SERGIO FENTANES JOINS CHIPOLOPOLO BENCH AS TECHNICAL ANALYST/ADVISOR FOR AFCON 2025
Press Statement (For Immediate Release) Football Association of Zambia Football House, Lusaka 24th December, 2025
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to confirm the appointment of Mexican football manager Sergio Fentanes Orozco as Technical Analyst/Advisor for the Chipolopolo AFCON 2025 assignment in Morocco.
FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande says the appointment is tied to the AFCON period and is meant to offer targeted technical support to the technical bench.
Shepande explained that Fentanes has been with the team since its arrival in Casablanca last week.
“I wish to confirm that, in our efforts to strengthen the Chipolopolo technical setup at the ongoing AFCON, we have engaged Sergio Fentanes Orozco as Technical Analyst/Advisor for the tournament in Morocco, which runs from 19th December, 2025 to 18th January 2026,” said Shepande.
Shepande clarified that the engagement does not change FAZ’s position on empowering local coaches but is intended to complement their work at the AFCON where detailed match analysis and opposition profiling are critical.
“Fentanes was selected because of his previous work with the Zambia national teams, including the Chipolopolo squads at the 2006 AFCON in Egypt and the 2015 AFCON in Equatorial Guinea. He also had a role with the Zambia Under-17 technical team that qualified for the 2015 CAF Under-17 AFCON finals in Niger.”.
Shepande added that Fentanes brings valuable international experience, having also worked in similar analytical roles with the national teams of Peru and Mexico, which is expected to add depth to match preparation and in-game analysis at AFCON.
He expressed confidence that Fentanes’ expertise will enhance tactical planning and performance analysis, while working with the local technical bench headed by Moses Sichone during the AFCON 2025 campaign.
For and on behalf of the Football Association of Zambia Nkweto Tembwe Head of Media and Communications
UNITED OPPOSITION HAS DISINTEGRATED, WE’VE FAILED TO CHOOSE A FLAG BEARER – M’MEMBE
SOCIALIST Party Leader Dr Fred M’membe says the United Opposition Front has disintegrated due to failure of choosing a flag bearer.
Dr M’membe says the disagreements surrounding the choosing of a flag bearer became ‘nasty’ in the alliance.
The alliance was comprised of his party, the Tonse Alliance, UNIP, UKA and other opposition.
Speaking when he appeared on Prime TV’s Oxygen of Democracy, Monday, Dr M’membe said although the opposition met to choose one candidate for the Chawama parliamentary seat, they failed to agree on a candidate.
Asked about the delay in the United Opposition Front choosing a presidential candidate, Dr M’membe said the alliance had disintegrated, citing disagreements in choosing a flagbearer.
“That formation has disintegrated, its no longer there, it was going under the unofficial name of United Opposition Front. Its disintegrated, other formations have come up and so on; including PF, Tonse were part of the United Front. Those who were in UKA came in the United Front but has since disintegrated over the same issues I was mentioning. Primarily, it’s even how to choose a flag bearer, when to choose a flag bearer, how to choose that flag bearer and so on.
There were disagreements and those disagreements became nasty but also what you must realise [is that], opposition unity is desired by the Zambian people, its being sought by the opposition political parties themselves but there are also other people in society who do not want that unity,” Dr M’membe said.
“We are not part of Tonse but we are part of the opposition, and because we are part of the opposition, we have to cooperate with other members of the opposition. Yes, you saw me in Chawama, we had a meeting which was called by honourable Chishimba Kambwili to try and field one candidate in Chawama.
We tried to cooperate to field one candidate, it didn’t work out. We honoured our part of the deal to cooperate and we decided to support the Tonse candidate under FDD in Chawama and that’s why you saw me in Chawama. For the purpose of trying to move forward with unity, someone has to give in, we compromised. We are ready to subordinate ourselves to the collective good”.
Dr M’membe explained that the opposition’s unity ahead of 2026 was a happenstance, rather than a strategic alliance built on strong principles.
“I’ve never heard any human being, at least one who is sane say, ‘I don’t want unity’. We want unity, human beings are not solitary creatures, we usually band up for certain causes that we seek or we pursue. Opposition unity is a necessity but its not only opposition that is required. For us to move forward as a nation, we need unity of all our people.
The challenges we face are huge, one group of our society cannot deal with those challenges on their own, that’s why even the leadership of this country; we in the Socialist Party are saying we can’t continue like this. To unite it means we have to learn how to negotiate with others, we’ll need to learn how to compromise with others, we’ll need to learn how to arrive at some consensus with others and all that requires give and take,” he noted.
“It requires trust and that trust must be built, it doesn’t come like that. Trust comes out of working together to solve certain problems together, you build that trust, with trust you have increased cooperation. So, we the opposition are facing a challenge. A fragmented opposition will not be able to deal with the challenges of changing government. The unity that we are seeking for the 2026 election is not a strategic unity, it’s a happenstance unity. And happenstance unity is not easy to achieve, its not usually on very strong principles [because] it’s unity to get something done, to get something to happen.
It’s a happenstance, you want something to happen, its not strategic alliance which is anchored on very strong principles. But if there’s a national agenda that is put before all these other things, it becomes much easier to agree because when you have a national agenda, you see clearly what needs to be done and you look among yourselves who is the best person to deal with this or that”.
He added that his journey of getting into an alliance had not been easy.
“Personal ambition, [and] personal agenda is driven much to the background. What we have in these electoral pacts is personal agenda(s) and ambition at the fore and that’s not easy to deal with. And especially where people believe the next elections will be so easy to achieve, whoever stands even if it’s a frog will win. When people start to believe such things, it’s difficult to convince anybody that they can’t get it, they can’t be the presidential candidates, they can’t be the running mates [and] it becomes a casino. [A casino] where everybody goes to the casino to gamble, this one is coming with K1,000, this one coming with K100, the one who is getting in the casino with a K100 wants to get out of the casino with more than the one who went with K1,000, that gambling and its acceptable in gambling,” said Dr M’membe.
“But to bring that order to political leadership, it becomes a bit more complicated. To convince somebody who is coming in with K1,000 to go with less than somebody who has come with K100, it becomes very complicated. How do you value what each person is bringing? There are so many issues that arise, I form a party today and tomorrow I come to the table for alliances, I want to be treated the same way and its agreed everybody is the same.
I want also to be the presidential candidate although I just registered my party yesterday, so others will say we have been and we have structures. But the person who just formed his party will say, ‘no, bring the proof of those structures, how many MPs do you have’, and so on. You find they can’t agree. We have been on this path for over a year of trying to get into alliances but its not easy”.
Kelvin Bwalya Fube, widely known as KBF, has again drawn national attention. This time the trigger is not a policy intervention or an organisational milestone, but images circulated on his official Facebook page that many users identified as AI-generated. The reaction was swift and unforgiving, reopening an old debate about credibility, influence, and the persistent gap between KBF’s political claims and measurable outcomes.
The controversy is not about technology. Politicians experiment with digital tools every day. The issue is credibility. For a figure who has for years positioned himself as a behind-the-scenes architect of presidential power, the optics mattered. The episode amplified an existing public scepticism around a long-standing narrative that has never been matched by institutional authority.
KBF has repeatedly stated that he played decisive roles in the rise of three presidents: Michael Sata, Edgar Lungu, and Hakainde Hichilema. These claims are widely circulated in interviews and public commentary. What is verifiable, however, is that across all three regimes, he was never appointed to a senior executive position. No cabinet portfolio. No strategic advisory office anchored in law. No formal role that reflected the influence he asserts.
Political history draws a clear line between access and authority. Many actors orbit power during campaigns. Few are trusted with the machinery of state. Zambia’s post-1991 record shows that presidents, once elected, consolidate power tightly. Individuals without institutional relevance fade quickly.
KBF’s absence from formal governance across successive governments raises a question that rhetoric cannot resolve: if his strategic value was decisive, why has it never been institutionalised?
