TREND SUN

The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours over their shared 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier. Royal Thai Army soldiers are pictured on armoured vehicles on a road in Chachoengsao province on July 24, 2025.  Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned Friday that cross-border clashes with Cambodia that have uprooted more than 130,000 people “could develop into war”, as the countries traded deadly strikes for a second day. A long-running border dispute erupted into intense fighting with jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on Thursday, and the UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis later Friday. A steady thump of artillery strikes could be heard from the Cambodian side of the border Friday, where the province of Oddar Meanchey reported one civilian — a 70-year-old man — had been killed and five more wounded.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, also condemned the move announced by French President Emmanuel Macron. The United States has condemned France's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood.   The US made its position known in a post by its ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, who described the move as a blow to peace.   "France’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state is a gift to Hamas and a blow to peace. I’ve just arrived, and I’m deeply disappointed. @EmmanuelMacron – I hope to change your mind before September. Free the hostages. Focus on a ceasefire. This is the path to lasting peace," he posted on his official X handle.   His comments come as Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, also condemned the move announced by French President Emmanuel Macron.   Netanyahu shared Israel's position on his official X handle.   "We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in...

From Sevilla to New York, world leaders, businesses, and civil society continue to find ways and means for funding and delivering sustainable development for people and the planet. While progress on the Sustainable Development Goals has been slow and the expected commitments to advance them have been disappointing, what is clear is that the people who so much need to be lifted out of poverty can no longer wait. Two major events shaping progress on funding and delivery of the global goals are underway, with one concluded in Sevilla, Spain, from June 30–July 3 under the aegis of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development and another happened in New York, United States, at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development from July 14 to 23, 2025. Both events provide an opportunity for government, business, and civil society to dialogue, review progress and chart a new path for accelerating better developmental outcomes for a prosperous world. Wherea...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, in contrast to its 2023 strategy of throwing the ticket open.    This decision aligns with a recommendation by the party’s founding fathers and was ratified at the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. The party also announced that its Elective National Convention would take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, rather than the earlier planned venue in Kano. This decision is likely to escalate tensions between the camps of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Party insiders see the move as a strategic effort to boost Makinde’s influence, potentially at the expense of Wike and his loyalists. The NEC meeting was chaired by acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, and brought together top PDP figures to address pressing issues affecting the party’s unity and preparedness ahead of the 2027 elect...

Marc Cucurella has shared his opinion about former teammate, Noni Madueke  leaving Chelsea's Club World Cup camp early to seal his move to Arsenal, calling it a “mistake.”     Madueke had featured in five of Chelsea’s six matches on the road to the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium before leaving camp.     Enzo Maresca 's men went on to triumph at the tournament in the US, defeating  PSG  side 3 - 0 in the final.      Madueke, 23, could have had his hands on a winner's medal but opted to leave camp to finalise his transfer to the Gunners.      Cucurella discussed Madueke's exit during a Q&A with young players at his football academy in Spain.     Asked if he thought the decision was "strange", he responded, as per talkSPORT: "Yes, I think so. I think he missed a good opportunity (although) he wasn’t playing as a starter   "I do think it was because of everything that...

Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has finally spoken on the emotional birthday message he wrote to actress Kate Henshaw that got many people talking earlier this year.   In a new interview, Jim Iyke said he meant every word he wrote and wasn’t trying to impress anyone. He explained that the message was simply him expressing a deep, longstanding friendship with someone he has known for over two decades.   According to him, Kate is one of the few people in his life he can speak to without fear of being judged. He described her as “his boy” — someone he trusts completely and can be vulnerable with, without any romantic or sexual undertones.   He also addressed the assumptions many made about the tone of his message. “There’s nothing sexual about it,” he said. “This is someone I can speak my truth to and get honest advice from. It’s just a genuine friendship.”   Jim Iyke further explained that too many people misinterpreted his post and projected their own meaning int...

Premier League champions, Liverpool, have signed Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth £79m (€91m).   Liverpool will pay an initial fee of £69m (€80m) plus £10m (€12.5m) in add-ons for the striker as their summer spending edges towards £300m.   The French striker is expected to join up with the squad in Hong Kong in the next 48 hours for training sessions ahead of Saturday's fixture against AC Milan. A club statement read: "Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, subject to international clearance.   "The 23-year-old has successfully completed a medical and agreed personal terms with the Reds, allowing him to fly out to Hong Kong to join his new teammates on their pre-season tour of Asia later this week."   The deal for Ekitiké, which is subject to international clearance, takes Liverpool’s summer spending to almost £300m. The former Paris Saint-Germain player is t...

