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Grant Gets the Green Light—Chipolopolo Coach to Finally Pocket His K2.6 Million Salary

Grant Gets the Green Light—Chipolopolo Coach to Finally Pocket His K2.6 Million Salary.

After months of coaching Chipolopolo with more passion than pay, head coach Avram Grant can finally smile a little wider and not just because of a good game. Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu has confirmed that the government will settle Grant’s long-overdue salary of over K2.6 million within the next two weeks.



Nkandu explained the delay wasn’t due to forgetfulness or an accounting error, but rather a classic case of robbing Peter to feed Paul literally. “Budget cuts hit hard,” he said, “and we had to reallocate funds to address national hunger caused by the drought. Sadly, football took a back seat to food.”



In a show of faith, FAZ President Keith Mweemba stepped in, promising to engage the government pronto. “We want to make sure Coach Grant gets his dues and that players aren’t left counting coins after matches,” he said. “We can’t have our team playing with empty pockets and full hearts forever.”



Grant, who’s been as patient as a striker waiting for a pass that never comes, has not commented but we’re guessing his bank app will be getting a lot more attention in the coming days.



The players, too, are waiting for their share,
Fans, meanwhile, are hopeful that with salaries sorted, motivation and maybe even Zambia’s FIFA ranking will get a boost. As one supporter put it, “Let’s feed the coach, pay the players, and then maybe the goals will come too.”

©️ KUMWESU

Govt Plans to export beef worth K1bn

Govt Plans to export beef worth K1bn

Fisheries and Livestock Minister PETER KAPALA says government is targeting 1 billion Kwacha in beef exports, driven by the ongoing establishment of disease-free compartments across the country.



Mr. KAPALA was speaking in Lusaka when Czech Republic Deputy Prime Minister MARIAN JURECKA paid a courtesy call on him



He says Zambia plans to start beef exports to Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as part of government’s strategy to increase export earnings.



Mr. KAPALA added that government aims to grow the national cattle population from the current 5.1 million to 7.4 million by 2027.



Meanwhile, Mr. JURECKA said the Czech Republic considers Zambia a top priority partner, especially in agriculture and food processing.



He said Czech companies are ready to offer end-to-end technologies for farming, processing, and food production.

-ZNBC

UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE OPENS IN BERLIN 

UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE OPENS IN BERLIN 

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, officially opened the 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Berlin, Germany.



The two-day conference attracted thousands of political and military leaders, along with institutions invested in global peacekeeping efforts. 

Zambia was represented at the conference by Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu, and Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele.



Others in the delegation included Zambia Army Secretary, Brigadier General David Sanene, and Military Advisor at Zambia’s Mission to the United Nations in New York, Brigadier General Oliver Musonda. 



Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala, stated that following the official opening, Haamaundu engaged in discussions with Namibia’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Frans Kapofi. 



On Wednesday, Haamaundu was expected to present a national statement and make Zambia’s pledge for peacekeeping.



He was also scheduled to speak on the role Zambia played in peacekeeping efforts on the side-lines of the Ministerial Conference.

“ZAMBIA-CZECH REPUBLIC PARTNERSHIP FLOURISHES UNDER PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S LEADERSHIP”

“ZAMBIA-CZECH REPUBLIC PARTNERSHIP FLOURISHES UNDER PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S LEADERSHIP”

By Timmy

In a significant boost to Zambia’s development, President Hakainde Hichilema received a courtesy call from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Mr. Vlastimil Válek, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Mr. Marian Jurečka, of the Czech Republic. This high-level visit underscores the growing partnership between Zambia and the Czech Republic in key areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and cultural exchange.



The Czech Republic’s contributions to Zambia’s development are noteworthy, particularly in conservation agriculture, irrigation systems, and livestock improvement. The goodwill missions by Czech medical experts have also supported the training of Zambian healthcare professionals, strengthening our healthcare infrastructure.



This collaboration is a testament to President Hichilema’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that drive development and improve the lives of Zambians. The UPND government’s efforts to strengthen global ties are yielding positive results, and we’re proud to see Zambia’s profile elevated on the international stage.



What do you think about this development? Share your thoughts in the comments below!


Like and share this post to show your support for President Hichilema’s leadership and Zambia’s growing international partnerships!

WAGON MEDIA

” MERIT-BASED APPOINTMENTS IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

” MERIT-BASED APPOINTMENTS IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY”

By Timmy

Emmanuel Mwamba’s recent article on appointments and promotions at the National Assembly is a classic example of his propensity to spread misinformation and fuel tribalism. It’s evident that he’s still bitter about the fact that the current system prioritizes merit over tribal affiliations.



The truth is, the National Assembly has made appointments and promotions based on merit, with individuals from various provinces being recognized for their hard work and dedication. To be specific, the appointments include:



✅ 2 Bembas
✅ 2 Tongas
✅2 Northwesterners
✅1 from Central Province



This diversity is an example of the inclusive nature of the current system. Gone are the days of tribal favoritism, and it’s refreshing to see appointments being made based on individual merit.



We should appreciate the efforts of the National Assembly in promoting a fair and transparent system. It’s time for Emmanuel Mwamba and others like him to stop spreading negativity and instead focus on the positive developments in our country.



What do you think about merit-based appointments? Share your thoughts in the comments below!


Like and share this post to promote a culture of meritocracy and inclusivity!

WAGON MEDIA

Blame the Church for Propaganda -JOSHUA MAPONGA

Blame the Church for Propaganda -JOSHUA MAPONGA

It is the church that invented PROPAGANDA!

So without the church, there wouldn’t be anything like propaganda in the world.



The time that church ruled the whole was called the dark age, because of the too much evil that the church committed.

Yet Christians are the light of the world!



The church killed lots of scientists because they were saying something that is not in the Bible.


That slowed down the advancement of science, because scientists were afraid for their lives if they dare say things that is not in the people.



In other words, the church kept the world primitive.

If I go into the details of the dark history of the church, you will shed tears especially as an African Christian…

FoT

ZAMBIA PUSHES TO CONCLUDE DEBT RESTRUCTURING BY SEPTEMBER

ZAMBIA PUSHES TO CONCLUDE DEBT RESTRUCTURING BY SEPTEMBER

SECRETARY to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa says government is aiming to conclude the remaining $1.3 billion debt restructuring negotiations by September this year.



In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Nkulukusa however says the targeted timeframe will largely depend on the willingness of creditors to participate in the restructuring process.



He has noted that the only disincentive for creditors delaying the process is that government will not service debts that are yet to be agreed upon under the restructuring framework.



Mr. Nkulukusa also highlighted that, much like during the Highly Indebted Poor Countries -HIPC- initiative, not all creditors may be willing to participate in the restructuring but is hopeful that all stakeholders will come on board to ensure the talks are successfully concluded.



Zambia has been engaged in protracted debt restructuring efforts following its default in 2020, as the country seeks to restore debt sustainability and boost investor confidence.

PN

THESE ARE FABRICATED DOCUMENTS, MALANJI TELLS COURT

THESE ARE FABRICATED DOCUMENTS, MALANJI TELLS COURT

….as he points out discrepancies in the property transactions presented to court by the state witness

Lusaka… Wednesday May 14, 2025 — The printed out statements, including receipts and dates purporting to be my payments towards the purchase of three properties in Silverest Gardens in December, 2020, are fabricated, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji told the Economic and Financial Crimes Court.

Malanji who pointed out the discrepancies in the statements, including duplicated receipts and incorrect dates, said the state witness was allegedly under pressure to fabricate the information to implicate him.

During cross-examination by state prosecutor Gracelia Mulenga yesterday, Malanji countered the allegations that he made the staggering payments of about US$18,000, US$16,000, and US$14,000 towards houses No. 033, No. 269, and No. 270 only upon his return from Turkey, describing them as “total fabrication”.