His strongest asset has always been language. He is articulate. He frames arguments with confidence. He understands political cadence and elite discourse. This skill has sustained his media presence. What remains thin is evidence of organisational depth. Zambia Must Prosper maintains visibility online, but its electoral footprint is limited. There is no demonstrated nationwide structure capable of mobilising votes at scale, fielding competitive parliamentary candidates, or sustaining grassroots operations across provinces.
The AI imagery episode exposed a recurring weakness. Projection substituted for proof. In a political environment shaped by digital literacy and verification, symbolic exaggeration backfires. Public trust is not built through spectacle. It is earned through consistent mobilisation, transparent funding, and visible followership. Crowds cannot be rendered into legitimacy.
The broader issue is not one incident but a pattern. KBF’s politics have remained intensely personalised. His messaging often centres on foresight, intellect, and strategic brilliance. Successful political movements function differently. They build systems that survive their founders. They decentralise authority. They allow institutions to speak louder than individuals. In KBF’s case, the brand remains inseparable from the man.
Public reaction this week reflects more than online mockery. It echoed accumulated doubt. Voters increasingly interrogate claims of influence. They ask who has followed you into power. Who has governed because of you? Who has entrusted you with authority beyond a microphone? These questions remain unanswered.
As the 2026 elections approach, politics will reward organisation over narrative. Credibility will outweigh proximity. Verification will matter more than volume. Figures who mistake commentary for command will struggle in an environment that demands delivery.
Kelvin Bwalya Fube remains a visible voice in opposition politics. This is not in dispute. What is unresolved is the distance between his claims and the historical record. Until influence is demonstrated through institutions rather than assertion, the king-maker label will continue to ring hollow.
Modern politics is unforgiving. Once credibility fractures, it is not repaired by sharper images or louder declarations. It is repaired by results.
I will call Hichilema at 9 hours today – Sean Tembo
PEP president Sean Tembo has announced that he will have a one on one, president to president phone call with President Hakainde Hichilema this morning.
Tembo said the conversation will be broadcast live on his social media page at 09:00 hours.
He said the purpose of the call is to find out from the President if indeed government released money on 6th November 2025, for payment of farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA)
He shared that he also wants to find out if it is indeed true that the delay in paying farmers is due to commercial banks, as shared by his Ministers of Finance and of Information and Media.
He said he is willing to follow up with the banks if the President confirms they are the reason behind the delay in payments.
“I will request the President to give me a list of the said banks, so that I can make a direct follow up with them,” he said. By Catherine Pule Kalemba, December 24, 2025
Sean Tembo writes:
Sean Tembo to call President Hakainde Hichilema
Liberty House – Lusaka I 24th December 2025
This serves to inform all media houses, and the nation at large, that this morning, at 09hrs, I shall make a phone call to the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema.
The purpose of the call will be to confirm, from the President, if indeed his Government released money on 6th November 2025, for payment of farmers who supplied maize to FRA, and that the delay in paying farmers is due to the commercial banks, as alleged by his Ministers for Finance and for Information and Media. If so, I will request the President to give me a list of the said banks, so that I can make a direct follow up with them.
This phone call to the President will be broadcast live on this page.
Issued by:
Sean E. Tembo (SET) Party President Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) Lusaka, Zambia
MORE boys than girls have failed the 2025 Primary School Leaving and Junior Secondary School Leaving Examinations despite being fewer in number, Education Minister Douglas Syakalima revealed, raising concerns over the need for increased focus on the boy child.
Syakalima officially released the results yesterday, describing them as a “Christmas and New Year gift to the nation”
The Minister stated that the timely disclosure will allow parents and guardians to prepare learners for Form 1 and Grade 10 when schools reopen on January 12, next year.
A total of 587,471 candidates registered for the 2025 Primary School Leaving Examination, with 91.72 percent sitting the exams.
Of these, 71.36 percent passed, while 28.64 percent failed and will not progress to Form 1 next year.
Girls continued to outnumber boys, making up 52.33 percent of candidates and also maintained a higher pass rate.
In the Junior Secondary School Leaving Examination, 285,634 candidates sat for the exams, with 72.25 percent obtaining certificates, a jump from 55.89 percent in 2024.
However, boys again lagged behind girls in performance, accounting for a larger proportion of the 6,956 candidates who failed.
“The results are showing that we must pay attention to the boy child,” Syakalima said.
“Parents, guardians, teachers and communities all have a role to play in nurturing both boys and girls.”
Syakalima attributed the improved performance to government policies, including the abolition of automatic progression and interventions by the Ministry and cooperating partners to ensure learners possess the requisite competences before advancing.
On examination integrity, the Minister confirmed that no leakage of examination materials occurred, though 92 suspected malpractice cases were reported during the junior secondary exams.
Results for affected candidates have been withheld pending review by the Examination Council of Zambia.
“YOU CAN HATE HH, BUT YOU CANNOT SUSPEND THE PRESIDENCY.”
“We have made it clear, the Person we don’t want to attend the burial of Edgar Lungu is HH no two ways about it.” Makebi Zulu.
Makebi Zulu’s statement is not merely offensive it is a disgraceful assault on the Constitution, a public confession of political bankruptcy, and a loud declaration of intellectual emptiness.
Only a man drunk on entitlement and blinded by bitterness would imagine he has the authority to ban the President of the Republic from a national event.
This is the level of recklessness that separates statesmen from political toddlers. Let it be said plainly: Hakainde Hichilema does not attend a state burial as a guest begging for permission.
He attends by constitutional right and national duty as Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the Zambia Defence Force.
That authority does not originate from Makebi Zulu’s mouth, emotions, tribe, or ambitions. It comes from the people of Zambia and the supreme law of the land.
What kind of presidential aspirant declares war on institutions instead of respecting them?
What kind of leader fails to understand that the Presidency is bigger than personal hatred, funerals, and political tantrums? The answer is simple: an unprepared, unserious, and dangerously shallow opportunist.
Makebi Zulu’s outburst exposes a man who cannot distinguish between private mourning and state responsibility, between personal rage and national order.
This is not bravery it is ignorance shouting for relevance. This is not patriotism it is a reckless attempt to mobilize chaos under the disguise of emotion.
A man who cannot tolerate the presence of a sitting President at a national event is a man who would rule by vendetta, not by law.
Today he wants to decide who attends a burial; tomorrow he would want to decide who belongs in Zambia.
That is how authoritarian madness begins. Zambia must reject leaders who think the Presidency is a playground for insults, ultimatums, and mob emotions.
Anyone who disrespects the office of the President today is confessing in advance that they would abuse it tomorrow. History has no mercy for men who confuse noise with power and arrogance with leadership.
Makebi Zulu has spoken not as a patriot, not as a leader, but as a warning.
I humbly submit, Muna Makalo George. EYE 👀 IN THE SKY.
LEADERS who are not loyalty to the country must not be given a chance to govern, Mwila Chigaga, wife of late former Finance Minister Gibson Chigaga has said.
In an interview with The Mast yesterday, Chigaga wondered what the benefits were for citizens to be governed by individuals who had total disregard of national values.
“If we have no loyalty to the nation, then what do we have? But Zambia is so depressing right now looking at how the country has been destabilised and lost its values,” she said.
Chigaga said since independence, Zambia had never witnessed the current division it is witnessing today which was spreading rapidly.
She said it was depressing to live in Zambia because of the normalised promotion of ethnicity and tribalism.
Chigaga said the country had lost the best moral unifying character of One Zambia, One Nation which the forefathers cherished dearly.
“It is so depressing, you know. Things are so bad. There is a lot of hatred and division which the country has never witnessed ever” she said.
She challenged freedom fighters in the country to come to the table and rebuke the current division and tribalism being promoted in the country.
Chigaga said the still living freedom fighters should tell their stories to the current crop of leaders, especially the government, how they had managed to unite all the tribes of the country, unlike the current situation.
