Shakira and her sons tour california in her world tour known as Las Mujeras

In June of last year, the world-renowned figure began her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

She played for large audiences around California during this performance. After kicking off the California leg of her sold-out tour at Snapdragon Stadium, the singer reportedly took a break at the renowned Hotel del Coronado, according to a resurrected claim from Us Weekly. 

"Shakira recently spent a delightful few days at the renowned Del Coronado Hotel following the thrilling kickoff of the California leg of her sold-out tour at Snapdragon Stadium," an insider revealed.

 "Shakira is turning her tour into a family affair," the insider said, adding that the  hitmaker was accompanied by her sons, Milan and Sasha, whom she shares with her former husband Gerard Piqué.

The insider continued, "She lived it up at the Del Coronado Hotel with her boys, Milan and Sasha. The three apparently enjoyed informal dinners and spent time lounging by the pool while they were there. "They ordered burgers and fries and were really respectful while hanging out by the beautiful pool."

 The singer's parenting approach was also commended by the insider. They went on to say, "Shakira was very sweet and you can tell she's a great mom." 

"She is very hands-on and loving." In addition to being ecstatic to see the celebrity in person, fans were astonished by her demeanor.

 "Shakira was incredibly gregarious, chatting with guests and even posing for a few fan selfies." She was charming and polite.

Google intercepts Chinese-affiliated hacker groups from carrying out international cyber attacks

 

These Chinese-linked hackers attacked 53 organizations globally across 42 countries in cyberattacks.

According to the company's findings, which were exclusively shared with Reuters, the hacking gang, known by the names UNC2814 and "Gallium," has a history of infiltrating government agencies and telecom firms dating back over ten years. 

According to John Hultquist, head analyst at Google Threat Intelligence Group, "this was a vast surveillance apparatus used to spy on people and organizations throughout the world." 

In addition to terminating Google Cloud projects under the hacking organization's control, Google and its unidentified partners also identified and disabled the internet infrastructure the group was utilizing and blocked the accounts it used to access Google Sheets, which it utilized to conduct its targeting and data theft operations. .

The group was able to avoid detection and blend in with regular network traffic by using Google Sheets, which did not affect any Google products.

Charlie Snyder, senior manager of Google Threat Intelligence Group, refused to name the hacked organizations, but said that in one instance, the gang had set up a backdoor, Google called "GRIDTIDE" on a system that had voter IDs, national ID numbers, dates of birth, places of birth, and full names. 

According to the corporation, the targeting aligns with attempts to identify and monitor specific targets. 

Similar campaigns have been used to monitor SMS messages, exfiltrate call data records, and even use the telco's legal intercept capabilities to monitor specific individuals."

Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy says "Cybersecurity is a common challenge faced by all countries and should be addressed through dialogue and cooperation,"  

China adamantly condemns attempts to utilize cyber security issues to disparage or vilify China. while also continuously opposing and combating hacking activities in compliance with the law. 

Google stated that the behavior is different from another well-known Chinese hacking incident that was centered on telecommunications and was known as "Salt Typhoon." Hundreds of American groups and well-known American politicians were the targets of that campaign, which the U.S. government has connected to China.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life imprisonment for abusing his position of authority and imposing martial law

Yoon was found guilty by the court of misusing his authority and planning an uprising in 2024 because he attempted to impose martial law.

In order to consolidate unbridled authority for a "considerable time," Yoon Suk Yeo attempted to establish military-driven martial law, which the court ruled amounted to "rebellion."

Prosecutors had requested the death penalty in this case, but the new ruling goes against their intentions. 

Yoon's "unconstitutional and illegal emergency martial law undermined the function of the National Assembly and the Election Commission ... actually destroying the liberal democratic constitutional order," according to the prosecution in January. 

If someone is charged with inciting an uprising in South Korea, they could face either life in prison or the death penalty, which is the harshest punishment available.

Furthermore, Yoon misused his power to harass and imprison his opponents, the court would also render a decision on the allegations.

 Additionally, he sent troops to barricade entrance to establishments like the building of the opposition party. 

The 65-year-old refuted these accusations and asserted that he had the presidential authority to declare martial law in order to uphold law and order and stop turmoil sparked by the opposition. 

Yoon was ousted from power on December 3, 2024, when martial law was declared. A political crisis and widespread divisiveness of the nation resulted from the most significant trial for the overthrown leader.

Teacher arrested after admitting to cocaine use in class.

Authorities claim an elementary school teacher in Wisconsin was detained after she admitted to taking cocaine on school property, specifically in the restroom.

 Laurie Laubenstein, a teacher at New London's Lincoln Elementary School, is being charged with possessing cocaine.

Because the alleged possession took place on a school campus, which is a protected area, prosecutors have added a modifier to the allegation, making it more serious. 

WBAY claims that an anonymous report that raised questions about Laubenstein's actions at work sparked the start of the probe. 

According to the tipster, a school resource officer had seen behavioral changes in her and noted that she frequently carried her purse into the restroom.

