News
From celebration to resistance: Juneteenth echoes louder amid America’s culture wars

Across the U.S. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, communities marked Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865, when Union troops finally informed enslaved Black people in Texas of their freedom.
This momentous occasion took on new resonance this year as current events fueled people’s determination to be seen and heard.
Though Juneteenth has been celebrated within Black communities for decades, its significance broadened dramatically after former President Joe Biden officially made it a federal holiday in 2021.
This was the first such holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
Biden attended a service at Reedy Chapel AME in Galveston, the birthplace of Juneteenth.
He declared, “all Americans should know the weight and power of this day,” and lamenting critics who dismiss it as unnecessary, calling America’s failure to remember “the moral stain of slavery” worrisome
For some, the celebration felt particularly meaningful in light of President Donald Trump’s renewed effort to dismantle diversity, equity.
It also felt meaningful for them in the light of Trump’s inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal agencies, and a broader backlash against Black history content.
His administration rescinded DEI programs and directed agencies, such as the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency, to minimize observances of Juneteenth, Black History Month, and other cultural commemorations
Cultural Events That Sparked Hope
In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the African Burying Ground Memorial Park came alive with drumming, dancing, and flag-waving.
Robert Reid, 60, said he participated to push back against what he sees as Trump’s “divide and conquer” tactics.
He called for unity: “It’s time for people to get pulled together instead of separated.”
Meanwhile, 18‑year‑old Jordyn Sorapuru, visiting from California, called the turnout “a beautiful thing,” noting that in today’s “offensive” political climate, such celebrations are vital .
In Washington, D.C., participants retraced the historic Freedom’s Crossing route during a spirited march organized by the Anacostia Renaissance Kollective.
Families, young activists, and community leaders chanted civil rights songs, pledging resilience against attempts to obliterate Black narratives
Over in Oakland, the Hella Juneteenth Festival was a vibrant mix of music, food, and performances.
It served as a bold cultural statement amidst criticism of Trump’s silence and attempts to reduce the holiday’s visibility
Political and Social Tensions
The holiday’s backdrop has grown more contentious: Trump has not issued a Juneteenth proclamation this year and instead criticized the number of federal holidays for straining the economy
Meanwhile, Pentagon officials, following Trump’s directives, paused DEI planning, including Juneteenth messaging.
They cited a shift toward a “color-blind, gender-neutral, merit-based” environment
This move sparked criticism.
One memo leaked from Pentagon ranks labeled the policy as “whitewashing” and a denial of the nation’s actual diverse history.
Across several cities, like Plano, Illinois, Juneteenth events were cut or scaled back amid fear of backlash from anti-DEI sentiment
Despite these challenges, many communities remained undeterred.
Schools, city councils, and cultural groups continue to host family festivals, historical reenactments, and educational programming.
In Virginia, ceremonial celebrations included groundbreaking on the rebuilt First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, one of the oldest Black congregations in the U.S..
In Fort Worth, Texas, around 2,500 participants walked in Opal Lee’s annual Juneteenth march, Lee herself, age 98, was honored despite being absent due to health reasons
A Tense Cultural Crossroads
While the holiday’s truth is rooted in liberation, Juneteenth now lies within a broader culture war over how America tells its own story.
Republican efforts to erase DEI and promote a sanitized view of history have ignited fierce resistance.
As JerriAnne Boggis of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire said, “In a time when efforts to suppress Black history are on the rise… we stand firm in the truth… This is not just Black history, it is all of our history”
Why Juneteenth Still Matters
At its core, Juneteenth is a celebration of resilience, unity, and freedom.
Whether through drumming in New Hampshire, educational efforts in D.C., or festivals in the Bay Area, people continue to reclaim the holiday’s meaning, even amid political headwinds.
One lesson rings clear: truth through unity endures. As Boggis emphasized, sharing food, music, and stories “creates these bonds of community.” And in times when history and identity are under siege, these bonds are exactly what give Juneteenth its power—and promise—for audiences around the globe.
Health
Police Arrest Fake Doctor as Woman Dies During Abortion

Detectives from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a man posing as a medical doctor following the death of a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Sunday Etim, during an alleged illegal abortion.
The suspect, identified as Sunday Okon Akpan, reportedly owns and operates the Full Life Medical Centre (FLMC) in Ikot Obio Odongo, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Timfon John, the spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom Police Command, revealed that police launched a search for the victim after receiving a distress call from her mother.
DSP John stated that operatives acted quickly following the report, which indicated that Blessing had gone to work at the FLMC and never returned.
According to police reports, the suspect attempted to secretly dispose of the victim’s body in her room.
A co-tenant, who witnessed the act, raised an alarm, forcing the suspect to abandon the corpse and flee the scene.
Police quickly arrived at the scene, where detectives discovered a premature foetus, confirming the occurrence of an illegal abortion.
Police traced and arrested Sunday Okon Akpan, a resident of Afaha Offiong village, Nsit Ibom LGA.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is not a licensed medical doctor or nurse but a community health practitioner who allegedly used his clinic to perform illegal medical procedures, including abortions.
The health centre has since been found abandoned.
DSP John confirmed that the victim’s body has been deposited at a morgue for preservation and autopsy, while investigations continue to uncover more details surrounding the incident.
She also promised to update the public as the probe progresses.
This shocking incident highlights the dangers of unlicensed medical practitioners operating clinics and offering illegal procedures.
Police authorities are warning residents to verify the credentials of anyone offering medical services and to report suspicious activities to prevent similar tragedies.
As the investigation unfolds, Akwa Ibom police have vowed to ensure that justice is served, and the public remains safe from unqualified medical practitioners operating in the state.
News
Trump Orders Review of 55 Million US Visa Holders in Mega Crackdown

The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”
Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.
If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.
Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.
Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.
Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.
Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.
The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.
“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.
Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.
“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.
The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.
News
2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians – Baba-Ahmed

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.
I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.
The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.
News
Tinubu Secures Fresh $238m Loan from Japan

Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.
The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.
President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.
“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.
Details of the JICA Loan Project
The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.
Key components of the project include:
Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines
Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines
Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations
Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses
According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.
“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.
This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.
Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.
He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.
The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.
News
‘Gate of Hell’ Will Open on Gaza’– Israeli Defence Issues Finally Warning to Hamas

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.
He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.
He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.
His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.
The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.
The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.
Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.
The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.
Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.
International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.
The United Nations considers these figures credible.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.
With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.
The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.
-
Featured4 days ago
Your Attacks on Peter Obi Are Petty, Stop It! Chekwas Rebukes Soludo
-
News4 days ago
Tension in Anambra community as senior police officer shoots kinsman dead
Colleagues, others try cover-up; victim's family fights back
-
News7 days ago
Anambra South Bye-Election: APC Chief Rescues Deputy Gov Caught In Vote Buying From Angry Youths
By Chuks Collins, Awka
-
News5 days ago
Nigerian visa applicants must provide 5-yr social media history — US embassy
-
Celebrity/Entertainment22 hours ago
How Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night
-
Analysis6 days ago
Systemic Sabotage: How APC, INEC Colluded To Undermine Amamgbo’s Senatorial Bid
By Arthur Ezechukwu
-
News3 days ago
Terrorist Organisation: APC, PDP Members in US, UK, France Risk Deportation
-
Celebrity/Entertainment5 days ago
Why single mothers can’t raise boys into proper men — Jim Iyke
-
News7 days ago
BREAKING: Troops arrest Nigeria’s most wanted terror kingpin
-
News2 days ago
Vandal electrocuted while vandalizing Aba power infrastructure