“What would be nice is to bring in the freedom fighters to give us their take on the division in the country. What is happening in the country is actually my biggest and a generational worry,” she said
Chigaga said Zambia had lost its sense of nationhood because One Zambia One Nation meant absolutely nothing.
She was sad that the promotion of division by the current elders would have serious negative effects on the future generations.
On behalf of the Socialist Party and on my own behalf, I extend my warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to our 17 Medical doctors graduating today in Caracas, Venezuela. Your achievement is historic, inspiring, and deeply meaningful to our struggle for a just and humane society.
Your journey has been one of sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering commitment to serve humanity. By choosing the path of medicine, you have chosen a life of service to the people—especially the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten. This is the very essence of our socialist values.
As a party, we are immensely proud that we invested in your education because we believe that healthcare is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right. Your graduation today is not only a personal victory, but a victory for the people of Zambia and all those who yearn for a people-centered healthcare system.
We are confident that the knowledge, skills, and revolutionary spirit you have acquired in Venezuela will be placed at the service of our people. Go forth and heal, with compassion, humility, and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Let your work reflect the values of solidarity, equality, and dignity for all.
Once again, congratulations, Comrades. History will remember you as part of a generation that chose to serve the people.
CHIPOLOPOLO MEDICS CLEAR DAKA, SUNZU AND OTHERS AHEAD OF TRAINING TODAY
Chipolopolo team doctor Wesley Ngongo has dismissed online speculation suggesting that striker Patson Daka suffered a neck injury during his trademark somersault goal celebration.
Reports on social media claimed that the Leicester City forward missed a step during the celebration, raising fears of a possible injury.
However, Dr Ngongo has played down the concerns and confirmed that Daka is fit and pain-free.
“I would like to assure everyone that Patson is 100 percent fine. He does not have any injury; of course, football is a contact sport. Players run; sometimes they trip; sometimes they fall but they don’t get injured from minor contacts or minor falls.” Dr Ngongo said.
He added that Daka who salvaged Zambia’s point against Mali has no pain, no neck stiffness and no other issues.
“He’s got no pain, no stiffness. His range of motion in the neck is perfect and he’s available to train fully this today.”
Dr Ngongo has also allayed injury fears over Lameck Banda and Miguel Chaiwa, who were substituted during the match.
He said the duo only picked up minor knocks and will be available for training, while Lubambo Musonda has also been declared fully fit.
“Everyone is available to train. We did not have any serious injuries from yesterday’s game. We just had some minor knocks to Lameck (Banda); he was taken out at some point. Miguel also had a minor knock, Lubambo as well but these are just minor knocks. They are fully available to participate in today’s training.”
Meanwhile, Dr Ngongo confirmed that veteran defender Stoppila Sunzu, who missed yesterday’s clash against Mali due to illness, has recovered and will return to training.
“You may also recall Stoppila Sunzu did not participate in yetserday’s game due to illness but he has since recovered and as of today he’s also going to be available to train fully.”
Nicki Minaj has deleted or deactivated her Instagram account, sparking widespread online reaction. The move follows viral claims that she lost up to 10 million followers amid backlash tied to a recent public appearance and political controversy.
While her Instagram page is currently inaccessible, there is no confirmed data proving a 10 million follower drop. Social media analytics experts note that large accounts often experience rapid fluctuations during viral moments, but exact figures are difficult to verify.
Minaj has not publicly addressed the account deletion, leaving fans divided on whether the move is temporary or a deliberate step back from social media.
Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has revealed that she has no plans to remarry, describing the decision as pragmatic rather than moralistic.
“She will not remarry, she says, almost with a shrug,” she told Dr Charles Omole, author of the new 600-page biography titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, which was unveiled at the State House, Abuja, on Monday.
“It is not a moral pronouncement so much as a pragmatic one: she has grandchildren; one husband was enough,” the book added.
The 22-chapter biography traces Buhari’s life from his early years in Daura, Katsina State, to his final hours in a London hospital in mid-July 2025.
It presents Mrs. Buhari’s stance on remarriage as a refusal to conform to cultural binaries that often portray widows as either betrayers or saints.
“In a culture that sometimes reads remarriage as betrayal or saintliness, her answer refuses both scripts. It is simply a woman naming the contours of her future,” the book explained.
“Looking ahead, Mrs. Buhari plans a quieter public life, dividing her time between family, philanthropy, and travel.
“Her plans are domestic and cosmopolitan at once. She will holiday with friends and associates. She will dote on grandchildren so they will remember her not as a moving figure behind tinted glass but as a presence in their childhood rooms.
“She will run her foundation, the Aisha Buhari Foundation, and the cardiovascular and medical centre in Kano that has already completed over two hundred procedures.
“She will host, collaborate, and extend the same ethic of care that animated her politics into a quieter, more sustainable hospitality,” the book noted.
Omole described Mrs. Buhari’s decision as a personal reset after years in the political spotlight.
“If the republic expects a politics of eternal return, she offers a politics of departure instead: let others take the stage; let the house heal,” he said.
“For Aisha Buhari, her marriage served as both a refuge and a trial.
“It gave her a platform to voice her opinions, only to punish her for doing so. It opened doors to the decision-making spaces, but those spaces became unwelcoming.
“In 2014, she was entrusted with meeting the nation’s expectations; by 2014, she was excluded from acknowledgement,” it further read.
After his divorce in 1988, Muhammadu Buhari married Aisha Buhari on 2 December 1989.
Born in 1971 in Adamawa State, she became First Lady when Buhari returned to power in 2015.
The couple were married for 35 years and had five children.
Nicki Minaj has gone from criticizing President Trump to openly praising him, calling him “handsome” and showing admiration for Vice President JD Vance. Her surprising shift has drawn attention from fans and the political world alike.
The rapper made her support known during an interview at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona. Speaking with Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, Minaj said she “loves” both Trump and Vance, applauding their ability to connect with people. Her remarks quickly spread online, earning her over 100,000 new followers, according to CNN.
This is a sharp turn from her past. Fifteen years ago, Minaj criticized Trump as a reality TV star, pointing out gender double standards in entertainment. In 2015 and 2016, she expressed mixed feelings about his presidential campaign and policies, even rapping about him in a 2016 freestyle.
Minaj’s early opposition stemmed from personal experience. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, she immigrated to the U.S. as a child and spoke out against family separations at the border, describing the practice as “terrifying” for children. In 2020, she reaffirmed that she would not support Trump due to these policies.
Her political stance began to shift during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minaj shared videos online praising Trump’s policies, which stirred debate among fans. She also engaged in discussions about issues affecting Nigerians and communities important to her followers, further highlighting her alignment with MAGA politics.
Some fans have distanced themselves, questioning her influence as a role model for young Black women. Still, Minaj joins a growing list of rappers supporting Trump, including Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, even as her music career has taken a less central focus in recent years.
An Indian doctor has been caught in viral footage be@ting up a patient with breathing problems after he asked to be spoken to with respect.
The doctor at Indira Ghandi Medical College in Shimla (IGMC), northern India, was accused of physically ass@ulting the patient during the altercation on Monday.
According to Mail Online, the victim, Arjun Panwar, had visited the hospital for medical tests after experiencing breathing difficulties.
Mr Panwar said the doctor started speaking to him in a rude manner without any provocation, before an argument broke out when he complained about the behaviour.
According to the patient, the doctor then started hitting him.
‘I had just undergone a bronchoscopy and was struggling to breathe. When I asked for oxygen, the doctor questioned my admission status,’ Mr Panwar said.
‘I requested that he speak to me with respect, but he became confrontational.
‘When I asked if he spoke to his family in such a manner, he claimed I was getting “personal” and began hitting me,’ he added.
Following the incident, a large crowd gathered at the hospital demanding action against the accused doctor.
The Shimla IGMC hospital administration has now set up a three-member inquiry committee.
