Paradise News

Blog

  • Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ Leads Box Office with $45.6M

    Jayme Lawson as Pearline, Wunmi Mosaku as Annie, Michael B. Jordan as Smoke, Miles Caton as Sammie Moore, and Li Jun Li as Grace Chow, in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Sinners.” (Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures via CNN Newsource)

    By Auzinea Bacon, CNN

    (CNN) — Ryan Coogler’s supernatural horror “Sinners” drove a stake through the competition this weekend to finish No. 1 at the box office while shattering industry expectations.

    “Sinners” pulled in $45.6 million domestically, surpassing estimates of about $35 million, and edging “A Minecraft Movie,” which grossed $41.3 million in its third weekend, to put its domestic total at nearly $345 million.

    Both “Sinners” and “A Minecraft Movie” are distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Warner Bros. Discovery is the parent company of CNN.

    Shawn Robbins, director of movie analytics at Fandango and founder of Box Office Theory, told CNN that “Sinners” was boosted by the duo of Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan, who have teamed up on four films, including Disney’s “Black Panther.”

    “That star power for ‘Sinners’ (and) really kind of a fresh, original take on the vampire movie (genre) … helped bring out moviegoers,” he said.

    “Sinners” has also been boosted by critics’ reviews, which can help a film’s long-term box-office success. It has a 98% rating on movie-ratings site Rotten Tomatoes and an 84 score — the seventh highest for a film in 2025 — on Metacritic.

    “This may be one of the best-reviewed No. 1 films ever, especially for the horror genre,” said Paul Dergarabedian, a senior analyst at Comscore.

    The success of “Sinners” is encouraging for the horror genre, which was most successful in 2017, when “It” and “Get Out” were released, according to Dergarabedian. Horror movies earned more than $1 billion at the box office in 2017, according to Comscore data. In 2024, the genre earned $948 million.

    “Horror movies can be very budget-friendly and have a very strong profitability factor, so that makes them particularly of interest to studios and filmmakers,” Dergarabedian told CNN.

    Universal Pictures is set to release two horror sequels this year, “M3GAN 2.0” and “Black Phone 2” in June and October, respectively.

    Meanwhile, the industry’s overall domestic earnings, which were down 13% at the opening of “A Minecraft Movie,” are now up 5.3% compared to 2024, according to Comscore.

    Box office analyst David A. Gross of FranchiseRe said “A Minecraft Movie” is trekking toward $1 billion at the worldwide box office. After its strong opening, the fantasy adventure comedy has gone viral for engaging audiences with its chicken jockey scene.

    “Audiences are totally engaged — this is mainstream action-adventure entertainment at its best,” Gross told CNN.

    Dergarabedian expects the overall box office to maintain this momentum as the first slate of summer movies debuts in May, followed by a strong Memorial Day weekend with Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” and Paramount’s “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.”

    The-CNN-Wire
    & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

    Source: Seattle Medium

  • Manchester United hold discussions for SEVEN forwards


    Image Credits: Imago Images

    Manchester United are ramping up their search of attackers ahead of the summer transfer window to bring more firepower to Old Trafford.

    The Red Devils have struggled in front of goal with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee being ineffective and inconsistent in front of goal.

    As such, Ruben Amorim has been reliant on Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho as his top goal scorers to hit the back of the net.

    That said, Amorim is confident that Zirkzee can develop under him and fit into his playstyle, whilst Hojlund appears to be set for the chop at the end of the season.

    In his place, and as well as supporting the striker, United have held internal discussions about six key targets which can completely remodel Amorim’s attack.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Seven player shortlist for Manchester United

    The Daily Mail has reported that the United recruitment team have discussed Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, Laim Delap of Ipswich Town, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Red Bull Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko, Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace and Antoine Semenyo at Bournemouth.

    It’s understood that Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha are at the top of their shortlist, with The Red Devils confident of agreeing terms with Cunha in the coming weeks.

    However, Delap is less sure of a move to Old Trafford given the uncertainty of European football next season.

    This doesn’t seem to be a concern though for Victor Osimhen who has also been reported as agreeing terms for a move in the summer to join United.

    Ultimately United need to generate funds before any of these signings can be made though, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Casemiro and potentially Andre Onana and Alejandro Garnacho all set to depart.

