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Vanessa Hudgens is super proud to have a bun in the oven … because she was showing off her growing baby bump at brunch with her family. Check out these pics and vids we obtained of Vanessa at The Henry in Phoenix … she’s got her shirt above her…
The post Vanessa Hudgens Shows Off Bare Baby Bump with Husband Cole Tucker appeared first on The Maravi Post.
A fragile ceasefire deal is being put to the test as Israeli troops begin pulling back in Gaza. President Trump prepares to travel to the Middle East as the U.S. sends 200 American troops to monitor the agreement between Israel and Hamas. And New York Attorney General Letitia James is indicted on federal bank fraud charges, a case brought on after the president publicly called for her prosecution.
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p class=”readrate”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebecca Rosman, Gerry Holmes, Anna Yukhananov, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland.
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p class=”readrate”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas
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p class=”readrate”>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
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p class=”readrate”>And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor
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The post Gaza Ceasefire, Trump’s Middle East Peace Plan, Letitia James Indicted appeared first on The Maravi Post.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
Globally the month of October is known as breast cancer awareness month; men and women normally wear pink to show solidarity with medical research for a cure, or the memory of a loved one that either succumbed to or survived the incurable disease. Locally, October is the month Malawians commemorate Mothers’ Day. The year 2025 goes down in history when President Arthur Peter Mutharika is sworn in for the third time as President of Malawi, in October! 2025 is also a historic year when Malawi has a former high court judge elected as vice president. But sadly it is also a year when women and young voters are openly snubbed, sidelined in ministerial picks as the new President packs his cabinet and other leadership positions with men; mostly older men.
Truly a mix of political veterans, trusted friends, and technocrats (despite any stain or checkered past), women have again been left on the wayside, or perhaps relegated to the proverbial kitchen. While I can join many to celebrate Mutharika’s win, many people in reaction to the cabinet picks have said that the president’s appointments have been made as if he does not know, consider or have been briefed about the role women and young people played in his historic win in the 2025 elections.
Let us recall and reason with the naysayers of the above stand (that the women’s and youth’s roles were crucial in the historic Mutharika/Ansah electoral victory). Out of a total 7 million registered voters, 4 million were women. In tallying cast votes, there were 4.1 million Malawians that voted, with women out-numbering the male voters that cast their votes on September 16, 2025. Equally in large proportions, were scores of young voters. According to the United Nations Fund for Population Fund (UNFPA) young people make up the largest and fastest growing proportion of the general population in Malawi. Also turning out to cast their votes in The general elections, witnessed scores of the youth and the women turning up at election centers to cast their votes.
Analysts have waxed lyrical stating that the Mutharika cabinet appointments are of credible, competent, and loyal people to the President and DPP. All of them. Men only, and all, except one, are old vanguards, and elderly. Do you mean to tell the country and the world that there are no competent, credible, and even loyal women in the DPP? Are there no young men or young women to fill these ministerial positions? There are apparently not. Below are the 2025 ministers and other high offices in the country that President Mutharika has appointed:
1. Alas, a post that has laid waste for 21 years in the corners of the State House is the position of Second Vice President. The honors have landed on Right Honourable Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana, who takes over from where his father the late Chakufwa Chihana left off in 2004. The Late Second Vice President Chihana was appointed as the country’s hitherto first and only Second Vice President of the Republic of Malawi. His son’s appointment to this seat “reflects a calculated effort to embrace regional inclusivity and build bridges with northern political blocs” analysts have said.
2. Veteran Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) member George Chaponda returns to his former portfolio as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is one of Mutharika’s staunchest allies, although riddled with past controversies.
3. Another veteran DPP member, Joseph Mwanamvekha who has been reinstated as Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, and Development; another sure sign of the confidence Mutharika has in the seasoned ally’s expertise to wade through the murky waters of Malawi’s current fragile economic environment.
4. Alfred Ruwan Gangata has been appointed for the post of Minister of State, injecting a sense of new dynamism into the cabinet, and potentially appealing to younger voters and emerging constituencies, analysts have said.