Dr Rahul Rao, Medical Superintendent of IGMC Shimla, said the committee is investigating the matter and will submit its report imminently, adding that a police report has also been filed against the doctor.
Maria Sol Messi, the sister of football icon Lionel Messi, has reportedly been rushed to hospital following a serious car accident, forcing the postponement of her planned wedding.
According to reports from Argentina, the 32-year-old sustained multiple injuries in the crash, including spinal fractures and burns. The accident occurred in Miami after she reportedly lost control of her vehicle and hit a wall.
Argentinian television journalist Angel de Brito provided updates on her condition, confirming that Maria Sol is now out of danger but will require a lengthy period of rehabilitation.
“Messi’s sister is okay, she’s out of danger, but I checked with the family because she was supposed to get married in Rosario, Argentina, on January 3, and the wedding has had to be suspended,” de Brito said while speaking on the US television programme LAM.
He added that the injuries include burns and displaced vertebrae, noting that recovery from such conditions can be slow. Maria Sol has since returned to her hometown of Rosario, where she has begun her rehabilitation.
Further details were shared by her mother, Celia Cuccittini, who confirmed that Maria Sol suffered two fractured vertebrae, as well as fractures to her heel and wrist. The crash reportedly occurred after she fainted while driving, causing her to hit a wall.
While there have been differing accounts about the exact circumstances of the accident, the family has confirmed that the injuries are serious but not life-threatening. As a result, her wedding to Julian “Tuli” Arellano, a member of Inter Miami’s under-19 coaching staff, has been postponed.
Maria Sol, a fashion designer and entrepreneur, has largely stayed out of the public eye. She previously worked as a brand manager at The Messi Store, the clothing brand founded by her brother, alongside Virginia Hilfiger, sister of fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger.
The Messi family had been preparing to gather in Rosario for the wedding before the accident forced a change of plans.
US President Donald Trump has said the United States remains in active pursuit of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, more than 24 hours after the operation began, while again issuing strong warnings to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said the vessel would eventually be seized. “It’s moving along and we’ll end up getting it,” he said, adding that the ship had links to Venezuela. The tanker, identified as Bella 1, was sailing in the region when the US Coast Guard attempted to intercept it.
The pursuit comes amid a broader US naval buildup in the Caribbean as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Maduro’s government, particularly by targeting Venezuela’s oil exports. The US has already intercepted two other tankers off Venezuela’s coast this month as part of efforts to cut off the country’s oil revenues.
Trump declined to clearly state his ultimate objective in Venezuela but again suggested Maduro should step aside. He warned of possible military action and described the current US presence as overwhelming.
“We have a massive armada — the biggest we’ve ever had, and the biggest we’ve ever had in South America,” Trump said. “If he plays tough, it’d be the last time he’s ever able to play tough.”
Asked whether the pressure was intended to force Maduro from power, Trump said it would be “smart” for the Venezuelan leader to step down, stressing that the decision ultimately rests with him.
Trump also confirmed that oil seized from intercepted tankers would be retained by the United States, with the possibility of adding it to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. “We’re going to keep it,” he said. “We’re keeping the ships also.”
US officials believe Bella 1 is part of a so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport oil from sanctioned countries. Authorities say a warrant had been issued for its seizure. Earlier this month, the US Coast Guard intercepted the tanker Centuries in international waters, which officials said was carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil. In December, the US also seized the tanker Skipper over its links to Iran.
The actions form part of the Trump administration’s renewed push to tighten economic and military pressure on Caracas, as Washington continues to challenge Maduro’s grip on power.
Hunter Biden has sharply criticised his father’s presidency, describing aspects of it as an “obvious f***ing failure” during a lengthy interview on The Shawn Ryan Show aired on Monday, December 22.
In the five-and-a-half-hour sit-down, Hunter Biden took aim at Joe Biden’s handling of immigration policy and the 2021 withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.;
On immigration, Hunter said the country needs a system that welcomes newcomers but criticised illegal immigration, arguing it places strain on public resources and sidelines military veterans and others still recovering from decades of war.
Turning to foreign policy, he said the decision to leave Afghanistan was correct in principle but condemned the execution of the withdrawal, calling it an “obvious f***ing failure.” He added that while blame could be shared with military leaders and advisers, ultimate responsibility rested with the president.
Hunter stressed that his father understood that accountability, saying: “The buck stops with him.”
Despite the criticism, Hunter acknowledged that ending the war in Afghanistan was the right call, even if he strongly disagreed with how it unfolded.
Elsewhere in the interview, Hunter praised his father for supporting a bipartisan border deal, claiming it was later derailed after Donald Trump allegedly pressured Republicans ahead of the 2024 election to oppose it.
Hunter also reflected on his own troubled past, including struggles with addiction and legal issues, noting that his father stood by him following his 2024 gun trial conviction. At the time, President Biden publicly emphasised his role not just as president, but as a father, expressing pride in his son’s recovery and resilience.
The unusually candid remarks have sparked debate, with observers describing Hunter’s comments as one of the most direct public critiques yet of Joe Biden’s presidency from within his own family.
Presley Chweneyagae Estate Faces R889k Property Freeze The luxury Pretoria home of the late ‘Tsotsi’ actor Presley Chweneyagae has been frozen by the state. The Special Investigating Unit obtained the court order, alleging the R889,000 (approx. US$47,600) property was bought with millions meant for charity.
A preservation order from the Special Tribunal prohibits any sale or transfer of the Hesteapark residence. Judge M Victor granted the order on 18 December 2025.
House “Purchased With Diverted” Lottery Grant The SIU investigation centres on a R15 million (approx. US$804,000) National Lotteries Commission grant. The money was intended for youth arts programmes under the Southern African Youth Movement NPO.
Investigators allege the funds were channelled through Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Chweneyagae. They claim approximately R889,000 was used to buy the private home.
The SIU’s investigation found that the grant was approved for the Southern African Youth Movement NPO — represented by Sigudla — and subsequently channelled through Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd, a company solely owned by the late Presley Chweneyagae, to acquire the private residence.
Order Targets Actor’s Estate and Associates The court order names Ms Charlaine Christinah Chweneyagae. She is named in her personal capacity and as the Executrix of her late husband’s estate. Other respondents include Mr Alfred Muzwakhe Sigudla and the Southern African Youth Movement NPO.
The SIU must now institute civil recovery proceedings within 60 court days. The probe operates under a proclamation authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“The primary mission of the SIU is to recover proceeds from beneficiaries of NLC grant funding who are involved in unlawful activities, thereby restoring the State’s financial losses,” the SIU stated.
The unit confirmed any evidence of criminal conduct will be forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority.
The US Justice Department released another large trove of Jeffrey Epstein documents on Tuesday morning, 23 December, containing US President Donald Trump’s name and the number of times he flew on Epstein’s private jet.
“Some of these documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election,” the DOJ said in a statement Tuesday morning about the 30,000 pages of documents. “To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already.”
“Nevertheless, out of our commitment to the law and transparency, the DOJ is releasing these documents with the legally required protections for Epstein’s victims,” the statement concluded.
The new documents come after the Epstein files were initially released on Friday and heavily redacted. Never-before-seen photos included Bill Clinton with Epstein and a 1996 criminal complaint from a former employee.
An email dated Jan. 8, 2020, shows Trump mentioned in flight records and mentions he “traveled on Epstein’s private jet many more times than previously has been reported (or that we were aware),” US attorney from the Southern District of New York wrote.
“In particular, he is listed as a passenger on at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996, including at least four flights on which Maxwell was also present,” the email reads.
On a flight in 1993, Trump and Epstein “are the only two listed passengers; on another, the only three passengers are Epstein, Trump, and then-20-year-old.”
The Department of Justice has officially released nearly 30,000 more pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Some of these documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election. To be…
“On two other flights, two of the passengers, respectively, were women who would be possible witnesses in a Maxwell case,” the assistant attorney said.