    If The Red Devils can get significant fees agreed for each of their desired offloads, Amorim could be set with a hefty fund to remodel his squad and bounce back next season.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Source: Centred Devils

  • African state signs oil exploration deal with Russia

    African state signs oil exploration deal with Russia

    The partnership with two Russian corporations comes as Sudan seeks deeper ties with Moscow

    RT World News

    Two Russian companies, including state-owned Zarubezhneft and Al-Rassi International Services (LLC), have signed a memorandum of understanding with Sudan’s Bashayer Petroleum Pipelines Company (BAPCO) to cooperate in the field of petroleum services.

    High-ranking representatives of the firms concluded an agreement in Port Sudan, the capital of Red Sea State, the Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Petroleum announced on Saturday. A delegation from the Russian embassy in Sudan also attended the ceremony, the ministry stated.

    African state signs oil exploration deal with Russia

    According to the statement, acting undersecretary of energy and oil, Mohamed Awad Al-Khair, and the companies’ representatives also held technical and administrative discussions aimed at finalizing agreements on a number of other issues.

    READ MORE: Sudan to cooperate with Russia on oil exploration – media

    The parties also addressed possible partnerships with the Sudan National Petroleum Corporation (Sudapet) in oil sector investment, such as exploration and production, the ministry said. [Picture: ©  Facebook/وزارة الطاقة و النفط]

    Sudan has sought Russian investment in an array of sectors in recent years, including gold mining and the oil industry, but efforts have reportedly been hampered by an ongoing war in the African state.

    Earlier this month, Khartoum’s ambassador to Moscow, Mohammed Sirraj, reportedly said the northeastern African country intends to strengthen ties with Russia and seek its help in ending its civil war.

    Late last year, Sudanese Oil and Gas Minister Mohi-Eddin Naeem Mohamed Saeed stated that Sudan plans to sign industrial, commercial, and oil-related agreements with Russian companies.

    The deals are said to involve exploration of more than 20 oil wells in regions considered safe from the deadly conflict that erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April 2023.

    Earlier in November, the northeastern African nation’s government also announced an agreement with Russian firm Power Machines to upgrade Sudan’s hydropower infrastructure.

    On Saturday, the Sudanese Energy Ministry said a group of Russian companies had arrived in the country a week ago and have held talks with senior government officials to explore investment opportunities.

    *********

    (TLB) PUBLISHED THIS ARTICLE WITH PERMISSION OF RT

    Header featured image (edited) credit: Facebook. Emphasis and pictorial placment by (TLB)

    ••••

    ••••

    Stay tuned to …

    ••••

    The Liberty Beacon Project is now expanding at a near exponential rate, and for this we are grateful and excited! But we must also be practical. For 7 years we have not asked for any donations, and have built this project with our own funds as we grew. We are now experiencing ever increasing growing pains due to the large number of websites and projects we represent. So we have just installed donation buttons on our websites and ask that you consider this when you visit them. Nothing is too small. We thank you for all your support and your considerations … (TLB)

    ••••

    Comment Policy: As a privately owned web site, we reserve the right to remove comments that contain spam, advertising, vulgarity, threats of violence, racism, or personal/abusive attacks on other users. This also applies to trolling, the use of more than one alias, or just intentional mischief. Enforcement of this policy is at the discretion of this websites administrators. Repeat offenders may be blocked or permanently banned without prior warning.

    ••••

    Disclaimer: TLB websites contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of “fair use” in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, health, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than “fair use” you must request permission from the copyright owner.

    ••••

    Disclaimer: The information and opinions shared are for informational purposes only including, but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material are not intended as medical advice or instruction. Nothing mentioned is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Source: TLB

  • Pope Francis dies at 88

    The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis died on Monday morning at the age of 88 following his recent health struggles, including an extended hospitalization with pneumonia.

    According to CNN, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis died early Monday morning at his Casa Santa Marta residence at the Vatican.

    In a statement obtained by Fox News, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

    “He taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized,” Ferrell added. “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

    Fox News reported that Pope Francis was elected to succeed Pope Benedict XVI in March of 2013 and was the first non-European pope to serve in the position in more than 1,000 years.

    READ MORE: Deadly shootout leads to rescue of kidnapped pastor in South Africa

    According to CNN, Pope Francis was hospitalized for five weeks earlier this year after being diagnosed with double pneumonia; however, the pope was released from the hospital last month. The outlet noted that the Vatican reported last week that the pope’s health was improving.

    CNN reported that Pope Francis met with Vice President J.D. Vance on Sunday and gave the Easter blessing at Saint Peter’s Basilica.

    In a Sunday post on X, formerly Twitter, Vance shared pictures of his meeting with the pope, tweeting, “Today I met with the Holy Father Pope Francis. I am grateful for his invitation to meet, and I pray for his good health.”

