The economic cost of the government shutdown is mounting, as workers miss paychecks and contracts stall. President Trump’s feud with Colombia is deepening, with threats to cut aid testing a decades-long alliance. And in France, outrage is growing after the Louvre jewel heist, with political backlash and a security crackdown underway.
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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Independent Schools Association of Malawi (ISAM) has urged private schools to focus on maintaining academic excellence and innovation as the government prepares to roll out free secondary education starting in January next year.
In an interview with Maravi Post, ISAM president Wycliff Chimwendo said the policy, recently announced by President Arthur Peter Mutharika, marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s education history, as it will expand access to secondary education for children from low-income families.
“This is a positive and progressive step that will enable children who previously could not afford school fees to access education and shape a better future,” said Chimwendo.
He, however noted that the reform presents both opportunities and challenges for independent schools, urging them to continue delivering quality education and maintaining high academic standards to remain relevant in the evolving system.
“Private institutions must continue to distinguish themselves through excellent teaching, modern facilities, and consistent pass rates. Quality should remain the defining feature of independent schools,” he said.
Chimwendo expressed optimism that the policy will not undermine private education, arguing that parents who value specialized instruction and smaller class sizes will continue to enroll their children in independent schools.
He further highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and private education providers, saying both sectors play vital roles in shaping Malawi’s human capital development.
“Public and private schools should work together to achieve the national goal of providing inclusive and quality education for all Malawians,” he said.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Patrick Machika has been appointed as the new Chief of the National Registration Bureau (NRB).
He takes over from Mphatso Sambo, with the official handover ceremony held earlier this week.
During the event, Machika expressed his gratitude for the work that has been accomplished under his predecessor’s leadership and pledged to build on that foundation.
He urged all NRB staff members to work with unity, dedication, and professionalism to advance the institution’s goals.
Machika emphasized the importance of collaboration, efficiency, and integrity in delivering essential national registration services to Malawians.
In his remarks, outgoing Chief Mphatso Sambo expressed appreciation to all NRB employees for their dedication and hard work during his tenure.
Sambo encouraged the staff to continue showing the same level of commitment and discipline under the new leadership.
The ceremony symbolized a smooth transition within the NRB, reflecting continuity in leadership and a shared commitment to improving national registration systems in Malawi.
Both leaders highlighted the Bureau’s crucial role in maintaining accurate national records, supporting national planning, and strengthening public service delivery.
As Patrick Machika assumes his new responsibilities, expectations are high that his leadership will further modernize NRB operations and enhance public confidence in the institution’s work.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has officially confirmed that Malawi Queens star shooter, Joyce Mvula, will not be part of the team’s trip to Zimbabwe for a series of strength-testing matches starting on October 23.
The Malawi Queens are expected to leave the country today through Mwanza Border Post as they continue their preparations for the upcoming African Netball Championship scheduled for December.
The Zimbabwe tour is seen as a crucial test for the team’s readiness and coordination ahead of the continental showdown.
Although Mvula’s name appeared on the initial squad list announced by head NAM has clarified that the player could not travel to Malawi due to her tight schedule with Leeds Rhinos in England.
This means the Queens will have to face Zimbabwe without one of their most experienced attackers.
NAM General Secretary, Yamikani Kauma, said Mvula’s absence will be felt but the Association respects her commitments and remains hopeful about her future involvement with the team.
She emphasized that the trip to Zimbabwe will still provide a great opportunity for other players to showcase their potential.
Kauma further revealed that despite missing the friendly matches, Mvula is expected to join the national squad on November 14 for the team’s final camp in preparation for the African Netball Championship.
The camp will officially begin on November 15 and will include all the final 15 players to represent Malawi.
She said the Association has already received confirmation from Mvula herself that she will be available for the final preparations next month. Her presence is expected to boost the team’s morale and attacking strength ahead of the championship.
Meanwhile, the technical panel has expressed confidence in the current squad traveling to Zimbabwe, saying the tour will help identify new combinations and provide exposure to upcoming players who could complement Mvula upon her return.
Malawi will host the African Netball Championship in December and all eyes are on the Queens to deliver a strong performance on home soil.
The return of Joyce Mvula ahead of the tournament is expected to add firepower to the squad as Malawi aims to reclaim its dominance in African netball.
