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Nigerian Fashion Pioneer, Joan Okorodudu, Receives US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

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Joan Okorodudu, founder of Isis Models Africa and a trailblazer in the global fashion industry, has been honored with the Lifetime Presidential Award at the Runway International Fashion Awards (RIFAS) in Baltimore.

CEO, Isis Models, Joan Okorodudu

The award, presented this past weekend, recognizes Okorodudu’s significant contributions to elevating African and Nigerian fashion on the world stage. The historic event was coordinated by Junda Morris.

“This award is a testament to the power of African creativity and talent,” Okorodudu said in her acceptance speech. “It’s a recognition not just for me, but for all the young models and designers we’ve nurtured over the years.”

CEO, Isis Models, Joan Okorodudu

The accolade comes on the heels of Isis Models Africa’s recent mention at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where it was highlighted as one of Africa’s leading modeling agencies.

Sudanese model Nykhor Paul, speaking at the UNGA’s UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA event, praised the agency for its role in shaping African talent. “Agencies like Isis Models Africa have been the backbone of our industry, providing opportunities that were once unthinkable for African models,” Paul said.

R-L; Former editor, City People Magazine, Susan Eyo Honesty; Founder, Isis Model Africa and Africa Next Super Model, Joan Okorodudu and Ambassador Aju Elumelu James, in Baltimore, Maryland, United States when Okorodudu received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award at the Runway International Fashion Awards event, weekend.

Okorodudu, a Boston University graduate and former Miss Nigeria, has been instrumental in transforming the African fashion landscape. Her agency organizes the annual Africa’s Next Super Model contest, which has launched numerous careers in global fashion hubs like Madrid, Paris, and Milan.

“Joan’s work goes beyond fashion,” said Dr. Folake Adebola, a fashion industry analyst. “She’s creating economic opportunities and changing perceptions of Africa on the global stage.”

RIFAS, founded in 2017, celebrates excellence across various sectors of the independent fashion industry. Okorodudu’s latest recognition adds to her impressive list of accolades, including the 2017 New African Woman Award in The Arts & Culture category.

CEO, Isis Models, Joan Okorodudu

Recently, Isis Models Africa partnered with global hair care brand Design Essentials and One Management to launch the Runways to Freedom project, further promoting African beauty and talent worldwide.

As Okorodudu’s influence continues to grow, her legacy is inspiring a new generation of African fashion professionals, cementing her status as a transformative figure in the global fashion industry.

Russian Schoolchildren Reportedly Forced to Send Putin Birthday Wishes On-Camera

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Russian Schoolchildren Reportedly Forced to Send Putin Birthday Wishes On-Camera

Children in schools and kindergartens across Russia were allegedly compelled to participate in on-camera birthday wishes for President Vladimir Putin’s 72nd birthday on Monday, according to reports from independent media outlets.

The opposition Telegram channel Mozhem Obyasnit reported finding similar video tributes in at least 11 Russian regions, while the news website Vyorstka identified birthday messages posted by at least 30 schools on their social media pages.

“These coordinated displays raise serious concerns about the manipulation of children for political purposes,” said Dr. Mikhail Sokolov, an education policy expert at the Russian Academy of Sciences. “It’s a troubling example of how educational institutions are being used to cultivate loyalty to the state.”

In one instance, children at a school in the Rostov region were arranged to spell out “Putin” with their bodies. The school’s social media post declared, “We’re proud that the best president in the world rules over our country.”

The apparent forced participation extends beyond simple birthday wishes. At least one kindergarten in the Far East Primorye region reportedly held a lesson on the president’s role in government.

These birthday tributes come amid a broader trend of militarizing education in Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Putin recently urged educators to expand weekly “Important Conversations” classes, which focus on instilling patriotic values, to include kindergarteners.

Critics argue that such practices amount to political indoctrination of minors. “Forcing children to participate in political displays violates their rights and manipulates their developing understanding of civics,” said Elena Volkova, a child psychologist in Moscow.

themoscowtimes.com

Mother, Son Receive Lengthy Sentences in Boston for Major Drug Trafficking Operation

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Mother, Son Receive Lengthy Sentences in Boston for Major Drug Trafficking Operation

A mother and son from Massachusetts have been handed substantial prison sentences in federal court for their roles in a widespread North Shore drug trafficking organization that distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday.