5. The post of Chief of the Malawi Defence Force has gone to Lieutenant-General George Alexander Jaffu Jr., former Military Attaché at the Malawi Mission to the United Nations in New York. Lieutenant-General Jaffu is the son of Malawi’s first Chief Secretary (known then known as “Secretary to the President and Cabinet”) George Austin Jaffu, under former Life President Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda.
6. Dr. Justin Sadack K. Saidi will serve as Mutharika’s Chief Secretary with the main role of strengthening “administrative coordination, reaffirming the president’s faith in experienced civil service leadership” according to analysts.
7. Stuart Naison Medison Ligomeka, is Deputy Chief Secretary.
8. Kiswell Dakamau appointed Director of State Residences to uphold efficiency and order in the management of state assets.
9. Moving to local law enforcement, Mutharika has appointed Richard Chakupaleza Chikoko Luhanga as Inspector General of Police, with two Deputies Stain Bamusi Chaima and Mlowoka Noel Kaira.
10. The appointment of Chaponda and Mwanamvekha has been said to be a missed opportunity for generational renewal and gender balance in power positions in the country. These are what, during Muluzi’s administration, were labelled as recycled politicians.
Moving to regional representation, a fair and inclusive attempt has been made with representation drawn from the Northern, Central, and Southern regions, with the South still maintaining a notable dominance in key portfolios. But it is on gender and youth representation that the cabinet is lacking in stature; so heavily filled with elderly men, the sole woman is the elected VP; the Mutharika cabinet is wanting as it lacks gender balance in key and top leadership positions. It lacks balance in young voices in key and top leadership positions.
Bwana President, please consider women in cabinet and other top positions. Bwana President, please consider young people in cabinet and other top positions.
This is what democracy looks like!
The post These Freedoms/My Take On It: Does Mutharika’s cabinet reflect that it is still a man’s world here? appeared first on The Maravi Post.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has given MK20 million to the Parliament of Malawi to support the orientation program for newly elected legislative members.
The orientation program, set for October 13 to 17, is part of Parliament’s efforts to strengthen legislative capacity and improve governance in the country.
Speaking during the symbolic cheque handover ceremony in Blantyre on Tuesday, NBM plc Retail Banking Senior Manager , Eric Bob Munthali, said the Bank saw it necessary to support the initiative, noting that well-informed parliamentarians are essential for the promotion of democratic values and the formulation of sound economic policies.
He added that NBM plc’s contribution aligns with its commitment to national development and strengthening governance institutions.
“We believe that our support will have a positive impact on Malawi’s development as parliamentarians play a vital role in policymaking and lawmaking. Ensuring that they are properly oriented will lead to better decisions that benefit the nation,” said Munthali.
Deputy Clerk of Parliament responsible for Corporate Services, Chikondi Kachinjika, expressed gratitude for the generous donation by NBM plc, describing it as a timely intervention.
“We are extremely honoured by this gesture from the NBM plc. It reflects the continuation of a long-standing partnership between Parliament and the Bank. The donation is particularly crucial for us, as we had a budget deficit while planning a high-class event. This support is therefore very timely and greatly appreciated,” said Kachinjika .
Kachinjika said, the funds will be used to engage both local and international facilitators, including experienced academics, to enhance the capacity of Parliament.
He emphasized that the orientation program is key to equipping legislators with knowledge and skills necessary for effective representation, oversight, and lawmaking.
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LONDON-(MaraviPost)-England’s national football team delivered one of the most emotional gestures in recent memory when they removed their names from the back of their shirts during the second half of their international friendly against Wales at Wembley Stadium.
The move was part of a national campaign aimed at raising awareness about dementia and the impact it has on millions of families across the United Kingdom.
The campaign, organised by the Football Association (FA) in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, sought to symbolise how dementia slowly takes away memories just as names were taken away from the shirts.
The initiative was titled “Football Remembers”, and its goal was to show solidarity with those living with the disease and to promote better understanding and support for affected individuals.
Before the kickoff, the entire England squad walked out onto the Wembley pitch hand in hand with fans living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, who served as matchday mascots.
The touching moment received a standing ovation from the capacity crowd, as the stadium lights dimmed briefly in respect and reflection.
The sight of star players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka standing side by side with people battling memory loss sent a strong emotional message.
Many fans in the stands were moved to tears with commentators describing the moment as one of the most meaningful acts of compassion in English football’s recent history.
