President Trump confirms the first known U.S. strike inside Venezuela, saying it targets drug trafficking as critics warn it risks escalation. Iranian authorities shut down cities and security forces move in to contain growing protests as anger over inflation and sanctions boils over. And the flu is spreading fast across the U.S., with a new strain driving cases higher just as vaccination rates slip and hospitals brace for what’s next.
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p class=”readrate”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, James Hider, Rebecca Davis, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.
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p class=”readrate”>
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p class=”readrate”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.
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p class=”readrate”>
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p class=”readrate”>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
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p class=”readrate”>
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p class=”readrate”> Our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.
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p class=”readrate”>(0:00) Introduction (03:30) U.S. Strikes Inside Venezuela (07:25) Iran Protests (11:22) Flu Cases Surge
MCHINJI-(MaraviPost)-The High Court in Lilongwe has ruled in favor of the late politician Elias Kaphwiti Banda’s family, awarding them ownership of the contested Tichitenje Farm in Mchinji.
The judgment marks the end of a nearly two-decade dispute over the 583.771-acre estate, pitting the Kaphwiti Banda family against former official hostess Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamira, who had claimed ownership of the property.
Judge Semion Mdeza delivered the ruling, stripping Kadzamira of her claim, citing that evidence presented in court established the lease held by Kaphwiti Banda’s estate was registered earlier and had never been lawfully cancelled, surrendered, or forfeited.
This pivotal finding supported the family’s claim, leading to the judgment being entered in favor of Kaphwiti Banda’s wife and son, Kabal.
The court’s decision brings closure to a long-standing dispute rooted in competing title deeds, underscoring the importance of lawful property registration.
The outcome highlights Malawi’s judicial process addressing high-profile land disputes, demonstrating the court’s commitment to upholding the law.
The Kaphwiti Banda family’s victory serves as a significant precedent, reinforcing the importance of proper property registration and documentation.
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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Economic Freedom Movement (EFM) congratulates President Peter Arthur Mutharika on his historic comeback, viewing it as an opportunity for Malawi’s economic rebound. The organization hopes his return translates into renewed confidence, stability, and growth.
EFM notes several early steps taken by the President that signal hope and seriousness of purpose.
The President has honored the Political Alliance Agreement with AFORD, appointing Honourable Enock Kazingeni Chihana as Second Vice President, promoting political stability.
The President’s commitment to austerity measures, including delegating responsibilities, reduces unnecessary public expenditure and promotes efficiency.
This approach sets the tone for fiscal discipline across government.
EFM commends the President’s gender-sensitive appointments, including a woman leading the Ministry of Agriculture for the first time. The Cabinet composition reflects a focus on capability and results.
The President has articulated attention to key areas, including Natural Resources, Energy, and Mining,, addressing fuel shortages and electricity outages.
EFM urges transparent management of natural resources.
The Ministry of Homeland Security is crucial for state survival, and EFM trusts the President will ensure security agencies are capacitated to prevent crime and protect citizens.
The Ministry of Finance faces the challenge of economic management, with early achievements including secured grants and debt restructuring.
EFM encourages prioritizing high-impact projects for rapid growth.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must deliver tangible economic benefits, with EFM encouraged by the direction taken.
The cancellation of debt by China demonstrates effective foreign policy.
EFM remains cautiously optimistic, supporting policies promoting economic freedom, national prosperity, and improved livelihoods.
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President Trump doubles down on demanding Hamas disarm after meeting with Israel’s prime minister, and warned Iran not to rebuild its nuclear program. Ukraine’s president presses the White House for decades-long U.S. security guarantees as part of a proposed peace deal with Russia. And a year after DOGE’s push to shrink government, agencies are smaller, spending is higher, and millions of Americans’ data remains in play.
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p class=”readrate”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Ruth Sherlock, Anna Yukhananov, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.
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p class=”readrate”>
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p class=”readrate”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.
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p class=”readrate”>
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p class=”readrate”>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
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p class=”readrate”>
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p class=”readrate”>Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.
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p class=”readrate”>(0:00) Introduction (03:13) Trump Pushes Hamas Disarmament (07:25) Ukraine Peace Talks (10:45) A Year Of DOGE
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a remarkable display of humility and dedication, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Mary Thom Navicha, recently visited beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in Semu Village, Traditional Authority Khwethemule, Thyolo District.