Asked whether he could confirm that he made those payments on December 31, 2020 upon his return from Turkey according to the property transactions, Malanji vehemently denied the allegations.

“There was no payment which was made towards the property on this date. This is a fabricated date,” Malanji said.

He alleged that the state witness, Francis Chipeta from ZDA, was forced to fabricate the property transactions.

“I came to know that they were under a lot of pressure to fabricate these documents,” he said.

Malanji reminded the court that even his defense lawyers objected to the submission due to the same discrepancies in the receipts and statements, including duplicated receipts and incorrect dates when they were cross-examining the state witness.

This is in a matter in which Malanji, is charged of being in possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime, while his co-accused, former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba is charged with wilful failure to comply with applicable law and procedure relating to procurement of property in Turkey.

Cross-examination continues today.

CHESTER BOUNCES BACK WITH NEW ALBUM AFTER YOUTUBE CHANNEL LOSS SETBACK, ACCUMULATING OVER 16 MILLION VIEWS IN 10 MONTHS

CHESTER BOUNCES BACK WITH NEW ALBUM AFTER YOUTUBE CHANNEL LOSS SETBACK, ACCUMULATING OVER 16 MILLION VIEWS IN 10 MONTHS



Zambian artist Moses Ngandwe alias Chester MORE POWER has shown that resilience, consistency and talent is the recipe for success as his come back from loosing his YouTube channel to accumulating over 16.4 million views and 73,000 subscribers on his new channel in 10 months has left industry peers in awe.



The singer has seen tremendous success after the release of his masterpiece album “I AM ON MY WAY” with three singles standing out and achieving millions of views on YouTube. The songs that have put the singer back on the spotlight include


● Eondangana Nankwe with over 8.9 million YouTube views
● Mwakamba Late with over 2.2 million YouTube views
● Bele with over 1.5 million YouTube views


All these songs where release a little over seven months ago but up to date, they still keep people in tavens on their feets the whole night and young one singing along all the time signifying the songs’ highly infectious nature.



Chester More Power’s album, which went on to accumulate over 3.7 million boomplay streams since its release in 2024, has remained top of the charts, which not only includes DSPs but also Radio and TV.


Radio presenter Paige Ethy Kamanga on 29th April 2025 – praised the singer on his authenticity and consistency, which has yeilded admirable success, a message many industry people including rapper Macky 2 agreed with.



“One interesting fact I spotted is that he(Chester) never changed how he made his music to try to fit in. He made music how he has always made and stayed authentic and original to his identity,” said radio goddess Paige Ethy Kamanga in part of her appreciation post for the singer.



Chester More Power has been making music for over 20 years and up to date, the singer seems like he is still in his prime with new artists standing no chance to compete – as his music plays almost on every corner club in Zambia. True to his album title, he is still on his way to success.

READ MORE: https://zedifyonline.com/chester-bounces-back-with-new-album-after-youtube-channel-loss-setback/

Nakonde District Commissioner’s Official Vehicle Stolen

Nakonde District Commissioner’s Official Vehicle Stolen

The official vehicle of the Nakonde District Commissioner, a white Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number GRZ 840 DA, has been stolen from the Nakonde Town Council premises.



The vehicle was last used on Friday by the police to attend a burial ceremony for their collegue, a police intelligence officer in Chaba, Chilubi mainland, in Northern Province.

The vehicle was parked at the council premises, which is fenced, and the keys were kept at the reception area, where council security officers are stationed.



The theft was discovered on Tuesday morning, May 13, 2025 when the District Administrative Officer, Alex Sinkala, went to fetch the vehicle.



Mr Sinkala had been instructed by the District Commissioner, Marvelous Sikapizye, to get the vehicle so that they could attend the burial of Chieftainess Waitwika’s nephew in Waitwika.



However only keys were collected at the council reception.

The DC’s driver is currently on short leave, having lost his mother, and was attending her burial this morning.



suspect that the vehicle may have been stolen between Saturday and Monday night.



The matter has been reported to the police

Chete FM – Nakonde 89.9FM, Chinsali 91.3FM

White South Africans going to US are cowards, Ramaphosa says

White South Africans going to US are cowards, Ramaphosa says

(BBC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a group of 59 white South Africans who have moved to the US to resettle “cowards”, saying “they’ll be back soon”.



The group of Afrikaners arrived in the US on Monday after President Donald Trump granted them refugee status, saying they faced racial discrimination.



But Ramaphosa said those who wanted to leave were not happy with efforts to address the inequities of the apartheid past, terming their relocation a “sad moment for them”.



“As South Africans, we are resilient. We don’t run away from our problems. We must stay here and solve our problems. When you run away you are a coward, and that’s a real cowardly act,” he added.



Trump and his close ally, South Africa-born Elon Musk, have said there was a “genocide” of white farmers in South Africa – a claim that has been widely discredited.



The US has also accused the South African government of seizing land from white farmers without paying compensation.

More than 30 years after the end of decades of rule by South Africa’s white minority, black farmers own only a small fraction of the country’s best farmland, with the majority still in white hands, leading to anger over the slow pace of change.



In January President Ramaphosa signed a controversial law allowing the government to seize privately owned land without compensation in certain circumstances, when it is deemed “equitable and in the public interest”.

But the government says no land has yet been seized under the act.



Trump has offered to resettle the white Afrikaners, descendants of mostly Dutch settlers, saying they were fleeing a “terrible situation” in South Africa.

NAKONDE TOWN COUNCIL RECEIVES CDF DRILLING RIG WORTH K6.4M TO ADDRESS WATER CHALLENGES

NAKONDE TOWN COUNCIL RECEIVES CDF DRILLING RIG WORTH K6.4M TO ADDRESS WATER CHALLENGES

13th May 2025

Nakonde Town Council is pleased to announce the acquisition of a drilling rig valued at K6.493 million, procured under the 2024- 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF). This significant investment is aimed at addressing persistent water challenges across the district.



The newly received equipment will enable the Council to drill boreholes in communities that have long struggled with limited or no access to clean and safe water. This move is in line with the government’s broader commitment to improving water infrastructure, promoting public health, and enhancing the quality of life in rural and peri-urban areas.



Access to clean water is a basic human right, and this equipment will go a long way in supporting the efforts of the Local Authourity to meet the water need for the people of Nakonde.



The Council will soon begin identifying priority areas for borehole drilling in consultation with community leaders and stakeholders.



The Rig is currently stationed at Nakonde Town Council premises

Issued by
Asst. Public Relations Officer
Nakonde Town Council

CHONGWE CONSTITUENCY RECEIVES OVER K6 MILLION 2025 CDF ALLOCATION

CHONGWE CONSTITUENCY RECEIVES OVER K6 MILLION 2025 CDF ALLOCATION

GOVERNMENT has disbursed over K6 Million  to Chongwe Constituency as part of the 2025 Constituency Development Fund allocation.



Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, Chongwe Municipal Council Public Relations Officer, Peter Sukwa, says the Ministry of Finance and National Planning has released funding to the local authority to support key sectors such as secondary school boarding bursaries



Mr Sukwa revealed that the funds were received in two phases and are earmarked for youth and women empowerment, skills development and secondary school boarding bursaries.

“From February 2025 to April 2025, the government has released a total of K6, 205,128.20 to Chongwe Municipal Council CDF account,” he said.



He further stated that the council has facilitated the payment of boarding fees for over 700 pupils enrolled in 25 secondary schools.

Mr Sukwa appealed to head teachers of some institutions that have not yet received their payments to urgently submit the necessary documentation to ensure timely disbursement of funds to all eligible pupils.



