…A month after their alleged arrest over data manipulation during the September 16 polls, neither the police, judiciary, nor the Malawi Electoral Commission can account for the whereabouts or status of the eight clerks.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-At the height of tensions following the September 16 elections, the Malawi Police Service announced that it had arrested eight data entry clerks at a constituency tally center in Lilongwe.
The arrests were reportedly made over allegations of data manipulation during the vote-counting process, a development that stirred widespread concern among electoral stakeholders and the public.
Police at the time said the arrests followed an investigation linked to an attempted suicide by a Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) official responsible for the same constituency.
However, weeks later, the mystery surrounding the case has only deepened, as no one seems to have clear details about what transpired after the announcement.
Checks with the judiciary have revealed that there is no record of the case being brought before any court in Malawi, raising serious questions about the nature and legality of the arrests.
It has now been a month since police reportedly detained the eight election data clerks in Lilongwe, yet no official information has been released regarding their identities, charges, or current status.
Authorities remain tight-lipped about the progress of the case, with both the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Electoral Commission offering little to no clarity.
According to local media, Police Public Relations Officer Peter Kalaya asked for more time to respond on the matter.
Meanwhile, MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, said the commission was not involved in the arrests and had no information regarding the detentions.
The lack of transparency has fueled speculation and public unease, with many Malawians calling for accountability and an explanation from authorities.
As the mystery persists, the case of the eight missing election data clerks stands as a troubling symbol of the opaque handling of electoral and security matters in the aftermath of Malawi’s closely contested September 16 elections.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-President of Chess Zone 4.5, Susan Namangale, has engaged the High Commissioner of India to Malawi, Amararam Gujar, in discussions aimed at enhancing chess development in the country through collaboration with the Indian community.
Namangale, who is also the founder of Dadaz Chess, a Gift of Chess Global Ambassador, and former President of the Chess Association of Malawi(CHAM), paid a courtesy call to the Indian High Commission in Lilongwe this week.
During the meeting, the two discussed potential areas of partnership, including capacity building for young chess players, organising tournaments with support from the Indian community, and fostering broader collaboration between the two nations in promoting the game.
“India is the birthplace of chess and has produced over 80 grandmasters. We believe its High Commission can play a vital role in supporting Malawi’s efforts to nurture young talent and grow the sport locally,” said Namangale.
Namangale has visited India several times for chess-related activities and holds a Master’s degree from an Indian university in New Delhi.
She has also been invited to attend the Chess World Cup in Goa, India, in November this year.
Meanwhile, the Indian High Commissioner has accepted Namangale’s invitation to serve as Guest of Honour at the upcoming Third Edition of the Back to School Chess Championship, scheduled for October 25 at Beyond Christian Academy.
According to Namangale, more than 100 children have already registered to participate in the tournament, which aims to promote chess among school-going youth.
When it comes to comfort, it doesn’t get much better than a pair of stylish loafers. After all, they’re incredibly versatile and simple to dress up or down. Plus, the classic shoes are perfect for just about any season, but we especially love them for fall. That’s why we compiled a list of 13 loafers that look designer but feel as comfy as slippers.
No matter what style you choose, these loafers are sure to deliver a fashion-forward look with a cushioned feel — and this helpful guide is filled with the best options on Amazon, starting at $30. Another great note? These cloud-like shoes are versatile enough to wear to work, on errand runs and more. Score classic, retro-looking options, pointed-toe numbers and even loafers with fur that look expensive. Scroll ahead to see them all while they’re still in stock!
13 Loafers That Look Like Designer but Are Basically Slippers
1. Our Favorite: These tassel shoes take our top spot since they look like a pair of Tod’s popular pair, sans the cost. They have a vintage design, suede leather upper and slip-on construction, which you can wear on its own or paired with socks.
2. Candy Apple Red: Don’t stay on the neutral side when it comes to your shoes this season. That’s why we’re snagging these candy apple red loafers that are elegant and comfortable.
3. Cream Classic: Don’t rule out cream colors for fall! These popular classic loafers have supportive insoles and arch support that reviewers appreciate.
4. Statement Platforms: Several shoppers love this funky pair for its statement design, ribbon laces and vegan leather exterior. Plus, the lightweight platform sole seals the deal.
5. Printed Perfection: These pointed-toe loafers are backless for added breathability and are crafted with a pretty floral print that provides flair to any outfit.
6. Lovely Lug Sole: Chunky heel loafers are the ‘It’ shoes of this category. This stylish option is made with water-resistant faux leather and has a thick lug sole that adds a cool retro finish.