    Following the announcement of the pope’s death on Monday, Vance wrote, “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.”

    President Donald Trump also released a statement on Monday regarding the pope’s death. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

    Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst, told Fox News that the pope’s death could have been linked to a “respiratory failure event” on Monday.

    “What I heard from inside sources… I heard that there was a respiratory failure event this morning, Rome time, in the morning. Five to seven AM, where he was unable to catch his breath,” Siegel said. “We don’t know what caused that. It was likely due to another asthma-type event like he had in the hospital.”


    Source: American Military News

  • 2027: Bauchi Governor’s Posters Flood State

    Posters of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala A. Mohammed, with the inscription ‘Kaura for President 2027’ have flooded Bauchi streets.

    Daily Trust reports that the posters were placed at strategic places including roundabouts, electrical poles and signboards along major streets within the state capital.

    It observed that the posters were visible along major streets of Railway road, Sabon Titin Karofi and Kofar Dumi street among others.

    One of the youth hired for pasting the posters, Aminu Auwal, told the outlet that two politicians identified as Ya’u Ortega and Talolo, contracted them to do the job.

    Auwal said: “We were directed to post the governor’s posters along major steers of Bauchi state. We started the work around 1am today and we are hoping to finish it today.”

    No official comment has been issued yet.

    2027: Bauchi Governor’s Posters Flood State is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • CDC advisory group considers narrowing COVID vaccine recommendations – Paradise Post

    Next year’s COVID vaccine recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention appear likely to be less expansive than in previous years.

    Notes from a recent meeting of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ COVID-19 Work Group show health officials are considering narrowing the recommended age range for universal vaccination from everyone over 6 months to those 65 and older and people with health complications for the next respiratory virus season.

    A majority of the working group’s members indicated they will vote to endorse such a risk-based recommendation, rather than the current universal recommendation.

    Some doctors are praising the possible move, while others have reservations about the shift.

    The change would be “long overdue,” said Monica Gandhi, a UC San Francisco infectious disease expert. “I think it is the right approach, to give people boosters when they’re at risk,” she said.

    A new more narrow COVID vaccine recommendation would also put the United States more in line with the rest of the world. “Most of the world, in fact the entire planet, including the World Health Organization, only recommends COVID vaccination for certain risk groups,” she said.

    Gandhi, who was often a critic of some of the more restrictive pandemic precautions in Northern California’s Bay Area, including prolonged school closures, has researched and published papers on the efficacy of vaccinations and boosters. She hopes the CDC adjusting its recommendations might restore some of the public’s trust in public health officials.

    But there is another common respiratory virus for which the CDC has long recommended universal annual inoculation. The agency recommends a flu shot every year for every person 6 months and older, and while flu vaccination coverage is far from universal, in recent years, uptake of the flu vaccine has been suppressed by the politicization of vaccinations that stemmed from the conversation around COVID vaccines.

    Since the first COVID vaccine was released, the agency has recommended that everyone six months and older get at least one dose of the annually reformulated COVID vaccine each year. The process of yearly shots was more similar to the system for the flu vaccine than other respiratory viruses for which universal but less frequent vaccination is recommended, like measles. The measles vaccine is administered in two doses during childhood, with no additional boosters recommended.

    In recent years, additional doses of the COVID vaccine have been recommended for the elderly and those at high risk of serious illness.

    Not all public health experts agree that a change to the recommendations is the right idea.

    “There are reasonable people coming down on both sides of it,” said Dr. John Swartzberg, clinical professor emeritus at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health.

    “I think the best thing for a society is to have the maximum protection we can have,” Swartzberg said. “Therefore, I tilt toward continuing the way we’re doing it.”

    According to data presented at the working group meeting this week, as of mid-March, just 12.8% of children between 6 months old and 17 years old reported having received this year’s COVID vaccine, slightly lower than the percentage who had been vaccinated the year before. Those rates are lower than the rate of flu vaccination for children, despite similar recommendations.

    “If no one’s doing what you’re recommending, you’ve obviously lost their trust,” Gandhi said. “It’s really important to regain trust in public health.”

    While next year’s recommendations may not call for a vaccine for those under 65 without a high risk, a vast majority of the working group members indicated they want to allow anyone to get an annual shot if they choose to.

    Some worry that, given the patchwork nature of the country’s health care and health insurance system, the change could make it harder for some to get vaccinated, but the implications are not clear.