After the game, England football manager explained the thinking behind the initiative, saying football has a duty to use its platform to educate and inspire.
The FA’s collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society began several years ago after concerns were raised about the growing number of former footballers diagnosed with dementia.
Legends such as Nobby Stiles, Jack Charlton, and Bobby Charlton all battled the condition, sparking debates about head injuries and player safety in the sport.
Recent research has also linked repetitive head impacts to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
In response, the FA has introduced guidelines limiting heading in youth training and investing in studies focused on brain health in footballers.
The “Football Remembers” campaign is part of those ongoing efforts.
Fans across the world took to social media to applaud England’s gesture.
Many described it as a “class act” that went beyond sport. “This is what football should be about humanity and compassion,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Tonight, England won more than a match; they won hearts.”
England went on to win the match 2–0, but for many supporters, the result was secondary.
What mattered most was the message behind the moment a reminder that football can play a powerful role in breaking stigma, raising awareness and supporting important causes that affect communities worldwide.
The post England players drop names to raise dementia awareness in emotional Wembley moment appeared first on The Maravi Post.
“Matlock” star Leah Lewis is speaking out after her costar David Del Rio got kicked off the CBS show … for allegedly sexually assaulting her. The actress said, “Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands. Thank you…
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Kody Brown and Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia‘s partnership on Special Forces ended on an awkward note.
During the Thursday, October 9, episode of the Fox series, the remaining recruits were paired up in groups for the latest challenge with Brown, 56, and LaPaglia, 26, working together to help move a civilian in a simulated war zone.
A break from the “mission” allowed them to get to know each other more, with Brown asking LaPaglia, “What’s your gig?”
LaPaglia replied that she was a podcaster. “Oh and that’s all?” Brown asked before he started laughing. “That’s your qualification?”
‘Sister Wives’ Star Kody Brown’s Most Sexist Comments on ‘Special Forces’
For those unfamiliar with LaPaglia (like Brown) she hosts “BFFs” with Josh Richards and previously hosted “PlanBri Uncut” before its conclusion. LaPaglia currently has over a million Instagram followers. (Brown, for his part, has 185,000.)
Elsewhere in the episode, LaPaglia opened up about how a public breakup from country singer Zach Bryan inspired her to join Special Forces. She noted that she didn’t “like violence very much” but was determined to make it far on the show.
“I am doing the course because I have had a really tough year. I was in a very public relationship,” she recalled in a confessional. “It ended really badly. I don’t know exactly who I am and it will teach me more about myself.”
Bryan, 29, announced in October 2024 that he and LaPaglia called it quits after more than a year of dating. LaPaglia subsequently claimed she was “emotionally abused” by the musician. (Bryan, for his part, didn’t address his ex-girlfriend’s claims.)
In Thursday’s episode, LaPaglia elaborated on her alleged tumultuous relationship.
“Over the past couple of years, I wasn’t allowed to be me,” she shared. “I used to be very strong. I don’t want to give anyone power over me.”
LaPaglia was asked by Brown who she dated, to which she replied, “My ex is a super famous musician. He was awful toward me. He got famous on TikTok and thinks he is God.”
While reflecting on the romance, LaPaglia recalled ignoring wanting signs.
“I met my ex-boyfriend through Instagram DMs,” she told the cameras. “It was a very fast moving relationship where I should have seen a lot of red flags but I was blinded by a lot of things.”
Who Failed Selection on Season 4 of ‘Special Forces’?
LaPaglia elaborated on her experience once she was brought into the interrogation room.
“I think I am here just to not give up. I gave up on myself last year just mentally,” she explained. “I was in a bad relationship but it was public and I would leave my house with a smile but no one knew what was happening. I was in a bad spot.”
LaPaglia continued: “I lost sight of myself and I just didn’t want to be here anymore. It was a dark hole to climb out of.”
According to LaPaglia, she was offered “$12.9 million to sign away” her voice, adding, “He tried to silence me but I didn’t take it. I was that strong girl making videos of what not to do and who to stay away from and I don’t know what happened. It happened to me.”
