…..The veteran leader sets his sights on extending his political legacy as he confirms intentions to run in the upcoming Brazilian presidential election.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has officially announced that he will seek a fourth term in office in the 2026 elections.
The announcement marks a significant moment in Brazil’s political landscape, as Lula seeks to extend his influence and consolidate his legacy as one of the country’s most prominent leaders.
Lula, who has previously served as president from 2003 to 2010 and returned to power in 2023, emphasized that his decision is driven by a commitment to continue his agenda of social inclusion and economic reform.
Political analysts note that Lula’s bid for another term could reshape Brazil’s electoral dynamics, drawing attention from both supporters and opponents across the political spectrum.
The veteran leader has long been recognized for his efforts to reduce poverty, expand social programs, and promote labor rights, which remain central themes in his proposed 2026 campaign.
Opposition parties are expected to intensify their strategies, as Lula’s decision to run again will likely polarize voters and spark debates over governance, economic policy, and Brazil’s role in international affairs.
Observers also highlight that Lula’s fourth-term announcement comes amid ongoing challenges in Brazil, including inflationary pressures, crime, and environmental concerns, particularly in the Amazon region.
Supporters of Lula argue that his experience and track record uniquely position him to address these complex issues, while critics question whether continued leadership under a single figure could stifle political renewal.
Internationally, Lula’s re-election campaign is being closely watched, as Brazil plays a key role in Latin American geopolitics and global environmental discussions.
As the 2026 election approaches, Brazil faces a high-stakes political contest that could redefine the nation’s trajectory for years to come.
Lula concluded his announcement with a pledge to remain focused on the welfare of all Brazilians, promising to maintain policies aimed at social justice, economic growth, and democratic stability.
LUANDA-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Women’s National Football Team Head Coach, Lovemore Fazili, says the goalless draw against Angola in Luanda on Thursday has given his side renewed belief as they eye a historic qualification to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Scorchers, who dominated much of the first-leg encounter at Estádio 11 de Novembro, displayed impressive teamwork and attacking intent but were left frustrated after failing to find the back of the net despite several clear opportunities.
“We played better football than Angola. I expected us to score in the first half but luck was not on our side. However, I’m proud of the effort and discipline from the girls,” Fazili said after the match.
The experienced tactician remains optimistic that his side will complete the job in the return leg at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on October 28, where a victory would secure Malawi’s first-ever qualification to the continental finals.
“It’s not easy to play away from home but we managed to get a result. The players have promised to finish the job in front of our supporters. We are determined to make history,” Fazili added confidently.
The Scorchers took control from kickoff, with Rose Kabzere, Faith Chimzimu and Asimenye Simwaka combining well in attack.
Led by captain Tabitha Chawinga, Malawi’s fluid passing and high pressing forced Angola to sit deep for most of the game.
Chawinga came close in the 34th minute after her low shot rolled inches wide of the post.
The Scorchers’ best moment arrived midway through the second half when Chawinga’s pace and power carved open Angola’s defense to set up Simwaka, whose strike narrowly missed the target.
As the game wore on, Tabitha’s curling free-kick in the 84th minute was blocked by the wall summing up a frustrating night for Malawi’s forwards.
Despite the missed chances, Fazili was full of praise for his players’ overall discipline and determination.
“Our goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo was solid, the defense was composed and the midfield controlled the tempo. The forwards kept pressing. We played our game plan perfectly we just need to score at home,” he said.
The Scorchers are now expected to return home on Friday to resume training ahead of the decisive second leg.
The team will be banking on the electric atmosphere at Bingu National Stadium and the support of local fans to push them across the line.
Malawi has never qualified for the WAFCON finals before and a win next week would mark a groundbreaking moment for women’s football in the country one that could inspire a new generation of female footballers.
…..Wander Moreira, Malawi’s Brazilian Mentor, Assembled a Formidable Squad
….Saluting Malawi team that won Silver Medal in Zambia in 1975
By Ndisi Songa
Time flies indeed! It feels like yesterday when the Malawi national football team made its maiden appearance at the 3rd edition of the CECAFA Challenge Cup which Zambia hosted from 31st October to 9th November,1975.
