Solenzo Blog

Prince Harry loses high-stakes legal claim against Mail publisher

2026-07-08T01:11:30.115+04:00

Prince Harry and six other prominent individuals, including Sir Elton John and Sadie Frost, lost their High Court legal battle against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), publisher of the Daily Mail, over allegations of unlawful information gathering.
Mr Justice Nicklin ruled that the claimants "failed to prove their pleaded allegations of unlawful information gathering," which included accusations of voicemail interception, landline tapping, and obtaining information by deception, also known as "blagging."
The judge, in his 436-page judgment, accepted the denials of ANL journalists, who provided lawful explanations for their sourcing, and found no proof that senior ANL figures had lied in their evidence to the Leveson Inquiry.
ANL hailed the High Court ruling as an "overwhelming victory" and a "magnificent vindication of the Daily Mail’s journalism," having strongly denied the claims and argued the cases were brought too late.
During the 11-week trial, the Duke of Sussex testified about the impact on his wife and former girlfriend, while other claimants detailed alleged intrusions such as unlawfully obtained medical information and private conversations Sourcs MSN

Xenophobia: Fresh batch of stranded Nigerians in South Africa to return Wednesday – FG

2026-07-07T21:27:48.061+04:00

A fresh batch of 270 stranded Nigerians in South Africa will return home on Wednesday morning, according to the Federal Government.

A statement on Monday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed that the plane to evacuate the Nigerians will depart Tuesday (today).

“In continuation of the ongoing evacuation of our nationals from South Africa, AirPeace aircraft deployed for the process is expected to depart Lagos tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July, 2026 for Johannesburg, South Africa at 3.30pm.

“The aircraft will depart Johannesburg for Lagos with 270 returnees at 12.00 midnight and the estimated time of arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos is 5.00am on Wednesday, 8 July, 2026 all things being equal,” according to the short statement.

Earlier in the day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in South Africa, calling on Nigerians who are feeling unsafe to take advantage of the Federal Government’s initiative.

In a post on her verified social media platforms, she said, ‘Nigeria remains concerned about the safety of its citizens in South Africa as a result of the ongoing Xenophobic protests and attacks of migrants, and even more so following the deaths of 2 Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu during these unfortunate events.

“We demand that South African authorities urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice, and are urging our citizens who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the FG-sponsored evacuation flights to be transported home.

Ghana declines state visit by South African president over xenophobic attacks

2026-07-07T19:49:38.091+04:00

The Ghanaian government has reportedly rejected a request for a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as diplomatic tensions deepen over a wave of xenophobic attacks on Ghanaian nationals and other immigrants in South Africa.

Diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria told the Daily Graphic that the decision comes amid a sharp escalation in anti-foreigner attacks across parts of South Africa. The violence has already forced around 1,000 Ghanaians to return home, with another 900 said to be in the process of registering for repatriation.

The situation turned deadly on June 30, when a Ghanaian national, 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, was killed during a wave of demonstrations by xenophobic groups targeting African migrants in South Africa on June 30, 2026.

A South African source said Accra was "deeply concerned about the safety and dignity of its citizens" and could not justify hosting a high-profile visit "under the current circumstances."

On the Ghanaian side, officials pointed to a second worry: the president's own safety. With anti-migrant sentiment running high, there were fears that Ramaphosa's presence could provoke a hostile public reaction, a risk Accra was not willing to take.

"The government's position on the protection of Ghanaians abroad is non-negotiable," one source said, adding that a visit in the current climate could do more harm than good for both leaders.

South African authorities have, however, disputed Ghana’s account of the incident, describing the claims surrounding the killing as “factually incorrect” and “not based on fact.”

The South African government said no deaths were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which attracted thousands of protesters in parts of the country.

South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said Ghana’s characterisation of the incident was misleading and risked creating a negative perception of South Africa.

“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she was quoted as saying in a statement.

“The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable,” she added.

The development has reignited discussions over the safety of African nationals living in South Africa, with Ghana calling for stronger measures to protect its citizens abroad and prevent further attacks.

Female Suspect in Monaco Bombing Found Dead in Ukraine After Attack on Millionaire Vadym Yermolaiev

2026-07-07T19:32:30.377+04:00

Image credit ( Telegraph)

The Ukrainian woman suspected of being behind the bomb attack on an oligarch in Monaco has been found de@d near Kyiv after being shot.

The body of Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, was discovered around 11.00pm on July 6, Pravda newspaper claimed. There was no immediate official confirmation from the authorities.

She was shot de@d by two Ukrainian law-and-order officials, who have since been arrested, according to an investigative source.

One is a serving officer in Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence service, and the other a policeman, said the source.

Berezovska is suspected of leaving a package in the entrance hall of an apartment building on June 29 around 9pm local time, before fleeing the scene on foot and then driving to Germany.

Sanctioned Ukrainian millionaire Vadym Yermolaiev, his mistress and his son were all seriously injured in the attack.

An Interpol Red Notice had been issued for Berezovska, who speaks German and was wanted for attempted murder, placing an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent and criminal conspiracy.

Monaco's deputy prosecutor Morgan Raymond said she had been disguised as a man when she allegedly carried out the attack.

Following the explosion, Yermolaiev's partner, London-based Ukrainian Anna Nasobina, 46, is fighting for life after her legs were amputated due to her injuries. The couple’s son, Ariel, 13, also sustained minor injuries.

Reports indicate that Berezovska arrived in Ukraine on July 1.

Two suspects were detained after her body was discovered, including a serving military intelligence officer, said the news outlet, citing a law enforcement source.

'One of them is a current officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate [GUR], the other is a former law enforcement officer.'

The oligarch - one of Ukraine’s richest men who had given up his citizenship - emerged from a coma after the blast. But it is believed Nasobina remains seriously ill.