LaPaglia was able to push through and keep going on Special Forces while actor Jussie Smollett became the third person to depart. After developing a cough, the doctor ordered that Smollett not continue to participate and he was removed for his own health.
The other recruit who discussed his motivation was athlete Nick Young. After his future on Special Forces was questioned, Young, 40, broke down how his older brother’s death when he was a child affected his family.
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test airs on Fox Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
The post Kody Brown Dismisses Brianna Chickenfry’s Job on ‘Special Forces’ appeared first on The Maravi Post.
The Real Housewives of Miami season 7 reunion remains on fire.
One week after Julia Lemigova shocked viewers by claiming to have once slept with costar Adriana de Moura, the drama continued to play out on part two.
“I don’t even know what her private parts look like,” Adriana, 59, shared during the Thursday, October 9, episode of Bravo’s reality show. “Did I have this lesbian affair that she is accusing me of? No!”
Instead, Adriana accused her onetime best friend of cheating on Martina Navratilova with multiple people. (Julia, 53, and Martina, 68, have been married for 10 years.)
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“She was cheating on Martina with a Haitian mortician,” Adriana claimed to host Andy Cohen. “That’s when [Julia] told me everything. You were with a Haitian mortician. You used to take him to the motel, pay for the motel, bring the champagne and had to give him a coffee machine as a gift. You forgot about that little bit, bitch. And then she had another lover, a cop.”
While some of the cast looked on in awe, others couldn’t help but start laughing while hearing all the twists and turns.
Even the host appeared ready for a time-out from all the accusations.
“We need to take a break,” Andy, 57, said. “As we go to break, I just want you [both] to consider that when you came in here, the thought was we were going to find a way out.”
In true Real Housewives reunion style, a lot can change in a little bit of time.
“Until this promiscuous girl goes around and tries to make me the bad guy because she’s a serial cheater!” Adriana shouted.
Julia replied, “Did I say you were a bad guy? I did not say you were bad.”
During the commercial break, Julia denied Adriana’s claims that she had cheated multiple times. In fact, she claimed her alleged sexual experience with her costar was a “one-night stand.”
As for why she wanted to share it with the world, Julia explained that she “felt muzzled” and “scared” of her onetime friend.
“I feel horrible, but I was not me for four years,” she said. “I couldn’t speak the truth. I never betrayed Adriana with my friendship with Alexia [Nepola]. I tried so much. We slept together once and then we fooled around in the Versace mansion at [Alexia’s] bachelorette. … I didn’t say it to spread gossip. It had to be known. I never betrayed Adriana. I still love her.”
According to Julia, Martina is well aware of her wife’s mistakes, and they are moving forward.
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As for Adriana, it doesn’t appear like she’s interested in mending any sort of friendship with her costar.
“I see the pattern. It was in her mind that she developed a crush on me right away,” the “Fyah” singer said. “She was in seducing mode. She was trying to seduce me from the first moment she saw me.”
The Real Housewives of Miami airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. Stream old episodes anytime on Peacock.
The post RHOM’s Adriana de Moura Denies ‘Lesbian Love Affair’ With Julia Lemigova appeared first on The Maravi Post.
A Hollywood Hills property Bono’s invested in was visited by first responders Thursday … after authorities received a call about an alleged stabbing, TMZ has learned. The Los Angeles Police Department tells TMZ officers responded to the stabbing…
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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Press freedom under threat as attacks on reporters escalate online and offline
MISA Malawi has condemned the rising online harassment and intimidation of journalists in the country.
The organisation warned that such actions pose a serious threat to media freedom and democracy.
It cited specific attacks against Times Group journalist Cathy Maulidi and other reporters following the publication of politically sensitive stories.
MISA Malawi dismissed false claims suggesting that it disputed Times Group’s reporting.
The group urged political parties and members of the public to channel grievances through official media oversight bodies rather than resorting to personal attacks on journalists.
MISA also expressed concern over growing hostility toward journalists from the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Times Group.
The organisation highlighted that online threats have increasingly begun turning into physical assaults against reporters.
It called on all political and social actors to respect the rights of journalists.
MISA Malawi pledged to continue defending press freedom and the safety of journalists across the country.
The organisation’s statement underscores the urgent need for accountability and protection mechanisms for media practitioners in Malawi.
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