    “If it is ‘recommended’ for people … the insurance pays for it, but if it is ‘suggested,’ then the insurance may or may not pay for it,” said Swartzberg.

    “That’s why there have been all these battles over the language that the CDC uses,” he said. “It has big implications.”

    The working group is expected to vote on its final recommendation in June.

    Originally Published:

    Source: Paradise Post

  • Sparking Zero reveals Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta mini, Majin Kuu, Panzy, and more for Daima Character Pack 1











    A new trailer has dropped for Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. This provides us with the full lineup of DLC for the second pack.






    While Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero DLC 1 pack was focused on adding content from Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (such as Beast Gohan, Orange Piccolo, Gamma 1, and Gamma 2), this latest DLC package is focused on Dragon Ball Daima. As such, it’s been aptly named “Daima Character Pack 1.”









    Characters included in this pack are Super Saiyan Goku mini, Vegeta mini, Super Saiyan Vegeta mini, Super Saiyan 2 Vegeta mini, Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta mini, Glorio, Panzy, and Majin Kuu.


    While Dragon Ball Daima marked the first instance of Vegeta officially ascending to his Super Saiyan 3 form, he apparently prefers to think of the form as “Ultra Vegeta 1.”


    Of course, it’s important to note that this DLC pack is marked as the first set of characters focused on Dragon Ball Daima. This implies that more combatants from the mini series will be joining in the future.


    This is good as we’re missing some key characters such as Super Saiyan 4 Goku (both as a kid and an adult), the adult version of Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta, Majin Duu, and Gomah.


    Check it all out below:









    Source: Event Hubs

  • Archbishop Gomez on death of Pope Francis: His work is ‘still not finished’

    In a statement following Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday, Archbishop José H. Gomez called on Catholics to pray for the late pontiff’s soul and honor his legacy by carrying out the “urgent tasks” at the center of his pontificate. 

    “In this time of mourning, my prayer is that all of us in the Church will honor Pope Francis’ legacy by remembering that he called us to urgent tasks that are still not finished,” said Archbishop Gomez in a statement. 

    “We must continue our work of serving the poor, the migrant, and all who are forgotten on society’s ‘peripheries.’ ” said the archbishop in the April 21 statement. “We must persevere in caring for our common home, which is the earth, and in building a world that respects the sanctity and dignity of all human life and the Creator’s desire that we live in peace and fraternity as one human family.”

    Archbishop Gomez pointed out that Francis had appointed nine auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles during his 12-year pontificate, and said he was grateful for the “many kindnesses and expressions of pastoral care” the pope made to Los Angeles Catholics during difficult times. 

    “He was always quick to show his spiritual closeness to us in our times of need,” said the archbishop. “It was just in January that he offered prayers and words of consolation as we faced the destruction caused by the wildfires in the Palisades and Altadena. I will never forget his fraternal comfort as we mourned the sudden taking of our beloved Bishop David O’Connell in 2023.”

    Recalling the pope’s “constant example” of devotion to the Virgin Mary, Archbishop Gomez invited LA Catholics to pray to her for the repose of the late pope’s soul, that she may “wrap our Holy Father in the mantle of her love.”

    “In this beautiful Easter season, when we celebrate our hope in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we pray that the angels may lead Pope Francis into paradise, that the saints and martyrs welcome him, and that God in his mercy will make his face shine upon his faithful servant and grant him eternal rest in the love that never ends,” said the archbishop. 

    The full text of Archbishop Gomez’s statement on the passing of Pope Francis can be found here. 

    Source: Angelus News

  • Video Content Editor & Producer at LAJ Aquaculture & Farmacology April, 2025

    Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us

    Salary: ₦100,000/month

    About Us:

    Lajj Impression operates from Lafia, Nasarawa State, managing Laj Aquaculture & Farmacology, Fish Grill Spots, and Retail Fish Shops. We are expanding into e-commerce with a new online marketplace for catfish, tilapia, fish farming equipment, and aquaculture supplies.

