{"45":{"id":314801,"pic":"20260429073653_media_69eff02f509582_14219623.jpg","picdesc":"[Image: BBC]","title":"Gunmen raid Nigerian orphanage and kidnap children","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"
Eight children are still missing after gunmen raided an unregistered orphanage in north-central Kogi State in Nigeria and kidnapped 23 children.<\/div>

<\/div>
Kogi Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo,<\/span> says 15 children were rescued following the �\"prompt and coordinated response” of security agencies.<\/div>

<\/div>
He adds that Sunday’s attack also saw the facility’s owner abducted.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but security sources say the state has a functional Boko Haram cell and that there have been several violent attacks in the area.<\/div>

<\/div>
Nigeria is also grappling with a kidnapping crisis in many parts of the country, with criminal gangs abducting people for ransom.<\/div>

<\/div>
The government has made paying ransoms illegal, but this has not prevented the kidnappings.<\/div>

<\/div>
Fanwo says the government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all the victims.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
His statement yesterday also highlighted that the orphanage was �\"operating illegally” in a �\"bushy environment” without the knowledge of relevant authorities<\/span>.<\/div>

<\/div>
Fanwo urged operators of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions to engage with the relevant government agencies, especially in the current security climate.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Mass kidnappings in schools are not uncommon in Nigeria, especially in the country’s northern region, which is plagued by insecurity.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
This is the first time an orphanage has been targeted.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
In November 2025, more than 300 students and their teachers were abducted from a Catholic secondary school in Niger State, also in the north-central region of Nigeria.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
They were released in two batches, with the last group regaining freedom more than one month later.<\/div>

<\/div>
The government denied reports that any ransom had been paid or that two Boko Haram commanders had been freed as part of the deal.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Source: BBC<\/span><\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":" ","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/gunmen-raid-nigerian-orphanage-and-kidnap-children-e61cc1\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"29\/04\/2026","byline":"Navitalai Naivalurua<\/a>","ntags":" World-News<\/a>"},"44":{"id":314992,"pic":"20260505175951_media_69f957ad020752_47719077.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"Cartels aim Melbourne night spots","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

An international cartel syndicate is believed to be behind a recent wave of violence targeting Melbourne’s nightlife venues over the past few months.<\/p>\n

This was revealed in a report by Melbourne’s 9 News.<\/p>\n

According to the report, crime syndicates have sent threatening text messages to several venue owners across the city in recent weeks.<\/p>

The messages, reportedly sent via WhatsApp, included chilling warnings such as: �\"We will come after you, your family, your business, and souls.”<\/p>\n

The threats also claimed that the group would take what they want by force and that police would be unable to stop them.<\/p>\n

Media reports further state that a 23-year-old Australian man, believed to be linked to the cartel, is currently residing in Baghdad.<\/p>

He is wanted in Australia in connection with the death of an underworld figure known as �\"Sam the Punisher.”<\/p>\n

Authorities say there have been more than 30 incidentsâ€\"including firebombings, kidnappings, and shootingsâ€\"targeting Melbourne’s night spots in recent months.<\/p>


<\/p>

Source Melbournes 9 News<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/cartels-aim-melbourne-night-spots-384916\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"05\/05\/2026","byline":"Mikaele Liga<\/a>","ntags":"World-News<\/a>"},"43":{"id":315027,"pic":"20260507103450_media_69fbc15b99a510_73987491.jpg","picdesc":"Photo: BBC News","title":"Pioneering CNN founder Ted Turner dead at 87","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Ted Turner, the media mogul who invented the concept of a 24-hour news channel when he launched CNN in 1980, has died aged 87.<\/p>

The news was announced by Turner Enterprises and CNN on Wednesday morning, US time.<\/p>

Turner, who was born in Ohio, also owned and founded a number of other prominent US and global television channels including Cartoon Network and TBS.

<\/p>

He was known for his environmentalism, philanthropy and support for the United Nations.<\/p>

An outspoken and bold personality, he was known variously as the \"Mouth of the South\", \"Captain Outrageous\", and \"Terrible Ted\".<\/p>

Reacting to his death, US President Donald Trump described Turner as \"one of the greats of all time\" and as \"a friend of mine\".<\/p>

\"Whenever I needed him, he was there, always willing to fight for a good cause!\" he said.