Additionally, an email to Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, from an email address titled “The Invisible Man,” requests “some new inappropriate friends.”
The message sent on Aug. 16, 2001, states the person was at Balmoral Summer Camp for the Royal Family. The sender signs off as “A.”
Maxwell responded on the same date with, “So sorry to disappoint you; however, the truth must be told. I have only been able to find appropriate friends.”
In October, King Charles III stripped Prince Andrew of his remaining titles and evicted him from his royal residence over his ties with Epstein. He is the younger brother of Charles and the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth.
Andrews’ decade-long friendship with Epstein ended in 2011 after Epstein threatened to sue Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, for defamation. Ferguson had publicly denounced her relationship with Epstein due to his 2008 sex offender conviction.
The Justice Department released all Epstein-related materials after Congress passed the “Epstein Files Transparency Act” law last month.
A federal judge overturned the murder conviction of Karl Jordan Jr., one of two men found guilty of killing Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay in 2002. The ruling cited insufficient evidence that Jordan had a motive for the shooting.
The decision came from U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall in Brooklyn, New York City, nearly two years after the jury found Jordan guilty. According to CNN, the judge upheld the conviction of co-defendant Ronald Washington but cleared Jordan, who had not yet been sentenced for the murder.
Jordan’s lawyers argued that the evidence failed to prove a motive. Prosecutors claimed the killing was revenge over a failed drug deal, but the judge said the record showed no reason Jordan would target Mizell. Witnesses had testified that Jordan shot his godfather in his Queens studio, yet the motive did not hold up under review.
Washington’s role in the shooting appeared stronger. Testimony suggested he blocked the studio door and directed an aide to get on the ground, while he may have acted out of anger over being cut out of a cocaine deal. The judge noted the evidence supported a motive for Washington, not Jordan.
Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, was a key figure in Run-DMC, helping hip-hop reach mainstream audiences with hits like “It’s Tricky” and “Walk This Way.” His death followed the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., marking a violent era for rap music in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The case remains open. Another suspect, Jay Bryant, was charged in 2023 after DNA linked him to the scene. Bryant has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. Meanwhile, prosecutors said they are reviewing the ruling and considering next steps.
Jordan remains behind bars for unrelated drug charges, while Washington may pursue further appeals. The decision adds another twist to a case that has puzzled investigators and fans for over two decades.
New York Times writer Alan Feuer says pro-Trump influencers have “always had a lot to say about the Jeffrey Epstein files.”
Several called for the files release before President Donald Trump was re-elected, certain they would “expose a cabal of Democrats who had palled around” with Epstein after he’d been exposed as a convicted sex offender, said Feuer. Several more criticized Trump this year as he sought to block the files’ release, calling them a “Democratic hoax.”
“But many of them were conspicuously quiet on Tuesday, when the Justice Department released a batch of materials that contained hundreds of mentions of Mr. Trump,” Feuer said. “Their silence contrasted with the uproar made over the weekend when the department’s first release focused on former President Bill Clinton, including an image, stripped of context, showing him reclining in a hot tub. MAGA influencer Laura Loomer – also known as Trump’s unofficial “loyalty enforcer” — mocked Clinton on social media after the photos emerged.
“On Tuesday, however, Ms. Loomer said nothing about the newly released materials, which showed, among other things, that federal prosecutors had determined that Mr. Trump had flown on Mr. Epstein’s private plane more times than they originally knew,” Feuer noted. “Instead, Ms. Loomer seemed to post about everything except the Epstein files: immigrant work visas; ‘anti-white racism’; next year’s midterm elections; and Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York.”
Feuer identified similar silence with conservative influencer Rogan O’Handley, who posts on X under the handle DC Draino. On Friday, O’Handley was also berating Clinton, writing how the Epstein files had depicted him “shirtless in a hot tub with a female that is not his wife.”
“But on Tuesday, Mr. O’Handley had nothing at all to say about the files,” said Feuer.
The same went for pro-Trump podcaster and “The Benny Show,” host Benny Johnson, who Feuer said much preferred posting about fired transgender instructors rather than Epstein.
“One Trump-friendly account did, however, post about the newly released files: the one run by the Justice Department,” said Feuer, adding that the department quickly jumped to defend the president as if they were his personal troupe of lawyers.
The Office of the Vice President has dismissed as false and misleading documents circulating on social media purporting to detail expenditure for Vice President Dr Jane Ansah’s alleged private trip to the United Kingdom.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Vice President’s Office spokesperson Richard Mveriwa said the document is fake and did not originate from any government institution, describing it as an attempt to deceive the public.
“The document circulating on social media is not authentic. It is misleading and should be treated as false,” said Mveriwa.
The document, dated December 11 and allegedly addressed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Malawi Mission in London, claims that Dr Ansah is scheduled to travel to the UK from December 26 to January 10, accompanied by 16 officials and a special guest, and that she would be based in Nottingham during the visit.
Despite the official denial, the document has triggered widespread online debate and backlash, with some social media users alleging that the trip would cost nearly K1.9 billion. The Office of the Vice President has dismissed these figures as unverified.
Mveriwa urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and advised Malawians to rely on official government communication or seek clarification from relevant authorities.
He added that the deliberate spread of false information creates unnecessary confusion and undermines public trust, reiterating that the Office of the Vice President remains committed to transparency and responsible communication.
Former President Bill Clinton is urging the Justice Department to release all records related to Jeffrey Epstein, criticizing a recent partial release as “selective” and suggesting someone or something is being protected. His team says the public deserves the full files, not just a limited snapshot.
Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, Angel Ureña, said the partial release under the Epstein Files Transparency Act falls short. The documents released Friday included photos of Clinton with unidentified individuals, including one in a hot tub and another showing a woman on his lap. Ureña stressed that Clinton ended ties with Epstein before his crimes became public.
According to Atlanta Black Star, the limited release has sparked strong reactions on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers, survivors, and advocates criticized the redactions and missing material. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie threatened contempt proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi for not fully complying with the law. He is working with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna on fines for each day the documents remain unreleased.
Pressure is also rising in the Senate. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to introduce a resolution in January to force full compliance. While some records have been released, critics say key files—including FBI interviews with victims and internal Justice Department memos—are still missing, raising concerns about accountability and transparency.
The Justice Department briefly removed some documents, including a photo of former President Trump with Epstein, before restoring them. Officials said the photo did not include any victims. Still, tens of thousands of pages remain heavily redacted or missing context. Clinton has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
House Oversight Chair James Comer is pursuing the Clintons as part of the ongoing Epstein probe, having subpoenaed them to respond by mid-December. The DOJ continues releasing records in stages to protect victims’ identities, but lawmakers warn this delays a full public accounting of Epstein’s crimes.
John Paul Miller, a former pastor from South Carolina, has been charged with cyberstalking his estranged wife, including posting a nude photo of her online without her consent. The allegations surfaced more than a year after she died by suicide in 2024.
A federal grand jury in Columbia, South Carolina, indicted the 46-year-old on two counts: cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators. Authorities say the case came up while they were reviewing the circumstances of his wife, Mica Miller’s death.
According to ABC News, Miller and his 30-year-old wife were separated and in the process of divorcing at the time. Her body was found on April 27, 2024, at Lumber River State Park in Robeson County, North Carolina, about an hour north of Myrtle Beach.
Police went to the park after Mica Miller called 911, saying she feared she might harm herself. They later found her in the water with what officials said appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A gun was recovered nearby, and the North Carolina Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide.
During the investigation, detectives found information they said was important to understanding the broader circumstances of her death. The Robeson County sheriff asked federal authorities to look into alleged actions that happened outside their jurisdiction, and the FBI joined the case.
According to the indictment, prosecutors say Miller repeatedly harassed his wife starting in November 2022 and continuing until her death. He allegedly posted a nude photo of her online without consent, put tracking devices on her car, contacted her more than 50 times in a day, interfered with her finances, and damaged her tires.