….Biden’s team confirms he has finished a major phase of treatment, marking an important milestone in his recovery, though further medical care is still ongoing.
NEW YORK-(MaraviPost)-Former U.S. President Joe Biden has successfully completed a round of radiation therapy to treat an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
The development marks an encouraging sign of progress in his health journey, though medical experts emphasize that it does not signal the end of his treatment.
Biden’s spokeswoman, Kelly Scully, confirmed the news on Monday, saying, “He rang the bell today,” in reference to the symbolic act cancer patients perform to celebrate completing a major phase of therapy.
The former president, who turns 83 next month, has been receiving specialized care under close medical supervision since his diagnosis was publicly confirmed earlier this year.
Sources close to Biden have described his spirit as strong and optimistic, noting that he remains deeply grateful for the medical team overseeing his recovery.
Family members and close friends have also expressed relief and gratitude for his progress, while urging the public to keep him in their thoughts and prayers.
Doctors have commended Biden for his discipline and resilience throughout the treatment process, emphasizing that early detection and consistent care have been key in managing his condition.
Medical experts note that completing radiation therapy represents an important step forward in the fight against prostate cancer, though continued monitoring and follow-up treatment are essential for long-term recovery.
Messages of support have poured in from across the United States and beyond, with citizens, colleagues, and political leaders wishing the former president renewed strength and healing.
As Biden continues his recovery, many view his openness about his health as a powerful reminder of the importance of early cancer screening and the courage it takes to face illness with transparency and hope.
The completion of his radiation therapy symbolizes not only a personal victory but also a moment of encouragement for cancer survivors everywhere who continue to fight similar battles with resilience and faith.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Independent Member of Parliament (MP) for Phalombe Machemba Constituency, George Katunga Million, has outlined an ambitious reform agenda as he joins the race for Speaker of Parliament, pledging to champion the welfare of legislators and the formal recognition of independent MPs as a parliamentary bloc.
Million, who retained his seat as an independent candidate in the 2025 general elections, told Maravi Post in an interview that his decision to contest for the Speaker’s position is motivated by a desire to restore order, integrity, and fairness in the House.
“I want to help Parliament in three key areas — first, to improve the welfare of all Members of Parliament; second, to bring back decency and decorum to parliamentary proceedings; and third, to push for the formalization of independent MPs as a recognized block,” he said.
Million further expressed confidence in his chances, saying he has secured support from fellow independent legislators and some members of the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
Meanwhile,political analysts note that Million’s candidacy introduces a new dynamic to the race, as it highlights the growing influence of independent MPs in Malawi’s political landscape.
The Speaker of Parliament election is scheduled for 29 October, when Parliament reconvenes.
The contest has so far attracted several candidates, including Kondwani Nankhumwa, Sameer Suleman,and Million.
Love Is Blind season 9 star Joe Ferrucci briefly dated Kacie McIntosh after splitting with his ex — but the emphasis should be on “briefly.”
“So when Joe and I started talking — I think it was our first date — we were at a bar, and he was, like, ran into this girl, and he’s like, ‘Oh you know I’ve gone on a couple dates with that girl,’” Joe’s girlfriend of over a year, Averee, explained in an interview on the “Reality Receipts Podcast” published on Sunday, October 19.
She continued, “And I was like, ‘Who?’ and I, like, look over and of course it’s Kacie. And I was like, ‘Oh, okay.’” Averee added that she “didn’t know much about her at that point” and that Joe was “fully transparent” about the dynamic he and Kacie briefly shared.
Averee also revealed that she isn’t a fan — or friend — of Kacie’s.
“I think she’s burnt a lot of bridges in our friend group,” she said. “Obviously, from what we see on TV, it translates into real life. At least for other people, I can say [that] who they are on TV and who they are in real life isn’t really the same … but for her, it fully translates into real life.”
Averee added, “I mean I personally choose to surround myself with women that lift each other up and, like, follow girl code” but insisted “that will never be Kacie.”
“That’s not what I want in a room with me and I guess all I’ll say is, like, Joe getting a girlfriend did not stop her from continuously trying,” Averee also said. She insisted that there was “no overlap” between herself and Kacie, “but it was just one of those [things] where she just wanted to know, I think, that she could have him or, like, get him still.”
