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Before this mini musician turned into a shining star, he was playing the piano in his diaper and growing up in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He’s known for making funny skits with friends on YouTube … He may have started on Vine, but his popularity…
The post Guess Who This Lil’ Piano Player Turned Into! appeared first on The Maravi Post.
Former Dancing With the Stars host Brooke Burke won’t be making a return to the ballroom for the show’s 20th birthday special after her 2014 exit.
Burke, 54, explained why she won’t be attending the highly anticipated event during the Tuesday, November 4, episode of Jennie Garth’s “I Choose Me” podcast.
“A redo is hard for me,” Burke told fellow former contestant Garth, 53. “I guess there’s some things that are worth a repeat in your life, but I feel like I wrung it out and I did everything I needed to do on that show.”
Burke added that despite the “amazing relationships” she formed during her time on DWTS as both a competitor and as cohost, she ultimately feels her time on the series is behind her. “It was one of the most watched shows on television. It would be hard to go back there with the same level of excitement and appreciation,” she said.
Brooke Burke Recalls ‘Really Disappointing’ Exit as ‘DWTS’ Cohost
Garth, for her part, joked that she also “got an email” about the special — which airs November 11 — that she “purposely did not read.”
Burke and Garth were both paired with former pro Derek Hough — now a judge on the show — during their respective seasons. Garth landed in fourth place on season 5 in 2007, Hough’s first season, while Burke and Hough took home the mirrorball two seasons later. Burke later hosted the show with Tom Bergeron from seasons 10 through 17.
“I never say no, never closed doors professionally, but I mean, it was eight seasons, and I did everything I needed to do in the ballroom,” Burke continued, adding that she “had so much fun” on DWTS even though it was “one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my entire life.”
This isn’t the first time Burke has addressed her exit from DWTS. She opened up about being let go from the show during a 2024 episode of Getting Grilled With Curtis Stone, revealing that while she was “ready to do other things” at the time, it was “disappointing” to find out she wasn’t being asked back.
“But I think it’s shocking when there’s a change in our business, just to humanize it, to be honest, to be vulnerable,” she added. “I think it was really disappointing. I wasn’t expecting it.”
As for why she was “let go,” Burke said there were a “number of reasons on both sides.”
Burke detailed how she found out she wouldn’t be returning for season 18 on her Modern Mom blog shortly after the news broke in 2014.
“The only shocking thing about it, for me, was the way in which it all went down,” she wrote, claiming she found out “just weeks” before the premiere. “I would have appreciated a heads-up and the courtesy of communication, but we are not always privileged to get that in the workplace.”
She also shared how difficult it was to tell her kids, who didn’t understand the difference between being let go and being fired. (Burke shares kids Neriah, 24, Sierra, 22, Heaven, 18, and Shaya, 16, with exes Garth Fisher and David Charet.)
“My son shouted, ‘You got fired, Mommy?!’” she remembered son Shaya asking her. “I tried to explain the difference between being fired and being let go. Then he yelled, ‘You quit!’ I laughed at the fine line in it all. Then I did my very best to describe to my children the reality of change and the need to maneuver through it with grace.”
Burke is not the only DWTS cohost to be asked to exit the ballroom over the years. Audiences were shocked when original emcee Bergeron announced in July 2020 that he and then-cohost Erin Andrews would not be returning for season 29.
Cheryl Burke Breaks Down ‘Surreal’ Return to ‘DWTS’ for 1st Time in 3 Years
“Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me,” Bergeron wrote via X at the time. “It’s been an incredible 15-year run and the most unexpected gift of my career. I’m grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. That said, now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks?”
He later appeared on an October 2023 episode of Cheryl Burke’s “Sex, Lies and Spray Tans” podcast to discuss his exit, claiming his desire to keep politics out of the ballroom was partially to blame. (Bergeron was previously vocal about Sean Spicer’s casting on season 28.)
“I’m sure they’ll give you a different reason [as for why I was fired],” he added, noting that he would “never” return as host. “It’s not the same show. It’s not the same world. There’s no point. What would I prove? … Let the show either exist with the fresh blood that it has now or die a natural death.”
Dancing With the Stars’ 20th Birthday Special airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, November 11, at 8 p.m. ET. It will be available to stream next day on Hulu.
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You know what time it is? Time for Flavor Flav to shake up Dancing With the Stars.
During the Tuesday, November 4, episode of ABC’s competition show, the founding member of Public Enemy kept viewers on their toes while serving as a guest judge alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.