Federal investigators say Miller lied when questioned about the tire damage. Records allegedly show he bought a tire deflation device online and sent messages about her vehicle to others.
Miller is set to be arraigned on January 12 in federal court in Florence, South Carolina. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison for cyberstalking and up to two years for making false statements, along with fines.
Moroccan authorities have arrested eight people in a major crackdown on the illegal sale of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tickets, following widespread complaints from football fans about inflated prices and fraud.
The arrests were carried out after security agencies uncovered an organized network involved in reselling AFCON match tickets on the black market at prices far above their official value.
The suspects allegedly used social media platforms to advertise and distribute the tickets.
The operation was coordinated by judicial police units working alongside cybercrime investigators, who monitored online activity linked to suspicious ticket sales.
The eight suspects were apprehended in six different cities across Morocco, highlighting the wide geographical spread of the illegal operation.These cities include Rabat, Temara, Agadir, Salé, Marrakech and Mohammedia.
Investigators say the suspects exploited high public demand for AFCON matches, particularly for games involving popular national teams and matches scheduled in major stadiums.
Reports indicate that tickets originally sold through official channels at relatively affordable prices were resold at extreme mark ups.
In some cases, tickets priced at around 150 Moroccan dirhams were allegedly resold for more than 1,000 dirhams.
Some victims also reported being scammed with fake or invalid tickets, prompting authorities to treat the matter not only as an economic offense but also as a case of fraud.
Police officials confirmed that digital evidence, including online advertisements and electronic communications, played a key role in identifying and tracking the suspects.
All those arrested have been placed under judicial investigation as authorities work to determine whether the network involves additional individuals or wider criminal links.
Prosecutors are expected to decide on formal charges once investigations are complete with offenses likely to include fraud, illegal commercial activity and misuse of digital platforms.
Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities have issued a strong warning to the public, urging football fans to buy AFCON tickets only through officially approved CAF ticketing platforms.
Prosecutors in Nevada have charged a 35-year-old mother with her 5-year-old daughter’s murder, months after she was charged with abusing the little girl.
Andrea Loving stands accused of killing her daughter, Izabella.
Loving, 35, was arrested in late July for child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm. Investigators allege Izabela was abused daily by her mother. The girl was physically abused, left alone in isolation, confined to certain spaces, and would be deprived food while others in the household ate.
When she did eat, Izabella was often given just a hunk of bread, cops said.
Prosecutors formally amended her criminal complaint on Monday to include the murder charge.
Nicholas Loving, the girl’s father, was charged with murder in August following a four-month investigation into her death after the little girl died in April. In the amended complaint, prosecutors allege Nichoals killed Izabella by “hitting and/or kicking and/or dragging and/or whipping and/or otherwise striking the victim and/or by shoving the victim’s head against a wall.”
It also alleges that Andrea aided and abetted Nicholas, 45, as he beat the girl. They also tried covering up her bruises and told her siblings to tell cops they had caused her injuries.
The girl was taken out of school for a year so no one would see the damage to her body, cops allege.
As investigators looked into both parents, records viewed by Us Weekly show they discovered disturbing searches for “signs my child is dying,” “how long can you go without food,” “dark blood on boil when popping,” “my five year old is peeing blood,” and “kidneys failing.”
The two parents each blamed the other for the abuse that killed Izabella.
Andrea told police she could have taken Izabella for medical treatment on several occasions, but never did, rightly fearing she’d be turned into police by medical staff.
California Stepmom and Father Accused of Murdering His 14-Month-Old
“Andrea admitted she could have and should have sought help but did not,” detectives wrote. “Andrea said she thinks about that all the time and said she feels bad and guilty now.”
“The loss of Izabella Loving continues to weigh heavily on our community and everyone in my office,” offered Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks in a statement. “As this case continues to move forward, the facts uncovered only reinforce the seriousness of what occurred and the responsibility we have to pursue justice for Izzy. With the benefit of additional evidence and continued investigative efforts by our law enforcement, my office has expanded the charges against Andrea Loving to reflect the nature and extent of her actions.
“These filings represent careful, deliberate decisions based on the evidence and our obligation to seek justice on Izzy’s behalf,” Hick added. “Although we are limited in what we can publicly disclose at this stage, the public can be assured that this case remains an active priority. We will continue to provide information as permitted while safeguarding the integrity of the legal process.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Nicki Minaj says she’s been finding her way back to God, and that journey is why she’s speaking out for persecuted Christians.
Speaking at AmericaFest in Phoenix, Minaj said fame and the music industry slowly pulled her away from the faith she grew up with. “Sometimes, I would wake up and feel so far removed from fellowship,” she admitted.
Minaj, who was baptized at 13, said returning to prayer lately has felt like reconnecting with someone she never stopped loving. “Like running into a long-lost best friend,” she said, recalling moments where she felt God saying, “Where were you? I’ve been waiting on you.”
Now, she says she’s focused on pleasing God and urged young people to rely on Him. “Call on Him, and on the first ring, He’s going to answer.”
Minaj also explained why she’s been vocal about violence against Christians in Nigeria, saying, “We will not be silenced anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned his players that anyone who returns from the short Christmas break out of shape will not be involved in the team’s next Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
The City boss, who has won six league titles during his time at the Etihad Stadium, is known for his strict standards and revealed that his players were weighed before heading off for the festive break.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Guardiola made it clear that fitness levels would be closely monitored when the squad reconvenes, stressing that players who return overweight will be left out of the squad for the December 27 clash.
“On the 25th, I will be there controlling how many kilos come up,” Guardiola said.
https://youtu.be/8GENkl-HUOQ?si=PdZ6L2ZfbyHxGQaM
“They come fatty… listen, I didn’t say one word today to make them feel bad. This is the truth.
“The moment they arrive after three days, I want to see how they come back.
“They can eat at Christmas, but I want to control them. I have to make a selection for the 27th against Nottingham Forest.
“Imagine one player who is now perfect arrives with three kilos more — he will stay in Manchester. He won’t travel to Nottingham Forest, that’s for sure.”
Guardiola’s comments underline his no-nonsense approach as City look to maintain peak fitness and consistency during the busy festive period.
Mali 🇲🇱, Niger 🇳🇪, and Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 have taken a major step toward deeper regional integration with the inauguration of a joint television station and a common Bank for Investment and Development during the second summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The projects were launched by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, General Assimi Goïta, and General Abdourahamane Tiani, leaders of the three AES member states. Formed in 2023 after their break with ECOWAS, the alliance continues to strengthen cooperation among the Sahel nations.
The AES TV station aims to promote shared values, counter disinformation, and support sovereignty and development, while the new bank will finance regional projects and boost economic independence.
This comes shortly after the creation of a joint AES military force to combat terrorism.
Looking ahead, AES plans include a common airline, atrans-Saharanl highway, and an inter-confederate railway.
Amber Rose has come out strongly in support of Nicki Minaj, defending the rapper’s political views and questioning why she has faced backlash for backing former US president Donald Trump.
Speaking during a recent interaction with reporters, Rose, who has openly supported Trump for years, said Minaj is fully entitled to her political beliefs in a free society and has done nothing wrong by expressing them.
According to Rose, criticism of Minaj’s stance is misplaced, stressing that individuals should be allowed to support whoever they choose without being attacked for it.
She also dismissed arguments that Minaj’s support for Trump could alienate her LGBTQ+ fanbase, saying she does not understand why the Trump administration is often labelled as anti-LGBTQ+.
Rose further weighed in on Minaj’s recent appearance at a Turning Point USA event, where the rapper sat down for a discussion with Erika Kirk. Rose spoke enthusiastically about the exchange, describing it in glowing terms.
The outspoken model and media personality made it clear she is unapologetically standing by Minaj, adding that she is more than happy to publicly support her friend’s political choices.