Initially it was thought that Ermolaev’s wife, Anna Ermolaeva, 56, had been wounded, but she was not in the country at the time of the blast.

There are suspicions that the bombing could be related to disputes over a call centre business in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, which involved Ermolaev and his adult son Artur, 35.

US left with only nuke option: Tehran deputy mayor warns Trump over attacking Iran

2026-07-07T19:16:42.698+04:00

Tehran Deputy Mayor Hamidreza Gholamzadeh has claimed that the United States has exhausted its conventional military options against Iran, asserting that "the only option Americans can use against us is nuclear bombing."

Speaking to India Today TV from Tehran, Gholamzadeh, who heads the city's Centre for Communication and International Relations, argued that Iran would continue to fight even if faced with further military action.

"Now the only option Americans can use against us is nuclear bombing. They can't do anything beyond this. We will still fight," he said.

Asked about the funeral procession, Gholamzadeh said the ceremonies were in their final phase and had drawn massive crowds.

"It has been a huge event. A large number of people gathered for the funeral procession," he said.

Responding to a question on whether there were concerns about Israel or the US targeting the funeral procession, Gholamzadeh claimed both countries had considered disrupting the event but ultimately refrained.

"They were planning to disrupt it, but after seeing the large gatherings and the presence of international guests, they pulled back," he alleged.

Gholamzadeh said that the Strait of Hormuz, the strategically important waterway responsible for a fifth of the world's shipping, remains open. "But after 60 days, we will impose a tax. International law does not apply to the Strait of Hormuz," he added.

Pentagon faces warning as Iran shifts Hormuz strategy

that Iran's leadership remains intact despite the recent war.Video Player is loading.

Speaking about the status of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington, Gholamzadeh said there had been no progress so far. "The negotiations are not moving forward. We know it, and the US also knows it," he said. Gholamzadeh, who is associated with Iran's negotiating team as an expert, said the talks were not making headway.

His remarks come amid continued tensions in the region following recent military exchanges involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Source :CNN

Nigeria: FG orders FCCPC to probe X, Meta, AI companies over alleged anti-media practices

2026-07-07T19:04:17.429+04:00

The Federal Government has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, to investigate X (formerly Twitter) Meta, other major technology firms and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies over alleged anti-media and anti-competitive practices in Nigeria.

According to a statement released by the FCCPC yesterday, the directive followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation, NPO, comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, NPAN; the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ; the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON; and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP.

The government conveyed the directive in a letter signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, asking the FCCPC to examine the allegations raised by the media bodies.

The petition accused companies, including Meta, Alphabet, X and some Generative AI platforms of practices that could undermine fair competition, weaken the commercial viability of Nigerian media organisations and affect the rights of publishers and content creators.

The commission said it would examine claims of market dominance, alleged unauthorised scraping and commercial use of copyrighted news content for training Generative AI models, as well as concerns over the absence of fair commercial agreements between global technology firms and Nigerian news publishers.

Reacting, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the commission would carry out an independent, transparent and evidence-based investigation.

He said: “We recognise the strategic importance of the media to Nigeria’s democracy and the equally significant role of technology in driving innovation and economic growth.

"Nigeria’s Challenge Is Low Revenue, Not High Debt" - World Bank - Politics - Nairaland

2026-07-04T23:17:37.508+04:00

The World Bank has said Nigeria’s biggest fiscal challenge is weak revenue mobilisation rather than excessive borrowing, urging the government to prioritise efforts to boost revenue generation to support sustainable economic growth.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said Nigeria’s debt profile remains moderate by international standards and is significantly different from countries experiencing debt distress.

“From our assessment, Nigeria doesn’t have a high indebtedness problem; it has a low revenue problem,” Verghis said.

He explained that Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio is lower than that of many comparable countries, stressing that concerns should focus on improving government revenue rather than limiting borrowing.

“When we looked at the numbers, Nigeria is a moderately indebted country, meaning it has less debt relative to its economy than most of its neighbours and many other countries. Nigeria is in a very different situation than Ghana, for example, which is going through a debt restructuring.”

Verghis defended government borrowing as a necessary tool for financing long-term investments that stimulate economic growth and improve living standards.

“Nigeria borrows for the same reasons that all countries borrow. If you want to deliver results to people, the money available on an annual basis is not enough. So you borrow, deliver results, and that improves your ability to repay,” he said.

He cited the expansion of electricity access as an example, noting that providing power to about 32 million Nigerians requires substantial upfront investment.

“To be able to connect and provide energy to 32 million Nigerians, Nigeria needs to borrow money now. But with increased access to energy, the country will become wealthier and better positioned to repay the loans,” he added.

The World Bank official, however, warned that low government revenue poses a greater threat to Nigeria’s fiscal sustainability than its current debt level.

“Nigeria’s debt is not particularly high, and in fact, it’s quite moderate by international standards. Its revenues are very low by international standards, and unless those revenues are raised, it will not be able to pay back debt,” Verghis said.

According to him, strengthening revenue mobilisation would enable the government to increase investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education and other sectors that drive job creation, improve human capital and reduce poverty over the long term.

The remarks come as the World Bank recently unveiled a new six-year Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria, which places job creation at the centre of its support for the country through investments in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and digital connectivity.

South Africa Rejects Nigeria’s Xenophobia Compensation Demand

2026-07-04T22:34:18.428+04:00

The South African government has rejected Nigeria’s request for compensation for citizens who abandoned their businesses and properties after fleeing renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.

Nigeria had recently indicated that it was compiling records of businesses, homes and other properties left behind by affected citizens as a basis for engaging the South African government on possible compensation.

Earlier this week, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, disclosed that the Federal Government had begun documenting the losses suffered by Nigerians who returned home following the attacks.

