Author: Joe Udo

  • Trump shares photo of himself as Pope

    Trump shares photo of himself as Pope

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Days after joking that he’d “like to be pope,” United States President Donald Trump has shared an AI-generated photo of himself dressed as Pope.

    The photo, which first appeared on Trump’s Truth Social account, comes as cardinals are set to convene on May 7 to begin the process of electing the next pope (the conclave).

    The White House also posted the AI-generated photo of President Trump depicted as the pope on Friday.

    Converseer reports that Trump attended Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome last weekend, during which he also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    On Tuesday, days after returning from Francis’ funeral, Trump joked to reporters outside the White House that he’d “like to be pope,” adding, “That would be my number one choice.”

    READ ALSO: Pics: Pope Francis dies at 88

    According to NBC, Trump followed up by saying that he has “no preference” over who is ultimately selected.

    Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, met with the Roman Catholic pontiff one day before his death.

    Francis died of a stroke that ultimately led to irreversible heart failure, according to a death certificate issued by the Vatican.

    The post of the AI-generated image sparked widespread social media response, with some users condemning the image, while others defended it as a joke.

    Former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele, an outspoken Trump critic, criticised the post and said it “affirms how unserious and incapable [Trump] is.”

    This is not the first time that the White House shared an AI-generated image of Trump.

  • Fire displaces over 130 in Bethlehem

    Fire displaces over 130 in Bethlehem

    PENNSYLVANIA – Over 130 people have been displaced after fire gutted an apartment building in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

    According to the Bethlehem Fire Department, at 1:17 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, the Northampton County 911 Center received multiple calls reporting a structure fire.

    According to NBC, officials said the City of Bethlehem Fire Department was dispatched and arrived on the scene at 510 E. 3rd St. within minutes.

    At the scene, fire crews found a five-story building that contained both apartments and businesses on fire.

    READ ALSO: Hit-and-run driver kills pedestrian in West Philadelphia

    Officials said thick smoke was pouring from the rooftop and filling the street below. Strong winds also fanned flames across the rooftop.

    According to officials, multiple fire crews were called to assist with this four-alarm fire. Crews were able to evacuate all the residents without any reported injuries. The fire was placed under control around 6:50 p.m.

    Officials said the building will remain closed while repairs are being made. All 135 displaced residents were transported to a hotel.

    The fire originated on the roof of the building, and the cause of the fire is under investigation, officials said.

  • Meta to shut access to Facebook, Instagram in Nigeria over $290m fines

    Meta to shut access to Facebook, Instagram in Nigeria over $290m fines

    LAGOS – Meta has warned it may shut down Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria following over $290 million in fines and what it calls “unrealistic” regulatory demands from Nigerian authorities.

    The social media giant, which also owns WhatsApp, said it could be forced to withdraw its platforms to avoid enforcement actions after a federal high court in Abuja upheld fines issued by three Nigerian agencies in 2023.

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) fined Meta $220 million for alleged anti-competitive conduct.

    READ ALSO: NNPC announces new senior management team

    The Advertising Regulatory Council imposed a $37.5 million penalty for unauthorized ads, while the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) fined the company $32.8 million for breaching data privacy laws.

    Meta expressed particular concern over the NDPC’s requirement that it obtain prior approval before transferring personal data outside Nigeria-something Meta called “unrealistic.”

    The agency also mandated the creation of educational content on data privacy risks, in collaboration with government-approved bodies, which Meta argued is unworkable and based on a flawed interpretation of privacy laws.

    The federal high court has given Meta until the end of June to pay the fines.

  • CBEX resumes operations amid N1.2tn fraud probe

    CBEX resumes operations amid N1.2tn fraud probe

    LAGOS – Despite an ongoing investigation into a massive N1.2 trillion digital trading fraud that reportedly affected over 600,000 Nigerians, embattled investment platform Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) has resumed operations—reigniting concerns among regulators and financial watchdogs.

    Two traders told to The PUNCH on Wednesday that the digital trading firm, which abruptly collapsed on April 14, has quietly reopened, enabling new users to register, trade, and withdraw profits. This comes even as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continue their investigations into what has been described as one of Nigeria’s largest digital fraud scandals.

    Sources said an external audit and insurance verification process—led by a UK-based firm—are ongoing to determine the actual losses, with a June 25, 2025 deadline for completion. Until then, older investors remain unable to access their locked funds.

