free webpage hit counter

Blogs

‘Overpriced’ DepEd laptops: Raps set vs Briones, Lao, 12 others

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of graft and falsification charges against former Education Secretary Leonor Briones and 13 others for the P2.4-billion procurement of laptop computers that were later deemed not only outdated but also overpriced. In a 106-page resolution dated July 4, the Ombudsman found probable cause to charge Briones

Read More »

Russia accuses Trump of ‘sponsoring terrorist scum’ after US agrees to send weapons and key Patriots to Ukraine via NATO

RUSSIA has lashed out at Donald Trump after the US president agreed to send vital Patriot air defence systems to help Ukraine.

Trump told NBC News that “we’re going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that”.

Soldier walking past Patriot air defense systems at a military hub.
AFP
A soldier walks past Patriot air defence systems installed at the military hub for Ukraine[/caption]
President Trump speaking to the press.
AFP
US President Donald Trump speaks to the press before boarding Marine One[/caption]
Patriot surface-to-air missile system.
AFP
A soldier stands in front of a Patriot surface-to-air missile system[/caption]
Vladimir Putin at a meeting.
AFP
Donald Trump has voiced growing frustration with Vladimir Putin[/caption]

Kyiv has long sought to get more Patriots, which are regarded as among the best air defence systems in the world.

The White House’s announcement will come as a huge relief to Ukrainians as they continue to face relentless Russian missile and drone strikes.

But Russia has reacted furiously to the news, accusing Ukraine’s military backers of sponsoring “terrorist scum”.

Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova told the state-news agency TASS: “Those who supply weapons to the Kyiv regime become accomplices in the murder of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.”

She added that those supporting Ukraine‘s war effort “know the facts and continue to sponsor the terrorist scum”.

It comes as Donald Trump has voiced growing frustration with Vladimir Putin after following a call with Russia’s warmongering dictator.

Trump, who vowed to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of becoming president, has said he is “not happy” about progress in bringing the conflict to a close.

While Russian and Ukrainian representatives have met for peace talks, Putin’s forces have ramped up their brutal bombardments.

“I think I’ll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday,” he told NBC.

Russian attacks on Ukraine have intensified over the past weeks, with hundreds of drones and missiles pounding the country’s major cities.

On Tuesday night, Ukraine was hit by a record 728 drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke of a “positive dialogue” with Trump on making sure Kyiv received vital military aid promptly.

He said on Monday: “Air defense remains the top priority for protecting lives.

“We are also actively advancing agreements on investing in our domestic weapons production, including all types of drones.

“Special focus is on interceptor drones.”

The new deal is expected to see weapons sold to NATO allies in Europe, which can then be supplied to Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington continues “to encourage our NATO Allies to provide those weapons” since they have them in stocks.

“Then we can enter into financial agreements with us where they can purchase the replacements,” he added.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said: “Russia’s continued massive attacks against Ukrainian civilians are deplorable.

“I’ve spoken with President Trump and am working closely with allies to get Ukraine the help they need.”

It comes after Moscow confirmed the death of another top Russian military chief.

The death of Colonel Sergei Ilyin, commander of Russia‘s notorious 155th Marine Brigade, has been revealed by authorities.

The 155th has been accused by Kyiv of committing numerous war crimes in Ukraine – including during the occupation of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostome.

A Ukrainian firefighter extinguishes a fire in a damaged stable.
AFP
A Ukrainian firefighter works to extinguish a fire in a horses’ stable following Russian drone strikes[/caption]
Ukrainian and German soldiers standing in formation with Patriot missile launchers.
AFP
Ukrainian and German soldiers are seen during the visit of the Ukrainian President and the German Defence Minister to a military training area[/caption]
Ukrainian emergency service workers extinguish a fire at a bombed-out school.
Getty
Ukrainian emergency service workers extinguish a fire in a school[/caption]

Read More »

‘Go and don’t come back’, cry RTE Fair City viewers as Liam departs Carrigstown for good & J.J gets one last revenge

RTE Fair City viewers were all left saying the same thing after Liam finally made his departure to India.