Ajayi said the exercise was aimed at facilitating discussions with South African authorities on compensation for victims who were forced to abandon their investments and livelihoods due to safety concerns.

However, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, dismissed the proposal during a press briefing on Friday, maintaining that the South African government would not compensate anyone for properties left behind.

According to Ntshavheni, legally owned properties are officially registered with the relevant authorities and can be sold through the country’s property market. She argued that any structures located in informal settlements are illegal and therefore cannot be recognised as legitimate property eligible for compensation.

“We’ll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are. So they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently,” Ntshavheni said.

So you are already violating our law if you are going to tell us about a shack in some informal settlement,” she said.

Reiterating the government’s position, Ntshavheni said there would be no compensation for abandoned properties.

“So there’s no compensation that will come from government.

Those who leave their properties, if they are properly legally registered in the country, they can dispose of the properties in the property market in South Africa, whether it’s movable or immovable property. And we are going to seriously appreciate being told where the drug dens are,” she said.

The minister also announced that the South African government had approved additional measures to prevent the re-establishment of informal settlements after they are demolished.

The development comes amid renewed incidents of xenophobic violence targeting African migrants in parts of South Africa, forcing many Nigerians to flee over fears for their safety.

Successive waves of xenophobic attacks in South Africa have, over the years, strained diplomatic relations between Abuja and Pretoria, with Nigerian-owned businesses frequently targeted during outbreaks of violence.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly called on South African authorities to ensure the safety of its citizens and protect their investments.

Ghana and Vietnam have signed a visa-free agreement for holders of diplomatic

2026-07-04T16:39:47.779+04:00

Ghana and Vietnam have signed a visa-free agreement for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports, strengthening bilateral relations and opening a new chapter in cooperation on trade, investment, agriculture and tourism. Ghana and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have signed a new visa waiver agreement that will allow holders of diplomatic, official and service passports from both countries to travel without visas. The agreement was signed during the first-ever Ghana-Vietnam Political Consultations held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra on Thursday, July 2, 2026. In a social media post from the Ministry, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye-Quayson, speaking at the signing ceremony said the agreement would make it easier for government officials to travel for official duties while strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Mr Gyakye-Quayson also expressed hope that the agreement could eventually be expanded to cover holders of ordinary passports, making travel easier for business people, tourists and students. “We have undertaken a comprehensive review of our cooperation and identified practical pathways for expanding collaboration,” he said after bilateral talks with Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister. The two countries identified trade and investment, agriculture, education, tourism, capacity building and multilateral cooperation as priority areas for future collaboration. Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Le Anh Tuan, described Ghana as “an important partner” and “a gateway to the West African region.” He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening relations with Ghana and other African countries, saying his country was ready to support Ghana’s long-term development ambitions. “Vietnam stands ready to reliably partner and accompany Ghana in its efforts to realize its vision of becoming an industrialized, high-income country by 2057,” he said. Read more on our website

Huge crowds gather in Iran for dayslong funeral and public mourning for slain supreme leader

2026-07-04T15:55:08.958+04:00

Some waving flags, others wiping away tears, thousands have gathered in Tehran for the funeral of Iran’s former supreme leader.

Mourners beat their chests rhythmically in the intense summer heat, the wails of women cutting through the noise as the body of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was unveiled beneath a glass case at the Grand Mosalla.

“Our word is one! Revenge! Revenge!” the crowd chanted, according to the Associated Press.

Live Reuters footage showed hundreds marching along car-free streets, with women carrying bouquets of white flowers.

Others carried banners, while billboards across the city bore Khamenei’s image.

Water jets sprayed mist onto the crowd of mourners, who mostly wore black, with temperatures set to reach 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit), according to a forecast from the UK’s Met Office.

“I am here to say goodbye to my beloved leader Ali Khamenei,” Hananeh Mousavi, 27, told the Associated Press. “I never expected to see such a day. I wish I had died before this tragedy.”

Ali Kazemi, who traveled 330 miles (530 kilometers) from the city of Tabriz to attend, said: “We attended the funeral to show that we are all committed to defend our country and religion.”

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral will last for several days. Here’s what to expect in the coming days:

July 4 – The public part of the funeral begins Saturday 6 a.m. local time when Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla opens for a continuous 24-hour farewell ceremony.

July 5 – The second day is dedicated to funeral prayers for Khamenei and members of his family, after which the public farewell ceremony will continue.

July 6 – This is when the main funeral procession in Tehran will happen. The ceremony is expected to begin at 6 a.m. local time, and the procession, which includes funeral prayers, will follow the 10-kilometer distance from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square.

July 7 – Prayers will be held at the Jamkaran Mosque in Qom, an important holy city about 150 kilometers south of Tehran. A funeral procession may also be held here, if conditions allow.

July 8 – Khamenei’s body will be transported to the Iraqi city of Najaf, as the regime seeks to show its revolutionary ideology can still transcend its borders. There will be an official reception attended by Iraq’s prime minister, senior government officials and religious leaders before the cortege travels to the Imam Ali Shrine, an important pilgrimage site for Shiite Muslims. Afterward, the body will travel by helicopter to the Shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala, about 80 kilometers away, before flying back to Iran.

July 9 – Khamenei will be buried at the Imam Reza shrine, one of Shiite Islam’s holiest sites, in Mashhad, the town where he was born.

Top five news in the word today: Summary

2026-07-04T15:48:19.383+04:00

1. America Celebrates Its 250th Birthday (Semiquincentennial)

The United States is celebrating its milestone 250th Independence Day with historic nationwide events, including a massive 60-ship naval review on the Potomac, major tall ship fleets docking in Boston and New York, and a unique daytime ball drop in Times Square timed to the exact moment the Declaration of Independence was adopted. President Trump kicked off the holiday weekend with a speech at Mount Rushmore, while various local leaders, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, have delivered contrasting addresses focusing on America’s diverse immigration history.