    Old Investors Face Restrictions, New Users Enjoy Withdrawals

    One trader explained that while CBEX has reactivated withdrawal features for new accounts, old accounts—those affected by the April collapse—remain frozen pending the audit’s outcome. Investors have been told that reactivating old balances will require fresh capital injections: $100 for accounts below $1,000, and $200 for higher balances.

    “From June 25th, users can withdraw up to 50% of their locked capital, with the remainder expected by August 25,” a source said. However, this is contingent on undergoing the insurance verification process.

    Promoters insist the losses were due to a failed artificial intelligence trade on April 14 and maintain that the company is not a Ponzi scheme. They have blamed an “external attack” for the platform crash and claim that only N126 billion—not N1.2 trillion—was lost.

    CBEX Accused of Illegal Operations, 9 Declared Wanted

    Earlier in April, the SEC declared CBEX illegal, and the EFCC began probing its operations. The commission has declared nine individuals wanted, including Adefowora Olanipekun, Serah Michiro, and Johnson Oteno. On Monday, Adefowora Abiodun, a key trader and platform leader, turned himself in to the EFCC.

    On Wednesday, the EFCC also declared Elie Bitar, a foreign national, wanted for alleged involvement in the CBEX-linked crypto fraud. His last known address is in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

    Regulators Sound Alarm as New Investments Pour In

    Despite ongoing investigations and regulatory warnings, CBEX continues to attract new investors lured by the promise of high returns and referral bonuses. A new Telegram group linked to the platform shows users actively discussing trades and bonuses, with admins claiming that compensation for old losses is underway through an insurance partner.

    In messages viewed by The PUNCH, CBEX administrators insisted that AI was attacked and that accounts without “HOSTING” features were unaffected. The firm claims the UK government is investigating the incident and in talks with Nigerian authorities.

    NFIU Flags CBEX, Other Platforms in High-Risk Advisory

    In a sweeping advisory released Wednesday, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) named CBEX among several unregulated digital asset platforms posing serious risks to Nigerian investors.

    Others include eWealth Connect, WWCoin (TOFRO), Delux, and ADK—each flagged for offering unrealistic returns, operating multi-level marketing schemes, or lacking regulatory oversight.

    The NFIU warned that many of these platforms exploit unsuspecting users—particularly students, freelancers, and digital creators—under the guise of community-driven innovation or AI-driven profits.

    SEC Warns: CAC and EFCC Certificates Not Proof of Legitimacy

    At a sensitization campaign in Abuja, SEC Director-General Dr. Emomotimi Agama cautioned Nigerians against mistaking Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or EFCC registration for legitimacy.

    “SEC registration is the only legal benchmark,” Agama said. “Many scammers are hiding behind CAC certificates and fake training programmes. If it’s too good to be true, it’s likely fraudulent.”

    He added that the newly signed Investments and Securities Act prescribes a fine of up to N20 million and a 10-year jail term for anyone promoting Ponzi schemes.

    A Digital Wild West

    CBEX’s brazen return—amid a cloud of investigations, legal challenges, and regulatory crackdowns—highlights the growing challenges in policing Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital finance space.

    As CBEX pushes to regain credibility and draw in new funds, regulators warn that investor optimism could lead to further heartbreak.

    Nigerians are urged to verify investment schemes with the SEC before committing funds, and to report suspicious platforms to financial authorities.

  • 20-year-old Louisville man in Boone County Jail after he was allegedly found n@ked in 13-year-old girl’s bedroom

    20-year-old Louisville man in Boone County Jail after he was allegedly found n@ked in 13-year-old girl’s bedroom

    BOONE COUNTY – A 20-year-old Louisville man is in the Boone County Jail after he was allegedly found naked on the floor of a 13-year-old girl’s bedroom at 12:30 a.m. Monday.

    The girl’s father told deputies he woke up after hearing noises. He went in her room and spotted a naked man later identified as Parker Kramer, 20.

    The father said he was calling police and went to get a gun.

    Deputies say Kramer ran out of the house. They found an unattended vehicle nearby. Using the driver’s license attached to the vehicle, the father identified Kramer as the suspect.

    READ ALSO: Cincinnati Public Schools refuses to sign federal DEI letter

    Deputies used a drone to fine Kramer near Mt. Zion Road and I-75 about two hours later.

