Trump’s Christmas gifts

If my memory serves me correctly, I learned that there wasn’t a Santa Claus on Christmas Eve 1992.

I had been holding onto Santa for the entire 10-year-old elementary school year in Austin, Texas, apparently unprepared to give up my youth, even though I had already debunked the existence of the Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny.

I cried when I saw my parents delivering the allegedly North Pole gifts.

Many Americans are feeling deceived by another man wearing MAGA red this holiday season, after more than three decades.

In addition to manic deportations, which have helped turn the country into a holly, jolly police state, President Donald Trump has neglected to fulfill pretty much all of his key promises as the country nears the end of his first year in office.

Americans are struggling with skyrocketing living costs, including rising rents and rising electricity costs, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll that found Trump’s approval rating at just 39 percent.

Millions of people in the federal government shutdown this year were faced with the distinct possibility of starvation, a situation that was largely incompatible with the government’s stated goal of “making America great again.”

The unemployment rate increased to 4.6%, the highest level in nearly five years, as a result of the shutdown’s job losses. Many economists believe that employers have resumed hiring as a result of what some have called the Trump tariffs on imports as shock.

Trump has obviously made a terrible mistake in his commitment to fixing the US economy. However, the president has given the current economy an “A+++++” rating in his own personal hyperbolic make-believe environment while calling the nation’s alleged “affordability” crisis a Democratic “hoax” to tarnish his reputation.

Although it’s true, the United States has never been particularly affordable. After all, that would ultimately undermine plutocracy’s foundation of human nature and its cutting-edge capitalism.

Republicans and Democrats may appear to be ideological opposites, but they are actually two sides of the same coin when it comes to perpetuating the racialized elite’s rule and making poverty the top cause of death in one of the richest nations on Earth.

In Louisville, Kentucky, where my mother and I are currently spending the holidays, are spending almost the same amount as the monthly rent on my beach house in southern Mexico. One meat product and no alcoholic beverages were included in our unfulfilled shopping cart.

In addition, Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency room technician, was the subject of the notorious March 2020 police shooting in Louisville. A former police officer who was found guilty of Taylor’s shooting, which occurred during the first Trump administration, was given a one-day prison sentence earlier this year, according to the US Department of Justice.

In the end, the officer was given a 33-month sentence that was slightly longer.

Indeed, you’re only going to experience disappointment if your holiday wish list includes a stop to systemic racism or police brutality.

At least 16 files relating to the case of late financier and child sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein mysteriously disappeared from the department’s website shortly after they were published, according to other contemporary Justice Department misdeeds.

Trump’s photo, which he previously described as a “Democrat hoax,” was one of the items that went missing, along with other items.

According to survivor Marina Lacerda, other recently released documents have been heavily redacted or completely blacked out, making them “another slap in the face” to Epstein’s victims.

In other words, today’s domestic environment doesn’t offer much holiday cheer.

But there I go, spreading “hoaxes” once more.

Trump’s continued wanton bombing of boats in the Venezuelan area and the subsequent extrajudicial killing of seafarers, allegedly in the name of “narcoterrorism,” have also occurred during the holiday season.

The US’s anti-Venezuelan arsenal has now grown to allow for the hijacking of oil tankers&nbsp, as well. Trump’s claim on social media that the South American nation had previously stolen “Oil, Land, and other Assets” from the United States has been amplification of the list of fabricated casus belli. The president did not declare war on Venezuela in an interview with NBC on Thursday.

Israel’s genocide of Palestinians continues apace in the Gaza Strip under the guise of a Trump-brokered ceasefire. Trump has poured billions of dollars into the US taxpayers in response to the genocidal state, just like his Democratic foe Joe Biden.

Consider it a massive stocking stuffer.

And as Christmastime approaches this year, it’s not all jovial.

AFCON Our Chance to Apologise to Nigerians After World Cup Failure, Says Osimhen

Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles’ striker, has acknowledged that the team owes Nigerians an apology for their 2026 World Cup defeat.

He referred to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a crucial opportunity to rekindle nation pride and make amends.