<\/p>

CNN chief executive Mark Thompson called Turner a \"giant on whose shoulders we stand\".<\/p>

In a statement, Turner's family remembered his \"no-holds-barred delivery, endearing sense of humour, and undying loyalty to those around him\".<\/p>

\"He charmed people he met with his warmth and general lack of conceit, despite his many successes and celebrity â€\" an attribute made apparent in his response to anyone who addressed him as 'Mr Turner' â€\" he'd always reply, 'Call me Ted!'\"

Source: abc.news https:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2026-05-07\/ted-turner-dead-at-87-cnn-founder\/106650882<\/a><\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":" ","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/pioneering-cnn-founder-ted-turner-dead-at-87-49e030\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"07\/05\/2026","byline":"Peter Brimble<\/a>, fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"abc-news<\/a> World-News<\/a>"},"42":{"id":315311,"pic":"20260518111324_media_6a0a4b5fe61f16_88513923.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"French probe into Jeffrey Epstein sees about 10 new alleged victims come forward","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

About 10 new suspected victims have come forward as part of a French probe into the network of late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a prosecutor says.<\/p>\n\n

France opened a human trafficking investigation after the US Justice Department in January released the latest cache of files from the investigation into the disgraced financier, who died in prison in 2019 while facing charges of trafficking underage girls for sex.<\/p>\n\n

French magistrates are seeking to investigate possible offences committed in France or involving French perpetrators who facilitated his crimes.<\/p>\n\n

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said about 20 suspected victims had made themselves known after she urged potential victims to speak up in February.



<\/p>\n\n

Investigators were also scouring through the so-called Epstein files and would be searching them for any names mentioned by alleged victims, she said.<\/p>\n\n

\"We have also once again pulled out Mr Epstein's computers, his telephone records, his address books,\" she said, adding her team would be \"making requests for international assistance\".<\/p>\n\n

French investigators searched Epstein's luxury Paris apartment in September 2019, after he was found dead in his New York jail cell the previous month.<\/p>\n\n

Suspected victims already known to investigators included women who had spoken during investigations into former European model agency boss Gérald Marie and late model agent Jean-Luc Brunel.


<\/p>\n\n

Fifteen women in March urged France to investigate Mr Marie for possible links to Epstein.<\/p>\n\n

Investigators in 2023 closed another probe into accusations that Mr Marie committed sexual abuse in the 1980s and 1990s because it was too long ago to be prosecuted.<\/p>\n\n

French authorities arrested Brunel in 2020 after allegations that he sexually abused minors and procured victims for the US billionaire. He was found dead in prison in 2022.<\/p>\n\n

Two former models have told AFP that a modelling scout named Daniel Siad allegedly groomed them with the aim of delivering them to Epstein in one case in the 2000s, and Mr Marie in the other case in the 1990s.<\/p>\n\n

In the latest human trafficking probe, \"none of the people who could potentially be implicated have been questioned\" so far, Ms Beccuau said.<\/p>\n\n

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring for prostitution a girl under the age of 18 and served 13 months in prison before being released on probation.

Original story link:Â� https:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2026-05-18\/new-victims-french-investigation-into-jeffrey-epstein\/106690740<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":" ","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/french-probe-into-jeffrey-epstein-sees-about-10-new-alleged-victims-come-forward-320edc\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"18\/05\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"abc-news<\/a> <\/a>"},"41":{"id":311853,"pic":"20260113095133_media_69656caa0f27b4_98517064.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"Italian fashion giant Prada buys Versace â€\" at a discount","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Prada announced on Tuesday that it has acquired Versace, bringing two major Italian luxury fashion houses under one roof.<\/p>\n\n

The $1.38bn (£1.04bn) deal is well below the roughly $2bn that Versace's former parent company, Capri Holdings, paid for the brand in 2018.<\/p>\n\n

The acquisition expands Prada's portfolio of designer brands - including Miu Miu - as it seeks to compete with rivals including French conglomerate LVMH, which owns Dior and Fendi in addition to Louis Vuitton.<\/p>\n\n

Storied designer Donatella Versace stepped down as the brand's creative chief in March after 27 years at the fashion company, known for its glamorous styles and the iconic Medusa head logo.<\/p>\n\n

She took over the company in 1997, after the murder of her brother Gianni. She was replaced by Dario Vitale, formerly a design director of Miu Miu, Prada's youth-focused luxury brand.<\/p>\n\n

The company is being sold at a roughly $700m loss after Versace's sales slowed, along with the sale of Capri Holdings' other brands, which include Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo.<\/p>\n\n

During Capri Holdings' ownership, Versace shifted from its recognisable ornate designs to embrace a more minimalist trend â€\" while hiking prices.<\/p>\n\n

Prada said in a one-line statement on Tuesday that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Versace, having received all required regulatory clearances.<\/p>\n\n

Proceeds from the sale will help cut debt for Capri Holdings, Versace's former parent company, the firm said.<\/p>\n\n

Capri chief executive John D Idol said: \"We plan to use the proceeds to repay the majority of our debt, which will substantially strengthen our balance sheet.\"<\/p>\n\n