2. Dangerous Heat Wave Cancels National Independence Day Parade

A brutal and punishing heat wave is scorching the Eastern United States, putting roughly 160 million Americans under major or extreme heat warnings. The extreme conditions forced organizers to cancel Washington, D.C.'s annual Independence Day Parade on the National Mall today due to safety risks. High heat and humidity are heavily disrupting regional power grids, outdoor festivals, and holiday travel, forcing local governments to rapidly open cooling centers.

3. "Trump Accounts" Pilot Program Funds Roll Out to Children

Following the Working Families Tax Cuts enacted last year, the Social Security Administration has officially launched the distribution of the initial $1,000 pilot program contributions for "Trump Accounts"—a specialized retirement account for eligible minors. As of today, families with registered children born between January 2025 and December 2028 are seeing the federal funds land in their accounts, with over 6 million children enrolled in the system so far.

4. Severe Weather Concerns for World Cup Matches

With the World Cup being hosted across North America, extreme summer weather has become a central focus. Following a tense overtime match where Argentina defeated Cape Verde in Miami, soccer matches scheduled for today in Houston and Philadelphia are forging ahead despite intense heat challenges. Regional stadiums are heavily adapting hydration protocols and heat management systems to keep fans and athletes safe.

5. Pause in U.S.–Iran Negotiations Following Late Supreme Leader's Funeral

In foreign policy news, President Trump announced that Washington temporarily paused ongoing diplomatic negotiations with Tehran to accommodate funeral processions for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. While international delegations from Russia, China, and Pakistan have arrived in Tehran for the ceremonies culminating next week, the U.S. administration stated the pause was a brief recess but claims regional pressure remains high.

Russian Jet Reportedly Shot Down As Terrorists Capture Malian Soldiers

2026-07-04T15:38:04.726+04:00

A security analyst, Brant Philip, has reported that terrorists captured several Malian soldiers during coordinated attacks on military positions in parts of Mali on Saturday.

Philip, in a series of posts on 𝕏, said the attacks targeted Malian army positions in Aguelhok, Gao, Sevaré, Anefis and Kenioroba.

He said the offensive was carried out by the Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin and the Front de Libération de l’Azawad.

Philip also said there were unverified reports that a Russian Africa Corps Su-24 fighter jet crashed near Gao after it was allegedly hit by anti-aircraft fire close to Anefis.

“Unverified reports that an Su-24 jet of the Russian Africa Corps crashed in Gao after getting hit by AA near Anefis,” he wrote.

“Heavy smoke rising from the Gao Air Base currently,” he added.

The alleged crash had not been independently verified, and there was no official confirmation from Russian or Malian authorities as of the time of filing this report.

According to Philip, the Russian Africa Corps was fighting alongside the Malian military to repel the attacks.

“The Africa Corps reports to be engaged in combat alongside the Malian army to repel the JNIM/FLA offensive against their positions in Gao, Anefis and Aguelhok,” he said.

Philip further claimed that additional Malian soldiers were taken prisoner by the FLA in Anefis.

Source: Nairaland

FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 16 Confirmed! Full List of Qualified Teams, Results and Fixtures (Nigeria Time)

2026-07-04T15:33:56.337+04:00

The Round of 32 is over, and the 16 teams that will battle for a place in the quarter finals have now been confirmed.

Here are the teams that qualified, who they defeated, the scores, and their Round of 16 opponents.

1. Canada defeated South Africa 2-0 and will face Morocco.

2. Brazil defeated Japan 3-1 and will face Norway.

3. Paraguay defeated Germany on penalties after a 0-0 draw (4-2 on penalties) and will face France.

4. France defeated Sweden 2-0 and will face Paraguay.

5. Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-1 and will face England.

6. England defeated DR Congo 2-1 and will face Mexico.

7. Belgium defeated Senegal 2-1 after extra time and will face USA.

8. United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 and will face Belgium.

9. Spain defeated Austria 3-0 and will face Portugal.

10. Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 and will face Spain.

11. Switzerland defeated Algeria 2-0 and will face Colombia.

12. Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 and will face Switzerland.

13. Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time and will face Egypt.

14. Egypt defeated Australia on penalties after a 1-1 draw (4-2 on penalties) and will face Argentina.

15. Morocco defeated the Netherlands 1-0 and will face Canada.

16. Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 and will face Brazil.

Round of 16 Fixtures (Nigeria Time)

Saturday, July 4, 2026

- Canada vs Morocco – 6:00 PM

- Brazil vs Norway – 9:00 PM

Sunday, July 5, 2026

- Paraguay vs France – 10:00 PM

- Mexico vs England – 1:00 AM (JULY 6)

Monday, July 6, 2026

- Spain vs Portugal – 10:00 PM

- Belgium vs USA – 1:00 AM (JULY 7)

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

- Argentina vs Egypt – 5:00 PM

- Switzerland vs Colombia – 9:00 PM

Beachgoer k!lled by lightning while swimming

2026-07-04T15:31:09.263+04:00

One person was k!lled and three others were injured when a group of Florida beachgoers was struck by lightning on Friday afternoon, July 3.

The beachgoers were swimming in the Gulf at Fort Myers Beach around 3 p.m. when they were struck.

One swimmer, an unidentified man, was struck directly and di£d. Three other swimmers, who were wading in the ocean near the strike, were injured and rushed to a nearby hospital, according to Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Scott Wirth.

The three other individuals injured “appear to be in stable condition,” Sarah Rodriguez of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office told The Post.

Witnesses describe the terrifying moment as sounding like “an atomic bomb went off.”

“All of a sudden, it sounded like an atomic bomb went off,” beachgoer Debra Crombie told WINK News.