Her visit was more than a routine assessment; it was a heartfelt engagement that showcased her unwavering commitment to the welfare of Malawi’s most vulnerable populations.
Minister Navicha’s approach during the visit was strikingly genuine.
She did not maintain the usual distance expected of officials; instead, she sat closely with the beneficiaries on the mat, sharing moments of joy and happiness.
This simple act of humility resonated deeply with the community, reflecting an angel of empathy whose mission goes beyond policy to human connection.
Her warmth and approachable demeanor broke barriers, allowing her to listen attentively to the needs and stories of the people she serves.
The SCTP, a lifeline for many Malawians, has been instrumental in empowering households to meet basic needs such as education and food security.
The Minister underscored the importance of this program, highlighting how it enables families to send their children to school and invest in livestock, thereby fostering long-term self-sufficiency.
Her advocacy for increasing the transfer amounts in response to the country’s economic realities demonstrates a proactive and responsive leadership style.
Minister Navicha is not content with the status quo; she is actively engaging with other Ministries and Development Partners to enhance the impact of social welfare interventions.
One of the beneficiaries, Esnart Chikaonda, a single mother of seven, eloquently testified to the transformative power of the SCTP funds. With the support she receives, Esnart can provide food for her family, an assurance that would have been difficult to achieve otherwise.
This personal story underscores the broader narrative of hope and resilience that the Minister’s work inspires throughout Malawi.
Minister Navicha’s vision aligns closely with that of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, whose principle that no one should be left behind is a guiding beacon for the government.
The Minister has taken this vision to heart by emphasizing the need to prioritize the enrolment of Persons with Disabilities into the SCTP.
Her insistence on inclusivity is not mere rhetoric; it reflects a deeply held belief in equity and justice.
Under her stewardship, the Ministry is pushing the boundaries to ensure that marginalized groups receive the attention and resources they deserve.
The scale of the SCTP’s reach is impressive—benefiting 17,000 households in Thyolo District alone and extending to 340,000 households nationwide, impacting 1.5 million individuals.
The fact that 70 percent of these households are headed by women and 40 percent by the elderly adds layers of complexity and urgency to the program’s implementation.
Minister Navicha’s hands-on leadership style is pivotal in addressing these unique challenges with compassion and strategic insight.
Her work extends beyond Thyolo. Minister Navicha’s tireless efforts have taken her to Lilongwe and various other parts of the country, where she continues to serve with an unmatched work ethic.
Despite the demanding nature of her portfolio, she has not rested; her dedication echoes the relentless spirit of a true public servant.
She embodies the angel of hope and resilience for many Malawians, tirelessly working to improve the lives of those often overlooked by society.
Mary Thom Navicha’s leadership is a beacon of inspiration. She exemplifies how humility, hard work, and empathy can transform governance and social service delivery.
Her presence among the people, sharing their space and listening to their stories, speaks volumes about her character and commitment.
In a world where political figures are often distanced from the realities of their constituents, Navicha stands out as a genuine advocate for change who is not afraid to get close to the people she serves.
Her efforts are a crucial part of Malawi’s broader social development agenda, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and social protection.
By championing the SCTP and advocating for increased support and better targeting, Minister Navicha ensures that the program remains responsive and impactful.
Minister Mary Thom Navicha is more than just a government official; she is a symbol of hope, a tireless advocate for the vulnerable, and an angel of social welfare whose humility and dedication shine brightly across Malawi.
Her work embodies the spirit of service envisioned by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward a better and more inclusive Malawi.
Through her unwavering commitment, she continues to inspire and uplift countless lives, proving that true leadership is measured not by titles but by the positive change one brings to the lives of others.
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The birth of Jesus Christ stands as the cornerstone of Christian faith, a symbol of hope, renewal, and divine love.
Yet, despite centuries of tradition, the exact date of His birth remains shrouded in mystery. While December 25 has been globally embraced as Christmas Day, historical and biblical scrutiny reveals that this date was likely chosen for reasons beyond historical accuracy.
The early Christian church, in an effort to harmonize with prevailing pagan festivals such as the Roman Sol Invictus, selected December 25 in the 4th century as the official date to honor Christ’s birth.