    Kramer told detectives he drove from Louisville to meet the girl at her home.

    He’s charged with rape, sodomy and burglary. He’s locked up on $250,000 bond.

  • Cincinnati Public Schools refuses to sign federal DEI letter

    Cincinnati Public Schools refuses to sign federal DEI letter

    CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Public Schools is among fewer than 15 Ohio school districts that did not return a federal letter regarding civil rights laws and DEI by the deadline.

    The United States Department of Education sent the letter to local education agencies earlier in April, asking them to verify compliance with civil rights laws, specifically Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The deadline for submission was April 24.

    The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce reported that over a thousand districts signed and returned the certifications, while six submitted substitute documentation with edited language. CPS and Dayton City Schools were among those that did not submit the form at all.

    The letter from the U.S. Department of Education emphasized that “no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

    It also stated that “any violation of Title VI—including the use of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) programs to advantage one’s race over another—is impermissible.”

    READ ALSO: La Viña Wine Festival attendees, vendors defy wind, dust in New Mexico

    The letter said schools continuing such practices could risk losing federal funding or face litigation for breach of contract by the Department of Justice. A CPS spokesperson confirmed the district’s awareness of its legal obligations under Title VI. CPS said it receives $50 to $55 million annually in federal funding, constituting 10 to 14% of its budget.

    “The district’s policies, programs, and activities do not discriminate against students on the basis of race or any other protected characteristics.” said Dr. Kareem Moffett, CPS School Board President. “CPS did not sign the letter because the district’s policies and programs are supportive and welcoming to all students.”

    Local 12 reached out to the public information office of the U.S. Department of Education to see what happens next for districts that did not sign the form, and we are waiting on a response back.

    The Warren County Educational Service Center was the only other local agency that did not sign the form. The superintendent explained that they do not receive federal funds, so the letter was overlooked, but they planned to mail it in, stating no protest against it, as they do not have DEI programs.

  • La Viña Wine Festival attendees, vendors defy wind, dust in New Mexico

    La Viña Wine Festival attendees, vendors defy wind, dust in New Mexico

    NEW MEXICO — Despite strong winds and a dust storm warning, hundreds gathered at the La Viña Wine Festival on Sunday, determined to enjoy the event despite the challenging weather conditions.

    Attendees braved the gusty conditions, while vendors faced significant challenges, with some forced to close early as tents and merchandise struggled against the elements.

    “Well, yesterday was super sunny, like super. A little bit windy, but today’s like very, very windy,” said one festival attendee, highlighting the stark contrast in weather conditions from the previous day.

    The National Weather Service has issued over 80 warnings for the area this year, a significant increase from the 21 warnings issued throughout all of last year. This has forced La Viña vendors and attendees to adapt to the harsh conditions.

    READ ALSO: Birmingham Police arrests suspected killers of Nehemiah Wren

    Joshua Jacob, the La Viña Wine Festival social media manager, described the situation: “Well, yesterday I was here and yesterday was just beautiful. I loved it. I believe yesterday was the perfect day just to be around out here. Well, as you can see, I’m trying to hold on to my hat because it just can go anywhere. Everyone’s holding on to their tent.”

    The dust storm warning was extended into the evening, making it difficult for vendors to maintain their operations.

    Some tents struggled against the gusts, and vendors, including food and merchandise stands, fought to keep their products in place, ultimately forcing some to close up shop hours before the event’s scheduled end time.

    “The wind is really impacting the customer sales. Yesterday, all the booths were nice and full with people. Today, not so much. And we understand that the wind is kind of a hindrance, but people are still enjoying the music. We’re still having a good time,” said a vendor.

    As the region braces for more wind and dust activity, with gusts expected to reach up to 40 miles per hour, both organizers and festivalgoers are adjusting to another rough spring across the Borderland.

  • Birmingham Police arrests suspected killers of Nehemiah Wren

    Birmingham Police arrests suspected killers of Nehemiah Wren

    BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Police Department has announced two arrests in connection with the murder of 20-year-old Nehemiah Wren.

    Wren was fatally shot on Monday, January 13, 2025, in the 4100 block of 46th Avenue North.

    The suspects have been identified as 26-year-old Landon Jones III, a Black male from Tarrant, Alabama, and a 17-year-old juvenile.

