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ICE agents involved in fatal shooting in Maine
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
A person was killed in Biddeford, Maine, in a shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE agents. Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau confirmed ICE's involvement, stating that state police and the FBI would investigate. Maine Governor Janet Mills was briefed on the incident, noting that state and federal authorities were cooperating to determine the facts. An eyewitness reported hearing multiple gunshots after seeing ICE agents surround a white sedan. The incident follows another fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Houston, Texas, last week. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree expressed her distress and anger on Facebook. Anti-ICE protesters gathered at the scene and planned a rally. ICE agents have faced criticism for their tactics and for previous shooting deaths this year.
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BreakingUS President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States would strike Iran "hard" and reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports. This declaration followed a third consecutive night of US military attacks. US Central Command CENTCOM confirmed strikes began at 2045 GMT, aiming to impose costs on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack civilians and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade was set to begin at 2000 GMT on Tuesday, causing oil prices to rise over nine percent. Trump also stated on Truth Social that the US would become "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT" and charge a 20 percent fee on all cargo passing through, while ensuring "fair and open use of the strait" for other countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on X, mocking Trump's proposed toll but suggesting Tehran could charge a lower fee as a "fair guardian." The US has historically opposed Iran's desire to charge tolls in the strait, citing international law. These developments occurred as both sides exchanged attacks on a scale not seen since an April ceasefire. The US military reported hitting dozens of targets, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced strikes on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman. Trump also threatened to destroy Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected undeclared enrichment facility in Iran. Despite declaring the ceasefire over, Trump mentioned ongoing negotiations for a permanent settlement. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated the June
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has advocated for economic sanctions and a visa ban against certain All Progressives Congress APC chieftains in the state. This demand follows the alleged political killing of an Accord party member in Ijebu-Jesa, with the governor's spokesperson stating that five Accord members have been killed and 15 wounded by suspected APC thugs since the start of the 2026 political campaigns. Governor Adeleke urged security agencies to pursue suspects and their sponsors, citing the public statements and actions of top Osun APC leaders as justification for his call. He emphasized the need for deterrents against political violence and advocated for similar sanctions against security chiefs who aid such activities, stating that elections should not involve bloodshed and that those endangering lives for political gain must face consequences. These remarks were made to a British team led by Senior Political Advisor Wale Adebajo, who assured the governor of the British government's support for a peaceful and transparent electoral process and their engagement with stakeholders for the August 15th polls. In response, the Osun APC, through its spokesperson Kola Olabisi, accused Governor Adeleke of misinforming the British delegation and dismissed his allegations. The APC spokesperson questioned the basis for indicting their chieftains and suggested that the governor was frustrating police efforts by harboring political hoodlums. Olabisi also claimed that 30 APC
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the sale of application forms for next year's Hajj and Ramadan Umrah exercises, urging intending pilgrims to register promptly and begin fare payments. According to Abdul-Hakeem Ajomagberin, the Board's Secretary, Hajj forms cost ₦20,000 and Umrah forms cost ₦10,000. Hajj pilgrims are required to make an initial deposit of ₦7 million via bank draft, with a deadline of September 2026 for this payment. Ramadan Umrah pilgrims must similarly provide a ₦5.7 million deposit by bank draft. Pilgrims are advised to obtain official receipts for all payments. This early registration drive aligns with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria's directive to state boards to finalize registrations before the Hajj season, facilitating visa processing, accommodation, and airlift arrangements. The packages include lodging near the Haram, local transport, daily breakfast and dinner, medical care, spiritual guidance, and Ziyarah visits to religious sites. Additionally, enrollment in the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, costing ₦15,000 for individuals and ₦55,000 for families, is now mandatory for all pilgrims to ensure healthcare access before, during, and after the pilgrimage. The Board emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in Hajj administration.