“I could see the flash, and I couldn’t see at that moment where it had hit, but I knew it had hit either on the beach or right at the shoreline,” she continued.

“It was so bright our ears hurt, our eyes were blinded by it, like that’s how intense this was.”

Crombie, who was on her annual vacation to Fort Myers, Florida, with her family when the tragedy struck, said one of her relatives saw the lightning strike the water before it “split in two.”

“And so at that point, we saw kids running off the beach back to our resort and they were screaming and I’m like, oh boy, I bet somebody got hit,” she said.

The man who was directly struck was pulled from the water and CPR measures were attempted, but he had di£d by the time emergency responders arrived at the scene, the outlet reported.

Crombie believes the tragic beachgoer was staying at her resort with his family

“We saw his child earlier in the day, and everyone was crying on and off, and I just can’t stop thinking about this family, and my heart just breaks for them,” she said.

“It was supposed to be this beautiful experience on beautiful Fort Myers Beach and now it’s not.”

Source

Samsung removes Vascular Load from its smartwatches in the US

2026-07-04T12:50:48.178+04:00

Samsung is removing the Vascular Load feature from its smartwatches in the US. It will be gone when Samsung Health version 7.0 and One UI 9 Watch roll out "in late July".

The Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, which are rumored to be unveiled on July 22, will come with One UI 9 Watch pre-installed. The older devices should then be updated gradually.

Once Vascular Load is deactivated, the data won't appear in Samsung Health, but you can download it at any time by going to More options > Settings > Download personal data.

Samsung is replacing Vascular Load with a new feature called Blood pressure trend, which will be available on "the upcoming Galaxy Watch", the company says. This will check your blood pressure periodically to show you a trend over time. It will also give you tips to "support healthy habits". Before you start tracking your Blood pressure trend, you'll need to use a blood pressure cuff to set up your Galaxy Watch.

Source

US Troop Withdrawal from Nigeria Could Spark Fresh Terror Attacks, HURIWA Warns

2026-07-04T12:24:38.287+04:00

According to Vanguardngr, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over the withdrawal of most United States troops from joint counterterrorism operations in Nigeria, warning that the move could create a security vacuum for terrorist groups to regroup and launch fresh attacks.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group said the development should not be interpreted as a sign that the war against insurgency has been won. Instead, it urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to prevent extremist groups from exploiting the situation.

HURIWA warned that unless Nigerian security agencies quickly fill the operational gap left by the departing U.S. forces, terrorist groups could reorganise, rearm and intensify attacks, particularly against vulnerable communities.

“The withdrawal of U.S. troops could embolden terrorist groups to regroup, rearm and intensify attacks on vulnerable communities,” the organisation stated.

The group said it shares the concerns recently raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as other church leaders, arguing that claims suggesting attacks on Christians have ended do not reflect realities on the ground.

According to HURIWA, many communities across Nigeria continue to experience killings, kidnappings, displacement and destruction of homes, churches and livelihoods despite ongoing military operations

The organisation noted that although international counterterrorism efforts have disrupted some insurgent networks and eliminated certain commanders, such successes have yet to guarantee lasting security for ordinary Nigerians.

“Armed groups still retain the capacity to attack rural communities, highways and places of worship, leaving millions of citizens living in fear,” the statement added.

HURIWA further appealed to security agencies to prioritise the protection of communities repeatedly targeted by terrorists, insisting that all Nigerians deserve equal protection regardless of religion or ethnicity.

“The protection of lives remains the foremost duty of government. This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s security architecture. Decisive action now could preserve recent gains, while complacency may lead to renewed bloodshed,” the group stated.

Source

Historic Pharaohs: Egypt wins Australia 4-2 on Penalties to Reach World Cup Last 16

2026-07-04T12:15:07.896+04:00

TEXAS — Hossam Abdelmaguid held his nerve to score the decisive penalty as Egypt made history on Friday, defeating a dogged Australia 4-2 in a dramatic shootout. The victory sends the Pharaohs into the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in their history.

The tense encounter at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys ended 1-1 after 120 minutes. Up next for Egypt is a highly anticipated clash with Lionel Messi’s Argentina, provided the reigning world champions avoid a monumental upset against debutants Cape Verde.

Key Match Highlights

13th Minute: Egypt strikes first. Emam Ashour heads home at the back post from a Karim Hafez cross after Australia’s Nestory Irankunda fails to track his run.
55th Minute: Australia equalizes. Under intense physical pressure from an in-swinging Socceroos free-kick, Egypt's Mohamed Hany accidentally heads the ball into his own net—his second own goal of the tournament.
Full-Time & Extra Time: Despite late pressure from Egypt and a quiet performance from an unfit Mohamed Salah, Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach makes an athletic stoppage-time save to deny Ramy, forcing the game into an attritional extra 30 minutes.

The Penalty Shootout Gamble

With a historic knockout win on the line, Australia coach Tony Popovic made a last-gasp tactical gamble, subbing on experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan specifically for the shootout. However, the move failed to pay off under the intense pressure of 70,000 fans.

Penalty Taker	Team	Outcome	Score Impact
Harry Souttar	Australia	❌ Missed (Blazed over)	Egypt leads
Mohamed Salah	Egypt	Scores (Cool finish)	Egypt maintains lead
Lucas Herrington (18)	Australia	❌ Missed (Hit the bar)	Australia on the brink
Hossam Abdelmaguid	Egypt	Scores (Winner)	Egypt wins 4-2

Salah’s Quiet Night Ends in Tears of Joy

The 34-year-old talisman Mohamed Salah entered the match nursing a hamstring strain from Egypt's previous game and spent most of the night on the fringes of the action. Egypt's attack lacked its usual clinical edge, highlighted by Manchester City's Omar Marmoush sliding a golden opportunity wide early in the second half.