As newcomers and with many not expecting much from the team, Malawi performed wonders by reaching the final and had to play against Kenya.
Robert Banda (L) receiving a medal from Dr Kenneth Kaunda, former president of Zambia.
Malawi was in group B alongside Tanzania and Zanzibar while Kenya, was in group A which had other heavyweights like Uganda and Zambia.
Wander Moreira, Malawi’s Brazilian mentor, assembled a formidable squad that had the likes of Boniface Maganga, Jack Chamangwana, Henry Tewesa, Bosco Munthali, Elywin Mwafulirwa, Montfort Pemba, Frank Mlotchwa, Topsy Msuku, Robert Banda, Damiano Malefula, Spy and Zorro Msiska, Patrick Chikafa, Kinnah Phiri, Yasin Osman, Steven Phiri, Kannock Munde, among others.
Malawi kickstarted its campaign at the tournament with a convincing 3 – 1 win over the defending Champions, Tanzania with dangerman Kinnah Phiri scoring a brace. In the next game, the team played against Zanzibar whom they beat 4 – 2.
Kenya, on the other hand, beat the hosts 2 – 1 in their first game and drew 1 – 1 with their fierce rivals Uganda.
In the semifinal, favourites, Uganda, suffered a 2 -1 defeat at the hands of Malawi while Kenya booked their ticket to the final when they beat Tanzania 3 – 2.
Malawi squad of 1975
The final was a closely contested encounter with Malawi taking an early lead through Spy ‘Super Header’ Msiska who netted the opener in the 15th minute. Try as Kenya did to equalize, the score was still 1 – 0 in favour of Malawi at half-time break.
It was in the early minutes of the second half when William Ouma equalized for Kenya. Later, Kinnah Phiri put Malawi in the lead again when he scored in the 80th minute.
Towards the end of the game, Kenya was awarded a corner kick which saw Charles Ochieng score with a stunning header. The match, which was later thrown into extra time, saw Kenya win 3 – 2 on penalty shootout and the final score was 5 – 4.
Besides being runners up at the tournament, Malawi’ Kinnah Phiri won the golden boot award.
This was the beginning of better things to come as Malawi went on to win the trophy in 1978. In the following year, Malawi faced Kenya again in a semblance of the 1975 Challenge Cup final which also pitted the two teams.
Malawi beat Kenya 3 – 2 to retain the trophy and this was a sweet revenge of the humiliation that Malawi suffered at the hands of Kenya in 1975 in Zambia.
After 9 years of waiting and searching for the next title, Malawi won the Challenge Cup again in 1988 when they beat Zambia 3 – 1 in a crunch final at a packed Kamuzu stadium in the commercial city of Blantyre.
These were the golden days of football in Malawi when the team was feared in the region. These were the days when football in the country had reached its highest high.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ndisi Songa is a sports writer, football historian and archivist.
Ace Frehley did the impossible … bringing his former bandmates back together to celebrate him at a private funeral held earlier this week in the Bronx. Eddie Trunk — a well-known radio DJ and close friend of the band for many years — shared a…
Kate Gosselin got candid on why she is just having Thanksgiving dinner with only her boyfriend, Steve Neild, and not her kids.
“Guys, so rude. I just asked [Steve] what he wanted to do for Thanksgiving,” Gosselin, 50, shared in a TikTok video on Wednesday, October 22. “We invited some of the kids. Some of the kids have plans. We’re far away from home, don’t forget.”
Kate — who shares 21-year-old sextuplets Aaden, Joel, Alexis, Hannah, Collin and Leah and 25-year-old twins Mady and Cara with ex-husband Jon Gosselin — revealed that her kids were away at college and “don’t have enough time off” to come see her.
“It’s just going to be me and him, I guess,” Kate told her followers. “I said to him now, ‘What do you want to do for Thanksgiving?’ Thinking he’d say maybe we could get takeout from a restaurant or we can get an already made meal because you know I can’t cook. And instead he said, ‘Oh, I don’t know. I was thinking maybe we could go dancing.’”
