December 21, 2025

Trump Endorses Bruce Blakeman In New York Governor Race

Trump Endorses Bruce Blakeman In New York Governor Race

President Donald Trump on Saturday backed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in New York’s Republican race for governor, stepping in a day after Representative Elise Stefanik ended her bid and reshaped the contest.

Trump announced his support in a post on Truth Social, calling Blakeman a “FANTASTIC guy” and offering what he described as his “complete and total endorsement.” The president praised Blakeman’s record as county executive, highlighting his alignment with Trump on immigration enforcement and public safety.

The endorsement quickly positioned Blakeman as the leading Republican contender following Stefanik’s exit. Her withdrawal removed what had been expected to be …

Nigeria Tax Reform: Presidency Dismisses Alteration Claims

Nigeria Tax Reform: Presidency Dismisses Alteration Claims

The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed allegations that the newly enacted tax reform laws were secretly altered, insisting that the legislation was passed in full compliance with established legal and legislative procedures.

The government reaffirmed that the reforms will take effect on January 1, 2026, despite calls from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and several civil society organisations to suspend implementation.

The four tax reform bills—comprising the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act—operate under the unified authority of the Nigeria Revenue Service. …

South Africa Tavern Shooting Leaves Nine Dead Near Johannesburg

South Africa Tavern Shooting Leaves Nine Dead Near Johannesburg

South African police have launched an intensive manhunt after nine people were shot dead and 10 others wounded during a late-night attack at a licensed tavern in a township west of Johannesburg, authorities said on Sunday.

The shooting took place shortly after 1:00 a.m. local time in Bekkersdal, a densely populated community near the mining town of Westonaria, according to police statements.

Police said a group of about 12 armed men, traveling in two vehicles, arrived at the tavern and opened fire on customers inside the venue before continuing to shoot indiscriminately as they fled the area.

“The suspects fired …

US Seizes Venezuela Oil Tanker, Escalating Maritime Crackdown

US Seizes Venezuela Oil Tanker, Escalating Maritime Crackdown

The United States has seized an oil tanker that recently departed from Venezuela, marking the second such interception this month as Washington escalates enforcement against what it describes as illicit Venezuelan oil shipments.

The operation was carried out by the U.S. Coast Guard in international waters and follows President Donald Trump’s announcement this week that the U.S. would impose a maritime “blockade” on oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela in violation of American sanctions.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the Coast Guard, said a specialized tactical boarding team intercepted the vessel during a pre-dawn operation …

Epstein Files Release Sparks Outrage Over Redactions

Epstein Files Release Sparks Outrage Over Redactions

The long-awaited release of government documents linked to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has sparked frustration among survivors, lawmakers, and legal experts, who say the disclosure falls short of the transparency promised by Congress.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released thousands of pages of Epstein-related records on Friday under a congressional mandate, but many of the documents were heavily redacted, and several files were later removed from public view. Critics argue the partial release risks undermining public trust while reigniting speculation around one of the most scrutinized criminal cases in recent history.

The release followed …