However, mounting scholarly evidence suggests that Jesus was more plausibly born in the spring months of March or April, when shepherds were tending to their flocks in the fields—an unlikely scenario in the cold of December.
This revelation invites a profound reconsideration—not only of historical tradition but of the socioeconomic impact the December celebration has on millions worldwide, especially in developing countries like Malawi.
It is time to advocate for a shift of Christmas celebrations from December 25 to a date in March or April, aligning both with probable historical accuracy and, crucially, with the economic welfare of people burdened by the current festive calendar.
December and January represent a relentless financial strain on households. Within a span of just a week, families engage in two major celebrations: Christmas on December 25 and New Year’s Day on January 1. While these events bring joy and hope, they also entail significant expenditures on gifts, food, travel, decorations, and community engagements.
For many, especially those in economically vulnerable contexts, this season results in near depletion of personal savings and credit, forcing them into debt or financial hardship that lasts well into the new year.
In Malawi, for instance, January is notoriously challenging. After the December festivities, many families enter the new year with “empty pockets,” having exhausted their resources. Yet, this is precisely the time when critical expenses arise.
School fees for the new academic term become due, pressing the finances of parents and guardians who have little to no buffer. Simultaneously, the agricultural calendar demands investment in inputs such as fertilizers to ensure a productive planting season.
Fertilizer is not a luxury but a necessity for food security and economic stability in largely agrarian societies. The timing of these costs compounds the hardship caused by the festive spending spree.
The consequences are stark: January frequently becomes a month of hunger and hardship, a period when many struggle to meet basic needs because resources have been misallocated or stretched too thin in the preceding weeks.
This cyclical pattern of financial distress undermines household stability, community resilience, and national economic progress.
Shifting the Christmas celebration to March or April, therefore, offers a compelling solution. Biblically, this period is more consistent with the narrative of Jesus’ birth. Luke 2:8 describes shepherds watching their flocks by night—a practice more aligned with springtime pastoral activity than with the chill of winter.
Additionally, aligning Christmas with these months would distribute the year’s major celebrations more evenly, relieving the intense financial pressure concentrated at the year’s end.
An international transition to a springtime Christmas would allow families to allocate their resources more sustainably.
December could then be devoted solely to New Year’s festivities, a widely secular celebration that marks renewal and fresh beginnings.
This cultural shift would provide a breathing space between major spending events, enabling households to recover financially and plan better for the year ahead.
Moreover, celebrating Christmas in March or April would coincide more naturally with the agricultural cycle in many parts of the world, including Malawi.
This period often marks the end of the rainy season and an important phase before the main planting season.
Festivities during this time could foster communal solidarity and optimism as farmers prepare for the new agricultural year, creating a spiritual and social boost that aligns with practical economic rhythms.
The historical flexibility of Christmas’s date offers a unique opportunity for global communities to reimagine their celebrations in ways that enhance both spiritual meaning and economic well-being.
The original intent of Christmas—to commemorate the arrival of Christ, the “light of the world” (John 8:12)—holds true regardless of the calendar date. What matters most is the spirit of hope, generosity, and renewal that the occasion embodies.
Internationally, the move to shift Christmas would require careful dialogue and consensus-building among religious leaders, governments, and communities.
Yet, the benefits—reducing the financial stress on millions, improving educational outcomes by easing school fee payments, and bolstering agricultural productivity through timely investment—are profound and far-reaching. The biblical principle of stewardship reminds us to wisely manage resources and care for one another (1 Peter 4:10).
Adjusting the timing of Christmas celebrations to promote economic sustainability aligns with this principle and reflects a compassionate, practical response to contemporary challenges.
While tradition holds deep emotional and cultural significance, it should not become a barrier to necessary progress.
Recognizing that December 25 was historically selected for convenience rather than accuracy opens the door to a transformative change.
By shifting Christmas to March or April, communities—especially those in economically vulnerable settings—can alleviate the heavy financial burden that currently shadows the holiday season.
This change promises a more balanced festive calendar, fostering economic resilience, social cohesion, and a renewed celebration of Christ’s birth that is both historically informed and compassionately grounded in the realities of everyday life.