The former reality star, who recently fractured her leg and underwent surgery, joked that Neild, 50, was “so rude.”
“He’s over there smiling. He’s so proud of himself,” she said while also smiling. “That’s the sense of humor that he has. And I don’t appreciate it. I don’t think, unless he wants to dance with a girl in a wheelchair, I don’t think it’s gonna happen. I thought you would appreciate that.”
James Devaney/WireImage
In the caption of the TikTok, Kate joked that Neild knows “how good [she] is at dancing” following her appearance on season 10 of Dancing With the Stars in 2010.
“Honestly though, I’d give anything to be able to dance right now (even tho neither of us can!),” she wrote.
Last month, Kate underwent surgery following a “life-altering” knee injury caused by one of her dogs.
“Meika, my puppy, ran into me full-speed ahead and I ended up with a tibial plateau fracture and surgery with plates and pins in my leg,” she said in a TikTok video shared by a friend.
“The answer to that question is actually, finally, yes,” she said in response to a TikTok Q&A in September when someone asked if she is dating anybody. “I am dating somebody for the past year, maybe like 14, 15 months. I am super, super happy. It’s somebody that I’ve known for a really long time and I am very, very happy.”
Shortly after Kate’s revelation, Page Sixreported that she was dating her former bodyguard, Neild — which sparked controversy after Jon, 48, said that Neild contributed to the end of their marriage. (Kate and Jon were married from 1999 to 2009.)
“Guess who really ruined the marriage. Read for yourself,” Jon wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of Kate and Neild. He also reshared the Page Six article, writing, “Maybe when I speak people will listen now!!!”
Following Jon’s claims, Kate’s son Collin also claimed that his mother had an affair with her former bodyguard.
“What really upsets me is that my mom had an affair with our bodyguard way back in 2009, and for years would share hotel rooms with him while we went on family vacations, while I was in a connected room!” he wrote via Instagram Stories. “Now everyone thinks her being with him is some cute novel romance. By the way my dad received death threats and got shunned by the public for years for ‘having an affair’ and ‘leaving his kids.’”
David Livingston/Getty Images
While Kate has yet to speak out about the claims, she did confirm that she was dating Neild on social media earlier this month when she shared photos of him.
“Focusing on gratitude today,” she wrote over a TikTok video highlighting her morning coffee, her dogs, physical therapy and Neild himself. “My boyfriend, whom I love even more for taking all this extra work that I am now.”
The actress, who first gained some recognition in the ‘90s for guest appearances on TV shows like Ellen and Married… with Children, earned her breakout role as Meredith Blake in Nancy Meyers’ 1998 remake of The Parent Trap.
Since then, she’s starred in a number of films and television series, but has captivated viewers of season 34 of DWTS as she celebrates being a woman in her 50s tackling ballroom dance alongside fellow contestants who are decades younger than her.
“I’m on this incredible roller coaster that I don’t want to end, and I’m just loving every second of it,” Hendrix told Us Weekly in October 2025 of being on the dance competition series. “Also, I feel like anything can happen on this show, which is wild, right?”
A few weeks later, Hendrix wowed the crowd as she performed to “Defying Gravity” during Wicked Night — explaining in her pre-dance package that she was defying her own odds at every rehearsal due to injuries she sustained after a 1992 car accident.
“I have a titanium joint in my right foot,” she shared, “so that renders half my foot unusable. Every week, my body shifts into a new pain spot, but I just don’t want to let it stop me.”
Her pro partner, Alan Bersten, wanted her to realize that she could “trust herself” and “is stronger than her injuries,” so he choreographed a challenging routine, which ended in Hendrix floating above the crowd in an epic Elphaba moment.
After receiving all nines from the judges, Hendrix proudly expressed, “I’m so grateful for this moment. I am 54, I am injured and I just did that!”