“Tonight, I’m hoping to see graceness, smoothness, you know what I’m saying? Preciseness,” he explained to cohost Alfonso Ribeiro while celebrating Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. “Not only that, but I’m looking forward to seeing your boy Flavor Flav, a guest judge on Dancing With the Stars.”
After Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach kicked off the show, Flav, 66, surprised the judges when he quickly gave the duo a 10.
Biggest ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Controversies Through the Years
Throughout the night, however, the former Flavor of Love star kept fans guessing with what score he would deliver. After all, he was the only judge not to give Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy a 10.
Before the the rockin’ good night came to an end, the cast was divided into two teams, Team Kool and Team Chicago. Team Chicago, led by Ribeiro, scored 40 out of 40 while Team Kool, led by Julianne Hough, scored 38 out of 40. The results were added to each contestant’s total scores of the night.
In the final minutes, Ribeiro, 54, and Julianne, 37, announced the results of which pairing would be leaving the competition before the show celebrates its 20th birthday party episode on November 11.
After millions of votes were cast on Election Night, Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov were sent home.
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET. Scroll down to see each couple’s scores from the evening:
Prove your DWTS fandom with Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv! Compete against other fans and Us editors in the Bracketology DWTS fantasy league this season to predict which pairs will make it to the finale for season 34. Get access to exclusive content, stats and a chance to win prizes. Join the league for free today!
The post ‘DWTS’ Guest Judge Flavor Flav Causes Chaos With Scores: Who Went Home? appeared first on The Maravi Post.
Democrats won two governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey, victories they call a rejection of President Trump’s policies and a sign that economic issues are resonating with voters. New York City elected Zohran Mamdani as its first Muslim mayor, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo in a race that drew record voter turnout. And California voters approved a new congressional map that could give Democrats up to five more House seats in next year’s midterms.
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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Human Rights activist and former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officer Chimwemwe Mbeya (Ntchindi) Mhango has slummed the arrested Panga-wielding thugs for intimidating police officers during court appearance.
The reaction comes barely days after the suspected Malawi Congress Party (MCP) regime’s notorious panga-wielding thugs threatened prosecutors while waiting for court proceedings on Monday.
In a video circulating on social media of suspected MCP thugs are heard threatening prosecutors while in a waiting shelter before court proceedings.
“Tikukuwonanitu! Tidzathana nanu Nchifukwa chiyani mukulimbana ndife mmalo mothana ndi mabvuto mdziko muno. Mesa mumkalifuna bomali. (We take very seriously on what you are doing to us. Will deal with you later. Why are busy with us instead of addressing economic challenges the nation is facing. I thought you said you wanted power”, one of suspects was heard threatening police prosecutors.
In reacting to the outburst, Mhango who is also a victim of the same suspected MCP regime’s thugs observes that such threats must be taken serious.
“Imagine they have guts, threatening police prosecutors while appearing before court for the crimes they committed during MCP regime.
“This shows how dangerous they are. They were being used by politicians, and now they are alone facing crimes charges,” observes Mhango.
He told The Maravi Post that, “The law must take its course on them. There shouldn’t be a room for intimidation. Noone is above the law in Malawi. Justice must prevail till the end of the case”.
Mhango appeals, “Young people must refrain from being used by politicians to fulfill their agenda.
“Youngsters must be engaged in productive activities for the development of this nation.
About 17 suspected MCP regime’s notorious panga-wielding thugs are in court answering a number of assaults charges.
The thugs” ringleaders including Bruno Munlo Makina (37), of Mponda Vge, T/A Msamala in Balaka; Erick Phakamisa (40), of Undi Vge, T/A Kaphuka in Dedza; and Hanif Banda (23), of Wimbe Vge, T/A Wimbe in Kasungu.
The post Human Rights activist Chimwemwe Mhango slums suspected MCP thugs for intimadating police prosecutors during court appearance appeared first on The Maravi Post.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-An explosive investigation by The Economist has uncovered a disturbing web of wildlife trafficking allegedly orchestrated through the Taiwanese Buddhist-managed Amitofo Care Centre (ACC) in Blantyre, Malawi — a facility established to care for orphans and vulnerable children.
Instead, evidence suggests that some of these orphans have been systematically groomed and exploited by a network of Chinese wildlife criminals posing as business investors.
The revelations point to deep-seated corruption, institutional negligence, and a dangerous exploitation of Malawi’s most vulnerable youth.