7. Nice and Knitted: Shoppers say these knitted penny loafers are true to size and make the feet “look great.” They have a square toe design and a cushioned insole.
8. Loafers With the Fur: Although these mule loafers are $59, we’d say they’re worth every penny. Why? They share many features that look just like a designer pair, including the fur lining.
9. For the Fashion Girls: Although these chunky loafers are structured, they still feel like slippers on the feet. Dream Pairs’ shoes feature a latex-cushioned insole with built-in arch support, keeping you comfortable all day. PS: They also look like Prada shoes.
10. Cushioned Moccasins: These $36 driving moccasins are incredibly lightweight, even though they offer a thicker bottom that takes pressure off the joints.
11. Office Ready: Slip into these cloud-like loafers on days when you’re headed to the office. They feature a faux-leather upper with a round toe and strap detailing.
12. Rich Mom Loafers: These chic loafers are crafted with a pointed-toe shape and also have handcrafted stitch details.
13. Sleek and Slip Resistant: Last on our list are these flexible and slip-resistant loafers that feature a classic knitted print and a memory foam insole with arch support.
Ben Stiller comes from a line of comedians, but the actor’s 2025 documentary, Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, peeled back the curtain on his relationship with his sister, Amy Stiller.
Amy and Ben were born to dad Jerry Stiller and mom Anne Meara in 1961 and 1965, respectively. While Ben’s acting career got off to a hot start in the late ‘80s and ‘90s — following in the footsteps of his famous parents — Amy admitted in the documentary she went through a difficult time trying to replicate her family’s success.
“I had a lot of opportunities, and I just didn’t know what to do with them,” she said. “I didn’t know who I was, and I look back on it and it was so painful.”
Eventually, she was able to break through those moments of doubt, and has since earned more than 50 credits to her name in show business.
Scroll below for more on Ben’s sister and her entertainment career.
Amy is the eldest child of Jerry and Meara. She and Ben were born and raised in New York City by their famous parents, who gained stardom through standup as a comedic duo before going on to do their own respective projects. Jerry was best known for roles in Seinfeld and The King of Queens while Meara gained notoriety for Rhoda and The Other Woman. (Meara died in 2015 at age 85, and Jerry died in 2020 at age 92.)
The Stiller kids got a taste of the life of an entertainer at an early age when Jerry and Meara took them on a talk show in 1974. During the TV appearance, Amy and Ben played their violins in front of the camera as their parents laughed.
“They just wanted to fill that segment, choose a skit,” Ben told The Sunday Times in October 2025 of the moment. “They thought that it would be cute and I never felt they were trying to exploit us. They were just trying to be entertaining.”
“I just remember missing them terribly,” Ben said. “And when they would come back, my sister and I would act out Jesus Christ Superstar or something in the lounge.”
Amy Stiller and Ben StillerDimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for FLC
Amy Stiller Found It Difficult to Get Her Big Break
Ben briefly worked as a writer on Saturday Night Live in the years before his big break in 1998’s There’s Something About Mary. More comedic roles followed, thrusting Ben further into the spotlight while Amy worked as a waitress.
“I just remember when I did the Nurse [in] Romeo and Juliet, I just remember I want to do this,” she said in the documentary. “That’s why all those years when I was waitressing and you were getting famous, do you know how f***ing hard that was for me? Some of it was character building, but to a point.”
Ben agreed that his sister had a “tough road” and faced “ups and downs” during that period of time. In particular, Amy recalled her relationship with Jerry and how it held her back from pursuing some of the opportunities she dreamed of doing.
“Dad had an overprotectiveness that would stifle me, and I felt, like, paralyzed,” Amy reflected. “The thing is, you had something you could sink your teeth into. I don’t remember, for me, anything that I felt that way about.”
She further explained that being the eldest child of two Hollywood legends was a lot to live up to.
“I just felt intimidated because I was the oldest,” Amy said. “Like, I had all these expectations. And it was a really tough time for women.”
Ben shared the sentiment that being the children of famous parents made it impossible to “fail anonymously,” as much of their lives were being broadcast for the world to see.
Amy Stiller Became an Actress
Amy’s road to stardom may not have been easy, but now, she’s living the dream. Like her parents and brother, Amy is an actress whose credits include Highway to Hell, Law & Order, Friends and Freaks and Geeks. She has appeared in several of Ben’s projects, including Meet the Parents, Zoolander, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Little Fockers and Zoolander 2.