Minaj, whose real name is Nicki Minaj, has drawn significant attention in recent months for aligning herself with Trump and conservative causes, a move that has sparked debate among fans and critics alike.
US President, Donald Trump has warned that the release of investigative files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein could unfairly damage the reputations of people who merely had innocent encounters with him in the past.
Speaking on Monday night at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump made his first public comments since the US Justice Department began releasing the Epstein files last Friday. He dismissed the renewed focus on Epstein as a distraction from what he described as the Republican Party’s achievements.
“This whole thing with Epstein is a way of trying to deflect from the tremendous success that the Republican Party has,” Trump told reporters.
Former US President Bill Clinton appeared prominently in the first batch of photos released, prompting questions about Trump’s reaction. Trump said he had always had a good relationship with Clinton and expressed discomfort over the release of the images.
“I like Bill Clinton. I’ve always gotten along with Bill Clinton. I hate to see photos come out of him,” he said.
Trump also acknowledged that he himself appeared in photos with Epstein, noting that Epstein had socialised widely.
“There’s photos of me too. Everybody was friendly with this guy,” he said.
He described the release of such images as a “terrible thing,” stressing that being photographed with Epstein did not automatically imply wrongdoing.
“Bill Clinton’s a big boy, he can handle it,” Trump added. “But you probably have pictures being exposed of other people that innocently met Jeffrey Epstein years ago, many years ago, and they’re highly respected bankers and lawyers and others.”
According to Trump, many people are upset about the publication of images involving individuals who, he said, had nothing to do with Epstein’s crimes.
“They’re in a picture with him because he was at a party and you ruin a reputation of somebody,” he said.
Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier, died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide.
Nicki Minaj Isn’t a U.S. Citizen but Believes She Should Have “Honorary Citizenship”
Rapper Nicki Minaj has been in the music business for so long that some forget her pioneering contributions to the hip-hop industry. She came into the game in the late 2000s, becoming one of the few female rappers in her generation, and the biggest by far. Over the years, Nicki has used her starpower to speak about things she’s passionate about,including her political beliefs.
In December 2025, the “Beez In the Trap” rapper aligned herself with President Donald Trump and the Trump Administration, stating in a panel interview with Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, at an event for her late husband, Charlie Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, “I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president.”
Nicki’s affiliation with the right-wing party shocked many of her fans, namely her fans within the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ spaces. Some pointed out that the rapper aligned herself with the administration amid Trump’s staunch immigration crackdown that has resulted in thousands of undocumented citizens being deported by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE). Even more remembered Nicki herself has admitted to not being a U.S. citizen.
Here’s what she’s said about her citizenship, or lack thereof.
Why isn’t Nicki Minaj a U.S. citizen?
Most people who have listened to Nicki’s music knows she represents her Trinidadian roots. Born Onika Tanya Maraj on Dec. 8, 1982, the rapper started her life in Saint James, Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago. When she was 5, she and her family moved to the United States as illegal immigrants. Despite living in the U.S. for several decades, Nicki has yet to become a legal citizen.
Nicki opened up about her immigration status in September 2024 during a TikTok live session.
“I’m not a citizen of America,” the rapper admitted. “Isn’t that crazy?”
In the same live, Nicki said she felt she was owed citizenship due to how much she money she’s contributed to the country through taxes.
“I was born on a beautiful island called Trinidad and Tobago. But I’ve been in the States for many years. You would think that with the millions of dollars that I’ve paid in taxes to this country that I would have been given an honorary citizenship many, many, many thousands of years ago.”
Nicki Minaj has been vocal about her views on immigration in the past.
Although she isn’t a U.S. citizen, Nicki has used her starpower to speak out against national and global issues, specifically ICE raids. According to People, in 2018, she opened up about her past alongside a 2015 photo of the cages at the processing detention centers run by the Department of Homeland Security, where children have been held since being forcibly removed from their parents who were caught crossing into America from the Mexican border under the Trump administration’s since-reversed “zero-tolerance” family separation policy.
“I can’t imagine the horror of being in a strange place and having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5,” Nicki wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post. “This is so scary to me. Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror and panic these kids feel right now? Not knowing if their parents are dead or alive, if they’ll ever see them again… ”
Although Nicki showed compassion for those affected by Trump’s ICE raids during his first presidential term, she has said nearly the opposite since he was voted back into office in November 2024. During her interview with Erika Kirk, she said “it’s OK to change your mind.”
American rapper Drake, in announcing a three-night livestream spree on Kick revealed he plans to give back a portion of his betting winnings to fans after a rough gambling year.
Drake said on Instagram that he will be embarking on a live session from December 21 to 23, streaming his online gambling sessions while offering viewers a chance at a major payout.
The Toronto superstar stated candidly that one lucky fan will receive 10 percent of his Stake winnings from the streams.
Can we end my roughest gambling year on a good note??” Drake wrote in the post. “I want to MAXWIN and share 10% of it with you.” He encouraged fans to visit Stake for entry details, adding that the streams would run “BACK 2 BACK 2 BACK” over the three nights.
This move comes as Drake has come out in the open to reveal that 2025 hasn’t been kind to him when it comes to betting.
Nearly a week ago, he placed a $200,000 wager on Jake Paul to defeat Anthony Joshua, an upset that would’ve earned him a $1.64 million payout.
Paul went on to lose to Joshua, and this reignited jokes online about the so-called “Drake curse.” In recent years, Drake has been in the news on countless occasions for his gambling habits.
The 39-year-old rapper routinely shares high-stakes bets across boxing, UFC, the NBA, NFL, and international soccer.
Although some of those wagers have gone sideways, Drake has never taken a step back from betting big or posting the results, win or lose.
This time, however, the emphasis appears to be on sharing the experience with fans. Given the size of Drake’s usual wagers, even a fraction of his winnings could be life-changing for the recipient if he hits a big win during the streams.
Over the last week, Drake has largely been celebrating a record-breaking year in streaming and teasing the final stages of his next major project.
He officially set the record for the biggest streaming year of all time for a rapper on Spotify, surpassing 17.6 billion streams in 2025, per Complex. On December 20, he became the first artist in history to surpass 125 billion career streams on Spotify.
The Department of Justice has said that a purported letter from Jeffrey Epstein to sex offender Larry Nassar was “fake” after the note suggested President Donald Trump preferred “young” girls.
The letter was part of a trove of Epstein documents released by the Justice Department this week.
“As you will know by now, I have taken the ‘short route’ home,” Epstein allegedly noted in the letter. “Good luck! We shared one thing … our love & caring for young ladies and the hope they reach their full potential.”
The DOJ seemed to be running interference for Trump as it quickly opened an investigation into the letter.
“The FBI has confirmed this alleged letter from Jeffrey Epstein to Larry Nassar is FAKE,” the department reported several hours later. “The fake letter was received by the jail, and flagged for the FBI at the time.”
“The writing does not appear to match Jeffrey Epstein’s,” the conclusion continued. “This fake letter serves as a reminder that just because a document is released by the Department of Justice does not make the allegations or claims within the document factual. Nevertheless, the DOJ will continue to release all material required by law.”
The Associated Press, however, suggested the letter was real when it first reported on its existence in 2023.
In 2016, Vox reported that Trump had a history of “making disturbing comments about young girls.”
“[I]n his mind, 21 is too old,” former Miss Utah Temple Taggart asserted after meeting with Trump.
The FBI has confirmed this alleged letter from Jeffrey Epstein to Larry Nassar is FAKE. The fake letter was received by the jail, and flagged for the FBI at the time. The FBI made this conclusion based on the following facts:
U.S. BLINKS ON CHINA CHIP TARIFFS: DECISION PUSHED TO 2027
The U.S. has delayed announcing tariffs on Chinese-made chips, shelving a move once expected as early as 2025, and now pushing it to 2027.
This comes after the U.S. accused China of engaging in unfair trade practices in the semiconductor sector, and amid pressure from industry and allies worried about higher costs and disrupted supply chains… even as Washington warns about China flooding the market with cheap chips.