Yet, when the pressure peaked in the shootout, the captain delivered. Following Abdelmaguid’s winning spot-kick, a relieved Salah was seen weeping tears of joy on the pitch as Egypt celebrated their monumental milestone, leaving the Socceroos heartbroken after a brave campaign.

Samsung may manufacture Anthropic's custom AI chips

2026-07-04T11:56:25.882+04:00

According to a report by The Information, Anthropic and Samsung are in the early stages of negotiating a deal in which the Korean tech giant will be tasked with manufacturing Anthropic's custom AI chips.

It seems like the demand for semiconductors as a whole, mainly fueled by the rise of AI, has forced many companies to look beyond TSMC for chip suppliers. Right before the AI boom, Samsung and Intel were having trouble with their chip businesses, but the latest developments in the industry have been favorable for the two companies. So much so that Apple is once again considering Intel as a chip supplier, and Samsung is also reportedly in talks with Apple.

Anthropic assured its current partners that its data centers will still rely on Amazon's Titanium chips, Google's tensor processing units (TPUs) and Nvidia's GPUs for the foreseeable future, but it still needs to develop custom hardware to fuel its computational power and growth. OpenAI, for example, is in talks with Broadcom for the very same thing.

Trump Talks Weight, Real Estate, and Rivals on Kids’ Podcast with Usha Vance

2026-07-04T11:44:44.234+04:00

In a surprisingly candid appearance on the children’s podcast “Storytime with the Second Lady,” hosted by Usha Vance, President Donald Trump marked America’s 250th birthday by riffing on his White House predecessors, joking about his own weight, and delivering his classic commentary on real estate.

Sitting in the Oval Office with a plush bald eagle by his side, the 80-year-old grandfather of 11 kicked things off by focusing on his favorite subject.

“It’s the most powerful piece of real estate, probably in the world,” Trump said of the Oval Office. “Everything starts here, ends here, starts again.”

When the conversation shifted to reading habits, Trump admitted he rarely finds time for books. “I end up reading mostly newspapers," he confessed. "I usually read stories about myself.”

Sizing Up the Predecessors

Flipping through “Presidents Play!”—a book highlighting the hobbies of former U.S. leaders—Trump offered a stream-of-consciousness critique of the men who held the job before him:

Abraham Lincoln (Horseback Riding): Trump expressed interest but noted the safety risks. “I’d like to ride horses, too... [but] we get a nice old horse that’s extremely slow, lazy, and maybe ride him.”
John Quincy Adams & FDR (Swimming): Pointing to a picture of the creek where Adams swam, Trump noted, “I think we’re building a beautiful ballroom on top of it,” referencing a personal White House construction project currently entangled in lawsuits. On the topic of swimwear, Trump mused: “I don’t know if I look good in a bathing suit. I haven’t had a bathing suit in a long time. I’m too busy.”
John F. Kennedy (Sailing): Trump dubbed JFK “the second most good-looking president,” playfully leaving the number-one spot open to implication.
Bill Clinton (Jogging): In a rare move for a political rival, Trump offered high praise. “I like Bill Clinton a lot," he said, calling him a "nice guy" despite his fierce 2016 election battle against Hillary Clinton.
Barack Obama (Basketball): Trump was less generous toward Obama’s hoop skills, stating, “I don’t know if he’s a good basketball player. I tend to doubt it.”

The Battle of the Bulge (and History)

Trump also reacted to William Howard Taft, America’s heaviest president, who weighed in at over 300 pounds. Trump, known for his love of fast food, joked about keeping his own appetite in check.

“I have to be careful because I don’t want to supersede his record," Trump said. "And a thing like that would be possible if I allowed it to happen.”

A Semi-Serious Independence Day Message

Closing out the interview, Vance asked Trump why children should celebrate the nation's milestone Semiquincentennial. Trump pivoted to a characteristically polarized view of the country's current state.

“We have a great country. We have a country that is under a little bit of a ledge right now,” Trump concluded. “It can go one way or another, you understand that, but we’re going to go the other.”

At Least Three Dead After Suspected Herdsmen Attacks in Benue State, Nigeria

2026-07-03T22:16:28.564+04:00

MAKURDI, NIGERIA — At least three people have been killed following separate attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in the Anyiase community of Moon Council Ward, located in the Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue, according Lindaikaji blog

The violence occurred between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, July 3, coming less than 24 hours after a similar assault on a rural community in Okpokwu LGA.

Akerigba Lawrence, a Supervisory Councillor in Kwande LGA, reported that the attackers ambushed farms in Anyiase at approximately 3:20 PM on Thursday. Two farmers, identified as Asongo Nagwebe and Tarzan Agbahegh, were killed on the spot.

Two other victims—a man and a woman—sustained severe injuries and were rushed to the Jato-Aka General Hospital. Lawrence confirmed that the male victim tragically succumbed to his injuries while being transferred to Makurdi for specialized medical care.

In a further escalation on Friday morning, the attackers allegedly set up a roadblock at Kyoawen Junction and opened fire on a commercial passenger bus. The total number of casualties from the highway ambush remains unconfirmed.

26th MILO Basketball Championship: King Amakree and GSS Gboko Crowned Champions

2026-07-03T22:11:59.881+04:00

Nestlé Nigeria Plc managing director Wassim Elhusseini presented the trophies and cheques to the winning teams, alongside Nigerian School Sport Federation president Bisi Joseph and Nestlé Nigeria beverages category manager Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah.

King Amakree Academy of Obuama, Rivers State, and Government Secondary School (GSS), Gboko, Benue State, emerged champions of the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively as the curtain fell on the 26th Nestlé MILO Secondary Schools Basketball Championship at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Thursday.