Javier Bello, 29, of Beverly, known as “Javi,” was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. His mother, Chevon Dorce, 45, of Lynn, received a 23-month prison term with three years of supervised release. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dennis F. Saylor IV presided over both sentencings.

Bello pleaded guilty in May 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, along with a separate possession charge. Dorce entered a guilty plea in July 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

“The sentences handed down today reflect the gravity of distributing counterfeit pills laced with potentially lethal substances like fentanyl,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This operation put countless lives at risk, and these sentences send a clear message about the consequences of such actions.”

Court documents revealed the intricate workings of the drug trafficking organization, which primarily operated in the Lynn area. Bello acted as a key figure, directing various individuals to acquire, distribute, and store controlled substances on his behalf. The organization specialized in counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and fake Adderall pills laced with methamphetamine.

In one intercepted transaction, Bello was observed distributing approximately 1,000 fentanyl-laced pills to a co-conspirator. Subsequent analysis determined the seized pills contained about 135.5 grams of fentanyl.

The investigation uncovered multiple stash locations used by the organization. A search of Dorce’s residence in October 2022 yielded a significant haul: 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 22 grams of cocaine, a firearm hidden in furniture, and an inoperable pill press. Additional searches at other locations linked to the organization resulted in the seizure of various drugs, including marijuana and cocaine base, multiple firearms, and cash presumed to be drug proceeds.

Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division, stated, “This case demonstrates the multi-faceted approach needed to combat modern drug trafficking operations. From counterfeit pills to hidden firearms, we’re dealing with increasingly sophisticated criminal enterprises.”

The investigation, part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, involved collaboration between federal agencies and local police departments, including Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus, and Swampscott.

Several co-conspirators have already been sentenced in connection with the case, receiving prison terms ranging from two months to nearly six years. These include Isaac Clayton, Kion Shepherd, Erick Solis Lopez, and Melvin Nieves, all of whom played various roles in the drug trafficking operation.

As the opioid crisis continues to impact communities across the nation, this case underscores the ongoing efforts of federal and local authorities to combat the distribution of dangerous counterfeit drugs. The sentences handed down to Bello and Dorce serve as a stark reminder of the legal consequences facing those involved in large-scale drug trafficking operations.

The Department of Justice provided this information. The details contained in the original indictment are allegations, and any remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Satellite Images Show Putin’s Sochi Palace Demolished Amid Security Concerns

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Satellite Images Show Putin’s Sochi Palace Demolished Amid Security Concerns

Satellite imagery has revealed that one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s favored residences, the Bocharov Ruchey palace overlooking the Black Sea in Sochi, has been demolished, sparking speculation about the motivations behind the move.

Russian opposition news site Proekt reported the palace was razed in February or March, potentially due to concerns over Ukrainian drone strikes in the region. The site, once a frequent retreat for Putin, now appears as an empty patch of land in recent satellite photos.

“The demolition of such a significant property raises questions about the Kremlin’s security assessments,” said Dr. Elena Volkov, a Russia expert at the London School of Economics. “It could signal a shift in Putin’s perception of personal safety.”

The Sochi residence, originally designed during the Stalin era, had been a key location for Putin, who often directed Kremlin affairs from the site. It was also rumored to be a private retreat shared with his alleged partner, Alina Kabaeva, and their children.

Proekt’s investigation suggests the demolition may be linked to Putin’s fears of Ukrainian drone attacks, which have targeted oil depots near Sochi since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In November 2023, missile defense systems were reportedly deployed to protect the mansion.

The palace before it was destroyed

Alternative theories propose the demolition could be a pretext for constructing a more secure, luxurious residence with enhanced bunker facilities. This speculation comes as another of Putin’s retreats, in the Altai Mountains, reportedly suffered fire damage recently.

The Kremlin has not officially commented on the status of the Bocharov Ruchey palace.

Gospel Singer Cissy Houston, Mother of Whitney Houston, Dies at 91

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Gospel Singer Cissy Houston, Mother of Whitney Houston, Dies at 91

Cissy Houston, a Grammy-winning gospel singer and mother of late pop icon Whitney Houston, died Monday at her New Jersey home, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston confirmed. She was 91.