From Orphanage to Wildlife Mule: Francis’s Story
At the heart of The Economist investigation, titled “The School for Wildlife Traffickers”, lies the chilling account of a 19-year-old boy, identified as Francis, who says he was coerced by Amitofo’s Human Resources Manager, Branson Njunga, into participating in illegal ivory transactions.
Njunga — recently arrested in Chikwawa for possession of ivory and currently facing charges — allegedly acted as a conduit between Amitofo’s vulnerable youth and Chinese wildlife traffickers.
“He had heard about former students at Amitofo who had been recruited into the illegal wildlife trade,” writes journalist Rachel Nuwer. “He had also seen news stories about people caught with ivory serving years in prison.”
Fearing for his future, Francis abandoned his education and left the centre — a decision that may have saved his freedom.
Inside the Illicit Network: Njunga, Lin, and the Chinese Connection
Undercover investigators quoted in The Economist report reveal that Njunga openly admitted to working with Chinese associates in Lilongwe, sourcing ivory for them.
He even offered to supply 20 kilograms of ivory to an undercover journalist.
“It’s risky business, but where there is money, people take risks,” Njunga allegedly told the investigator.
His recent arrest alongside two others in possession of ivory only reinforces the allegations.
They are now facing charges for possessing specimens of protected species — an offence carrying severe custodial penalties under Malawi’s wildlife protection laws.
But Njunga’s role appears to be just one part of a much larger, well-coordinated network.
The Shadow of Yunhua Lin: Pardoned Kingpin Still Pulling Strings
The Economist investigation also revisits the case of Yunhua Lin, an international wildlife trafficker once convicted in Malawi.
Despite his 14-year sentence, Lin was controversially pardoned by President Lazarus Chakwera in July this year — while one of his Malawian “runners,” Aaron Dyson, remains behind bars serving a 15-year sentence for crimes he was reportedly coerced into committing.
Lin, who is now facing separate corruption charges, has been repeatedly denied bail by the courts, with judges citing him as a flight risk.
Yet, despite multiple failed applications, Lin has again filed for bail — raising questions about whether the judicial system is being manipulated to his advantage.
Human rights observers say Lin’s influence continues to extend deep into Malawi’s institutions.
“It is shocking how Chinese traffickers manipulate vulnerable Malawians — including orphans — into committing crimes on their behalf, only for the locals to rot in jail while the real masterminds use their illicit wealth to escape justice,” said a human rights and legal expert from Chancellor College, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The investigation reveals that Lin maintained ties with the Lilongwe branch of Amitofo Care Centre, even purchasing part of land near the facility to reportedly store illegal wildlife products.
Former Amitofo student Aaron Dyson, once celebrated as a “model orphan” and Mandarin prodigy, was recruited into Lin’s network after returning from language training in Taiwan.
Dyson’s story underscores the tragic transformation from hopeful student to victim of transnational crime.
He allegedly handled ivory and rhino horn runs across Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zimbabwe — operations believed to have been financed and directed by Lin.
Equally concerning is the state’s response.
Despite repeated arrests and court findings, Lin continues to exploit legal loopholes and influence networks to maintain his freedom.
His July presidential pardon remains one of the most controversial acts of executive clemency in recent memory.
Call for Urgent Government Action.
“The revelations demand immediate scrutiny from Malawi’s Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Homeland Security, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau,” calls Lilongwe based environmental activist asked for annonymity.
He stressed on the need for authorities to protect and rehabilitate victims of the trafficking network; Investigate the conditions surrounding Lin’s presidential pardon; and Strengthen oversight over foreign religious and charitable institutions operating in Malawi.
“Anything less would be a betrayal of the very children and communities the state is meant to protect.” he earned.
“If these findings are left unchecked, Malawi risks becoming a regional hub for wildlife trafficking — fuelled by poverty, foreign manipulation, and institutional indifference.
“It is now up to the authorities to act — not with statements, but with prose,” said a Chancellor college legal and human rights expert also opted for anonymity.
The Ministry of Gender and Ministry of Justice are yet to comment on the unfolding developments .
The post The Economist Investigation exposes Amitofo Orphanage as wildlife crimes hub in Malawi appeared first on The Maravi Post.
…..Fast and furious football arrives in Zimbabwe
HARARE-(MaraviPost )-The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has officially appointed former Malawi National Football Team Technical Director and Head Coach, Marian (Mario) Marinica, famously known as Triple M, as the new Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Football Team, The Warriors.