In an interview with Pooja on Sunday, Osimhen said that the players are still thinking about the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup because they are fully aware of the pain experienced by national and international fans.

We apologize for not receiving the World Cup ticket at this time.

Osimhen, Lookman, and Other Persons Who Could Shape Nigeria’s Title Push are also worth reading.

“Many Nigerian fans’ faces are deflated, we are aware of that. We have to keep moving because life has happened, and this AFCON offers us an opportunity to succeed,” Osimhen said.

Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the 2026 World Cup sparked a new level of scrutiny for the team and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), a blow to a nation that is regarded as a powerhouse of African football.

Despite persistent high expectations, Osimhen revealed that the camp has a strong sense of responsibility.

He claims that the players are motivated rather than burdened by pressure, and that the technical bench and the squad inspire confidence.

“The expectation is really high, not just within the camp but also among Super Eagles fans everywhere in the world,” he said.

Because we are aware of his level of skill, he said, “but there is no pressure on my teammates, myself, or the coach.”

Osimhen emphasized that the team must demonstrate its commitment through hard work and outcomes, not just by words.

Liverpool Fear Isak Has Broken Leg

According to reports from Monday, Liverpool are awaiting scan results because they fear they will confirm record signing Alexander Isak’s broken leg from their win against Tottenham.

Following a sliding challenge from Spurs defender Micky van der Ven, the Sweden forward was hurt when he scored the opening goal in Saturday’s 2-1 victory in London.

Isak, 26, who had started in the second half but was unable to celebrate with his teammates, so he left the pitch in great pain.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot immediately acknowledged that the injury was “not a good thing” following the game.

He said, “I cannot say anything more than that,” but a player who doesn’t even try to return is typically not good.

Let’s not be too negative about it yet, because that is just a gut feeling and nothing medical. We are still unsure. I’m hoping he’ll be back with us soon.

As Tottenham Hotspur’s Dutch defender #37 Micky van de Ven challenges during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on December 20, 2025, Swedish striker #09 Alexander Isak (R) shoots the opening goal for 0-1. (Photo by AFP photographer JUSTIN TALLIS)

According to a report from The Athletic and Sky Sports on Monday, Liverpool are concerned that Isak has broken his leg, which would require a while of his absence.

Since breaking the £125 million ($168 million) British record move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day, Isak has had a troubled start to his life at Anfield. He has only made 16 appearances and scored three goals.

He arrived at Anfield well ahead of his teammates in terms of fitness after a disagreement with Newcastle, meaning he did not have a proper pre-season schedule. A groin injury then ended his season.

Read more about Isak’s first Premier League goal as Liverpool sink West Ham HERE.

With Mohamed Salah attending the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo unable to recover from a muscle injury until the first week of January, any absence would be a major blow to Slot.

Hugo Ekitike, who has five goals in his previous four games, and Federico Chiesa, who has only recently started for Liverpool, are the club’s only senior forward.

Liverpool increased their unbeaten league run to five games, extending its title defense to five after a shocking run of results.

Molly-Mae swears by £24 K-Beauty pore pads that have ‘changed her skin’

After the influencer praised how much these £24 viral K-Beauty pore pads have “changed her skin,” Molly-Mae received the seal of approval for them.

Another beauty product that Molly-Mae had credited with “changing the clarity” of her skin has been shared by fans.

In a recent YouTube vlog, Molly let fans in on her current nighttime routine and praised a viral K-Beauty buy.

The Medicube Zero Pore Pad Mild, which retails for £24 for 70 pads, is the product Molly claims has seen a measurable improvement in her skin after using them for the past two weeks.

They are ideal for everyday use because they are dual-sided toner pads that gently exfoliate while maintaining skin hydration and calm.

The pads are infused with madecassoside, a mild exfoliating acid that helps remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin, and panthenol to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, and PHA, a mild exfoliating acid that helps remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin.

READ MORE: Over £100 off Millie Mackintosh’s Boden “coat of dreams” you’ll be “wearing all winter.