“We wish to reassure skills development bursary beneficiaries that the disbursement process is nearing completion and they will soon begin accessing their funds,” he said.



He said the local authority has since formally requested for an additional release of CDF 2025 funding from the government, following the successful utilisation of previous allocation as per CDF guidelines.



“This request includes support for community projects as well as women and youth empowerment grants and loans,” he said.

27-Year-Old To Contest Nakonde Seat

27-Year-Old To Contest Nakonde Seat

By Moses Mbewe Jr

A 27-year-old aspiring Member of Parliament has announced his intention to contest the Nakonde parliamentary seat, becoming one of the youngest figures to enter the 2026 race.



Harry Simuntala, a law student and Secretary General of the National Freedom Front Party(NFF), is known for his activism in governance and climate justice.



He supports constitutional reforms such as mixed member proportional representation and says young people must now lead efforts to reshape politics.



While critical of both the ruling party and the current opposition, Mr Simuntala believes his campaign can shift focus toward people’s livelihoods rather than political rivalry.



He has told Sun TV News in an interview that his candidacy will reflect grassroots priorities and youth-driven policy as his party prepares to launch a citizen-based manifesto.

Chipolopolo midfielder Kelvin Kampamba has raised the alarm over his safety in Libya

UPDATE ON KELVIN MUBANGA KAMPAMBA’S SITUATION

We are working closely with the Government to facilitate the safe evacuation of Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba, a vital member of our National Team, back to Zambia.

The safety and well-being of Kelvin and all our players remain our top priority. We urge everyone to remain calm and assured that we are doing everything possible to ensure his secure return.

We appreciate your understanding and support during this time.

Keith Mweemba
President, Football Association of Zambia

Ramaphosa seeks dialogue with Trump amid tensions over land reform and ICJ case

Ramaphosa seeks dialogue with Trump amid tensions over land reform and ICJ case

President Cyril Ramaphosa is pushing for diplomatic engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump following escalating tensions over South Africa’s land reform policies and its genocide case against Israel. This comes after Trump cut U.S. aid and imposed new tariffs, citing concerns about the Expropriation Act signed by Ramaphosa in January 2025.



Ramaphosa, who refutes claims of land confiscation and human rights violations, insists the act aligns with constitutional and global norms. In a phone call on April 24, the leaders agreed to meet soon, with Ramaphosa prioritizing direct diplomacy and sending a delegation to negotiate trade and political ties.



Critics argue the move reflects economic dependency, especially as Trump granted refugee status to 49 Afrikaners and imposed a 30% tariff on South African exports. Others blame misinformation spread by groups like AfriForum.



While Ramaphosa’s approach aims to de-escalate tensions and clarify policy, public skepticism persists, with many doubting the effectiveness of engaging Trump.

Omotoso freed on technicality after Home Affairs blunder

Omotoso freed on technicality after Home Affairs blunder

Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso was released from custody today, May 13, following a procedural misstep by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.



Omotoso had been arrested, on Saturday, May 10, in East London for alleged violations of the Immigration Act.

Under South African law, individuals detained pending deportation must appear in court within 48 hours of arrest. In Omotoso’s case, that deadline expired at 7h00 AM on Monday. However, he was only brought before the East London Magistrates’ Court at 2h00 PM seven hours too late.



The missed deadline resulted in Omotoso’s release on what legal observers have called a “technicality.” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed the release, citing the department’s failure to comply with the required legal timeframe.



The Department of Home Affairs said it will assess its options once the court’s written judgment is issued.



Meanwhile, Omotoso’s legal team has launched an urgent application in the East London High Court, challenging Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber’s decision to declare the televangelist a prohibited person. They argue the declaration was procedurally flawed.

Does the new pope have Haitian roots?

The new pope’s French-sounding last name, Prevost, intrigued historians who began digging in the archives and discovered the pope had deep roots in Louisiana . Pope Leo XIV, who has not spoken openly about his roots, may have an ancestral connection to Haiti.

His grandfather, Joseph Norval Martinez, may have been born there, though historical records are conflicting. Josue Derosier, a resident of Port-au-Prince and a Catholic, said he while he had no information on the Pope’s possible Haitian roots, he hoped the new pontiff would have Haiti in his prayer “just as Pope Francis always remembered us during our difficult times.”


So far, Haitians are only hearing rumors of the Pope’s Creole ancestry via social media, but they hope he will pay special attention to the plight of the Haitian people, who for the last years have been the victims of widespread gang violence, with thousands of homeless and millions suffering from food insecurity.

Diddy list of accomplices will be named

The s£x-trafficking and racketeering trial for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has started in Manhattan federal court after a jury was finally selected.

The disgraced music mogul’s former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventur, will be among the trial’s early witnesses, taking the stand on Tuesday morning.

During opening statements, prosecutors outlined horrific claims against Diddy, saying he once forced a male escort to urinate in Cassie’s mouth.

Meanwhile, the defence argued that the rapper is guilty of other crimes, including domestic violence, but not s£x trafficking or racketeering.

Lawyers for the three-time Grammy winner say prosecutors are wrongly trying to make a crime out of a party-loving lifestyle that may have been indulgent, but was not illegal.

Prosecutors say Combs coerced women into drugged-up group sexual encounters, then kept them in line through violence.

Diddy’s lawyer, Xavier Donaldson, will continue cross-examining Daniel Phillip on Tuesday morning.

Star witness Cassie Ventura will then give evidence about the alleged abuse she suffered at her then-boyfriend’s hands, and what she saw of him abusing others.

Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 and has been charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of s£x trafficking, and two counts of transportation for prostitution, all felony charges.

He faces a minimum of 15 years in federal prison, and up to a life sentence, if he is convicted.

It’s not over’: Minnie Dlamini rejects MacG apology

South African media personality Minnie Dlamini rejected MacG’s apology with an official statement. Over the years, they’ve clashed publicly, with each encounter intensifying.

Their latest feud exploded after MacG made an offensive comment following Minnie’s breakup with businessman Brian Monaisa. During an episode of Podcast and Chill, MacG made a vulgar remark implying Minnie’s private parts “must be smelling.”

The statement sparked outrage across social media. Fans demanded accountability, and women’s rights groups condemned MacG’s behaviour. The fallout prompted MacG to issue a public apology on his podcast. But Minnie, unimpressed, announced she would be taking legal action against him.

Minnie Dlamini rejects MacG apology.

The actress swiftly rejected MacG’s apology. In a powerful statement, she emphasised the deep hurt his words caused. “As a public figure and a mother, I must act,” Minnie declared.

She added that her action was not just for herself but for all women whose dignity gets attacked for content. The comment hit her hard as a woman, sister, and professional. She said the insult wasn’t entertainment, it was defamation.

Minnie announced she would continue pursuing legal recourse. Her fans stood by her, praising her courage to confront public humiliation with legal strength and an unwavering commitment to justice.

MacG’s apology
MacG took to his Podcast and Chill platform to issue a heartfelt apology. “I want to apologise to all the female chillers and women in South Africa,” he said. He stressed that offending anyone was never his intention.

MacG added, “We never say things to offend people.” He also extended an olive branch to Minnie. “You are welcome on the show,” he offered.

MacG expressed that since the issue began on the podcast, it should end there too. He called for peace. However, his words failed to repair the damage, as Minnie remained firm on seeking justice through legal channels.

Former Orlando Pirates Coach Jose Riveiro to Be Highest-Paid Coach in Africa as Al Ahly Salary Is Revealed

Former Orlando Pirates Coach Jose Riveiro’s Al Ahly Salary Revealed

In a major coaching shake-up, former Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has officially joined Egyptian giants Al Ahly, and his salary is turning heads.