The appointment, announced through a press release by ZIFA, confirms that Marinica has signed a one-year contract and will take charge with immediate effect.
The Romanian born tactician replaces interim arrangements made earlier this year and is expected to lead Zimbabwe into a new era of competitive football.
Marinica, a UEFA Pro Licensed Coach, brings with him over 25 years of international experience gained across Africa, Europe, Asia and South America.
He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from South Bank University (England) and a Diploma in Management, blending technical knowledge with strategic leadership.
Throughout his illustrious career, Marinica has worked with several top clubs including Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Inter Milan, AS Monaco, Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as national teams from Paraguay, Mauritius, Malawi and Liberia.
His most recent notable achievement was guiding Malawi to the Round of 16 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ,the country’s best ever finish. More recently, he helped Liberia achieve its highest FIFA ranking in June 2024, thanks to his strong emphasis on tactical discipline, youth development and modern football philosophy.
Speaking after the appointment, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi expressed confidence in Marinica’s expertise and leadership.
“We are delighted to welcome Coach Marinica to Zimbabwe. His wealth of experience, modern football philosophy and proven success at international level make him the ideal candidate to lead the Warriors into a new era. His appointment reflects ZIFA’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable football structure that delivers results both on and off the pitch,” he explained.
Marinica is expected to immediately start preparations for Zimbabwe’s upcoming friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar.
Known for his fast-paced, high-intensity tactical style famously dubbed “Fast and Furious Football” Marinica’s arrival has already sparked excitement among Zimbabwean fans, who hope he can replicate the success he brought to Malawi and beyond.
The post Zimbabwe FA hires former Malawi’s Flames coach Marinica appeared first on The Maravi Post.
UPDATE: 11/4/25 at 6 p.m. ET — Ariana Grande posted and deleted a statement condemning ill wishes toward her and her costars after revealing she would be missing the Wicked: For Good premiere in São Paulo, Brazil.
“Please don’t wish danger on us,” Grande, 32, wrote in a now-deleted Instagram post, per People, hours after she told her followers her plane experienced a “safety issue” and could not take off on time on Tuesday, November 4.
“We did everything we could and I promise you no one is more upset than I am, I promise,” the post continued. “No matter how upset or disappointed you are, please please do not wish danger on us or assume that we didn’t try .. there was no other time for me to leave and these plans have been booked for months.”
Grande said that she wrapped another film — Focker In-Law — on October 31 and “worked all day the 1st and the 2nd as well” just as her other costars did. She noted that she was scheduled to leave for São Paulo at the same time as her castmates.
“It just so happened that this plane had a safety problem and I have explained why finding another option was impossible,” Grande wrote, adding that she has “been looking forward” to the premiere for a year. “Sending lots of love to you all. I hope it’s a beautiful and safe night. I love Brazil, I always have, I always will.”
In another Instagram Story, Grande tagged director Jon M. Chu and costars Jonathan Bailey and Cynthia Erivo, writing, “Now please go and have a beautiful time celebrating these absolutely brilliant and magnificent human beings and performances tonight. I am with you in spirit! I love you so much.”
Original story below:
Ariana Grande was heartbroken to announce that she will not be attending the Wicked: For Good premiere in São Paulo, Brazil, with the rest of her costars.
“Brazil, I can’t believe this is happening and I am beyond devastated to be sending this message,” Grande, 32, wrote via an Instagram Story on Tuesday, November 4. “A few hours ago, my team and I had to deplane our flight, as they had to do maintenance on the plane due to a safety issue and it will not be taking off until 11am tomorrow which means that I would not be making it in time for the Wicked For Good São Paulo premiere.”
Grande said that both her team and Universal “have tried every single thing possible to fix this.”
“We’ve searched every other flight, overnight, early morning, connecting flights, commercial and also private options and absolutely nothing was available or possible that would get us there in time, even in attempting a private option, there is a permit necessary in order to fly from here that takes time to attain,” the “7 Rings” singer continued. “I am so heartbroken that I’m unable to be there with you all. We sincerely tried everything we could and I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
Ariana Grande Recalls ‘Long, Emotional Process’ Filming New ‘Wicked’ Song
The post concluded, “Please shower my incredible castmates with all of the love that I wish I could be showering you with and have the most beautiful celebration. And again, I am so, so very sorry.”