Averee also said Kacie will text Joe “every couple weekends” to find out what he’s doing or where he is. This happened “all while [she was] trying to be friends with me. We met at a cool party last year, she’s like, ‘I just love you, I think you’re so cute, I think you and Joe are great, like, it’s no hard feelings to you,’” and then she’s still trying to hook up with my man while she knows he’s my man.”
Joe Ferrucci and Madison Maidenberg.Courtesy of Netflix
Joe opened up about another relationship from the show this month. While speaking exclusively to Us Weekly in an interview published Wednesday, October 15, Joe revealed that his break-up from ex-fiancee Madison Maidenberg was a little different than what is portrayed on the popular Netflix series.
“My connection with Madison in the pods was great. There were a lot of butterflies. It was a very deep connection. We had a lot of laughs,” Joe said. “When you’re going into [the pods], there is a little hesitation, and then the more you go forward, you get bought in and it is a pressure cooker situation. The conversations you have in there are very deep and exceed what would be in a regular relationship just by timeline. The more it went on, I could see it working out.”
Joe also addressed Madison’s claim that she developed an eating disorder after he made a comment about her body. “I did see that,” Joe admitted. “Obviously, kind of a horrible feeling on my end if that’s something that affected her long-term or for a little while after. It was a surprising comment. Madison’s always been very confident in her body image, but you never know how somebody’s really feeling inside. I didn’t mean it to affect her in that way. It’s not a good thing to hear.”
Ultimately, things between the two soured. “It seemed Madison was all in and what you would want in a person. I, on the other hand, had some concerns, nervous, scared, anxious. I never saw that coming from Madison,” Joe told Us. “I think it scared me seeing that as well, and I know she wanted to keep on with the experiment, go through, get as much as you can out of it, in the way of, ‘Is this my person?’ More time for discovering that. I think there was a certain breaking point for me where I couldn’t go on any longer.”
Buckingham Palace will have the new allegations made against Prince Andrew fully investigated following the relinquishment of his royal titles.
After several outlets reported on Sunday, October 19, that Andrew, 65, is being investigated for allegedly asking his taxpayer-funded security detail to uncover information about late accuser Virginia Giuffre in 2011, just hours before the release of a photo showing the royal alongside a then-underage Giuffre, a palace source told Peopleon Monday, October 20, that all new claims against the prince should be “examined in the appropriate way.” The insider noted that Buckingham Palace is treating the allegations with “very great concern should be examined in the appropriate ways to the fullest extent.”
Outlets reported on Sunday that there were a series of allegedly leaked email exchanges that showed Andrew providing a member of his security team with Giuffre’s social security number and date of birth in hopes of uncovering personal information about her. (Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year.)
The Guardian also reported Sunday that it does not appear the officer ever followed through with the request. (Us Weekly reached out to Buckingham Palace at the time.)
Andrew announced on Friday, October 17, that he was giving up his titles, which include the Duke of York and the Order of the Garter membership in addition to his military and royal patronages. The decision occurred due to Andrew’s past connection to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, which continues to make headlines.
“In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” Andrew said in a statement obtained by Us Weekly. “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.”
He continued, “With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honors which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
Andrew was accused of sexual assault by the late Giuffre in 2019. Giuffre claimed she and Andrew crossed paths on one of Epstein’s properties when she was 17 years old. She alleged that they met for a sexual encounter set up by Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Andrew has vehemently denied having a connection with Giuffre. He also stated in a 2019 interview with BBC’s Newsnight that he had “no recollection of ever meeting” Giuffre.
That same year, Epstein was arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking minors in Florida and New York. He died by suicide at age 66 at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York following his arrest. Maxwell was found guilty on child sex trafficking charges in 2021 and is currently behind bars at the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas.
In November 2019, Andrew announced that he would be stepping back from his public duties.
“It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstance relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organizations and charities that I am proud to support,” he wrote in a statement. “Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.”
Andrew permanently resigned from all public roles with the royal family in May 2020.
Two years later, Giuffre sued Andrew for sexual abuse. The lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
In April of this year, Giuffre died by suicide. She was 41. Prior to her death, she was working on her memoir, Nobody’s Girl, which will be released posthumously on Tuesday, October 21. The book will share more details about her and Andrew’s alleged encounter.
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