Below, see more of Elaine Hendrix’s quotes about her age on DWTS:
Elaine Hendrix on Wicked Night.Disney/Eric McCandless
‘Bring It On’
In her intro package on DWTS, Hendrix said she started her career as a professional dancer.
“I want the sweat, I want the blisters, bring it on,” she insisted.
Hendrix went on to tell Bersten that she was hit by a car and “really lucky I walked away from it.”
“The reality is, I don’t know if I can do this,” she added. “I close my eyes and imagine I’m still 21 years old, but my body may have different plans.”
For Week 1, she danced a cha-cha and earned rave reviews from the judges. “I don’t even know what to say. You are amazing,” judge Derek Hough told her, with Bruno Tonioli adding, “Sassy, sexy yet classy … great performance, great potential.”
Hendrix was thrilled with her routine, telling cohost Julianne Hough that her body definitely “feels it” but “it’s so worth it, especially at this time in my life.”
“I want to prove to myself and prove to other women that age is just a number. It doesn’t matter,” she insisted.
Elaine Hendrix on Premiere Night.Disney/Eric McCandless
54 and Fabulous
During One-Hit Wonders Night, Hendrix danced a lively cheerleader-themed jive to “Hey Mickey” by Toni Basil. Then, for TikTok Night, she kept the momentum going with a tango to KATSEYE’s “Gnarly.”
“Elaine, you are badass,” Derek told her after the dance.
On her struggles to connect her mind with her body, Hendrix said, “Everyone can do math, I’m 54 years old and I just did that.”
Her Parent Trap costar and best friendLisa Ann Walter cheered from the audience, shouting, “That’s right, Elaine!” Judge Carrie Ann Inaba also stood up and clapped.
Elaine Hendrix on Disney Night.Disney/Frank Micelotta
Redefining Age
The following week, Walter held up a T-shirt that read Hendrix’s now iconic catchphrase on Disney Night as Inaba praised her routine. (Walter is 62 and Inaba is 57.)
“You better represent, my sister! That was amazing,” Inaba said. “You are redefining what it is to be an [old]… mature, wise, sexy empowered woman. That was brilliant. Your best dance. Amazing. I’m so happy!”
After receiving eights from the judges, Hendrix said, “I just want to say that I am walking proof that your dreams may not go as you planned them, but it doesn’t mean that they’re not happening. Go for our dreams!”
Elaine Hendrix and Lisa Ann Walter with Alan Bersten on Dedication Night.Disney/Eric McCandless
Woman Power
Walter joined Hendrix for Dedication Night on DWTS and celebrated her friend for championing older women on the show.
Walter entered the rehearsal space with a question: “Is this the meeting of the grown ass women who do whatever we want?”
“Female friendships are vital,” Hendrix told Bersten, saying that Walter is like a sister. “We support one another. When my mom died, the first person I called was Lisa.”
After their dance to “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole — also featured in The Parent Trap — Julianne said they “radiate” together.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten on Wicked Night.Disney/Eric McCandless
Hendrix explained that she has a titanium joint in her right foot and that “every week, my body shifts into a new pain spot.” She cried saying she was feeling “the limitations of my body” and that the song was about “pushing past” those limitations.
“I know my determination is going to win it, just getting there is quite a journey,” she added.
After her contemporary routine received a standing ovation from a tear-filled audience and nines from the judges, Hendrix reiterated, “Again, I am 54, I am injured, and I just did that!”
“You are defying the odds, truly,” Derek told her. “You move with such grace and wisdom, and man, are you going to cherish that moment forever.”
The moment Jay Cutler got cuffed after his October 2024 bust for DUI and gun possession is now on full display … courtesy of newly released police bodycam footage after he allegedly rear-ended a car while drunk. In the footage, a cop rolls up on…
Gaza’s health system remains in ruins despite the fragile ceasefire holding, with hundreds of thousands still facing urgent medical and humanitarian needs, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Thursday.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) gained international recognition after winning a Silver Stevie award for their 2023 Annual Report titled ‘One Clark’ at the 2025 International Business Awards held last Oct. 10.