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, is currently on holiday with her son.    Posting via her Instagram page, Bianca shared an interesting encounter she had with a blonde lady who mistook her son for his girlfriend when they went swimming. Traditional African clothing Women's accessories    Posting a photo of them at the pool, she wrote ‘’So, some fuzzy blonde on deck casually floating past with a glass of tequila stopped and asked enthusiastically, 'Gaaash, how long have y'all been together?' Inukwa ??? Which one again is " y'all "? Is she not aware that this African maama only knows about 'you' and 'all'? . Should I start counting from the 9 months rent free in the womb or the moment of debut in the world. So persin no fit go swimming pool with their son in peace again? Dis pipu should not look for my trouble here o.   Anyway, She should come closer. I want to check something....''

Michelle Alozie scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send the Super Falcons into the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on Tuesday, July 22. With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Alozie floated in a long cross in the 94th minute that caught the South African goalkeeper off guard and bounced straight into the net, sealing the win in sensational fashion. Rasheedat Ajibade had earlier given Nigeria the lead in the 44th minute from the penalty spot after a South African defender handled a cross by Folashade Ijamilusi. South Africa equalised in the 59th minute through Linda Motlhalo, who converted from the spot after Osinachi Ohale conceded a penalty. The Super Falcons now reach their first WAFCON final since 2018, where they clinched their ninth title. They will face either hosts Morocco or Ghana’s Black Queens in the final on Saturday, July 26.

The United States Office of Public Management has revealed plans to use AI to increase the “efficiency” of jobs in its quest to downsize the US government.   Scott Kupor, the agency’s new director, told reporters on Monday, July 21, that he has a “Silicon Valley” mentality when it comes to motivating employees and maximizing performance, and is looking to integrate AI into some of the agency’s tasks.   “I view AI as probably the most significant disinflationary technology that I think we have seen yet today,” Kupor told The Post in a meeting with reporters.   “What I mean by that is basically AI, however, you deploy it, it’s not gonna replace everybody’s jobs, but I think AI can massively increase the efficiency of a lot of jobs, and certainly, as we know, it’ll probably create new job opportunities as well.”   While AI won’t be used to cut jobs outright, the agency has been working to drastically downsize its number of employees.   OPM is on track t...

This exciting partnership brings together Zaron’s dedication to creating inclusive beauty for African women and Sharon’s undeniable presence as a symbol of grace, strength, and modern femininity. Known for her stunning on-screen performances and timeless fashion sense, Sharon embodies everything Zaron stands for: Confidence, Class and Authenticity.    As brand ambassador, Sharon will front upcoming skincare and makeup campaigns that spotlight Zaron’s mission to empower women through high-quality, affordable beauty made with melanin-rich skin in mind.    Together, Sharon and Zaron are redefining the glow, not just as a look, but as a lifestyle.

The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Natasha Akpot, has said that she will be resuming her activities at the red chamber on Tuesday. July 22, 2025.   Senator Natasha said this while speaking to journalists during a training programme in her country home, Ihima, Kogi State today July 19. According to her, she is following the court order and has officially written another letter, informing the senate about her plan to resume.   Natasha Akpoti had earlier notified the Senate on her intention to return in a letter dated 11 July and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly.   The letter was written by her legal counsel, Michael Numa, urging the red chamber to take immediate steps to facilitate her return in compliance with the judgment of court presided over by Binta Nyako.     In the letter, the senator referenced the court’s ruling that her six-month suspension was excessive, unconstitutional, and a violation of h...

Hollywood actor, Angelina Jolie is said to be struggling emotionally following reports that her daughter Shiloh Jolie-Pitt has moved out of the family home to live with close friend and rumored girlfriend Keoni Rose.   According to Daily Mail, the 18-year-old has "temporarily moved in" with Rose at a shared condo in Los Angeles, where they’ve reportedly been living together for several weeks. The two have been spotted outside the apartment on several occasions, often dressed casually and appearing close, sparking further speculation about their relationship.   While neither Shiloh nor Keoni has confirmed a romantic relationship, sources say Jolie is finding the transition difficult.   "There's no way Angie is calm about this — she likes all her birds in one nest," a source told the outlet. However, the insider added that Jolie finds some comfort in knowing her children are always accompanied by professional security. "Mama bear makes sure her cu...

Porsha Williams has shown off her curvy physique after stripping off on Instagram.  The Atlanta star adorned herself in jewelries and not much else as she struck suggestive poses.  "Go naked 2025," she captioned the photos.    See photos below.