From Soweto to Cairo
The Spanish tactician, who recently informed Orlando Pirates he would not renew his contract expiring at the end of the current season, is now set to take on a new challenge with the record African champions. Pirates confirmed his departure on April 3, with chairman Irvin Khoza later revealing that Riveiro had already secured a new deal elsewhere.

That club has now been revealed as Al Ahly, making Riveiro the second high-profile coach in under five years to leap from a South African club to the Egyptian powerhouse, following Pitso Mosimane’s similar move from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020.

Jose Riveiro’s Al Ahly Salary Revealed
According to football journalist Micky Jnr, Riveiro has signed a lucrative deal that will see him earn US$1.5 million per year, placing him among the highest-paid coaches on the continent. The Spanish coach will also take charge of Al Ahly at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

“Jose Riveiro and his staff will receive $1.5 million annually at Al Ahly. All is done, and it’s 100% confirmed that Jose will lead the Red Devils at the Club World Cup. ”

A Successful Stint at Pirates
Riveiro joined Orlando Pirates in July 2022 and quickly made an impact. Over three seasons, he took charge of 130 matches, winning 81, drawing 22, and losing just 27. Under his leadership, Orlando Pirates scored 229 goals and conceded 112.

He guided the Buccaneers to five trophies—two Nedbank Cups and three MTN8 titles—and also took the team to the CAF Champions League semifinals this season, solidifying his status as one of the club’s most successful modern-day coaches.

Interestingly, Riveiro’s Pirates went head-to-head with Al Ahly twice in the CAF Champions League group stages this season. The first match ended in a 0-0 draw in South Africa, but Pirates stunned the Cairo giants with a 2-1 win in Egypt, a result that may have influenced Al Ahly’s decision to secure his services.

Freddie Gibbs insists someone clearly wanted Tory Lanez dead

After the news broke that Tory Lanez was reportedly stabbed on multiple occasions in prison, songwriter Freddie Gibbs took to social media to insist the obvious– someone clearly wanted to kill the rapper.

Following the viral report of Lanez being stabbed, Gibbs took to social media on X to reflect on the incident in a few words.

An update on Lanez’s Instagram alleged the rapper was stabbed 14 times, suffered collapsed lungs and was placed on a “breathing apparatus.”

To Freddie Gibbs, the incident and the severity of Lanez’s injuries are a sign that the suspect was aiming to end the rapper’s life.

“N***a stab you 14 times he trying to send you upstairs,” Freddie Gibbs wrote on X.

A TMZ report previously indicated that another inmate stabbed Tory Lanez during an altercation in the yard of the California Correctional Institution.

A source then alleged that Lanez was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, yet the injuries he suffered were non-life-threatening.

The post shared on Lanez’s Instagram account reported he had “7 wounds to his back, 4 to his torso, 2 to the back of his head, and 1 to the left side of his face.”

However, reports indicate that Lanez’s condition has improved as he is “breathing on his own” and “talking normally” in addition to being in “good spirits,” per the Instagram post.

Nonetheless, the motivation behind the stabbing is yet to be revealed. Currently, Lanez is serving a 10-year sentence behind bars for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.

Cassie Testifies That She Was Extremely Reluctant To Say No To Diddy

It’s long been purported that Diddy had a firm grip over what Cassie could and could not do during their ever-so-complex relationship.
Day two of the Diddy trial is officially underway and Cassie has just taken the stand to testify. They were together for about 11 years and over the last year and change, we have to come learn a lot more about them. The alleged manner in which the mogul treated the singer during their relationship was forceful.

Moreover, it appears as though he was incredibly abusive. That fact was revealed to us once the harrowing footage from inside the InterContinental Hotel was released months before his arrest. Of course, most of you know that Diddy brutally beat Cassie and chased her around.

We also know that the Bad Boy Records founder loved to throw extravagant parties, especially erotic ones. That’s what authorities have at least alleged as they labeled these get-togethers, “freak-offs.” Cassie was allegedly a part of them to help satisfy his partner because she wanted to “make him happy.”

That’s what she said on the stand just moments ago per TMZ. The aforementioned video from 2016 was a topic of focus while she was testifying. However, she mainly zoned in on a “freak-off” that took place right after that frightful day.

According to her, Diddy hired an escort to have sex with her, and she said at the time that she was “confused” and “nervous.” However, Cassie wanting to please Diddy overruled her feelings about.

So, she went through with it, and that seemed to have him think he could continue this. “Then there were more. It wasn’t something I wanted to do, at least not that frequently,” Cassie said while on the podium.

She claimed that if she said no, it was going to make him angry. Moreover, she believes he would have attempted to blackmail her if she declined. It was alluded to earlier today by prosecutors that Diddy would have released the “freak-off” footage if Cassie didn’t comply.

Finally, it seems like she’s going to show footage of one of these “freak-offs” to the jury today. It sounds like its being taken from the evidence pile, which she contributed “laptops” to that possibly have said tapes on there.

Diddy’s Daughters Reportedly Left The Courtroom During Male Stripper’s Harrowing Testimony

The first day of the Diddy Trial was a salacious one as there were some big accusations made alongside some eye-opening testimonies.
Today was a rough day for the Combs family as Diddy officially began his sex trafficking trial in New York. Overall, it was an eventful first day of the trial as there were numerous revelations made throughout.

For instance, it was alleged that Diddy beat Cassie because he found out about her alleged affair. Furthermore, the defense attempted to argue that this trial is a salacious one and that the victims are simply jealous.

There was some testimony here and there, with Daniel Phillip being the most high-profile of the day. Phillip was a male stripper who was allegedly hired by Diddy. Moreover, he supposedly witnessed the mogul abusing Cassie, which makes his testimony so valuable.

However, Phillip’s testimony got so detailed, that it was too much to bare for some of Diddy’s family members, his daughters in particular. According to CNN, it was revealed that the mogul’s daughters had to leave the courtroom.

This happened during Phillip’s recounting of a time where he was hired to have sex with Cassie. In the midst of this act, Diddy was reportedly masturbating. Eventually, his daughter’s returned to the courtroom, but the details continued to be graphic.

These are the kinds of salacious details that many were expecting when this trial began. However, it is one thing to read about them and another to actually hear them said aloud.

This is a trial that could last weeks as there are numerous files of evidence that must be presented. Furthermore, the prosecution is trying to get as much witness testimony as possible. There are some victims who have reportedly bailed, and the prosecution must keep the case alive.

Only time will tell how this case develops. Of course, some are expecting Cassie to eventually testify, which will likely be the most talked-about part of the case.

If convicted, Diddy is facing over 20 years in prison.

50 Cent Brutally Trolls Diddy Over Alleged Urine Fetish With Cassie

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50 Cent is having a field day with the allegations coming out of opening statements in Diddy’s criminal trial.
50 Cent took aim at Diddy in a vicious post on Instagram, Monday afternoon, following the start of the Bad Boy mogul’s criminal trial in New York City. In doing so, he referenced the prosecution’s allegations that Diddy hired a male escort to pee into Cassie’s mouth. He shared a photo of the Manneken Pis statue in Brussels, Belgium. “Diddy said in ya mouth! SMH LOL,” he captioned the picture.

During the prosecution’s opening statements, attorney Emily A. Johnson spoke about why Cassie agreed to participate in a freak-offs. She explained that the singer loved Diddy even though she “knew it was not something she wanted to do.” Johnson added that Cassie “felt like she was choking” when Diddy allegedly “made an escort urinate into her mouth,” as caught by The New York Times.

Diddy’s criminal trial will be continuing on Tuesday. The case left off in the process of witness testimony. The first person to take the stand was Israel Florez, a Los Angeles police officer who worked as a security guard at the InterContinental Hotel in 2016. He provided context to the infamous security camera footage of Diddy assaulting Cassie that CNN surfaced, last year.