Tuesday’s premiere in São Paulo kicks off the official press tour for the sequel of the 2024 box office sensation starring Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang and Michelle Yeoh. The cast will then be traveling to Paris for the Friday, November 7, premiere, London on Monday, November 10, Singapore on Thursday, November 13, and will be rounding out the press tour in New York City on Monday, November 17.
Longtime fans of Grande know how long she had been dreaming of being part of Wicked before being cast as Glinda the Good.
“I can’t think of a time when I wanted something the way I wanted to play this role,” Grande said on the “Fresh Air” podcast in February. “It’s an incredible privilege to be a part of this version of it and to have it be so accessible to so many people and to see the response be what it’s been. I think so many new theater kids have been born.”
Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo’s Most Emotional Moments on ‘Wicked’ Press Tour
Grande also reflected on her unbreakable friendship with Erivo, 38, which began when they both found out they were cast in Wicked in 2021.
“It’s something that was important to us from the very beginning, was to build something real and to know that we could have a safe space in each other for this journey because it was going to be tremendous,” she said. “We knew it was going to be years and years of some of the hardest work of our lives, and it’s something that we started building from the day we were cast.”
Wicked: For Good hits theaters on Friday, November 21.
The post Ariana Grande Addresses Fans ‘Wishing Danger’ on Her After Missing Premiere appeared first on The Maravi Post.
Simone Biles sneakily got three plastic surgeries.
Biles, 28, opened up about the work she’s had done while sharing “fun facts” about herself while getting unready via TikTok earlier this week.
“I’ve had three plastic surgeries,” she shared. “And two of them you would never be able to tell.” The Olympic gymnast then gave the camera a side eye and encouraged her fans to “guess” what procedures she’s undergone.
“Take your guesses 👀,” Biles captioned the post. Fans were quick to question what work she’s had done in the comments section.
Simone Biles Seemingly Confirms Boob Job After Plastic Surgery Rumors
“The girls are done? 🔥💛,” one questioned, seemingly referencing potential breast implants. Another asked, “🍒 done ? 💖,” and Biles “liked” the comment. More wrote that the “only guess” they had was that she had a “boob job.”
Another person listed three possible surgeries Biles could have gotten: “boobs, skinny bbl, and eye lift or skin tightening.” The social media user added, “I’m literally guessing bc i can’t tell lol.”
Biles saw the comment and confirmed that two of her follower’s guesses were correct. She replied to the comment, “🍒, lower bleph because I had THE WORST eye bags & ear lobe — my earring got ripped out when I was younger.”
Biles previously seemingly confirmed that she got a breast augmentation via her Instagram Story last month. In the clip, she jumped on a trampoline outside her new house. “First flip – in a year – at the new house – with new [cherries emoji],” she captioned the post.
Fans first wondered if Biles went under the knife in July, when she shared a steamy bikini pic via Instagram.
In the photo, she knelt on a daybed while wearing a Fendi bikini. The swimsuit featured the brand’s famous logo printed on triangle cups. She teamed the look with matching bottoms that tied in bows on her hips.
Biles elevated the look with a thick gold chain necklace, beaded bracelets, silver rings and hoop earrings. She completed her look with black eyeglasses.
Her followers wondered if she got an augmentation in the comments section.
@simonebilesowens
take your guesses 👀
“Looks like someone got the girls enhanced 😍😍😍,” one wrote. Another added, “I love this for you.” Makeup artist Alexis Oakley complimented her, writing, ”You look unreal.”
Biles shared more bikini pics later that month, while taking a trip to the British Virgin Islands. In one post, she showed off a Moi Moi cowgirl hat, which she styled with a black triangle halter top and polkadot bottoms.
Simone Biles Shows Off NFL Game Day Outfit After Addressing Boob Job Rumors
She also showed off a blue thong bikini, which she teamed with a white tank top with “No crying on the yacht” embroidered across her chest and oversized black shades.
Elsewhere in her getting unready video, Biles shared that she’s sensitive to many lip products.
“I’m allergic to a ton of lip glosses,” she said. “I still haven’t found out which active ingredient I’m allergic to.” Biles noted that she’s “working” on finding out what causes a reaction.
Many of her fans related to the allergy in the comments section and suggested she try some of The Lip Bar’s products.
The post Simone Biles Reveals Which 3 Plastic Surgeries She’s Gotten Through the Years appeared first on The Maravi Post.
Hailee Steinfeld is opening up on her future plans with Josh Allen … revealing she is absolutely looking forward to having kids with her NFL husband! The “Sinners” actress spoke about her motherly desires to “Bustle” … expressing her heartfelt…
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