Police in Brazil have raided the home and political headquarters of former President Jair Bolsonaro, placing him under a series of restrictions as he stands trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election.   Federal officers carried out the operation early Friday, seizing cash, searching multiple properties, and ordering Bolsonaro to wear an electronic ankle monitor. The Supreme Court also banned him from contacting foreign officials, approaching embassies, or using social media — citing fears he could attempt to flee the country. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing.   Authorities also accused Bolsonaro and his son, Eduardo, of colluding with the United States to impose sanctions on Brazilian officials, an act the court claimed would directly benefit the former president. A large sum of U.S. dollars, reportedly around $14,000, was found at one of the raided properties. Bolsonaro insisted the money was for personal use and that...

Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo has revealed that his move to Chinese club Changchun Yatai was driven purely by financial reasons.   Ighalo left Watford in 2017 for a £20 million switch to the Chinese Super League side, where he went on to score 36 goals over two seasons.   Speaking on the Echo Podcast, the ex-Manchester United forward admitted he didn’t think twice when the lucrative offer came in.   “I was 27 at the time. I’d already fulfilled my personal dream of playing in the English Premier League,” Ighalo said. “Growing up in Ajegunle, I never imagined reaching the level I did. All I wanted was to make some money to change my family’s life and make them proud — alongside a dream of playing in the Premier League, which we watched a lot. It’s the most viewed league in the world. “Back then, we’d pay to sit in viewing centers, squeezing together just to watch matches. That dream had already come true for me. So when the offer from China came, I s...

Chelsea became world champions for the second time with an impressive 3-0 win against PSG at MetLife Stadium Result — Chelsea 3-0 PSG Chelsea defeats Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to win the first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Cole Palmer struck twice in the opening half before summer signing Joao Pedro scored his third goal of the tournament to stun PSG, the reigning European champions. Chelsea’s players received their medals from President Trump, who watched the game at the MetLife Stadium alongside FIFA’s Gianni Infantino. Chelsea are Club World Cup champions for the second time after they first won the tournament in 2021.

A popular Nigerian lawyer on X, Festus Oun, says the attack on Wunmi, his widow of late singer Mohbad, is deliberate and calculated.    In a post shared on X, Ogun said he attended the coroner inquest for Mohbad and that from the proceedings, he could tell that Wunmi is just being victimized.

Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine Wednesday morning, July 16, firing hundreds of drones, artillery shells, and a ballistic missile, in open defiance of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent warning to strike a peace deal or face harsher sanctions.   According to Ukrainian officials, the attacks between late Tuesday and early Wednesday killed one woman and wounded more than two dozen people across multiple regions. A missile strike on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rig knocked out power and water supplies. The bombardment came just two days after Trump threatened to impose severe new sanctions on Moscow unless it agreed to end its three-year invasion within 50 days. Despite the pressure, there have been no new peace talks scheduled. The last direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials took place over a month ago.   Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched at least 400 d...

Popular Nigerian adult content creator and dominatrix, Mary Godwin, widely known as Kinkchic, has announced the purchase of her first car, a Lexus, celebrating the milestone with a message of gratitude.   Sharing photos of the vehicle on her social media platform, Kinkchic expressed excitement over the new acquisition, writing:   "God did his thing! I just bought my first car, Big Baby in a LEXUS."

Ahead of the 2027 general election, Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, has officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).   Addressing journalists in Abuja, Kingibe described her move as a calculated and deliberate political decision, noting that her formal induction into the ADC would be marked with “fanfare.”   “I’m totally and completely committed to ADC. But obviously, as the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, don’t expect me to just take a lunch break and go collect a card. I want to do so with noise and fanfare.”   Responding to questions about her confidence in ADC’s leadership and the evolving political coalition she is joining, Kingibe expressed optimism while acknowledging that the party is still in its formative stages.   “It’s something that is evolving. So you cannot say while your child is still crawling that you are not happy wit...

Iga Swiatek delivered a commanding 6-0, 6-0 victory over Amanda Anisimova in the most one-sided women’s Wimbledon final in 114 years, securing her sixth Grand Slam title. The Polish eighth seed dominated from the outset, wrapping up the match in just 57 minutes with a ruthless display of precision on Centre Court. This marks the first time a woman has won a Wimbledon final without dropping a game since Dorothea Lambert Chambers in 1911. Swiatek, 24, joins Steffi Graf as only the second player in the Open Era to win a major final without losing a game, a feat Graf achieved against Natalia Zvereva at the 1988 French Open.      “It feels surreal,” said Swiatek, Poland’s first Wimbledon singles champion and a winner on all surfaces. “I never dreamed this was possible. I feel like an experienced player after my previous Slams, but I didn’t expect this one. I really enjoyed this year and feel I’ve improved my grass-court game.” Swiatek, who lost just one set throughout...