Florez explained that he received a call about a “woman in distress on the sixth floor” of the hotel and went to check it out. When he arrived, he allegedly saw Diddy sitting in a towel with “a devilish stare” while Cassie lay covered in a hoodie. He offered new pictures of the aftermath of the scene as well as a cell phone video he personally recorded. He said he decided against calling the police as Cassie refused to answer any of his questions and just wanted to leave.

Monday ended in the middle of the second witness’ testimony. That was Daniel Phillip, who alleges Diddy paid him to have sex with Cassie while he m@sturb@ted.

Lil Wayne’s girlfriend has accused the rapper of physical abuse and abruptly ending their relationship via text on Mother’s Day

Denise Bidot, model and longtime girlfriend of American rapper Lil Wayne, has accused the rapper of physical abuse and abruptly ending their relationship via text on Mother’s Day.

In a now-viral Instagram post, Bidot shared details of the alleged incident, claiming Wayne asked her and her daughter to leave his home while she was still recovering from surgery.

“Wayne literally kicked me and my daughter out on Mother’s Day today,” she wrote. “I’m just recovering from surgery… I can’t even lift my boxes. But this man has his assistants coming to help kick us out and break up with me through text.”

Bidot also alleged that the rapper had physically assaulted her in the past, adding that she believed she wasn’t the only woman who had experienced this.

“This man has actually laid a f***ing hand on me. And I took it… But I know other women he’s put his hands on.”

She ended her post by asking followers for lawyer recommendations.

Lil Wayne has not made any public statement in response to the allegations.

Bidot and Wayne reportedly began dating in 2020, following his split from model La’tecia Thomas.

Male escort testifies that Diddy paid him ‘thousands of dollars’ to have s333x with Cassie

A male escort Monday revealed new details about sick s£x sessions he had with Sean “Diddy’’ Combs and the rapper’s ex-girlfriend, including how Diddy ordered them to use more baby oil.

“Ya’ll need to rub more baby oil on each other. You don’t have enough on,’’ Combs, 55, allegedly told then-gal pal Cassie Ventura, 38, as she had s£x with the escort, Daniel Phillip, while the hip-hop mogul masturb@ted in the corner.

“He would just tell us to put more on,’’ Phillip testified in Manhattan federal court, where Combs, 55, is on trial for s£x-trafficking and other charges.

Phillip said he would be paid up to $6,000 a pop for the sex sessions, which went on for a few years and could last as long as 10 hours everywhere from Manhattan’s posh Gramercy Park Hotel to the Jumeirah Essex House, as well as Combs’ and Ventura’s city pads.

But he said at least two turned very dark, with Combs beating Ventura.

Phillip told the jury he never went to the police over his concerns for Ventura’s safety even though he believed she was in “real danger” — because he was scared of the hip-hop star, who took a photo of his driver’s license as a threat.

“This was someone with unlimited power. And chances are that even if I did go to the police that I still might be losing my life,” Phillip said.

During the trio’s first sexual encounter in 2012 at the Gramercy, Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, sat in the corner of a hotel room in a white robe, baseball cap, and bandana over the bottom half of his face as his girlfriend and Phillip had s£x.

Combs told Phillip he worked in the import-export business during the encounter, the escort said.

But Phillip said that when Combs spoke, he instantly recognized him as the prolific music producer.

The escort told the jury that Ventura handed him “a few thousand dollars” to rub baby oil on her and give her a massage before the two had sex while Combs pleasured himself.

“She told me that first off, I didn’t have to worry about anything because her husband wasn’t g@y and that he wasn’t going to touch me or anything,’’ recalled Phillip, who at first had thought he was hired for a bachelorette party.

“There were bottles of baby oil and astroglide, which was a lubricant.”

As the escort and Ventura began having sex, Combs “was sitting in the corner masturbating,’’ Philip said.

During some seamy encounters, Combs would tell the pair “to slow down … that it was getting too hot,’’ Phillip said.

“One time, he tried getting us to role-play like we just met at an airport. We were not very good at that at all, so I think we skipped past that one very quickly,’’ the witness said.

Prosecutors said earlier in the day that Combs once forced a male escort to urinate in Ventura’s mouth.

Phillip testified, “So Cassie was actually the one who asked me to urinate on her.

“They had just come out of the room, and she had asked me if I had ever done that before, and I said no,’’ he said.

“She told me to do it, and apparently I was doing it wrong because they both stopped me and told me I was supposed to let a little out and not take a leak on her.

“That was just one time they asked me to do that.”

Combs “was masturb@ting’’ as Phillip urinated on Ventura, the escort said.

“He was always sitting in the corner masturbating and occasionally, he would tell me to step off and back off because he was going to get some. … And I would be sitting in the corner watching.”

Phillip said the code word he gave to hotel management to get up to Combs’ room was “black.”

The escort said he got paid thousands of dollars for the sex stints — and sometimes nothing if he couldn’t perform up to Combs’ likes.
Phillip remained nonplussed.

“I was excited that I was just in this world and be involved with people with such notoriety,” he testified.

Phillip said he could not always get an erection with the first time happening at Ventura’s home, when he saw Combs beat her.

The escort said Ventura was on her computer saying she wanted to get personal information off it and that when Combs ordered her to instead come to him in her bedroom, she didn’t run fast enough.

“Mr. Combs came out of the room, and I just saw a bottle fly past her and hit the wall,” Phillip said.

“It looked like a liquor bottle. He, Mr. Combs, walked over to Cassie. He grabbed her by the hair and started dragging her by the hair into her bedroom.

“She was yelling, she was screaming. Mr. Combs pulled her into the bedroom, and I could hear him, could hear what sounded like him slapping her,” the witness said.

Ventura was saying, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Phillip said.

“I asked her why is she staying with this guy if he’s hitting her and beating her like this. I tried to explain to her that she’s in real danger if she stays with him. She basically tried to convince me that, ‘It’s OK, I’m OK,’ ” the witness said.

Diddy filmed women as he forced them into drug-fuelled ‘Freak Off’ s333x parties

Embattled hip-hop mogul, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs forced women to take part in drug-fuelled sex parties that lasted for days while he filmed them, a New York court heard.

Prosecutors alleged that for decades, Combs ran a “criminal enterprise” centred on trafficking victims, supported by an “inner circle” that helped cover up his offences. The court also heard that he once stamped on a girlfriend’s head, dangled a woman from a balcony, and allegedly attempted to set another man’s car on fire.

The parties, referred to as “Freak Offs,” reportedly involved costumes, drugs, and performances designed to fulfill Combs’s sexual fantasies. Women who resisted were “viciously attacked,” jurors were told.

In a surprising admission, Combs’s legal team acknowledged he had assaulted some of his partners but denied involvement in sex trafficking. They described his behaviour as “horrible, dehumanising, and violent,” attributing it to jealousy and drug abuse, while defending him against the criminal charges.

Combs, 55, who built a fortune through music and business ventures, was arrested in September following a civil lawsuit by ex-girlfriend and R&B singer Cassie Ventura, accusing him of sexual assault. A video showing Combs beating Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016 was played in court. Ventura, now 38 and heavily pregnant, is expected to testify.

Combs faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation for prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson described Combs as a cultural icon with a dark side. She claimed that over a span of 20 years, he and his team committed numerous crimes—including kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction.

Johnson detailed testimony from victims, including Ventura, who allegedly experienced abuse so extreme that she once felt like she was choking when an escort was forced to urinate in her mouth. On another occasion, Combs allegedly beat her for seeing another man and threatened to release sex tapes to control her.