On tonight’s episode, Dolores and Pete were faced with a tough choice, while Kim played a trick on Cass.

Screenshot of a man looking concerned.
RTE
Dean was astonished when Ger revealed that she ratted on Ronnie[/caption]
Screenshot of a woman speaking to a man, with two other women in the background.
RTE
Carol convinced Aidan to flee Dublin[/caption]
Screenshot of two people talking at a bar.
RTE
Liam finally departed Carrigstown[/caption]

Elsewhere in the show, Ger was relieved when J.J. told her that the guards did turn up.

A delighted Liam informed Ger she is off the hook after Aidan was revealed as the snitch.

But, when Carol realised Aidan was in danger, she decided to give him a heads up so that he could leave town, meaning she wouldn’t have to see him again.

Terrified by Carol’s admission, Aidan decided to flee town.

However, Dean was astonished when Ger revealed that she ratted on Ronnie and was delighted to have got away with it.  

Sharon was left unsure when Ger declared that she might stick around a while longer.

Ahead of his departure to India, Liam bid farewell to Carol, but was left confused and hurt after he encountered J.J for the last time.

During the encounter, a spiteful J.J. revealed to Liam, that Carol orchestrated Ger’s apology because she pitied him.

Delighted RTE viewers raced to social media as they expressed their joy at Liam’s departure.

Thomas remarked: “Good bye Liam. Don’t come back.”

Sylvia said: “Liam is going. Again.”

Ciara joked: “Move on now Liam, it’s not a departure lounge, no need to announce your leaving.”

DEVASTATED DOLORES

Elsewhere on the show, Dolores revealed Wayne’s illegal dealings to Orla, but lied insisting that she could destroy the evidence in an attempt to ensure that Wayne wouldn’t run away.

A devastated Dolores and Pete agreed that they have no choice but to let Wayne be arrested.

Meanwhile, Ray overheard Pete discussing his own involvement in the illegal car sales.

And later, a heartbroken Dolores made an emotional phone call to Wayne to convince him she will destroy the evidence.

YES DAY

Elsewhere in Carrigstown, Kim cashed in her long-promised Yes Day to persuade Cass into buying her a paint set.

Trying to smooth things over, Kim and Darren presented Nikki with a heartfelt painting of her.

Though visibly moved by the gesture, Nikki remained firm.

Later, Lorcan’s hopes were dashed after an awkward meeting with an art teacher, which left him feeling deflated. 

Ruby gave him a blunt wake-up call to stop making excuses and take charge of his path.

Motivated by Ruby, Lorcan applied for an artist access course, the first step toward building a proper portfolio. 

And finally, when Babs invited him to stay for dinner, Lorcan found himself enjoying feeling like a part of a normal family.

Read More »

Horror moment gunman opens fire during pub brawl and shoots landlady as she tries to break up fight

SEE the horrifying moment a gunman opens fire during a pub brawl, injuring the landlady.

Bonita Page, 55, was attempting to resolve a fight outside The Red Lion in Wath upon Dearne when she was shot in the leg in June 2024.

Mugshot of Oliver Corney.
South Yorkshire Police
Gunman Oliver Corney has been sentenced to 11 years and nine months imprisonment[/caption]
The Red Lion pub in Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire.
Google
The shooting took place outside The Red Lion pub in Wath upon Dearne in June 2024[/caption]
Surveillance footage of a pub brawl where a gunman opens fire.
South Yorkshire Police
The first shot landed inches infront of one of the men as another charges at Corney[/caption]
CCTV footage of a shooting during a pub brawl.
South Yorkshire Police
A second bullet ricochets off the floor while a crowd of onlookers watch[/caption]
Security camera footage of a pub brawl where a gunman opens fire.
South Yorkshire Police
The final bullet hits Bonita Page’s leg, leaving her with muscle damage[/caption]

The gunman, Oliver Corney, 35, received a 16 year and nine month sentence at Sheffield Crown Court today.

He will spend 11 years and 9 months in prison, with a five-year extension on licence the BBC reports.

Judge Jeremy Richardson KC said he “narrowly avoided a life sentence” after he “wrecked [Bonita’s] life”.

