ imprisonment for raping a 16-year-old girl and seven years’ imprisonment for offensive conduct. The court, presided over by Justice Chudi Nwankwo, found the defendant guilty on two of the three counts brought against him. According to Charge No. HID/4C/2025, made available to our correspondent in Awka on Sunday, the judgment was delivered on Friday, July 17, in the case between the State and James Mary Onuorah. The defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge of, “Rape contrary to and punishable under Section 3(1)(a) & (2) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Law of Anambra State, 2017. “Offensive conduct contrary to and punishable under Section 7 of the same Law. “Indecent assault (against the victim’s elder sister) punishable under Section 255 of the Criminal Code Cap. 36, Revised Laws of Anambra State 1991.” According to the charge sheet,...

 Jelly Roll 'doing really well' after finalising divorce from Bunnie XO, source says Jelly Roll is reportedly focusing on his music career and health after finalising his divorce from Bunnie XO following 10 years of marriage. A source told People that the 41-year-old singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, is “doing really well” and is currently concentrating on his tour and personal wellbeing. “He’s focused on his tour and his health,” the source said. “He’s in a good place.” According to the insider, both Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO wanted the divorce process to remain respectful and reach a resolution without unnecessary delays. “There was never any desire to drag the process out,” the source said. “They both wanted to handle the divorce with respect for one another.” The source also claimed that Jelly Roll wanted the settlement to be handled fairly. “He’s a very generous person by nature and wanted to make sure the divorce was handled fairly and respectfully,” the insider add...

 JOINT POLICE OPERATION ARRESTS 7 SUSPECTS, RECOVERS 285 VANDALIZED PIPES  IN ADAMAWA STATE The Nigeria Police Force has struck another decisive blow against economic sabotage, dismantling a suspected pipeline vandalism syndicate and arresting seven suspects in Adamawa State.  A statement by the Force says the operation was carried out by the Adamawa State Police Command in collaboration with the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering. Acting on credible intelligence, Police operatives stormed a suspected hideout in Kwarami, Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area, where they arrested the seven suspects and recovered 285 vandalized pipeline sections, six gas cylinders, shovels and other digging tools allegedly used to target critical national infrastructure. The Police say investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire network and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, while the arrested suspects remain in custody pending prosecution. The Force ...

 ZIMBABWE'S FIRST SET OF TWIN  PRIESTS IN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC History has made in the Archdiocese of Bulawayo. For the very first time in the history of the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe, twin brothers have been ordained to the priesthood together. Please join us in congratulating and praying for:   Fr. Francelino Joachim Machirika   Fr. Franklin Joachim Machirika They were ordained by Archbishop Alex Thomas in a beautiful and emotional ceremony that had the whole church in tears of joy. From sharing a womb, to sharing a name, to now sharing a calling — the Machirika twins are a living sign of God’s grace on one family. Two voices. One mission. To serve God and His people. “The harvest is plentiful...” Zimbabwe received a double portion. Some several years back Zaoga FIf also ordained the Muchiuro twins Tafara and Takunda .

 Five SAPS officers appear in court on corruption charges Five South African Police Service (SAPS) constables attached to the West Rand Public Order Policing (POP) Unit have appeared before the Kagiso Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption following their arrest by the Gauteng Anti-Corruption Unit. The accused are: • Thabang Petrus Mabapa (36) • Karabo Mpati (31) • Pfano Mugeri (32) • Nsovo Marvin Mudabula (34) • Rudzani Vhutali Nelushi (31) According to the allegations, the officers stopped a motorist during a stop-and-search operation on 12 July 2026 at the intersection of R41 Road and Badshani Street in Rietvallei, Azaadville. The complainant alleges that after informing officers he had approximately R22,000 in cash in his vehicle, one officer took the money, questioned its origin, and returned only R2,000, allegedly retaining the remaining amount despite being told the funds were lawfully earned. The matter was reported to Kagiso SAPS, and the complainant allegedly identif...

 Former Real Housewives of Orange County star Jeana Keough undergoing treatment after cancer spread to lymph nodes, daughter says Former The Real Housewives of Orange County cast member Jeana Keough is undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with cancer that later spread to her lymph nodes, according to her daughter, Kara Keough. Kara shared the update through a GoFundMe campaign created to help cover her mother's treatment and living expenses during her recovery. She explained that Jeana first noticed a painful sore on her tongue nearly a year before receiving her diagnosis and initially believed it was caused by a tooth rubbing against the area. “A few months ago, while visiting Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue,” Kara wrote. “She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down.” Kara said she asked her mother how long the sore had been present, and Jeana realised it h...

Reflections on My 65th Birthday Today, July 19, 2026,  marks my 65th birthday. At sixty-five, birthdays should naturally become moments of deep reflection - moments to look back with gratitude to Almighty God for His abundant graces, examine the journey so far, and ask how the remaining years can be devoted more meaningfully to the service of God and humanity. Perhaps in countries where basic human needs have largely been met, where institutions function effectively, and where citizens enjoy a greater measure of security and dignity, such attainments may rightly call for elaborate celebrations. In Nigeria, however, our reality compels a different kind of reflection. Our nation is blessed with enormous human and natural resources, yet millions of our people continue to struggle with challenges that demand our collective attention. We cannot afford to celebrate ourselves excessively while many around us are burdened by poverty, ill health, unemployment, and limited opportunities. Rat...