Andrea Guerra, the chief executive of Prada, said earlier this year that Versace has \"huge potential\".<\/p>\n\n

\"The journey will be long and will require disciplined execution and patience,\" he said.<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/italian-fashion-giant-prada-buys-versace-at-a-discount-37e4af\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"13\/01\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"40":{"id":312205,"pic":"20260126090739_media_697685dc9eb453_45483258.jpg","picdesc":"Photo: BBC Fashion","title":"Anna Wintour and Liz Hurley among mourners at Valentino's funeral","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Anna Wintour, Elizabeth Hurley and Anne Hathaway were among the fashion and film stars who gathered in Rome for the funeral of Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani on Friday.



<\/p>

The service was held at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, near Piazza della Repubblica, following two days of public viewing at his foundation's headquarters.<\/p>

Garavani, known universally by his first name Valentino, died aged 93 at his home in Rome on Monday.

Hathaway wore a black Valentino coat trimmed with ruffles, while Elizabeth Hurley attended with her son Damian - a day after giving evidence in her case at the UK High Court against the Daily Mail newspaper's publisher.<\/p>




<\/p>

Fellow fashion designers Donatella Versace and Tom Ford were also present.

Outside the basilica, crowds gathered to pay their respects, many holding red ribbons in homage to the designer's signature colour - \"Valentino red\".<\/p>




<\/p>

Across a career that began in the 1950s, Valentino became synonymous with dressing the rich and famous, and Hollywood royalty.

His clients included Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Diana, Princess of Wales, while his gowns became red-carpet fixtures for Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett and Sharon Stone.<\/p>




White roses and lilies surrounded the coffin as it was carried into the basilica to the sound of Mozart.
<\/span><\/span>
Valentino will be cremated, with his ashes interred at Rome's Flaminio Cemetery.<\/span><\/span><\/p>



<\/p>

Although he retired in 2008, the label's next couture show at the end of January in Paris is expected to double as a final industry salute to a designer often described as the last emperor of Italian fashion


.<\/p><\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/anna-wintour-and-liz-hurley-among-mourners-at-valentino-s-funeral-4d42a2\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"26\/01\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"39":{"id":313680,"pic":"20260317140911_media_69b8b76a8e18b5_98242381.png","picdesc":"CREDITS: CNN","title":"Harry Styles Proves Fancy Bags Are For Boys As Well","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Pop star Harry Styles is once again challenging fashion norms after stepping out with a luxury handbag traditionally marketed for women, sparking global conversation about modern masculinity and style.<\/p>

During a recent appearance in New York, Harry Styles was seen carrying a leopard-print Chanel flap bag, one of the most sought-after designer pieces, with CNN Style describing the move as more than just a fashion choice, calling it a �\"loud and proud proclamation” that high-end �\"It-bags” are no longer just for women.<\/p>

Fashion observers say more male celebrities are now using accessories once seen as feminine, showing a change in how men express their style, with high-end bags becoming more common in men’s fashion, while Harry Styles continues to push boundaries and support the move towards more open and personal fashion choices.<\/p>


<\/p>

SOURCE: CNN<\/p>


<\/p>


<\/p>


<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/harry-styles-proves-fancy-bags-are-for-boys-as-well-f97d4a\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"17\/03\/2026","byline":"Emily Lewanavanua<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"38":{"id":314774,"pic":"20260427162857_media_69eec19b69d613_26570266.png","picdesc":"","title":"The Devil Wears Prada 2 is bringing fashion back in a big way","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Fashion is having a moment again, and a lot of that buzz is coming from The Devil Wears Prada 2<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Nearly 20 years after Miranda Priestly made everyone terrified of being late, badly dressed, or wearing the wrong shade of blue, the sequel is finally here, and fans are loving the return of the fashion world’s most iconic boss.<\/p>\n

Meryl Streep<\/span> is back as Miranda, with Anne Hathaway<\/span>, Emily Blunt<\/span> and Stanley Tucci<\/span> also returning, bringing back the sharp looks, big personalities and drama that made the first film such a classic. <\/span><\/p>\n

But this time, it is not just about glossy magazines and impossible bosses. The film dives into today’s fashion world, where social media, digital trends and influencers are shaping what is hot, while old school fashion powerhouses try to keep up. <\/span><\/p>\n

The red carpet premiere has already sparked plenty of talk, with bold looks, designer outfits and major fashion names turning up in style. Safe to say, fashion lovers have been eating it up. <\/span><\/p>\n

And for younger fans who never watched the original, this is their chance to meet Miranda Priestly, a woman who can shut down a room with one look and somehow make wearing black gloves indoors look powerful.<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/the-devil-wears-prada-2-is-bringing-fashion-back-in-a-big-way-460dfa\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"27\/04\/2026","byline":"Emily Lewanavanua<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a> Movies<\/a>"},"37":{"id":315025,"pic":"20260507102750_media_69fbbfb0e07375_84915149.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"Designer brings items 'back to life' by repairing","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

A fashion designer who mends clothes says he finds joy in bringing sentimental items \"back to life\".