 Additionally, suspicious objects were discovered in toilet areas, such as bloody tissues and signs of a white powdery substance. After a quick check, police went to the school on February 12 and discovered cocaine in Laubenstein's coat pocket and pocketbook.

She then acknowledged that she began taking cocaine on a regular basis in August of last year. 

She also acknowledged using it in the restrooms of classrooms and teacher lounges during the school day, as well as before and after school. 

Laubenstein reportedly told police that she always cleaned up after herself and that she never intended to put pupils in risk. 

According to the report, the school system informed parents in a letter that they were aware of the investigation but that they did not think there was ever a risk to students or personnel.

How daily consumption of Raw Garlic Clove could rewrite your health history

Cloves of garlic have long been used as a natural remedy for a variety of illnesses. Eating a raw clove of garlic, which is known to have potent health advantages, is one of the numerous ways to optimize its effects. Garlic retains more of its active ingredient when eaten raw, although many people may be put off by its strong flavor and smell.

By adding one clove of garlic to your regular routine, you might substitute the expensive medications. It strengthens your immune system, keeps your heart healthy, and much more. What is garlic made of? Garlic is a Kitchen staple, it can be roasted or baked before adding it to dishes.

It contains a compound known as allicin:

It has several known antimicrobial properties. The primary ingredient thought to be in charge of preventing fungal growth is allicin, which makes up 34% of a single garlic clove. When crushed fresh, cloves have antiparasitic properties in addition to their antimicrobial properties.

Blood Sugar Regulation:

Garlic improves insulin sensitivity and resistance, which helps control blood sugar levels in addition to heart health. This can help people with diabetes.

Supports Brain Health

Garlic's abundant antioxidants can aid our body in fending against aging-related cognitive loss. This may also lower the chance of developing demertia and other brain degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Its advancement is slowed down..

Detoxifies Heavy Metals

New research suggests that garlic contains chemicals that can detoxify lead, calmium, arsenic acid, mercury, and phenylmecury, but bear in mind it does not heal heavy metal intoxication.

Improves Digestion

Eating a raw slice of garlic every day can help with digestion and other processes by supporting healthy gut bacteria and increasing the synthesis of digestive enzymes. All things considered, it facilitates improved food absorption and can alleviate gastrointestinal problems like bloating and extreme constipation.

Cardiovascular Health

Garlic can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, which helps decrease the likelihood of heart disease.

By enhancing blood circulation, it also prevents the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, while simultaneously reducing inflammation and aiding overall cardiovascular health, leading to a healthier heart.

 Read also How Cloves work wonders in women's health

FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL, FOREIGN APPEASMENT & TAXATION: President Tinubu’s most hyped Policies. Unfortunately no Empowerment model among them!.

President Tinubu’s governance model since his ascension needs to be investigated and analyzed. Ever since he became the president of Nigeria, all the policies he adopts and implements are always painful and exploitative in nature.

Is it not yet time for President Tinubu and his teams to support and implement policies that promote financial stability? These policies are essential for productivity, job creation, and economic well-being. Clearly this is not the agenda. After 4 years in power and from this article’s analysis we can connect the dots and predict where his policies are headed.

FUEL SUBSIDY IMPLEMENTATION
Before we could sing welcome song for Tinubu in Aso Rock, what greeted us in Radio Waves was FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL. Immediately Fuel prices sky rocketed, retailers with old fuel stock equally jacked up their fuel price, this caused serious ripple effect on essentials such as food, Medicine and Shelter. It was a Nightmare for Nigerians.

Fuel prices surged from N185 per liter in 2023 to N1,025 per liter in 2024, About 82 percent increase while the currency exchange rate weakened from 460 naira to 1,700 naira per U.S. dollar (Punch, 2024).

The combined effects of the fuel-subsidy removal and the unification of the naira’s exchange rate have exacerbated the cost of living for many Nigerians. The rising cost of goods and services has significantly weakened purchasing power, a particular problem for low-income households.

In June 2022, the managing Director of NNPC Limited indicated that daily consumption of (PMS) Motor spirits was 103 Million Litres per day but at least 58 million liters were being smuggled. He iterated that Smugglers and other West African Countries benefit more from fuel subsidy than Nigerians.

This leads to the question Don’t we have Naval Officers or Law enforcement agents at the water ways and borders to check this sharp practice. Clearly it is not enough reason for fuel Subsidy Removal.
The long-term effects of subsidy removal remain a focal point of public discourse and policy debate.

Most Foreign countries also halted operations due to dollar shortages and restrictions on repatriating funds. Coming at a time when Unemployment rate is surging, But company growth were seen in smaller neighbors like Ghana, thereby outpacing Nigeria’s in recent years.

Most economics pointed out that Fuel subsidy removal created big fiscal saving. But it looks most likely that the savings are being used in servicing debts and its charges.