Video footage released by South Yorkshire Police shows the terrifying moment Mr Corney opened fire outside the busy pub.

Corney cannot be seen in the video, but four men in the street can clearly be seen confronting him.

Meanwhile, Bonita leaves the beer garden, passing through a gate to speak to the men.

Several individuals begin to crowd around the gated fencing while the group of men flinches backwards as a shot is fired.

One of the men charges at Corney as he begins firing the gun.

The first shot appears to land just inches in front of one of the men’s shoes.

As two of the men walk away casually, another bullet ricochets off the floor where one of them had been standing just moments before.

Bonita can then be seen limping back in to the pub garden.

Once the footage is slowed down, a bullet can be seen hitting Bonita’s upper leg moments before she flinches in pain.

It left her needing surgery to repair the muscle damage in her leg.

Following the attack, Bonita gave up her licence and is yet to return to work.

She still suffers from leg pain, as well as heightened anxiety and PTSD.

On June 28, 2024 a fight over drugs had broken out between two pub-goers.

After hearing about the disagreement, an intoxicated Corney arrived at the scene.

During a confrontation outside the pub, Corney then fired the gun three times.

While he was aiming at one of the men, he accidentally shot Bonita as she attempted to resolve the fight.

Corney fled the scene, getting rid of the gun and asking his partner to dispose of his clothes.

The judge told the court that she would be honoured with a bravery award at a ceremony during a later date.

The gunman had a long history of convictions, including violence, sex offences, firearms and drugs offences.

Read More »

Subsidized rice now at 15 Batangas outlets

Subsidized rice is now available in 15 “Kadiwa” outlets in Batangas. The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it partnered with Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) to launch the program in the province. The public can purchase P20 per kilogram of rice at select Kadiwa sa SIDC outlets, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino

Read More »

Aetas in Pampanga rue illegal occupation of ancestral lands

FLORIDABLANCA, PAMPANGA—Aeta leaders in Barangay Nabuclod in this town have raised concerns over widespread encroachment on their ancestral lands spanning 5,547.102 hectares, covered by certificate of ancestral domain title (CADT) FLO-1206-057-A. Village chief Roman Alvaro and local councilmen reported at least 13 individuals—described as non-Aetas—illegally occupying or cultivating areas ranging from 3 to 10 hectares.

Read More »

NBA champion’s stunning Wag returns as ring girl for Katie Taylor fight against Amanda Serrano

AN NBA star’s stunning Wag is set to return as a ring girl for Katie Taylor’s clash against Amanda Serrano.

Isaiah Hartenstein’s partner Kourtney will take centre stage for the bout at Madison Square Garden in New York TONIGHT.

Kourtney Kellar selfie in athletic wear.
Instagram/kourtney_kellar
Kourtney Kellar Hartenstein will be returning to the ring[/caption]
Ring girl in teal Fansly outfit.
instagram/kourtney_kellar
She is a regular as a ring girl[/caption]
Woman in black swimsuit by the pool.
Instagram @kourtney_kellar
But she has taken some time away from the ring since 2023[/caption]
Pregnant woman and man with baby in bassinet and baby supplies.
Instagram/kourtney_kellar
This was down to being pregnant with Isaiah Hartenstein’s son[/caption]

Kourtney has been a regular in the ring for big fights in the past but has taken a break recently.

This is down to her pregnancy with Isaiah’s son Elijah in 2024.

However, the stunning blonde has now confirmed that she is back and will be in the spotlight tonight.

She told TMZ: “I’m back and I’m excited about it. It’s been a while.

“It’s going to be historic.”

Fans were thrilled with the announcement that she would be back in the ring as they reacted on social media.

One posted: “Let’s gooo.”

A second wrote: “Sounds great! Looking fab!!”

A third commented: “Love this, powerhouse mom.”

A fourth said: “You are gorgeous! Now I want to watch this fight just to see you in the ring!”

Another added: “Best part of the fight.”

She also confirmed that partner Isaiah, , will be in attendance for the fight.

It will be a homecoming for Hartenstein as he played for the New York Knicks between 2022 and 2024.

He now stars for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Kourtney’s last appearance as a ring girl was way back in August 2023.