The US Embassy in Nigeria has stated that the recent decrease in the duration of non-immigrant visas is not a result of any nation’s stance on third-country deportees, the introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS.   It was announced on July 8 by the US Embassy in Nigeria that non-immigrant visas would now only be valid for single entry and three months. Although the change is effective immediately, visas issued prior to July 8 will continue to be valid under their original conditions.    Since the announcement of Nigeria's short visa validity, some people have conjectured that the US government made this decision because of President Tinubu's attendance at the BRICS meeting and Nigerians' membership in the group. A portion of the Nigerian media earlier today asserted that Nigeria's refusal to accept asylum seekers was the reason for the decrease in visa validity. They claimed the US president, Donald Trump, has been pressuring ...

Former Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson has left Ajax after the Dutch club agreed to terminate his contract a year early.   The England midfielder, who joined the Dutch giants in January 2024, was under contract until June 2026 but is now free to join another club.   The 35-year-old captained and made more than 50 appearances for Ajax and is understood to have interest from clubs in England and across Europe.   He leaves Ajax after narrowly missing out on the Dutch league title as PSV Eindhoven were crowned champions on the final day of last season.   "I would like to express my immense gratitude to everyone associated with Ajax. To play for this club was an honour in itself," said Henderson.   "To have the privilege of captaining it was even more so. My only regret is that we didn't deliver more success for the amazing supporters."   Former Liverpool captain Henderson was back on Merseyside in recent days to mourn the death of former team-ma...

Hollywood actor Brad Pitt has filed a fresh motion in court seeking access to private messages exchanged by his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, in their ongoing legal battle over Château Miraval, the French winery they once co-owned.   According to Daily Mail, In documents filed on June 30, Brad claimed that obtaining Jolie’s communications—particularly those with the Stoli Group and its executive Alexey Oliynik—is vital to support his claims. Pitt, 61, argues that Jolie sold her $64 million stake in the vineyard to Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler, despite a prior agreement between them that neither party would sell without the other’s consent.   So far, Pitt’s legal team says efforts to depose Oliynik have failed, as the Stoli Group executive maintains that he is a Swiss resident and not subject to California court jurisdiction. Still, Pitt insists that Oliynik holds key knowledge of the sale negotiations.   This legal move is the latest in the pair’s ongoing feud ...

Actress, Rita Edochie, has responded to trolls who have been requesting that her in-law, May, remove her estranged husband, Yul Edochie's name from her social media bio since they are no longer together.    Following their marriage's demise and his subsequent union with fellow actress Judy Austin, Yul and May have been in court, seeking to dissolve their union.   May has come under fire from some trolls for continuing to use Yul Edochie's name in her bio. They have requested that she go back to using her maiden name and drop his.   In a post shared on her Instagram page this morning, Rita insisted that May will continue to bear Yul-Edochie even if they get divorced.

Six Secret Service agents have been suspended without pay following the July 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.   Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn said the agents received penalties ranging from 10 to 42 days of unpaid leave and were reassigned to roles with less responsibility after returning to work. The disciplinary actions followed a federally mandated process.   “We’re not going to fire our way out of this,” Quinn told CBS News, adding that the agency is “laser focused on fixing the root cause of the problem.”   The agency faced sharp criticism after gunman Thomas Crooks opened fire at the Butler rally on July 13, 2024. Trump’s ear was grazed by a bullet, two other men were wounded, and Corey Comperatore, a firefighter and father attending the event, was killed. Crooks was fatally shot by a Secret Service sniper.   “Secret Service is totally accountable for Butler,” Quinn said. “It was an operational failure ...

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has revealed he came close to suicide after being wrongly accused of making a racist remark toward Chelsea’s Mikel John Obi in 2012. Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Clattenburg, now 50, said the ordeal left him feeling trapped and desperate.    “The Obi Mikel situation affected me a lot and affected my family a lot,” he said. “That was the closest I’ve ever been to suicide. If I didn’t have a way out and I couldn’t referee anymore, what could I do? If I’m a racist, I’m not going to get a job in normal life. My life’s finished.” Clattenburg said he only found the strength to carry on because of his infant daughter. “My child didn’t deserve it. She was only little. If I was on my own, single, that was the easiest decision in the world. But when you’ve got responsibilities, it makes you fight more.” The referee recalled first learning of the allegation via a Sky Sports alert on his phone at Heathrow ...