    On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Birmingham Police detectives presented the case information to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.

    READ ALSO: Man steals $6k in jewelry in Cielo Vista Mall

    Following a thorough review, detectives secured warrants for capital murder against both suspects.

    The Birmingham Police Department’s Special Operations Bureau Tactical Unit apprehended the suspects on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in the 2000 block of Woodrow Avenue in Tarrant, Alabama.

    Both suspects are currently being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond.

  • Niger secures Turkish Aksungur drones to boost surveillance, strike power

    Niger secures Turkish Aksungur drones to boost surveillance, strike power

    NIAMEY – The Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) has acquired Turkish-made Aksungur drones to enhance their aerial surveillance and strike capabilities, military officials confirmed.

    As part of the procurement, six pilots and six payload operators from Niger have completed specialised training at the Turkish Airlines Flight Academy.

    The programme included 330 hours of theoretical instruction 318 flight sorties, and 280 hours of hands-on flight training, according to Abdourahamane Oumarou, a Nigerien defence official.

    Valued between 15 and 20 million euros per unit, the Aksungur drone represents a significant technological upgrade for Niger’s military.

    According to reports from local sources, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) boasts a cruising speed between 180 and 250 kilometres per hour, a payload capacity of 750 kilogrammes, including missiles and other weaponry, and a flight endurance of up to 40 hours. It is equipped with six hardpoints and offers a range of 6,500 kilometres.

    READ ALSO: Rubio Disputes Reports of U.S. Citizen Children Deported Alongside Mothers

    The Aksungur’s capabilities position it ahead of the widely used Bayraktar TB2, which has a range of 150 kilometres and a flight endurance of 27 hours and even surpasses the Akinci drone in endurance, despite the Akinci’s higher payload capacity of 1,500 kilograms and range of 6,000 kilometres.

    This announcement came shortly after the Chiefs of Staff of the Air Forces of the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, convened their first official meeting to advance regional air defence cooperation.

    Niger’s investment in these long-range drones is expected to significantly strengthen its surveillance operations and precision strike potential across the Sahel region.

  • El Paso residents protest against Trump’s policies

    El Paso residents protest against Trump’s policies

    EL PASO — Hundreds of El Paso residents gathered at San Jacinto Plaza this morning as part of a nationwide “Rise Up” rally, protesting recent policy decisions by the Trump administration. Demonstrators voiced concerns over issues such as immigration, education, and LGBTQ rights.

    Rachel Aguilar, a protestor, emphasized the importance of participation, saying, “I think it’s important that we all participate in these protests because of the horrible things that are happening to our democracy and we have to stand up and speak out and not be fearful to stand up and speak out.”

    Participants expressed alarm over what they described as attacks on voting rights, education, immigration protections, and healthcare access. Many worry that vulnerable communities are being marginalized.

    Kayla Eulloqui, another protestor, highlighted the fear within immigrant communities, stating, “There’s a lot of people right now who cannot speak for themselves because they’re scared because they can because whenever they take one step out of their homes they’re going to probably be detained and deported.”

    READ ALSO: Falcons: Jeff Ulbrich’s Son Behind Prank Call on Shedeur Sanders

    The rally featured speeches from advocates representing communities such as people with disabilities, labor groups, and the LGBTQ+ community. Organizers also provided voter registration and volunteer opportunities.

    However, El Paso County GOP Chairman Michael Aboud criticized the protests, arguing that they misrepresent the administration’s efforts. “What these protesters are saying is they want criminal gang members to come to the USA and to stay here. What kind of silly thought process is being used?” he said in a statement.

    El Paso County GOP Chairman Michael Aboud on “Rise Up” protest: “I don’t think these protesters care what the issues are or that they are on the wrong side of these issues…Why didn’t these groups protest Presidents Bill Clinton or Barack Obama when they said they were implementing stricter Border Crossing rules and laws.

    “Essentially, what these protesters are saying is that they want criminal gang members to come to the USA and to stay here. What kind of silly thought process is being used?”

    Despite differing opinions, protestors like Emilio Chaparro believe the stakes are high.

    “So I decided to participate because I feel like it’s a very, very tumultuous time right now. It’s a very dangerous time for everyone involved, for every citizen of the country, even if you don’t like it, even if you think he’s in your side, he’s not,” Chaparro said.