This long-wear skin tint topped my tests of dozens of foundations this year, read more.

The soft side helps to add moisture and prepare skin for the rest of your routine, while the other side gently smooths and refines texture.

The “mild” formula, which is ideal for sensitive skin types, concentrates on immediate results without harshness and steers clear of the fragrance of the original formula.

They regularly help the skin appear clearer, more even, and refreshed, and lessen the appearance of pores. If you want that effortless, glass skin look that K-Beauty is known for, it’s obvious why Molly-Mae calls them a game-changer.

Olivia Attwood and Frankie Bridge, two of whom praised AESTURA’s Atobarrier 265 Cream as a “sensitive skin lifesaver,” are fans of the product.

Continue reading the article.

This barrier cream might be just what your skin needs if it has been feeling dry, sensitive, and in need of some TLC. The moisturising formula promises 120 hours of hydration for the skin, which is supported by millions of people in Korea and has one selling every 20 seconds.

Vogue Williams’ heartbreaking reaction after leaving €2.8m ‘forever home’

As the couple balances their family lives between Ireland and London, Spencer Matthews has revealed that his wife Vogue Williams is always up for emotional hugs when she leaves their beloved Howth home.

Spencer Matthews’ wife, Vogue Williams, was left speechless after leaving her dearly beloved Irish family home, according to a report from Spencer Matthews.

The Irish TV personality, who was raised north of Dublin, has previously spoken about how deeply emotional she feels about her “forever home” in Howth, calling it home and where she wants her three children to continue to stay connected to their Irish roots.

The most unexpected way for Vogue and Spencer to begin their romance. Spencer and she first met while filming Channel 4’s winter sports program The Jump in Austria in 2017, according to The Times.

He said, “I hadn’t skied since I was very young when I won the TV show The Jump in Tyrol in Austria in 2017.” I had good balance because I’ve snowboarded for years. I met Vogue there, and we soon became friends, becoming quickly romantically involved.

Even though Vogue maintains she “didn’t fancy him at first,” things developed rapidly between them, with the pair tying the knot just twelve months later. “We had a small wedding in 2018 at my parents’ home in Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands,” Spencer recalled, highlighting the secluded and stunning location that also means a great deal to him personally, reports the Irish Mirror.

Theodore, Gigi, and Otto are the three children the duo have since adopted, and they now balance family life between London and Ireland. The former I’m A Celeb contestant made a significant emotional and financial commitment to purchasing a home in Howth, a picturesque coastal village close to Dublin, in 2020.

Vogue purchased a home in Howth, an amazing Irish seaside port close to Dublin, in 2020, Spencer explained. She cries and obsesses the flight’s landing gear. The new year is being welcomed there.

The property, which is said to be worth $2.8 million, was expertly renovated by Geri O’Toole, the company’s interior designer. The family can truly unwind from their hectic lives by calling the house “her forever home,” according to Vogue.

Vogue, who is from Portmarnock, has made a powerful point about how important it is for her children to maintain ties to Ireland. She recently revealed that they have already begun forming local friendships, saying, “I want our kids to know about it and their Irish roots as well.” Our forever home in Howth is our private retreat. The kids are so adorable and are enjoying having their own friends.

The family now dedicates considerable portions of the year to Ireland, including three weeks every summer, around 10 days at Christmas, plus mid-term breaks and Easter. Vogue previously told The Times: “We want to spend more and more time over here. I love it and the kids love it too.”

Vogue and Spencer have also made it known that they have relocated to what they have called their “forever” family home in London from where they left their £4.25 million Battersea apartment.

The pair initially put their upscale London home on the market two years ago, but they eventually reduced the asking price by over £1 million before the sale was finalized.

In a recent instalment of her YouTube vlog, Vogue confirmed that the Battersea flat—the first property she and Spencer lived in together—has now been sold, and disclosed that they snapped up their permanent family house in London earlier this year, wrapping up the purchase in June.

Continue reading the article.