Houston, who had been under hospice care due to Alzheimer’s disease, passed away surrounded by family. “She was a strong and towering figure, a woman of deep faith and conviction,” Pat Houston said in a statement.

Born Emily Drinkard in Newark, Cissy Houston began her musical career in 1938, singing gospel with her siblings. She later became a sought-after backup singer, working with music legends including Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Jimi Hendrix.

As a solo artist, Houston won two Grammy Awards for best traditional soul gospel album, for her 1997 album “Face to Face” and 1998’s “He Leadeth Me.”

“Cissy Houston’s contributions to gospel and soul music are immeasurable,” said Dr. Robert Darden, professor of journalism at Baylor University and former gospel music editor for Billboard Magazine. “Her influence extended far beyond her own recordings.”

Houston’s career also included collaborations with contemporary artists such as Beyoncé and Luther Vandross. She was the aunt of singer Dionne Warwick and mother to former NBA player Gary Garland, in addition to Whitney Houston.

Her death marks the end of an era in American gospel music and adds to the Houston family’s musical legacy.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Miami Beach Set to Revoke Diddy’s Key to the City Amid Controversies

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Miami Beach Set to Revoke Diddy’s Key to the City Amid Controversies

Miami Beach officials are in the final stages of negotiations to rescind the Key to the City awarded to music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2015, sources close to the matter told The Associated Press on Monday.

The decision comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the rapper and entrepreneur, including recent legal troubles and allegations of misconduct.

“This action reflects the city’s commitment to upholding its values and standards,” said a city official who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

The exact timing of the official announcement is unclear, as the approach of Hurricane Milton to Florida’s coast has temporarily delayed the process.

Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine presented Combs with the honorary key during the 2015 Revolt Music Conference at the Fontainebleau hotel. The city has previously awarded similar honors to other celebrities, including Combs’ former partner, Jennifer Lopez.

This move follows New York City’s request for Combs to return its Key to the City in June, citing a video related to assault allegations by his ex-girlfriend, Cassie.

“The revoking of such honors is rare but not unprecedented,” said Dr. Emily Rodriguez, a professor of urban studies at the University of Miami. “It signifies a shift in public perception and accountability for public figures.”

Representatives for Combs have not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

As Miami Beach prepares to take this symbolic action, it adds to the mounting challenges facing the music mogul’s public image and legacy.

TMZ

Kanye West and Bianca Censori: From Public Displays to Reported Marital Troubles

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Kanye West and Bianca Censori: From Public Displays to Reported Marital Troubles

Rapper Kanye West and designer Bianca Censori, known for their headline-grabbing public appearances and controversial fashion choices, are reportedly facing marital difficulties after two years together, according to sources close to the couple.

The pair, who married in 2022, had become known for their globe-trotting lifestyle and Censori’s provocative outfits, which often pushed the boundaries of public decency. West himself made waves during an Italian vacation in August 2023 when he exposed himself on a boat ride in Venice.

Celebrity relationship expert Dr. Jane Smith told the Associated Press, “Their public persona was one of unabashed affection and avant-garde fashion statements. This reported rift comes as a surprise to many observers.”

Sources claim the couple has not been seen together in public since September 20, with rumors of a potential divorce circulating. Neither West nor Censori have commented publicly on the status of their relationship.

The couple’s union had been a frequent topic of discussion in entertainment circles, particularly due to Censori’s barely-there outfits and West’s continued influence in the fashion world despite past controversies.

As speculation mounts about the future of their relationship, fans and critics alike await any official statement from the notoriously unpredictable West or his representatives.

This development adds another chapter to West’s high-profile personal life, following his divorce from reality TV star Kim Kardashian in 2022.

Source: TMZ

Ukraine Accuses Russia of ‘Terrorist’ Attacks on Cargo Ships

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Ukraine Accuses Russia of ‘Terrorist’ Attacks on Cargo Ships

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Monday accused Russia of conducting “deliberate terrorist” attacks on civilian cargo vessels in the southern port of Odesa, escalating concerns over maritime security in the Black Sea region.

“In just two days, Russian ballistic attacks damaged two civilian cargo vessels in Odesa,” Sybiha wrote on social media platform X. “This is a deliberate terrorist tactic.”

The minister called for a united international response to “ensure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and global food security.”

These attacks come amid ongoing tensions in the Black Sea following Russia’s withdrawal from a grain deal that had allowed for safe passage of Ukrainian agricultural exports.