Combs’s lawyer, Teny Geragos, argued that the prosecution was twisting personal relationships into a criminal conspiracy. “This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity, and money,” she said, accusing some alleged victims of pursuing lawsuits for financial gain.

The prosecution’s first witness, former hotel security guard and current LAPD officer Israel Florez, testified about the 2016 incident. He recalled finding Ventura distressed and Combs sitting nearby in a towel with a “devilish” expression. Florez secretly filmed the hotel’s CCTV footage to show his wife, saying she wouldn’t have believed the story otherwise.

The second witness, male escort Daniel Phillip, described the “Freak Off” parties, claiming they lasted up to 10 hours and earned him up to £4,500. He testified about having sex with Ventura while Combs watched in disguise, and recounted an incident where Combs threw a liquor bottle at Ventura.

Throughout the proceedings, Combs’s children—including twin daughters D’Lila and Jessie, daughter Chance, and sons King and Justin—sat in the gallery with their grandmother Janice. Combs entered the courtroom smiling, exchanged gestures of affection with his family, and hugged his legal team.

The two-month trial is expected to feature testimony from three or four of Combs’s accusers and several former employees said to have assisted in arranging or concealing the alleged crimes.

Jury selection proved contentious, with Combs’s lead attorney accusing the prosecution of racial bias in dismissing jurors. However, the judge ruled that the prosecution provided race-neutral justifications for their decisions.

The trial continues.

The well preserved corpse of a 16th century Catholic saint has been unveiled to the public

The well preserved corpse of a 16th century Catholic saint has been unveiled to the public.

Many faithful Catholics were left overwhelmed when they saw the 440-year-old body of Saint Teresa of Jesus inside a glass coffin in Spain.

The Discalced Carmelite nun’s body was put on display to the public for the first time since 1914 at the Basilica Annunciation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Spain’s Salamanca province on Sunday, May 11.

While visibly skeletal at a glance, parts of the corpse are said to still be remarkably well preserved.

Several visitors at the Basilica were visibly emotional at the sight of the centuries-old body.

Many others were seen praying before St. Teresa’s corpse.

Discalced Carmelite nuns, monks and priests had opened her coffin so that relics of her heart, hand and arm could be studied. They compared the state of the body to a photo of the same remains from 1914.

“The uncovered parts, which are the face and foot, are the same as those they were in 1914,” Father Marco Chiesa said.

“There is no colour, there is no skin colour, because the skin is mummified, but it is seen, especially in the middle of the face.”

It came as part of a ceremony of public veneration – which has only taken place three times since the saint’s death in 1582, according to Exaudi.org.

The other two ceremonies were in 1760 and 1914, making this a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the faithful to pay their respects this way.

Researchers have marvelled at the body’s incredible state of preservation.

Kim Kardashian gives testimony at Paris robbery trial

Kim Kardashian is testifying at the trial for the suspects involved in the 2016 robbery in which the reality star was tied up and held at gunpoint in her Paris hotel room.

On Tuesday, May 13, Kardashian, 44, was asked at one point if she thought she was going to d!e during the robbery, to which she replied, “I absolutely did think I was gonna d!e.”

The reality star also said she was wearing nothing but a robe during the incident, adding that it came open when one of the men pulled her toward him, “exposing everything on my body.”

“I’m certain that’s the moment he r@pes me. I say a prayer to mentally prepare myself,” she testified.

However, her legs were tied together instead.

According to Kardashian, she repeatedly told the robbers, “I have babies and I need to get home to my babies,” and said she thought one of them told her to “shut up” at one point, per NBC News.

As her testimony continued, Kardashian said even as it became clear that the robbers appeared to only be interested in stealing her jewellery, she still feared for her life and worried that her mother, Kris Jenner, and sister Kourtney Kardashian would find her de@d.

After being thrown onto the bed with her hands and feet bound, Kardashian told the court she thought she was going to be shot.

“At that point I was sure that’s when they were going to shoot me,” Kardashian said, according to the BBC. “So I said a prayer for my family and my mom and my sister and best friend.”

She added that she knew Kourtney, 46, would be returning to the hotel soon.

She said she believed “I would be shot de@d on the bed and she would see that and have that memory forever.”

Before the robbers exited her room, Kardashian said one of them dropped her on the bathroom floor. She waited several minutes to ensure they were gone before she tried to free herself. She told the court that she was able to free her hands before hopping to her stylist’s room to get help.

Kardashian further testified that prior to the incident, she felt safe in Paris. However, now she has four to six bodyguards with her at all times, including when she’s at her home in California.

Ten people are being tried on charges related to the heist. The group has been dubbed the “Grandpa robbers” by French media due to their older ages and previous criminal history.

Kim Kardashian has “forgiven” the ringleader of her Paris robbery who violently robbed her in 2016

Kim Kardashian has “forgiven” the ringleader of her Paris robbery, who violently robbed her in 2016, during an emotional and revealing testimony in a Paris court on Tuesday, May 13.

The reality star, 44, was left traumatised after she was tied up and gagged by a gang of burglars, as they stole millions of dollars worth of jewellery from the central Paris apartment where she was staying during Paris Fashion Week in 2016.

As she faced defendant Aomar Ait Khedache in court on Tuesday, she insisted that she “appreciated” him writing her a letter of apology shortly after his arrest – although she was not aware of it at the time – but claimed that the whole “traumatic” ordeal has changed her life regardless.

She told the court: “I am obviously emotional about it – this experience changed my life, my family’s life.

“Back home in the States I work in the justice system and I want so badly to be a lawyer and I fight for people to seek justice.

“I do appreciate the letter for sure. I do appreciate it, I forgive you.

“But it doesn’t change the emotion, the feelings and the trauma and the way my life has changed.”

Shortly after she offered her forgiveness, she was passed a note by the defendant around the time a short break was called in the trial.

It read: “Your forgiveness is a sunshine that has enlightened me… I am forever grateful.”

Kedhache, who is deaf and mute, is alleged to be one of the two men who pointed a gun at Kardahian’s face during the heist.

In the letter – which was read out to the court by Judge David De Pas – Khedache claimed he was not after “forgiveness” from Kardashian, but wanted her to know how much he “regrets” what he did.

He said: “Madame, after seeing you in a French TV show and seeing your emotion and realising what psychological harm I did to you, that I decided to write to you.

“Not with the aim of getting forgiveness… I want to tell you human to human how I regret my actions and how I was touched to see you cry… I am sorry for the pain I caused you, your husband, you children and those who love you.

“Of course, you can’t undo the past but I hope this letter will help you forget the trauma you endured because of me.”

In another admission, Kardashian claimed she “absolutely did think [she] was gonna die” and claimed she was picked up by one of the intruders, and dumped her onto her bathroom floor where her mouth was taped up..

She said: “Then I waited a few minutes – I wasn’t sure if they were gonna get something and come back – but after a few mins I didn’t hear anything.

“I was able to get the … tape off and then I popped down to find Simone [her stylist]”.

‘The Kardashians’ star was in the presence of her older sister Kourtney during the heist, and “prayed” for her family as she worried her sister was about to see her shot de@d.

She said: “At that point I was sure that’s when they were going to shoot me.

“So I said a prayer for my family and my mom and my sister, and best friend. I hoped they would have an OK life after.

“I would be shot dead on the bed and [Kourtney] would see that and have that memory forever.”

Meanwhile, co-defendant Yunice Abbas wrote the book ‘I Held Up Kim Kardashian’, and she told the court that it “wasn’t fair” for him to do that.
She said: ” honestly was really shocked when I saw there was a book.”

“Not only did he do this, but now [he’s] making money off that – my jewellery, my memories, the watch my dad who passed away gave me when I graduated high school. I can’t get that back.

“It wasn’t just jewellery… someone took away my memories, and now he is capitalising by writing a book? It didn’t seem fair to me.”