 Andrew and Tristan Tate arrested in Miami as UK seeks extradition on rape and trafficking charges Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested Saturday in Miami as British authorities moved to seek their extradition on allegations of rape and sex trafficking, adding another chapter to a yearslong international legal battle involving the controversial social media personalities. The brothers were taken into custody by U.S. authorities on a sealed warrant as the United Kingdom pursued charges related to alleged crimes involving women between 2010 and 2017. British prosecutors said the new charges involve additional alleged victims and include accusations of rape, assault, human trafficking and other offenses. Andrew and Tristan Tate, who hold both U.S. and British citizenship, moved to Romania in 2016 and were arrested there in 2022 along with two Romanian women. They were accused of involvement in schemes to recruit women for sexual exploitation but have denied all allegations. The Romani...

U.S launches airstrikes on Iran as missile attacks threaten to expand Middle East conflict     The United States launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iran on Sunday as Iranian missile launches toward Jordan raised concerns that the conflict could spread further into the region, potentially drawing neighboring Israel back into the fighting. The U.S. military said the strikes targeted Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in response to an attack that killed American service members in Jordan. The latest exchange has intensified tensions between Washington and Tehran following the collapse of an interim agreement aimed at ending the conflict. The military campaign, now in its second week, has centered around control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy supplies. U.S. forces have targeted infrastructure and military sites in Iran, while Tehran has carried out strikes against U.S. allies across the Middle East. Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrai...

 Trump to present World Cup trophy as he touts tournament’s impact on US soccer culture President Donald Trump is preparing to present the World Cup trophy to the winner of Sunday’s final between Argentina and Spain, while celebrating what he views as a major boost for soccer’s popularity in the United States. Speaking at a FIFA reception in New York City, Trump said the tournament had shown that the U.S. had become a soccer nation and predicted the sport’s popularity would continue to grow. He described the event as a moment that brought people from around the world together. The final marks the end of more than a year of preparations and challenges for the United States, Canada and Mexico as co-hosts of what is expected to be the largest World Cup ever. The tournament faced criticism over immigration policies, ticket prices and concerns from human rights groups. The Trump administration faced international scrutiny over visa restrictions that prevented some fans and officials fro...

 ANAMBRA POLICE COMMAND WEEKLY SECURITY REVIEW RECORDS OPERATIONAL BREAKTHROUGH WITH THE ARREST OF FOUR SUSPECTS OVER ALLEGED KIDNAPPING: RECOVERS LOCALLY FABRICATED PISTOL, AMMUNITION AND OTHER INCRIMINATING ITEMS As part of the ongoing security review and sustained offensive against violent crimes in Anambra State, the Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant operational breakthroughs with the arrest of four suspected kidnappers involved in separate kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across the State. In the afternoon of 15th July 2026, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, arrested one Okoye Ibegbunam Chukwuebuka John Bosco, alias “Bone,” aged 32. The arrest was in continuation of the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of a victim at Okpanam, Asaba, Delta State, who was abducted, robbed, and forced to pay a ransom before regaining his freedom. During a search on the suspect, the operatives recovered one locally fabricated p...

 NDLEA intercepts Kano-bound tramadol shipments in Lagos, arrests 80-year-old grandpa . Nabs businesswoman, Chadian, couple, others in Edo, Kogi, Rivers interdiction operations  Ongoing efforts to dismantle a transnational drug trafficking syndicate smuggling tramadol from Togo, through Benin Republic into Nigeria have yielded another success with the interception of two long trailers used to move One Million Six Hundred and Thirty (1,630,000) pills of tramadol 250mg concealed in fabricated compartments of the trucks across multiple borders into Lagos. The intelligence-led interdiction operation came barely a week after NDLEA operatives recovered 558,900 pills of the same psychoactive substance from the false bottom compartment of a truck that came into Lagos through the Togo-Benin Republic route. One of the two trucks already heading to Kano was tracked and located on 2nd July 2026 along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway where NDLEA officers recovered 853,000 pills of tramadol 250m...

 Anambra Women Affairs Commissioner, Onyekesi Gives Red card To Traffickers  By Stella Anekwe  Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon.Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi yesterday gave a red card warning to all those involved in Human Trafficking in the State.  Onyekesi gave the warming when the Anambra State Commander of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Mrs Ibadin Judith Onyinye Chukwu  paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Awka.  She warned that trafficking had no place in Anambra pointing out that the Governor's wife, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soloudo had zero tolerance for anything trafficking in persons and issues against children in the society.  She encouraged all Non- Governmental Organizations, NGO's in Anambra state to desist from actions that will jeopardize the functions of NAPTIP but to collaborate with NAPTIP to achieve results.  On the request from NAPTIP for Governor's wife to...

 The credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voters’ register has come under intense scrutiny ahead of the 2027 general elections, following revelations by INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan that names of deceased persons remain on the register. Amupitan disclosed that names of voters who died as far back as 15 years ago are still listed, a situation critics say could undermine the integrity of the 2027 polls and lead to significant financial waste through the printing of excess ballot papers and other election logistics. The INEC chairman made the revelation while receiving the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and her management team during a courtesy visit in Abuja on Wednesday. Amupitan announced that INEC has entered into a partnership with NIMC to deliver a credible voters’ register and transparent elections. He said INEC would leverage NIMC’s robust data archi...