While GSS Gboko cruised to a convincing victory in the girls’ final, the boys’ title was decided by one of the most dramatic finishes in the competition’s history, with King Amakree Academy staging a stunning comeback to edge defending champions Father O’Connell Science College, Minna 56- 54.

The championship, which attracted the best secondary school teams from across Nigeria after months of regional qualifiers, once again underlined MILO’s long-standing investment in grassroots basketball and youth development.

Dramatic boys’ final

The final lived up to expectations from the opening whistle.

King Amakree Academy narrowly claimed the first quarter 15-14 before Father O’Connell gradually settled into their rhythm.

The Niger State side dominated the second quarter with disciplined defending, fast breaks and accurate perimeter shooting to overturn the deficit and establish a 31-25 halftime lead.

The halftime break featured an energetic performance by gospel music group Goshen, colorful calisthenics displays and cultural performances that kept the packed arena entertained.

Father O’Connell returned after the break with renewed confidence. Their first point of the third quarter came from the free-throw line before they extended their dominance to open an eight-point lead, ending the period 47-39.

With just five minutes remaining, Father O’Connell still looked firmly in control at 49-44.

However, King Amakree refused to surrender.

The Rivers boys tightened their defence, forced repeated turnovers and slowly chipped away at the deficit.

The score soon became 49-46 before the gap was reduced to a single point at 51-50 with just over two minutes remaining.

The momentum had completely shifted.

King Amakree moved ahead 52-51, only for Father O’Connell to respond immediately and reclaim the lead at 53-52.

Another basket swung the advantage back to Rivers at 54-53, but with only 13 seconds remaining, Father O’Connell drew a foul and converted one of two free throws to level the scores at 54-54.

The game appeared destined for overtime.

Instead, another late foul sent King Amakree’s Destiny Nwachi to the free-throw line with everything on the line.

Showing remarkable composure, he converted the decisive free throws to hand his team a dramatic 56-54 victory and spark wild celebrations inside the Indoor Sports Hall.

‘I just had to focus’

After the match, Nwachi admitted the pressure before taking the championship-winning shots was enormous.

“I was like, if I miss it, I’m dead. I’ll be a failure to my coaches, my parents and my teammates. I just had to focus, even though it’s one, one.”

He explained why free throws are moments he embraces rather than fears.

“A free throw is a free chance for me. No defender on you. I will just take my deep breath and appreciate God.”

On King Amakree’s remarkable comeback, Nwachi simply credited hard work.

“It’s hard work. Like my dad always says, hard work. You put on your best, hard work. You put on your just hard work… Thank God, appreciate God.”

GSS Gboko dominate girls’ final

The girls’ final was a different story.

Government Secondary School, Gboko, produced a commanding performance to defeat seven-time champions St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, 68-36.

The Benue girls controlled the contest from start to finish, combining disciplined defense with quick transitions and excellent teamwork to deny their experienced opponents any chance of a comeback.

Ada Friday’s outstanding displays throughout the tournament earned her the girls’ Most Valuable Player award.

Third-place finishers rewarded

David hall International College, Lagos, claimed third place in the boys’ event after defeating Urhobo College, Delta State, 51-43.

In the girls’ competition, Ado Grammar School, Ekiti State, defeated Urhobo College 40-30 to secure third place.

Nestlé Nigeria Plc managing director Wassim Elhusseini presented the trophies and cheques to the winning teams, alongside Nigerian School Sport Federation president Bisi Joseph and Nestlé Nigeria beverages category manager Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah.

Mr. Elhusseini said the championship had, over 26 years, given young Nigerians a platform to develop discipline, teamwork and resilience alongside their basketball skills.

The champions received N3 million, basketballs and other sporting equipment, while the runners-up earned N2 million alongside sports gear and Nestlé MILO gift items.

Third-place teams received N1.5 million, sporting equipment and MILO products.

With another memorable edition concluded, attention will now shift to the future, as several of the young stars who dazzled in Lagos look set to become the next generation of Nigerian basketball talents.

Source: Premium time

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Israeli Drone Strike Wounds 2 in Southern Lebanon

2026-07-03T21:30:50.773+04:00

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Updates: The recent outbreak of violence in the region of Israel and Lebanon shows that peace in the region is still very fragile in spite of ongoing negotiations. It was reported that in an overnight Israeli drone attack in southern Lebanon, two people were injured, while one soldier of the Israeli army got severely wounded in another clash near the border while these events have been taking place amid growing geopolitical tensions among Israel, Iran and Hezbollah.

As reported by the National News Agency of Lebanon, the drone of Israel attacked a vehicle in the town of Seddiqine in Tyre region, which wounded two people while another attack took place within a few moments in the same area however, it is not clear yet if the attack was against any individual or military installations. It is noteworthy that the Israeli military authorities remained silent regarding the reported drone attacks. Israel has been continuously claiming that its mission in southern Lebanon is to prevent Hezbollah from rearming itself.

The Israeli Defense Forces stated that one of their soldiers had been injured severely in what they called an "encounter" in southern Lebanon. The soldier was immediately taken away for emergency treatment, and his family informed of the situation whereas very little information was provided on the operation and this is in keeping with the Israeli Defense Forces' policy of withholding information when in the midst of security operations.

Source:MSN

Real Madrid Issue Official Statement Denying Transfer Interest in Chelsea Midfielder Enzo Fernández

2026-07-03T20:53:16.163+04:00

Real Madrid have publicly denied reports linking the club with a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, insisting they have “no intention” of signing the Argentina international this summer.

According to the BBC, the Spanish giants issued an official statement on Friday after speculation intensified following comments from Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, who revealed he is exploring options for the midfielder’s future and suggested a move to Madrid could appeal to the World Cup winner.

Although Pastore stopped short of confirming Real Madrid’s interest, he fuelled speculation by saying, “Who doesn’t like Madrid? Enzo has many friends there. I also live in Madrid.”