Woman in a black bikini by a pool.
Instagram @kourtney_kellar
Fans are thrilled with Kourtney’s return[/caption]
Woman in a white bikini taking a selfie in a bathroom.
Instagram @kourtney_kellar
The model has 659K followers on Instagram[/caption]
Woman in a black bikini by a pool holding hands with a person whose arm is tattooed.
Instagram @kourtney_kellar
She has revealed that Isaiah Hartenstein will also be at te fight[/caption]
Man and woman holding an Oklahoma City Thunder trophy on a basketball court.
Instagram @kourtney_kellar
He used to play for the New York Knicks[/caption]

This was when she appeared on the Professional Fighters League card.

She has also shared a selfie on her Instagram story urging fans to watch the fight on Netflix.

The Taylor vs Serrano fight will be the third edition of their epic trilogy of fights.

Taylor has the upper hand, having won the previous two thrillers despite disputed decision wins.

The highly anticipated clash tops an incredible all-women’s card headlining live on Netflix.

And there will be an incredible – and record-breaking – 17 WORLD TITLES on the line throughout the night.

Read More »

‘Don’t say a single word’ – Novak Djokovic snaps live on BBC during Wimbledon defeat to Jannik Sinner

NOVAK DJOKOVIC let his frustrations get the better of him during his Wimbledon semi-final defeat to Jannick Sinner, SNAPPING midway through the match.

The Serbian slugger was bested 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 by the Italian in their Centre Court clash on Friday.

Novak Djokovic playing a backhand tennis shot.
GETTY
Novak Djokovic locked horns with Jannick Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals on Friday[/caption]
Novak Djokovic reacting after losing a point at Wimbledon.
GETTY
Djokovic suffered a straight-sets defeat to 23-year-old Sinner[/caption]
Novak Djokovic sitting on a chair on a tennis court, drinking from a water bottle.
BBC
The Serbian snapped at someone in his box after being broken in the third set[/caption]

Djokovic showed glimpses of his old self but was unable to compete with the pace and power being set by Sinner, who is 15 years his junior.

And he snapped after being broken by the Italian in the third set, shouting to his box: “Just watch and be quiet.

“Watch and be quiet. Don’t say a single word, just watch.”

It’s unclear who Djokovic was shouting at, but he obviously had no reservations about giving them a rollicking.

Djokovic cut an emotional figure as he left Centre Court, with many tennis fans believing defeat to Sinner could be the Serb’s All England Club swansong.

But the seven-time Wimbledon winner hopes to be back at SW19 next year.

He said: “It wasn’t really a pleasant feeling on the court. I don’t want to whine about not managing to play my best.

“It’s bad fortune. It’s just age, wear-and-tear of the body. As much as I’m taking care of it, reality hits me right now.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

WIMBLEDON 2025 LIVE – FOLLOW ALL THE LATEST SCORES AND UPDATES FROM A THRILLING FORTNIGHT AT SW19

“It’s tough for me to accept because I feel like when I’m fresh, I can still play really good tennis. I’ve proven that this year.

“The longer the tournament goes, the worse the condition gets.

“I reached the semis of every slam this year, but I’ve to play Sinner or [Carlos] Alcaraz.

“These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I’m going into the match with the tank half empty.

“It’s just not possible to win a match like that.

“Hopefully it’s not my last match on the Centre Court.

“I’m not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. I’m planning to come back at least one more time.”

Read More »

Negros Occidental town halts in-person classes to prevent spread of HFMD cases

BACOLOD CITY—Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon of EB Magalona town in Negros Occidental suspended the classes in two public elementary schools and all child development centers in the municipality on Thursday and Friday to curb the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among learners in these institutions. During this two-day period, classes shifted to

Read More »

Iloilo City struggles to keep biz afloat in heritage zone

ILOILO CITY—The local government here is embarking on a bold effort to breathe new life into the city’s old downtown area, particularly along historic Calle Real that hosts American colonial-era structures. The initiative comes amid a wave of business shutdowns along the city’s main heritage strip. Among them are Wewin’s Bakeshop and Socorro Drug, two

Read More »