    About the Role:

    We are hiring a creative and reliable Visual & Content Producer to develop high-quality graphics and compelling videos for our brand. You’ll visually tell the story of our farms, vendors, equipment, and satisfied customers through engaging, relatable content.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Design graphics and flyers for social media and product listings

    • Edit short-form videos for Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and WhatsApp TV

    Create visual explainers for:

    • How to use fish feed equipment

    • Farm-to-table journey

    • Seller spotlight: A day in the life of a fish farmer

    • Cut and subtitle customer testimonials

    • Stitch together mini-docs or recap videos from field visits or events

    • Add captions, transitions, background music, and basic motion graphics

    • Collaborate with the Media & Marketing Lead on campaign visuals

    • Occasionally visit farms, grill spots, and shops to capture original content (travel support provided)

    Requirements:

    • 1–2 years’ experience in visual design and video editing

    • Proficient with tools like Canva, CapCut, InShot, Adobe Premiere Pro, or VN Editor

    • Comfortable filming with a smartphone or basic camera gear

    • Basic knowledge of framing, lighting, and sound

    • Creative eye, storytelling instincts, and ability to meet deadlines

    • Passion for highlighting Nigerian entrepreneurship, aquaculture, and local innovation

    Work Location:

    Hybrid (remote with occasional field content capture)

    Office Locations:

    Site 1: Shinge Road, Opposite ERRC Graceland, Lafia

    Site 2: No. 15 Kwandere Road Kwamka, Behind Na Allah Company, Lafia, Nasarawa State







    Interested and qualified candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below.

    Click Here To Apply

  • Financial Planner Mosselbay at Sanlam Group April, 2025



    Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us

    Since our establishment in 1918, Sanlam has been a prominent part of the South African business landscape. We have always held a long-term view of how business adapts to the demands of the environment in which it operates. Today, in a dynamic world, we see an evolving set of social, economic, political and environmental imperatives that require our skilfu…



    Read more about this company

     





    Financial Planner Mosselbay




    What will make you successful in this role?

    Assist in growing the Sanlam Adviser Business

    • Be committed to the marketing plans and targets set for growing and developing the business as set forward by the distribution strategy.

    • Apply knowledge and understanding of market segmentation and customer profiles to support sales and growth within the defined market.

    Undertake relevant behaviours to attain targets relating to:

    • Revenue generation (Single and recurring premiums)

    • Activity quotas

    • Promote the Sanlam brand

    • Treating customers fairly to be applied to all client engagements

    • Role is aligned to your personal career aspirations

    Networking, prospecting and leads generation

    • Face to face interactions, social or business, to create business opportunities.

    • Prospecting of new clients through creative opportunities such as business/social networks, associations or ad hoc presentations.

    • Turning trusted relationships into business relationships.

    • Strengthening existing relationships by increasing the current service.

    • Use existing sources to establish opportunities across Sanlam businesses.

    • Personalised client value propositions.

    • Marketing on social media.

    • Undertake selected client focused activities to generate leads and informal prospecting opportunities.

    • Mining of existing client base to identify marketing gaps and sales opportunities within the middle-high and affluent market.

    • Structuring and implementing focused campaigns with new or existing clients in the defined market.

    • Requesting active and ongoing leads and referrals from others.

    • Monitoring and respond to client activities such as maturities, cancelations or surrenders within the defined market.

    Client consultations and sales

    • Ensure all client interactions are compliant in terms of disclosures and advice given (provide written/ electronic information required for compliance).

    • Undertake comprehensive fact finding with each client to lift needs and priorities. Document these findings.

    • Conduct a financial needs analysis, using the relevant e-tools / instruments or systems, to ascertain the clients full financial situation; or utilise the services of a Para-Planner for this. (Draw policy history).

    • Provide sound personal financial planning advice.

    • Apply financial knowledge in putting together a plan that meets the needs of the client for a balanced portfolio.

    • Present financial solutions to the client in a professional and competent manner aligned to Treating Customers Fairly.

    • Use relevant processes and system tools to capture analysis information and update records accordingly.

    • Review client portfolio annually by undertaking the above steps.

    Client Service

    • Ensure all client interactions are ethical, courteous and professional.

    • Follow-up or refer all existing business queries to be resolved timeously through support.

    • Strive for excellent, value-added service to clients so that they do not seek competitor products or services.

    • Undertake continuous learning in terms of knowledge, skills and market/industry issues so as to service clients within the defined market.

    • Initiate long term client relationships and maintain a relational focus.

    Monitor, update and reporting (weekly/monthly)

    Document and present the following activities:

    • Number and profile of contacts, appointments, consultations.

    • Issued business and revenue against targets.

    • Update client details on records.

    • Appropriate workflow and activity monitor system entries.

    Qualification and Experience

    • Grade 12

    • Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS) “Fit and Proper” requirements and Regulatory Examination successfully completed if registered with Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) for more than 24 months.



    Method of Application







    Build your CV for free. Download in different templates.



    Click Here To Apply