Real Madrid responded by categorically rejecting the reports.

“In light of the reports and statements that have appeared in recent days regarding an alleged interest in Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either directly or indirectly, to sign the player and has no intention of undertaking such an operation,” the club said.

Madrid added that the statement was issued out of respect for both Chelsea and the player, stressing that the transfer speculation was “unfounded” and did not reflect reality.

Chelsea have also confirmed they have received no formal approach from the Spanish club.

The Premier League side are understood to value Fernandez at around £120 million if serious interest emerges but are not actively seeking to sell the 25-year-old, who remains a key figure in new manager Xabi Alonso’s plans.

Fernandez, currently with Argentina at the FIFA World Cup, has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge for several months. The midfielder previously admitted he would “love” to live in Madrid, comments that reportedly resulted in disciplinary action under Chelsea’s former manager.

Despite ongoing speculation, ESPN also reports Chelsea expect Fernandez to return for pre-season after Argentina’s World Cup campaign concludes, while Real Madrid maintain they are not pursuing any deal for the former Benfica midfielder.

South African Government Slams Jacob Zuma Over India Reunion with Fugitive Ajay Gupta

2026-07-03T20:43:14.150+04:00

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — The South African government has issued a scathing rebuke of former President Jacob Zuma following the emergence of footage showing him reuniting in India with Ajay Gupta, a key fugitive accused of masterminding the country's multi-billion dollar "state capture" corruption scandal.

The meeting has sparked a formal diplomatic inquiry, with Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola accusing the 84-year-old former statesman of running a dangerous "parallel foreign policy" that actively undermines the current administration.

"A Middle Finger to South Africans"

The backlash intensified following a post-cabinet media briefing in Pretoria, where Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni condemned Zuma’s actions as a direct insult to the public.

"It is very disturbing that a former state president openly and unapologetically shows the middle finger to South Africans who have lost a lot of money through the Gupta brothers’ shenanigans," Ntshavheni stated. She added that it was a "level of disgrace" that Zuma continues to claim he wants to run the country again while openly associating with fugitives.

The outrage follows a viral video recorded during Zuma's visit to a temple in the pilgrim city of Haridwar, along the River Ganges. In the footage, a garlanded Zuma stands alongside Ajay Gupta, publicly embracing him and referring to him as a "brother and friend." Zuma also used the platform to suggest he would return to power in upcoming elections, despite being forced out of office by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in 2018 under a cloud of corruption allegations.

Diplomatic Envoy Under Investigation

The controversy has expanded into a full-blown diplomatic crisis. Photographs and video clips revealed that South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, was present at the temple alongside Zuma and Gupta.

Minister Lamola has ordered an urgent internal investigation into Sooklal’s involvement. While former presidents are entitled to basic diplomatic facilitation when traveling abroad, government officials emphasized that state resources should never be used to interface with individuals fleeing South African justice.

The Legacy of State Capture

The Indian-born Gupta brothers—Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh—built a massive business empire in South Africa during Zuma’s presidency (2009–2018). A landmark 2016 anti-corruption report and subsequent judicial commissions established that the family systematically plundered state organs, secured lucrative state contracts, and even influenced cabinet appointments through bribery.

The brothers fled South Africa in 2018 as law enforcement closed in.

Ajay Gupta was declared a fugitive from justice in 2018, though local charges against him were later dropped on technicalities in 2019. However, judicial findings still identify him as a primary architect of the state capture syndicate.
Atul and Rajesh Gupta fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In 2023, a Dubai court rejected South Africa’s initial request to extradite them, though South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that active Interpol Red Notices remain in place and a renewed extradition process is underway.

The MK Party, founded by Zuma, has dismissed the government's criticism, asserting that Zuma is a private citizen free to travel and meet whomever he pleases.

To see the original broadcast and local coverage detailing how this meeting unfolded in northern India, you can watch the

Gambian Man Remanded to Mile 2 Prison After Brutal Assault on Wife Over Dinner Dispute

2026-07-03T20:21:05.273+04:00

BRIKAMA, THE GAMBIA — A Gambian man has been remanded in custody at the Mile 2 prison after pleading guilty to severely assaulting his wife and causing serious injury to her eye because he was dissatisfied with the dinner she served him.

The defendant, Lamin Badjie, appeared before the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 2, 2026. He pleaded guilty to the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm. Following his plea, the court ordered Badjie to pay a fine of D100,000 and an additional D100,000 in compensation to his wife. He was subsequently remanded to the central prison.

Domestic Dispute Escalates to Violence

The incident took place last week at the couple’s residence in Foni Mandina. According to the victim, Fatou Sanneh, the violent altercation began on Tuesday night following an argument over the evening meal.

"My husband was out, and when he came home, he asked me to serve him dinner," Sanneh explained. "I gave him nyankatang (plain boiled rice) mixed with benachin (Jollof rice), but while he was eating, he kept complaining that he didn't want the food. I asked if he wanted nyankatang by itself, but he continued complaining."

Sanneh stated that Badjie then requested water. As she left to fetch it, he spat on her. After she handed him the water and attempted to walk away, Badjie allegedly followed her, threw the food bowl to the ground, and began physically assaulting her.

Although Badjie’s aunt briefly intervened and pulled Sanneh away, the confrontation resumed moments later.

"I told him that a man who beats his wife does not live long," Sanneh said. "He became even angrier and started beating me again until he injured my eye."

Victim Hospitalized, Defendant Arrested

Sanneh sustained severe trauma to one of her eyes during the attack. She was initially rushed to the Kanilai Health Centre for emergency medical attention before being referred to the Bwiam General Hospital, where she was admitted overnight for treatment.

Following the report of the assault, Badjie was arrested by local authorities and transferred to the Brikama Police Station before his formal arraignment on Thursday.

The couple share two children together.