Senegal has officially cancelled singer Akon’s ambitious plans to build a multibillion-dollar city along the country’s Atlantic coast due to insufficient progress and financial complications, replacing it with a $1.2 billion resort project.   In 2020, Senegal granted Akon 136 acres of land to build his ambitious “Akon City”, a futuristic smart city envisioned to transform the quiet farming village of Mbodiène into a tech-driven urban hub.   Last August, Akon received a final formal notice from the Senegalese government to commence construction on his proposed $6 billion futuristic city or risk losing the land. The notice followed missed payments to Sapco, the state-owned agency tasked with developing coastal and tourism zones.   Now, the government has reclaimed most of the land originally allocated for the project inspired by Marvel’s fictional Wakanda after little progress was made, according to Bloomberg.   “That project no longer exists,” said Serigne...

US President Donald Trump was basking in the praise of a group of African leaders on Wednesday, July 7, with many of them speaking a different language, when the Liberian president took to his microphone and spoke in English - his country's official language.   "Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States, and we believe in your policy of making America great again. We just want to thank you so much for this opportunity." President Joseph Boakai said at a White House meeting before advocating for U.S. investment in his country. Trump was impressed and inquired where Boakai got his language skills.   "Such good English," Trump said. "Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?" Boakai seemed to chuckle. "In Liberia?" Trump asked. "Yes sir," Boakai said. "That's very interesting," Trump said. “I have people at this table who can't speak nearly as well.”   Liberia was founded in 1822 as a colony for...

LiAngelo Ball has filed for divorce from Rashida Nicole, just days after the influencer announced she was expecting the couple’s child.   According to court records obtained by TMZ Sports, the professional basketball player and rapper submitted the divorce petition at a Southern California courthouse on July 3.   While it remains unclear exactly when the two got married, the couple was seen leaving the same courthouse back in February wearing all-white outfits and holding a large envelope, sparking speculation at the time that they had tied the knot.   The news of Ball’s filing comes as a surprise, as there had been no public indication of a rift between the pair. On June 26, only a week before the divorce filing, Nicole announced her pregnancy in a social media post, one that Ball appeared to support, leaving a heart emoji and a lock and key in the comments.   Attempts to reach Ball’s legal team for comment have so far gone unanswered.   This isn’t ...

Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in the Buhari-led administration, denied on Wednesday that Buhari became president in 2015 as a result of the efforts of a specific All Progressives Congress leader.   At a book launch in Abuja, the former SGF, who stated that he did not wish to cause any controversy, claimed that Buhari already had over 12 million votes and that three million more had been added as a result of the legacy parties' merger.   When Tinubu visited Ogun State in June 2022 to rally party members for the APC's special presidential convention, he talked about his unmatched contributions towards making Buhari president. In his well-known declaration that it was his time to lead the nation, Tinubu made it clear that he had appointed Muhammadu Buhari as president, selected Professor Yemi Osinbajo as his running mate, and elected Mr. Dapo Abiodun as the governor of Ogun State.   Tinubu had explained that he was reveali...

Former Napoli sporting director, Pierpaolo Marino has said that Serie A clubs are unlikely to meet Victor Osimhen’s €75 million release clause, which is effectively set for foreign clubs.   Speaking to RAI 2, Marino explained that Napoli’s price tag on the Super Eagles striker reflects his global stature, but is realistically only within reach of clubs outside Italy.   “The clause is appropriate for Osimhen’s international value. He’s one of the few players in the world who can transform a team from not winning to winning,” Marino said.   He also cast doubt on Galatasaray’s reported interest, suggesting the Turkish club could be acting as a bridge for an eventual move to an Italian giant.   “My concern is this: Turkish teams have always offered players massive wages but rarely paid high fees for transfers. Now it’s claimed Galatasaray could activate Osimhen’s clause,” he said. “If that happens, is the plan to bypass the clause for Italy and bring him here...

Spanish authorities have lifted lockdown measures for thousands of residents in Catalonia after firefighters made progress in containing a forest fire that has raged since Monday, July 7, in the northeastern region.   The wildfire has consumed over 3,300 hectares (8,154 acres) in Tarragona province, with approximately one-third of the damage occurring within the protected Els Ports natural park, according to Catalan countryside rangers.   On Tuesday, July 8, authorities issued a stay-at-home order affecting around 18,000 people as flames threatened residential areas. That order was lifted on Wednesday for most affected villages, except for the municipality of Pauls. Residents of Pauls were permitted to go outside but are still restricted from leaving the locality, the Catalan civil protection authority confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter).   Catalonia’s fire service announced that the blaze had been “stabilised,” though efforts continue with the support...