In the time since the robbery took place, the SKIMS founder has turned to therapy to cope.

She said: “I have had to change my life…if someone was coming up the stairs and I called out to them and they didn’t reply I’d start crying because it reminded me of that time.

“Other than that I try to be just strong and protective and I have a lot of security around my house – even if it’s excessive or ridiculous to other people, that’s what I need to feel safe and sleep and I’m OK with that.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s son makes debut for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., the eldest son of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, made his international debut for Portugal’s U-15 national team on Tuesday, May 13, in a commanding 4-1 victory over Japan.

The 14-year-old forward, currently part of Al Nassr’s youth academy, came off the bench in the 54th minute with Portugal already leading 3-0, thanks to a hat trick from Braga’s Rafael Cabral.

His proud father, Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated the moment on social media, writing: “Congratulations on your Portugal debut, son. Very proud of you.”

The match was Portugal’s opener in the Vlatko Markovic International Tournament, held in Croatia. The U-15 team will continue their campaign with matches against Greece on Wednesday and England on Friday, before concluding the tournament on Sunday against a to-be-confirmed opponent.

Moscow rejects ceasefire demands by European leaders

The Kremlin has pushed back against Western calls for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, rejecting them as “unacceptable ultimatums.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, speaking at a press briefing on Monday, warned that such language would not compel Moscow to alter its stance.

“This language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia. It doesn’t work. You can’t talk to Russia like that,” Peskov said, firmly dismissing the West’s approach.

Despite the sharp rebuke, Peskov reiterated that Russia remains open to peace negotiations. He referenced President Vladimir Putin’s readiness to resume direct talks in Istanbul without preconditions—talks which he claimed were abandoned by Ukraine in 2022

“President Putin clearly and unambiguously outlined our position. We are committed to a serious search for a long-term peaceful settlement,” Peskov stated.

Meanwhile, Germany issued a warning Monday, saying Russia must agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire by the end of the day or face fresh sanctions from the European Union. German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius made the announcement as European foreign ministers convened in London to discuss the ongoing war, now in its fourth year.

“The Ukrainian president has shown willingness for peace. He has made significant concessions in recent weeks. It is now Russia’s turn to respond in kind and commit to serious political negotiations,” Kornelius said.

The renewed push for a ceasefire follows a visit to Kyiv over the weekend by leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and the UK, who jointly urged Moscow to accept the temporary truce as a pathway to peace.

In response, President Putin on Sunday proposed restarting direct talks in Istanbul beginning May 15, leaving open the possibility of negotiating a new ceasefire.

“We do not rule out that during these talks, a new truce could be reached—a genuine ceasefire, observed by both sides. This could mark the first step toward a lasting peace, rather than a pause before more conflict,” Putin said.

John Cena is sharing advice after he was diagnosed with skin cancer

John Cena is sharing advice after he was diagnosed with skin cancer.

Cena, 48, was diagnosed with melanoma twice, first with a spot on his left pectoral muscle and again a year later when another spot on his left upper trapezius muscle was also cancerous.

“I received the phone call twice, ‘Hey, you’ve got to come back, because the biopsy came back cancerous,'” Cena recalled

“That information is sobering, and it right there prompted me to change my life.”

After his skin cancer scare, the 17-time WWE Champion said he immediately made applying sunscreen part of his daily routine.

“Skincare is a more palatable and accepted term and subject matter amongst women,” he told USA Today.

“Discussions between men can be more difficult to initiate. But it doesn’t have to be that way,” he stressed.

“Men especially, are becoming more conscious of self-care… I just think we need to make it more commonplace.”

Women are twice as likely than men to wear sunscreen and by age 50 men have a greater risk for developing melanoma than women.

However, at any age, men are more likely to d!e from melanoma than women, according to the American Academy of Dermotology.

“SPF is more common in the vernacular of women, and that’s because it is directly correlated with beauty,” Cena said.

Women’s morning skincare routine provides an ideal time for sunscreen application, something Cena said men must pay more attention to.

“If someone uses SPF, because they don’t want to get wrinkles, it’s like someone going to the gym saying, ‘I want to be ripped.’ But being ‘ripped’ is essentially making healthier choices,” he explained.

“So you can go to the gym for aesthetic purposes, but the reward of training goes far more than just aesthetic beauty. I think SPF is in the same lane.”

Cena noted that it’s “super easy” to be more conscious of your skin.

“I’ve done some pretty aspirational things in the strength and health department, as far as nutritional choices and training regimens, and that’s really complicated, difficult stuff,” he said.

But wearing SPF is just like “brushing your teeth,” he added.

Cena said he would love to see a tube of sunscreen right next to men’s toothpaste and see them remember to use it daily.

“My perspective on life has changed, but it took some real sobering news,” he said.

“I don’t want anybody to get there, so I’m just trying to use my platform to get ahead of that one.”

Police arrest man in arson at homes linked to UK Prime Minister

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after two properties linked to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer were damaged in London.

The Metropolitan Police said the suspect was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, where he remains in custody.

Emergency services were called to blazes at the doors of two homes in north London within 24 hours of each other, one just after 1.30am on Monday and the other on Sunday.

The incidents took place just hours before the prime minister delivered a press conference where he laid out some of the toughest rules in recent history to crack down on immigration.

Police are investigating whether the fires were linked, and counter-terrorism officers are leading the inquiry because the properties have connections to a high-profile public figure.

Scotland Yard is also looking into a vehicle fire on May 8 as part of the probe.

On Monday, a police cordon and officers, as well as investigators from the London Fire Brigade (LFB), could be seen outside a Kentish Town property, where the prime minister used to live.

Sir Keir is understood to still own the home, but lives at the PM’s official residence in Downing Street.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “As a precaution and due to the property having previous connections with a high-profile public figure, officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation into this fire.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish what caused it. All three fires are being treated as suspicious at this time, and enquiries remain ongoing.”

The prime minister’s official spokesman added: “I can only say that the prime minister thanks the emergency services for their work, and it is subject to a live investigation. So I can’t comment any further.”

Police were alerted by the LFB to reports of a fire at the residential address at 1.35am on Monday.

Neighbours described hearing a loud bang and said police officers were looking for a projectile.

Charles Grant, 66, told reporters: “Police searched my garden and said they were looking for something somebody had thrown but they didn’t find anything. They said they were looking for a projectile.

“From what other people have told me today, I gather someone threw a firebomb at Keir Starmer’s house.”

Damage was caused to the property’s entrance, but nobody was hurt.

The Real Reasons for Fuel Price Reduction and marginal appreciation of the local currency – debunking the rhetoric

The Real Reasons for Fuel Price Reduction and marginal appreciation of the local currency – debunking the rhetoric

By Kennedy K. Mambwe(KBN TV)

Recently there has been a lot of speculation as to what has triggered the marginal appreciation of the local currency and a slight reduction in fuel prices. Some have attributed the slight downward fuel adjustment to the Tazama pipeline open access regime while others have linked the marginal Kwacha gain to increased copper production.

On face value, both arguments sound intelligent, but when you probe further, you will realise that none of the above reasons could pass a credibility test. As a matter of fact, the marginal reduction in fuel prices has nothing to do with the open access, but the fast-changing dynamics in the global trade order where the dollar has weakened and crude prices have significantly dropped.

Whilst it is true that the open access of Tazama pipeline may have reduced transportation cost of diesel to some extent, the key variables in determining petroleum products pricing is the exchange rate and the international crude prices.

Quick desk research will show you that as at February, 2025, Brent crude oil was fetching $83 per barrel compared to $65.62 per barrel as at 12th May, 2025, giving a major saving of $18 per barrel.
Now, $18 savings per barrel seems insignificant until you realise that Zambia’s monthly average demand for crude petroleum products is 30 million liters.