The award was given under the Best in Publications Government Agencies category during the awarding ceremony at the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal.
BCDA said the recognition highlights its efforts to promote transparency, good governance and effective communication while showcasing its key contributions to national development.
‘Thank you to the International Business Awards for the meaningful recognition given to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and for once again recognizing our commitment to building better and greater cities while supporting the modernization of our Armed Forces,’ BCDA chairperson Hilario Paredes said.
‘This recognition from IBA stands as a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and purpose-driven communication that have defined our organization. Earning this award reflects our steadfast commitment to telling BCDA’s story with clarity and integrity,’ BCDA vice president for public affairs Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet added.
The ‘One Clark’ report was chosen from more than 3,800 nominations across 78 countries for its clear presentation of BCDA’s development milestones, project performance, and strategic transformation of former military bases into economic centers.
This latest Silver Stevie is the third international recognition for the ‘One Clark’ report, following its Gold Quill Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and a Silver Stevie at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.
The Cebu Provincial Government has allocated a ?542.3-million Trust Fund to finance rehabilitation and resiliency projects in northern Cebu towns devastated by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake last month.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the proposed fund will cover infrastructure restoration, livelihood rehabilitation, and continuing relief assistance for thousands of displaced residents still staying in temporary shelters.
‘Looking at it in a recovery and rehabilitation lens, still applying the three fundamental approaches of disaster and resiliency work, which is a budget for preparedness, a budget for relief assistance, and a budget for recovery and rehabilitation,’ Empaces said.
Of the total amount, ?238 million has been set aside for the restoration and rehabilitation of roads and bridges, while ?49 million will go to food, non-food items, and hygiene kits for affected families.
The Capitol also plans to spend ?51 million for mobile kitchens, ?20 million for agricultural recovery-including fisheries, aquaculture, and crop rehabilitation-and ?15 million for livestock and poultry recovery, which includes repairs of slaughterhouses and farm housing.
To strengthen response capability, ?14 million is allocated for rescue equipment such as gears and drones, and another ?14 million for furnishing the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Command Center to be stationed in Bogo City.
Other allocations include ?5.5 million for container houses and vans, ?50 million for sea ambulances, and ?10 million for vehicle and sea ambulance rentals good for one year. The province is also eyeing ?64.2 million for mobile clinics, ambulances, emergency vehicles, and motorcycles, ?2.2 million for fire extinguishers and hoses, ?1 million for flat and rescue boats, and ?1.1 million for water supply equipment.
The Capitol likewise plans to spend ?6 million to rehabilitate and repair government buildings and facilities such as the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Office, and the Assessor’s Office. The remaining ?1.3 million will fund environmental supplies and other disaster-related activities.
Empaces said the fund will be sourced from multiple streams, including the Capitol’s Quick Response Fund (QRF) from 2020 to 2024, accumulated QRF balances, and newly approved allocations in the 2025 budget. Of the ?542 million, ?371 million comes from government funds, while ?134.6 million represents donations as of October 20, 2025.
‘The total donations amount to ?134,611,077.73,’ Empaces said, adding that ?50 million came from the Office of the President and ?84.6 million from private individuals, organizations, and local government units.
The establishment of the Trust Fund follows a directive from Governor Pamela Baricuatro to ensure that all expenditures are aligned with the province’s structured recovery framework, Kumbati Cebu-the comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery program for quake-hit areas.
Under Kumbati Cebu, the Provincial Rehabilitation and Recovery Council (PRRC), also known as the Kumbati Cebu Task Force, will serve as the central coordinating body for all reconstruction and recovery initiatives across the province.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the Capitol’s assumption of management over the tent cities in Bogo, San Remigio, and Medellin, which continue to shelter displaced residents.
Empaces said the turnover from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Red Cross will begin gradually starting tomorrow, October 25, with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) taking the lead.
‘Mag-augment mig tao, mang-hire mig JO (job order personnel),’ Empaces said, noting that full management is expected to be formalized by October 30 once staffing and operational plans are finalized.