Beijing pushed back fast, with Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu rejecting tariff pressure and arguing the chip market is driven by business reality, not politics.
Behind the scenes, industry pressure and ally concerns over higher costs and supply-chain chaos appear to be winning out over political chest-thumping.
For now, Trump’s team seems more focused on stabilizing ties after the Trump-Xi deal than blowing up the global chip supply
For now, Beijing gets time, U.S. manufacturers get relief, leaving the tech showdown paused, not solved.
Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, head coach of the Mali national team, criticizes the idea of holding the Africa Cup of Nations every four years
“Since 1957, the Africa Cup of Nations has been held every two years, and now they say it will be played every four years. That is not right. Africa must be respected.
The AFCON is not a copy of other tournaments. It is a competition with history, passion, and a unique identity specific to the African continent no
Reducing it or changing its spirit under the excuse of organization diminishes the value of African football, its fans, and its players.”
French nuclear company Orano says about 1,600 tonnes of uranium may have been moved from a Niger site without authorization. French prosecutors have opened an investigation into alleged organized theft of the material.
The case comes amid rising tensions between France and Niger’s military government over control of strategic resources.
Reports of large uranium shipments leaving Niger have raised concerns about possible sales to foreign buyers and broader nuclear security risks.
This situation highlights the growing geopolitical struggle over Africa’s critical natural resources.
MAMA ESTHER LUNGU GRANTED APPEAL TO SUPREME COURT OVER REMAINS OF ZAMBIA’S LATE PRESIDENT
.. court finds merit in her application against the order of the Gauteng High Court which ruled that she should surrender to Government to repatriate the mortal remains of the late President
The Supreme Court of South Africa has granted an appeal by the family of the late Zambia’s Sixth President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu to challenge the decision of the Gauteng High Court to repatriate to Zambia the mortal remains of the deceased.
Earlier the High Court had ruled that the family surrender the body of President Lungu to the Government of the Republic for funeral and burial in Lusaka, Zambia as he was entitled to an official ceremony and state honours.
But the family has always argued that the matter of the funeral and the body was entirely upto the family to decide.
The permission to appeal was granted in an order signed by Acting Chief Registrat of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) of South Africa, Z. V. D. Ntaka.
PAUL TEMBO WAS ASSASSINATED IN A BID TO SHIELD FTJs CORRUPTION -Mr. Tembo was shot and killed around 03 a.m. at his Lusaka residence; in the presence of his wife and children, the day he was supposed to testify to a tribunal in a corruption case against three government ministers.
At the very end of Kaunda’s one-party state, in the 1991 general elections, Paul Tembo was elected as Member of Parliament for Kabwe constituency (now Kabwe Central constituency) on the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) ticket. Later, in 1992 president Fredrick Chiluba appointed him as Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry. Though after a few months; he was replaced by Shiabyungwe Shengamo.
Politics being politics, President Fredrick to keep Paul; in 1993 he was appointed as Deputy Minister of Finance. Within the same year, Hon. Paul Tembo was moved to the President’s Office where he was appointed as Deputy Minister.
Fast-forward.
The 1996 general elections brought internal party conflict during adoptions.
Regardless, the end result was Tembo’s re-adoption as MMD’s candidate for Kabwe Central constituency. This forced Austin Chewe to contest as an independent candidate, and with the support from local activists; Paul Tembo was beaten by Austin in that election.
Aside from parliamentary elections, Paul Tembo headed Chiluba’s re-election campaign in 1996 and spearheaded his botched bid that year, which sought an unconstitutional third five-year term in office (CNN, July 7, 2001).
So, after losing as Member of Parliament for Kabwe Central, Tembo contested an election for the position of MMD Vice-President and won.
But, after a recount, he ended up losing by a vote.
Losing the Kabwe Central parliamentary election and a subsequent election for the Vice President position; Tembo decided to resign from MMD, joining the opposition Forum for Democracy and Development party (FDD).
The story gets even more interesting here.
On Friday, 6 July, 2001 Mr. Tembo was set to appear before the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which was investigating allegations that Finance Minister Katele Kalumba, Home Affairs Minister Peter Machungwa and Works and Supply Minister Godden Mandandi illegally used $625,000 (K2 billion, unrebased) of state money to finance a ruling party convention which was held in Kabwe on 27th April to 2nd May, 2001 (Associated Press, 2001).
The same day, on Friday 6th July, around 03hrs; Paul Tembo was was gunned down.
“There were two intruders. They lured Paul out and then forced him back into the house, into his bedroom… They made him lie facing the mattress and then they shot him at point blank.” Family spokesman, Dick Mpheneka described how Tembo was killed within sight of his wife and children (CNN, July 7, 2001).
According to Mutembo Nchito, Paul Tembo’s lawyer: Paul Tembo’s evidence, could have implicated senior government officials including president Chiluba.
“One reason why Paul may have been killed was the evidence he was due to give at the corruption tribunal. Paul was likely to implicate the president in the diversion and misuse of public resources,” Mutembo Nchito told Reuters.
Paul Tembo was not the first politician to have been killed during Chiluba’s regime. In 1998 former Finance Minister Ronald Penza was murdered shortly after being fired by Chiluba, while a year later President Kenneth Kaunda’s son and political heir Wezi, a strong Chiluba opponent, was also murdered (CNN, July 7, 2001).
This death received a lot of reactions from different people , particularly, opposition leaders.
“I would not be surprised to learn that Paul Tembo’s information would have linked people in government to corruption and they decided to eliminate him. This is a pattern of attack to scare us into submission. This is state sponsored crime.” Lt. Gen. Christon Tembo, then leader of the oppositionparty, Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), said a day after Paul Tembo’s death (CNN, 2001).
“The opposition will need to work closer and create a strong force during elections because the only solution to our current problems is to get Chiluba out of office,” Anderson Mazoka, then leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), told Reuters.
Every government has it’s own modus operandi it uses to silence those who expose it’s corruption. During Chiluba’s regime, there were a number of politically motivated assassinations. Another good example of politically motivated assassinations is that of a prominent lawyer: Richard Ngenda, the only lawyer who died whilst fighting corruption.
Currently, how do you rate the UPND’s fight against corruption? Is it through firings/incarcerations? Or, is it through transferring of the alleged corrupt Minister’s from one Ministry to another? Is there currently a zero-tolerance approach to corruption?
In continuing with my theme for the last couple of statements, I wish to restate the idea, and my belief, that Zambia today is trapped in serious Lack of Trust. This mistrust lies at the centre of many of our national stand offs.
I have written before about its role in the Bill 7 debate, with sharp reactions from some corners. However, the most painful and shameful expression of this unfortunate situation can be seen in the long delay in the burial of our late President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
This situation did not arise by chance. It is driven by deep suspicion among political players. That suspicion is fed by political differences, tribal thinking, past bad history and, more than anything else, political propaganda.
Too many people have found it easier to spread fear and half truths than to build trust. They prey on the real insecurities, struggles and poverty of the people, even though they know that national development is a slow process and it requires patience.
The result is clear for all to see. Our public discourse, especially on social media, is now filled with insults and hatred. Debate has been replaced by abuse. Anger has taken the place of empathy.
In such an atmosphere, even death cannot unite us. The delay in laying President Lungu to rest, for example, is not an isolated failure. It is part of a bigger problem, and a direct result of the mistrust we have allowed to grow.
There is an old truth, in the Bible, that says’ how good and pleasant it is when people choose to live together in unity.’ That truth matters now more than ever. Without unity, Lack of Trust deepens. Without working together, even moments that should humble us, such as a funeral, only divide us further.
As we come to the end of this year, there can be no more excuses. This situation has reached its dead end and it is no longer acceptable.
Someone, somewhere, must rise above politics and make the first move. The mortal remains of President Lungu must be brought back to the land of his forefathers. He must be buried with empathy, and with dignity.