Cosmin Diaconu, who lives in Cambridge, said his family always repaired and reused their clothes, which he has continued to do later in life.<\/p>

Diaconu, who studied fashion at the city's Anglia Ruskin University, turned his hobby into a business by mending people's items which were now being sent to him by customers from across the UK.<\/p>

\"It's a sentimental value for them; they tend to repair it and not to throw those memories away, and it's fantastic,\" he said.<\/p>

He said one of his recent repairs was a jacket which a woman had kept for about 80 years.<\/p>

\"She said to me that she used to travel around the world. I didn't ask many details, but she's taken the jacket everywhere,\" he said.<\/p>


<\/p>

Diaconu said he felt pressure with some sentimental items, and with the jacket \"it was nice to bring it back to life and keep that item going for a little bit longer\".

Diaconu said his business had expanded with customers from as far afield as the West Country, northern England, Wales and Scotland.<\/p>

\"We have seen an increase in repairs and alterations rather than just going and buying something brand new again, which is great,\" he said.<\/p>

\"They want to know that there is a repair service that they can access easily without booking appointments and having to drive miles.\"<\/p>

Customers can either send him photos so they can be offered a quote, or they can book at appointment and drop in to the unit on the Barnwell Business Park.<\/p>

For repairs to jeans, Diaconu said he charged about £12 for a length alteration and £15 for a crotch repair, which he said was the most common thing.<\/p>

According to The National Lottery Community Fund, research has shown that an estimated 1.4 billion items of clothing are thrown away by UK adults each year.<\/p>

Research by Censuswide, commissioned by the fund, found that reasons for binning clothes included lack of skills to repair or alter them.<\/p>

Diaconu said he has had a few customers who have sent their denim jeans with a sewn patch on them.<\/p>

Original story: https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cn8jkekpxxno<\/a><\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":" ","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/designer-brings-items-back-to-life-by-repairing-15e0cc\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"07\/05\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a> <\/a>"},"36":{"id":315213,"pic":"20260520053712_media_6a03ee58c95293_35318343.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"CFL Renews Fiji Fashion Week Partnership for One-Night Showcase at Vodafone Arena","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

<\/p>Communications Fiji Limited has renewed its partnership with Fiji Fashion Week for this year’s event, which organisers say continues to play a major role in supporting and developing local designers in the fashion industry.

<\/p>

<\/p>\"\"

<\/p>

Speaking during the sponsorship announcement, CFL General Manager Charles Taylor says Fiji Fashion Week is a well-supported event that helps grow local talent.<\/p>

Insert: Taylor on grow local talent 13th May 26<\/span><\/p>

Taylor says CFL is pleased to once again support the event, which will be held for one night only at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.<\/span><\/p>

<\/p>\"\"

<\/p>

Fiji Fashion Week Managing Director Ellen Whippy-Knight thanked CFL for its long-standing support, saying the media partnership has helped the event reach wider audiences since it began in 2008.<\/p>

Insert: Whippy-Knight on standing support from CFL 13th May 26<\/span><\/p>

Whippy-Knight says this year’s event will be held on Saturday, 30th May, and will feature 17 designers from Los Angeles, Sydney, New Zealand, the Pacific and Fiji.<\/p>

She says this year’s show has been reduced to one night due to global economic pressures affecting Fiji, but stresses that supporting the event also supports the fashion community and local creatives.<\/p>

Whippy-Knight says Vodafone is also offering special promotions, including a Samsung A26 5G phone giveaway for ticket buyers and recharge prizes for the first 50 people who purchase tickets.<\/p>

<\/p>\"\"

<\/p>

The Fiji Fashion Week show will be held on Saturday, 30th May at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/cfl-renews-fiji-fashion-week-partnership-for-one-night-showcase-at-vodafone-arena-f7cf4a\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"20\/05\/2026","byline":"Pita Toganivalu<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"35":{"id":314831,"pic":"20260429130658_media_69f1586be3c128_28710098.png","picdesc":"","title":"Seaqaqa and Labasa cane farmers fear for livelihood due non-renewal of leases","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

While hundreds of leases have been renewed, non-renewals and subdivision of cane land for residential use in Seaqaqa are leaving many farming families uncertain about their livelihoods in the North.<\/span><\/p>