Kwara Gov Presents ₦644bn 2026 Budget To Assembly

The Senate will be given the $644 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill on Monday, according to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to a statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, at least 65.95% of the fiscal plan is allocated for capital expenditure, while the remaining 85% will be used for recurring expenses like helping the poor and cutting back on worker welfare.

The Governor said the fiscal plan will concentrate more on completing the state’s current capital projects and laying the groundwork for new ones that are in line with the state’s strategic goals.

He stated, “With deep gratitude to God for His mercies and guidance, I once more appear before this Honourable House to lay the 2026 Appropriation Bill in accordance with Section 121 (1) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution.”

“The total size of the proposal is N644, 004, 816, 893.00.65.98% of this fiscal plan goes to capital expenditure, while the rest (34.02%) takes care of recurrent spendings.

These allocations indicate the new year’s course for us. To improve our response to kidnapping and bad-faith actors’ activities, we will concentrate more on completing ongoing projects and make investments in areas that require urgent assistance, such as security equipment, vehicles, and technologies.

To strengthen Kwara’s position as the nation’s strongest service, creative, and tech economy, “a few other projects are also planned.”

The national economic outlook for the year is based on the following: US$64.85, daily US$1.14 per US dollar, N$400, and GDP growth of 4.6%, according to the Consolidation and Sustained Growth budget.

When finished, “we are confident that our projects will help to strengthen the state’s economic foundation, improve the environment for business, foster employment and sustainable development, and give the poor more resources to expand social protection.”

We support each and every tier of our state’s well-being. Not just the size of the plan (26.6%), but also the inclusion that characterizes our administration, demonstrate this. For instance, I recently approved a change in the compensation of medical officers to attract and keep professionals for the good of our citizens.

To complement our infrastructural upgrades across the health and education sectors, a new Teachers Salary Allowance (TSA) will be implemented in 2026. We are investing heavily in Alfalfa Estate to combat the conflict between herder-farmers, promote food security, and empower thousands of our citizens along the value chain.

Our budget has never been just a proposal. It consistently delivered on our promise to leave Kwara much better than we expected, including restoring its status as a nation’s premier state.

We completed 38 new roads and 29 new interlock access lanes across the state in the upcoming year. The three Senatorial Districts are currently working on 264.202 km of roads at various stages.

The Innovation Hub has been completed as of right now, growing our tech economy by more than $20 million and providing excellent value to everyone. Along with investments in agriculture across various value chains, we have also accomplished significant milestones with the Kwara Hotel, International Conference Center, Patigi Regatta Motel, Dada Pottery, Shea Butter Factory, Shonga ICT Complex, Prototype Primary School Adeta, Revenue House, and Indoor Sports Hall, Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hospital.

“Even more impressive things were accomplished in the water, health, and education sectors. Since then, Kwara State University has offered its Osi and Ilesha Baruba campuses, expanding the scope of education for our citizens.

Construction work has already begun in the Kwara Smart City following the completion of the foundation-laying ceremony for the Kwara State University of Education’s permanent site. In the upcoming year, much more will be accomplished.

The 2026 budget is crucial to our administration’s legacy, and I urge the House to take action right away.

The House is then given the 2026 Appropriation Bill with this.

Ribadu criticizes Fubara’s leadership in “Tinubu Is Happy With You.”

Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, the governor’s representative, praised him for “respecting the principle of separation of power, transparency, dedication to duties, visible projects in infrastructure, agric and food security, and a raise in salaries for employees, among others.”

By strictly adhering to the principles of transparency and accountability when using public resources, your administration has demonstrated a high level of fiscal discipline. According to him, this commitment has strengthened the Legislature-Executive Partnership for Good Governance and furthered public confidence in it.

“Let me say that the numerous projects and programs being carried out across the State under Your Excellency’s leadership have given us a special boost.”

He praised the governor’s inclusive approach to governance, noting that the House is still committed to engaging with relevant MDAs, ensuring the outcome reflects the state’s priorities, and giving the proposal the attention it deserves.

The cabinet members, first-class traditional rulers and Magajis led by the Etsu Patigi Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, who contested the seat of Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, were present at the budget session.