Leaked emails fuel trouble for South Africa’s embattled Zuma

South Africa's ruling ANC party on Friday asked the government to explain leaked emails detailing alleged bribes and corruption, as President Jacob Zuma faced a fresh wave of scandal.

Thousands of emails have emerged in the local press exposing alleged misconduct over lucrative government contracts awarded to the Guptas, an influential Indian business family.

Zuma has been under growing pressure to resign from senior ANC figures, trade unions and business leaders, as well as from tens of thousands of marchers at a series of street demonstrations.

"These reports contain very worrying claims about the nature of the relationship between government and private interests," the ANC said in a statement.

"The African National Congress calls on government to urgently seek to establish the veracity of these claims and explanation from those implicated."

One apparent deal revealed by the emails alleged that the government assisted the Guptas in making a 5.3 billion rand ($410 million) profit from a procurement deal to buy trains from China.

Other allegations suggest the Guptas helped Zuma's son Duduzane to buy a $1.3-million flat in Dubai, and that the president -- who faces multiple court cases in South Africa -- was seeking residency in the city.

A state ombudsman report last year called for prosecutors to investigate accusations that Zuma allowed the Guptas to have undue influence over government, including letting them choose ministers.

Brian Molefe, a close ally of Zuma, resigned as Eskom chief after being implicated in the ombudsman report.

He was re-appointed this month but soon removed from the post again as Zuma's government struggled to react to the developing controversy.

The president, 74, has survived a string of scandals, but faces increasing criticism as the South African economy stalls and after the ANC suffered unprecedented losses in local polls last year.

The Gupta family -- brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh -- built an empire in mining, transportation, technology and media after arriving in South Africa in the early 1990s.

Zuma, who came to office in 2009, is due to step down as head of the ANC in December, and as national president ahead of the 2019 general election.

He is seen as favouring his ex-wife, former African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to succeed him.

Zuma brushed off criticism in parliament on Thursday, while the Guptas deny all wrong-doing.

Singer Brandy taken to hospital after 'falling unconscious on Delta flight' as plane was about to take off in LA

Singer Brandy fell unconscious on a flight on Friday morning.

The hit maker, whose full name is Brandy Norwood, was flying from Los Angeles to New York City on Delta airlines when the incident happened, according to TMZ.

The flight was on the tarmac in LA and was about to take off when the 38-year-old Grammy winner lost consciousness. Paramedics 'rushed to the scene to administer help,' according to the site. 

When the airline called for help, the L.A. City Fire Dept. and paramedics arrived quickly.

She was then 'removed from the plane.'

Brandy 'regained full consciousness' while she was being treated on the jetway. And then she was taken to the hospital.

DailyMail has contacted her rep for comment. 

In late May she hinted she was pregnant with a cryptic tweet where she said she saw 'God' in her. In the photo she looked to have a baby bump.

She's rumored to be dating R&B artist Sir the Baptist.

Brandy is best known for starring on the UPN sitcom Moesha in the 1990s. She also won fans for appearing on America's Got Talent and Dancing With The Stars.

Kemi Olunloyo Speaks From Prison

Controversial Social Media Commentator , Kemi Olunloyo, who is allegedly still in prison despite being granted bail has accused the chief registrar attached to the Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court of sitting on her case

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES inside the office of the Comptroller of Prisons in Rivers State, Ifeanyi Amaliri, last week, Ms. Omololu-Olunloyo stated that her lawyers had satisfied all bail requirements set by H.I.O. Shamah, a federal judge who granted her bail on April 11.

Maimunat Folami, the Deputy Chief Registrar, strongly denied the allegations, stating that her office had cooperated fully with Ms. Omololu-Olunloyo’s counsel to ensure proper vetting of her bail documents.

Olunloyo was arrested and arraigned in mid-March for alleged criminal defamation against a Port-Harcourt-based preacher, David Ibiyeomie.

Gunmen abduct Hit Fm CEO in Calabar

A former Commissioner for Information in Cross River, Mr Patrick Ugbe, has been abducted for by some unidentified gunmen.

Ugbe, who is currently the Managing Director of Hit Fm 95.9, was said to have been kidnapped at about 8.20 p.m. on Thursday night at Ekpo Iso Street, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

An eye witness, Mr Ekpo Abasi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Ugbe was kidnapped by five unidentified gunmen who stormed the area in a Toyota Camry car.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.

“We are aware of the incident. The case has been reported to us.

“We have dispatched our men and those from the Intelligence Department to hunt for the kidnappers and rescue the victim safely,’’ she said.

Aside being Information Commissioner, Ugbe also served as Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the eight-year tenure of Sen. Liyel Imoke as governor of the state.

Trump asks Supreme Court to reinstate Muslim travel ban

President Donald Trump's administration asked the US Supreme Court on Thursday to reinstate its temporary ban on travelers from six Muslim majority nations despite repeated setbacks in the lower courts.

In its filing, the government asked the top US court to rule on the legal standing of Trump's order, appealing a ruling by the federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld a nationwide block of the travel ban.