Amy appeared on an episode of Ben’s critically acclaimed Apple TV+ sensation, Severance, in 2022. More recently, she acted in the 2025 short Fire at Will. She also earned notoriety for her one woman show about her unconventional life, Just Trust.
Amy Is an Aunt
Amy earned another title — aunt — when Ben welcomed his first child, daughter Ella, with wife Christine Taylor in 2002. Their family expanded again in 2005 when Christine gave birth to son Quinlin.
Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost is out in select theaters now and will be available to stream on Apple TV+ on October 24.
5:30 PM PT — Santo’s lawyer, Andrew Mancilla, tells TMZ … GS will likely get out around 11 pm ET, but that is just an estimation. Family will pick him up. He’s looking forward to a good night of sleep at home. President Trump is springing…
Tony Rock understands why people are putting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in A.I. videos … but, he says it’s got to stop … ’cause there are some people you just don’t mock! We caught up with the comedian at LAX on Friday … and we had to ask him…
Silver Strikers have rolled out tough ticketing measures ahead of their highly anticipated CAF Champions League showdown against Tanzanian giants Young Africans (Yanga SC) this Saturday, October 18, at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The club has warned that no supporter will be allowed entry with counterfeit tickets, underscoring its determination to protect the integrity of the event and ensure a safe, well-organized matchday.
Fans have been urged to buy tickets only from official selling points to avoid disappointment at the gates.
In a show of commitment, Yanga have arranged ten buses to ferry their fans from Tanzania to Lilongwe in support of their side.
Adding intrigue to the clash, the Tanzanian champions have appointed Patrick Mabedi, former Flames coach, as their deputy coach.
Mabedi’s familiarity with Malawian football and his past encounters with Silver Strikers could give Yanga a psychological advantage.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Affairs Alfred Gangata has called on Malawians to come out in large numbers to support Silver Strikers, describing the match as an opportunity to promote unity and cross-border friendship.
He also urged local vendors and entrepreneurs to use the influx of Tanzanian visitors to market and sell Malawian products.
The winner of the two-legged tie with the return match set for October 25 in Tanzania will advance to the CAF Champions League group stages.
Elsewhere, Leo Mpulula’s time at Mighty Tigers has officially ended following a string of disappointing results. Mpulula stepped down after the team’s match against Karonga United, and Trevor Kajawa has since taken over the reins.
Tigers have only managed one point from their last three games, but Kajawa, who is earning K1 million per month, has vowed to lift the team out of relegation danger.
On the international front, Bafana Bafana have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an emphatic 3-0 victory over Rwanda in their final Group C qualifier at Mbombela Stadium.
The win seals South Africa’s return to the global stage for the first time since 2010, when they hosted the tournament.
Meanwhile, Morocco have written their name in history books by reaching the FIFA U20 World Cup final for the first time.
The Young Atlas Lions defeated France 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, becoming only the third African nation after Ghana and Nigeria to reach the competition’s final.
In Europe, the English Premier League is back this weekend with a lineup of fixtures that promise excitement and high drama.
Referee Michael Oliver will take charge of Sunday’s headline clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield, a match expected to captivate millions worldwide.
On Saturday, October 18, Nottingham Forest host Chelsea in the early kickoff, followed by a packed afternoon featuring Crystal Palace vs. Bournemouth, Burnley vs. Leeds United, Brighton vs. Newcastle, Sunderland vs. Wolves, and Manchester City vs. Everton. Later in the evening, Fulham will face Arsenal in a London derby under the lights.
Sunday’s action sees Tottenham Hotspur welcoming Aston Villa in what promises to be an intense battle before attention shifts to Anfield for the titanic showdown between Liverpool and Manchester United.
The weekend round concludes on Monday night, with West Ham United taking on Brentford in the capital.
Neil deGrasse Tyson may be a astrophysics genius, but he tells TMZ he ain’t boarding Elon’s SpaceX rocket … unless Musk sends his own bloodline up first … as proof it won’t go kaboom! We ran into Neil outside CBS Studios in NYC Friday……
For nearly two decades, Britney Spears paid her ex-husband Kevin Federline a staggering $40,000 a month, but he claims in his upcoming memoir that he was barely able to scrape by.
“When Britney and I divorced, the court awarded me $20,000 a month in child support. At the same time, I was receiving alimony, another $20,000 a month, for half the duration of our marriage. A marriage that lasted two years and change,” Federline, 47, writes in You Thought You Knew. “People hear figures like that and think you’re financially set. But the reality is far from that.”