Simple arithmetic of multiplying $18 by 30 million liters gives us a staggering $540million in monthly savings. I have used $18 saving as a proxy for finished products to arrive at the $540m which is a reasonable approximation.

With that reduction in Brent crude oil prices on the international market, it would be insane for any authority anywhere in the world not to reduce the pump price for the benefit of end users. This is pretty much what has triggered the reduction in Zambia’s pump price of petroleum products, it’s nothing to do with the Tazama pipeline open access.

Having established the facts above, it follows therefore that the Kwacha is bound to make some marginal bullish gains against major convertible currencies for the following reasons:

1. There is an instant $540million reduction in demand of the dollar on the forex market

2. The global Trump effect that has weakened the performance of the dollar on the international market, leading to appreciation of the local currency as a reverse effect

3. Bank of Zambia forex support on the market – BOZ intervention in the market could lead to the appreciation of the Kwacha

4. Cooling off period for the agriculture inputs importation – as long as we are not importing agriculture inputs like now which is off peak, there is less demand for the dollar

5. Higher exchange rates – the higher the exchange rate, the fewer the participants on the forex market. Higher exchange rate inhibits SMEs and individual traders from importing as they cannot afford and consequently reduces dollar demand from this sector

6. There is a rumoured 20 percent increase in the copper production. I call it rumoured because we haven’t been given absolute numbers. The question we should be asking on this point is, if it’s the increase in copper production, has it led to the increase in our export volumes and can we sustain those export volumes to give stability to the local currency? If the answer is no, then the celebrated marginal gains won’t be sustainable in the long run.

SOCIALIST PARTY ANNOUNCES PROTEST OVER THEFT OF DRUGS IN HEALTH FACILITIES

SOCIALIST PARTY ANNOUNCES PROTEST OVER THEFT OF DRUGS IN HEALTH FACILITIES

Lusaka… Tuesday May 13, 2025 — The Socialist Party (SP) has announced plans to hold a peaceful protest this Friday, May 16th, 2025, aimed at addressing the continued theft of medical drugs in Zambia’s public health system.



According to a statement issued by the party’s National Youth Secretary, Stanley Muba’sa, the protest will begin in the town centre, with participants assembling at the Freedom Statue before proceeding to State House.



Mr. Muba’sa stated that the protest would be conducted peacefully and within the confines of the law.



He said the demonstration was being organized in the interest of ordinary Zambians, who have been forced to buy essential medications from private pharmacies due to shortages in public health facilities.



He attributed these shortages to systematic theft and looting by a “clique of thieves.”

Mr. Muba’sa urged citizens to raise their voices against corruption, which he contended the current administration had failed to decisively confront.



He pointed to recent developments involving the United States ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, whose exposé on the matter led to a suspension of aid totaling K1.4 billion.



He went on to argue that the government’s inaction in stopping the theft of medical supplies was equivalent to endangering the lives of citizens.



Mr. Muba’sa further implied that some senior officials might be complicit, suggesting that their reluctance to act could be tied to personal benefit from the ongoing theft.



He criticized recent arrests of minor offenders in the scandal, calling them a public relations tactic designed to boost the image of the President and his administration.

“Citizens cannot be fooled. Donors cannot be cheated too,” he said.

WE ARE HERE TO CONQUER- KALABA

WE ARE HERE TO CONQUER- KALABA

… urges the Mobilisation Commitee to show preparedness ahead of the 2026 general elections.

LUSAKA, TUESDAY, 13 MAY, 2025 [SMART EAGLES]

CITIZENS First President Harry Kalaba has urged the party mobilization committee to show preparedness ahead of the 2026 polls.



Speaking when he handled over a motor vehicle to the Committee for mobilization purposes today, Mr. Kalaba said the CF is here to conquer and that the party functionaries must ensure that the party is sold to all Zambians.



He said the mobilisation motor vehicle should be able to take the committee to all parts of the country and canvass for votes.

” … ensure CF is sold to all Zambians and make people aware that we are here to conquer. The party has managed to acquire a motor vehicle for mobilization and I am happy that they are mobile  and I hope you will go flat out and campaign,” Mr. Kalaba said.



” As a party we need to show preparedness in the manner we approach elections next year,” the CF leader said.

And CF National Mobilisation chairman Henry Chilombo reaffirmed his committee’s commitment to ensure that Zambians are made part of the Kalaba wave.



” We are going to campaign for you and tell the people why they should rally behind CF and Kalaba, we shall even convince other members from other political parties to be part of the Kalaba wave,” Mr. Chilombo said.

#SmartEagles2025

FORMER ZAMMSA DG ACCUSES GOVERNMENT OF MAKING HIM A SCAPEGOAT FOR DRUG THEFT IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES

FORMER ZAMMSA DG ACCUSES GOVERNMENT OF MAKING HIM A SCAPEGOAT FOR DRUG THEFT IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES



By: Sun FM TV Reporter

Former Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) Director General Victor Nyasulu has accused the government of using his dismissal as a scapegoat for the systematic theft of drugs in public health facilities.



Mr. Nyasulu issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Health Minister Elijah Muchima, demanding a public apology for linking his dismissal and arrest to alleged drug theft, clarifying that the court case concerns procurement irregularities, not drug mismanagement.



Emphasizing ZAMMSA’s core mandate, he stated that the agency is responsible for maintaining medicine stock levels, rather than inspecting public health facilities.

Featuring on Hot FM, Mr. Nyasulu criticized the governance structure at ZAMMSA, attributing its instability to political interference.



He also raised concerns over the U.S. government’s withdrawal of K1.4 billion in aid from Zambia’s health sector, warning that the decision could lead to broader reviews by other Global Fund partners.

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS MINISTER MATAMBO’s RECENT REMARKS

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS MINISTER MATAMBO’s RECENT REMARKS

…as Zimba demands for a public apology for the misinformation

Ndola… Tuesday May 13, 2025 — Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo has come under fire following recent statements that have left many residents of Ndola — and the broader Zambian public — feeling disappointed and misled, according to Kepson Zimba, a Ndola-based Member of the Central Committee for the Socialist Party.



Mr. Matambo announced, recently, that one would think they are in Johannesburg if they go to Ndola because of the development that the UPND government has undertaken there.



And Matambo further stated that three years ago, Copperbelt Province was used to only receiving bad news, but now President Hakainde Hichilema had resuscitated every sector you could think of in the province.



Meanwhile, Zimba expressed concern that Matambo, as a government representative, had failed to provide accurate and truthful information to the public.



He stated that the minister’s remarks lacked factual backing and appeared to be based on assumptions rather than verifiable data.

Mr. Zimba stated that public officials, particularly ministers, are expected to present claims that are supported by evidence and thorough research.



He emphasized that in the current climate, where many Zambians are facing socioeconomic challenges, the need for transparent and fact-based communication is more critical than ever.

He further noted that Ndola, like many areas in Zambia, has been grappling with deteriorating infrastructure, a struggling economy, and inadequate social services under the current administration.



Despite repeated government promises, he said, little improvement has been seen on the ground.

According to Zimba, misleading statements from high-ranking officials only serve to erode public trust and hinder efforts to address real issues.



He added that if Matambo’s claims cannot be substantiated, they should be viewed as an attempt to mislead the public.

Calling for greater accountability, Zimba argued that the government must own up to its shortcomings and prioritize the needs of the people.



He suggested that Matambo should issue a public apology for the misinformation, stating that Zambians deserve leaders who are honest, accountable, and focused on genuine development.



In conclusion, Zimba reiterated the importance of integrity in public service and urged government leaders to commit to truthfulness and responsibility in their communication and actions.