“These strikes not only threaten Ukraine’s maritime trade but also global food supplies,” said maritime security expert Dr. Elena Volkova. “The Black Sea is a critical route for grain shipments from Ukraine to world markets.”

The incidents have raised alarm among international shipping companies and grain traders, potentially impacting global food prices and supply chains.

Tunisia’s Saied Wins Landslide Re-election Amid Opposition Crackdown

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Tunisia’s Saied Wins Landslide Re-election Amid Opposition Crackdown

President Kais Saied of Tunisia secured a second term in a landslide victory, winning 90.7% of the vote in an election marked by opposition boycotts and a crackdown on dissent, the country’s electoral authority announced Monday.

The Independent High Authority for Elections reported that Saied’s closest challenger, imprisoned businessman Ayachi Zammel, received 7.4% of the votes. Zammel spent most of the campaign season in jail facing multiple charges related to election crimes.

“This result reflects the participation of Saied’s supporters while the majority of his detractors chose to boycott,” said political analyst Noureddine Mbarki. “It raises questions about the state of Tunisia’s democracy.”

The election, Tunisia’s third since the 2011 Arab Spring that ousted longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, took place against a backdrop of widespread arrests targeting opposition figures, journalists, activists, and attorneys.

Critics argue that Saied, who came to power in 2019 as a political outsider, has steadily eroded democratic gains made since the revolution. In 2021, he suspended parliament and dismissed the prime minister, later rewriting the constitution to consolidate his power.

“Saied’s overwhelming victory masks deep divisions within Tunisian society,” said Dr. Sarah Yerkes, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “The low turnout and opposition boycott signal growing disillusionment with the political process.”

International observers have expressed concern over the fairness of the election process, with many pointing to the jailing of key opposition figures as a significant blow to Tunisia’s democratic aspirations.

As Saied begins his second term, he faces the challenge of addressing Tunisia’s economic woes and reconciling with a deeply divided populace, all while navigating international scrutiny over his governance style.

The election outcome marks a stark contrast to the hopes for democracy that emerged from Tunisia’s Arab Spring protests, which called for “bread, freedom, and dignity.” As the birthplace of those region-wide uprisings, Tunisia’s political trajectory continues to be closely watched by both regional and global observers.

Source: apnews.com

Russia Jails 26-Year-Old Ukrainian Woman 8 Years for Alleged Annexation Day Bomb Plot

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Russia Jails 26-Year-Old Ukrainian Woman 8 Years for Alleged Annexation Day Bomb Plot

A Russian court sentenced 26-year-old Ukrainian Irina Navalnaya to eight years in prison Monday for allegedly plotting a bomb attack on the day Russia claimed to annex four Ukrainian regions, the independent news website Mediazona reported, citing her lawyer.

Navalnaya was detained by Russian-installed authorities in occupied Mariupol in September 2022, accused of attempted terrorism and illegal explosives storage. Prosecutors alleged she conspired with Ukrainian special services to detonate a device at the Russian-installed administration building on September 27, during Russia’s disputed annexation referendum.

Irina Navalnaya

“This case raises serious concerns about due process in Russian-occupied territories,” said human rights lawyer Maria Popova. “The allegations of torture and coerced confessions are particularly troubling.”

Navalnaya, who briefly evacuated Mariupol during Russia’s 2022 siege before returning, later accused police of torturing her into a false confession. Ukrainian authorities have declared her a prisoner of war, according to her mother.

The Southern Military District Court in Rostov-on-Don found Navalnaya guilty, sentencing her to a general-security penal colony. Prosecutors had sought a 14-year sentence and a 400,000-ruble ($4,100) fine.

Navalnaya’s lawyer, Ivan Bondarenko, told Mediazona the prosecution’s case weakened after a key witness recanted testimony. “This ruined the testimony of the other two witnesses,” Bondarenko said, vowing to appeal the sentence.

“Eight years in our reality is a ‘compliment’ from the court. Everyone understands it, but they can’t acquit her,” he added, highlighting the political nature of such trials.

The case underscores the complex legal landscape in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories and raises questions about the treatment of Ukrainian civilians under Russian control.

Navalnaya is not related to late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, despite the surname similarity.

themoscowtimes.com

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