I am of the opinion that before embarking on such painful and drastic measures. The citizens ought to have been empowered with welfare programmes, more industries for job creation, foreign investments. This should have been in place to cushion the pain of subsidy removal. Secondly subsidy removal shouldn’t have been up to 100%. It ought to have been done subtly to some degree or percentage and monitored before going full scale.

FOREIGN APPEASMENT: What? Is it a new economic model that spurs growth? Are we suppose to wait and see how this will transform Nigeria? While it is difficult to link this to any known economic model, according to Sahara Reporters( Jan 2026) President Tinubu approved a controversial $9million lobbying contract with a Republican – linked firm in Washington as it seeks to stave off further military actions and diplomatic measures that could undermine Nigeria’s International Standing.

The contract is aimed at persuading the Trump Administration and key U.S lawmakers that Nigeria is taking concrete steps to address insecurity.

The payment serves as a 6 month retainer, with a second $4.5 million installment due by July 2026. Bringing the total value of the deal to $9 million.

This is one of the most expensive lobbying contract ever signed by an African government. Nuhu Ribadu facilitated this, using US Lobbying firm DCI Group, through a Kaduna based law firm Aster Legal.

The agreement bears the signatures of Aster Legal’s Managing Director Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, DCI Group’s managing Directior, Justin Peterson (A prominient Republican Strategist and close ally of president Trump who served in Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Management Board during Trump’s First Term in Office).

According to the investigative Report published by the African Report. It is called lobbying contract. This came when president trump of America announced that U.S forces had carried out a military airstrike in Nothern Nigeria, specifically in Sokoto State , targeting suspected Insurgents

It has no effect in improving standard of living for Nigeria, It is not even about soliciting Military operations using US high Tech military and expertise it is not an economic terminology so to speak, confirming my doubts earlier. But It is one of Tinubu’s most hyped and controversial model. Recall President Tinubu affirmed Nigerians that Fuel Subsidy Removal will help public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs. It appears this is the best use of the huge Fiscal Savings coming from the painful Fuel Subsidy Removal.

Some analyst say Tinubu literary walked into bondage, so anytime the Republican US Firms are not paid, military actions resumes, then Nigerian Economy is forced to cough out $9million out of fear.

Some analysts are of the opinion that Tinubu wants a relationship with the Trump administration. But as at the time of writing, there is still travel ban on Nigerians, affecting tourists, business and student visa applicants. The weird diplomatic move didn’t extend to visa application. I guess only time will reveal if this is a step in the right direction.

TAXATION: Former Presidential Candidate Peter Obi through a statement posted on his X (formally Twitter) urged the Federal Government to pause the implementation of Nigeria’s newly gazetted tax laws. According to him a report by KPMG Nigeria highlighted potential issues this includes: Taxation of shares, drafting errors, administrative gaps and glaring policy contradictions.

Various meeting were held between National Revenue Service and KPMG for them to acknowledge these issues. Obi stressed lack of public consultation.

Taxation is a form of public contract and public trust, there is urgent need for it to bring clarity if not it amounts to robbery.

In addition Nigeria cannot afford to place further burdens on its already struggling citizens rather Nigerian's deserve some relief before embarking on another painful programme.

Tinubu’s government has no interest in providing clarity, rather they are good in making hasty extortion from Nigerian citizens. No one needs a prophecy to confirm this as an exploitative behavior, a very callous government. No consultation was made. KPMG pointed out that Joint Revenue Board consists of government employees only so it lacks the independence necessary to provide unbiased Financial analysis. They were advised to get an independent watch dog.

Empowerment Programmes: Late President Buhari, during his tenure setup one of the most successful empowerment programmes in the history of Nigeria, The N Power programme. This programme permeated the nooks and crannies of the six geo political zones of Nigeria. The programme was famous for its success. In every 10 Nigerian youth, you could get 3 beneficiaries; there was no form of exploitation. Average Nigerian youth had one or two things to say about the programme. All this happened in an administration with no subsidy removal.

Tinubu’s Empowerment programme is more of Media headline announcement, with no background work to ensure it gets to grassroot level or to Average Nigerians. A project is as famous as its success. I’m ashamed not to be able to mention one even as a researcher. His empowerment programmes just lacked the hype and fame possessed by his exploitative, extravagant governance models.

In Conclusion, President Tinubu and his advisers have lost it!. All these hyped policies mentioned above none leads to prosperity or poverty eradication. They are all pointing towards a dreaded form of poverty. This is exploitation and extortion at an alarming level. There is urgent need to pend the controversial Taxation and intervene on life essentials such as food, shelter or health. Focus should be shifted towards Programmes that will enable Nigerians afford the basic necessities of life.

Flexible Health Insurance schemes to reduce avoidable deaths. Stories of avoidable deaths have been making waves in the country.  

There should be focus on improving ease of doing business in Nigeria, this will definitely encourage industries, businesses and startups to spring up in Nigeria.  These are the things Nigerians deserve at the moment, to prevent further  surging of poverty index in Nigeria