It also asked the Supreme Court to lift another US-wide injunction issued by a federal judge in a separate case based in Hawaii. That case is currently before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, where a decision is pending.

The administration is "confident that President Trump's executive order is well within his lawful authority to keep the nation safe and protect our communities from terrorism," Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said.

"The president is not required to admit people from countries that sponsor or shelter terrorism, until he determines that they can be properly vetted and do not pose a security risk to the United States."

The filing came one week after the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling dealt a fresh blow to Trump's efforts to push the controversial travel ban that has triggered mass protests and confusion at airports.

The Fourth Circuit said it "remained unconvinced" that the part of the measure naming the specific countries -- Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen -- had "more to do with national security than it does with effectuating the president's promised Muslim ban."

Mariah Carey flashes cleavage as she dons thigh-skimming bodycon dress and black crop top for meeting in Beverly Hills

She's a pop music icon.

But on Thursday Mariah Carey looked ready for a day at the office thanks to a business-chic outfit, albeit one with some sexy flair.

The 47-year-old Without You songstress looked fabulous in a figure hugging tangerine number that showcased her shapely legs.

Some pointed-toe pumps with a geometric pattern completed her sophisticated ensemble.

Accessories included a pair of massive sunglasses and several silver bracelets on both wrists.

Ariana Grande arrives at Stansted ahead of Sunday's benefit concert for victims of the Manchester terror attack

Ariana Grande arrived in Britain by private jet this morning ahead of her One Love Manchester benefit concert.

The singer landed at London Stansted Airport at 7am, two days before the gig at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

Grande, 23, was accompanied by her mother Joan, father Edward and boyfriend Mac Miller on the flight.

The star will be joined by top artists including Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Take That and Miley Cyrus.

But more than 10,000 people applied for free tickets despite not attending the pop star's targeted gig last week.  

Liverpool unveil away strip for 2017-18 season inspired by the first kit ever worn by the club in 1892

Liverpool have unveiled a quartered green and white away strip for the 2017-18 season.

The shirt is a continuation of the retro theme Liverpool are styling for next season - their 125th anniversary and based upon the first strip the club wore in 1892.

The kit is modelled by Georgino Wijnaldum, Loris Karius, captain Jordan Henderson and vice captain James Milner. 

This kit looks classic – up to date, but with a nod to the past,' Milner said. 

'It will be a reminder of the foundations this great club is built on every time we wear it. 

'The whole team is really proud to be a part of this huge anniversary for the club, and we can't wait to wear this kit next season.'

Zinedine Zidane names entire Real Madrid first-team squad in travelling group for Champions League final

Zinedine Zidane has announced his squad to take on Juventus in the Champions League final. 

Real Madrid are taking their entire first-team squad to Cardiff, including Zidane's son Enzo who plays in midfield. 

There are no heart-breaking suspensions for the final and the Frenchman will have his full complement to choose from. 

REAL MADRID SQUAD VS JUVENTUS 

Goalkeepers - Navas, Casilla, Ruben Yanez

Defenders - Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Coentrao, Danilo

Midfielders - Kroos, James, Casemiro, Kovacic, Modric, Asensio, Isco, Enzo

Forwards - Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale, Vazquez, Mariano and Morata

Gareth Bale and Dani Carvajal have both been returning to full fitness from injury in recent weeks and have been included. 

In terms of the starting line-up, Bale is one player who could miss out due to not only his lack of match sharpness, but also the scintillating form of Isco. 

Midfield is another area of contention with Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro likely to be given the nod. 

It has been a lengthy season for Real who have needed to make use of the entire group en route to their domestic triumph and progression to the final.

It seems fitting that all of the first-team will be in Cardiff and no doubt enjoy the celebrations as a group in the Welsh capital should Los Blancos triumph on Saturday night.

Lion narrowly avoids getting speared through the HEART as an African buffalo battles unsuccessfully for its life

Action-packed pictures taken by a British wildlife photographer show the moment a group of Africa buffalos were ambushed by a young male lion and a pack of lioness.

One image shows the male lion attacking a buffalo and narrowly avoiding death as the valiant buffalo's horn brushes inches from the lion's heart.

Other spectacular pictures from this clash of the titans, show the herd of African buffalos attempting to shield a fellow buffalo, the male lion jumping onto the rear of its hapless prey, eventually devouring the weakest buffalo that failed to escape.

These images were captured in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, by British wildlife photographer, Luke Massey.

He was working on an assignment with safari operators Shenton Safaris and came across a buffalo herd being attacked by a group of lionesses and a young lion. 

Man, 30, is charged with triple murder after the bodies of a woman and two children are found in John Lennon’s former Liverpool home

A man has been charged with triple murder after the bodies of a woman and two children were discovered at John Lennon's former home. 

Sami Salem, 30, was arrested after police were called to a ground-floor flat in Falkner Street in the Toxteth area of Liverpool at around 7.30pm on Tuesday. 

Following his arrest, Salem was taken to hospital, but discharged on Wednesday afternoon.

Senior prosecutor David Jones said: 'Following a review of the evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised Merseyside Police to charge Sami Salem, 30, of Falkner Street, with the murder of all three people