Federline, a father of six, explains that raising his and Spears’ two sons, Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19, in an expensive city like Los Angeles, where they “needed” security, “came with a price tag that would make anyone’s head spin.” (He has since moved his family to Hawaii.)
“The money didn’t stretch as far as you’d think,” Federline insists, adding that he also tried to provide the boys with the “lifestyle” that they were “used to” when they lived with their multimillionaire mother, which he alleges “easily ran well over $40,000 a month.”
“It added up fast,” he writes. “That money was gone almost as soon as it came in.”
Federline also claps back at people who “assume” he was “coasting off” his ex-wife’s fortune, claiming that “couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“I wasn’t some bum just sitting around waiting for a check,” the former backup dancer and rapper argues. “I was out there hustling, grinding, investing — working to build a solid foundation for myself and my kids.”
“Trust me, those white lies in that book, they are going straight to the bank and I am the only one who genuinely gets hurt here,” she wrote via X on Wednesday, October 15.
Spears’ rep shared a similar sentiment in a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday, October 14, saying in part, “With news from Kevin’s book breaking, once again he and others are profiting off her, and sadly it comes after child support has ended with Kevin.”
Federline denied that narrative during an exclusive interview with Us on Wednesday, asserting that “money’s not the root” of his memoir.
“If she has the right to tell her story, why don’t I?” he added, referencing Spears’ 2023 bestseller, The Woman in Me.
Spears and Federline married in 2004. They welcomed Preston in 2005 and Jayden in 2006, only to separate less than two months after the latter’s arrival.
Federline writes in You Thought You Knew that he found out about Spears’ divorce filing from a TV producer “right before” a live interview. Immediately after, he called his lawyer, who confirmed the news.
“It all happened so fast, I couldn’t even catch my breath,” he remembers. “At first, I wasn’t even angry. I didn’t get the chance. I was too busy being blindsided, too busy trying to figure out what this meant for me and the boys. This was much more than a breakup. It was a public unraveling of my life.”
The former couple finalized their divorce in 2007.
You Thought You Knew is available on Tuesday, October 21, via Listenin, an audio-first platform.
“Mel is so amazing. I just adore him,” Debbie, 65, exclusively told Us Weekly at the Golden Bachelor Gal’s Brunch on Thursday, October 16. “We just have this really natural, comfortable connection. We’re both from the Midwest, and it just seems to fit on so many levels. I hope that he’s feeling the same way that I am.”
Fitness instructor Debbie is one of the three remaining contestants on Mel’s season of The Golden Bachelor. During the Wednesday, October 15, episode, Mel, 66, also gave Peg Munson and Cindy Angelcyk Cullers roses.
“I still can’t believe it. I feel so grateful and, honestly, very surprised — but super happy about it,” Debbie told Us of making it to hometowns, detailing what earning the final rose would mean. “It would make my whole life experience just wrapped up in a big fat bow.”
As Debbie mentioned on the show, she has never previously been married after long prioritizing her career, among the reasons.
“I hate the stigma attached to that, but if it was to be me, how wonderful would that be for my fairy tale ending,” Debbie said on Wednesday. “It would just be absolutely incredible. I feel like I would have to pinch myself because it would be so magical.”
She continued, “I gave up on the whole idea of ever getting married at this point in my life, and so just a thought of that being a possibility, I’m afraid to even let myself go there [and] really dream and hope that big. But if it did, I know so many people would be happy for me.”
Disney/John Fleenor
According to Debbie, her Golden Bachelor journey has also brought her extended family “even closer together.”
“That has been another highlight because they’ve all been so incredibly excited and proud of me,” Debbie gushed. “When I went back to Wisconsin to watch the premiere with most of my family, it was just so fun. My brothers are so crazy [and] they’re just eating this up, for sure. I’m just so happy that America can get an idea of where I’m from and my big family [during my hometowns date] and that I’ve never lost that small town girl.”
Debbie’s ultra-supportive family even got to see a glimpse of her bridal dreams come true when she donned a wedding gown for a Bachelor group date.
“Just getting in the wedding dress, that alone, is really so much to take on and think about,” Debbie added.
In addition to her endearing connection with Mel, Debbie also formed strong friendships with the other Golden ladies.
Disney/John Fleenor
“Our bond is like no other because all of us have been through so much in our lives,” Debbie said. “We all took this giant risk and put ourselves out there and [that] just says so much, like, we’re not going to give up on love or life. We are courageous, and this is a bond that’s going to last a lifetime.”
The Golden Bachelor airs on ABC Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.
