Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Aunt’s murder sent shockwaves through family: Tulsi Gabbard

Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, a 78-year-old poet in American Samoa, was allegedly killed by her protege, Papalii Sia Figiel, 57, following an argument at a theater.

Aunt’s murder sent shockwaves through family: Tulsi Gabbard

Former US congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has spoken out about the murder of her aunt, Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard.

Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, a 78-year-old poet in American Samoa, was allegedly killed by her protege, Papalii Sia Figiel, 57, following an argument at a theater.


Police report that Figiel stabbed and beat Sinavaiana-Gabbard with a hammer before fleeing, reported The Independent. She surrendered to authorities two days later.

Gabbard shared her thoughts on social media, stating that her aunt’s death sent “shockwaves” through the family.

“The news of her horrific death sent shockwaves through our family. We miss her, cherish the happy memories we shared, and are keeping her in our prayers. Life is short. Hold close the ones you love, and make the most of every day we are blessed with life,” Gabbard wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“My aunt Caroline was my dad’s only sister, and the only relative of ours who lived in Hawaii when I was growing up. I spent a lot of time with her as a kid at her cottage in the back of Manoa valley where she often shared her poetry with me, and encouraged me to pursue my own writing.”

Despite their close relationship in her childhood, Gabbard’s aunt later criticiaed her shift to the right after her presidential run and departure from the House of Representatives in 2021, according to The Independent.

Read Also: Tories instigating ‘culture wars’, Labour will deliver on pledges: Reynolds

Gabbard, 42, served four terms as a Democratic Congresswoman and was the first Hindu-American from Hawaii. She ran for president in 2020.

After leaving Congress, she quit the Democratic Party in 2022 and now aligns with the Republican Party, frequently appearing on Fox News.

Gabbard is considered a potential vice presidential candidate for Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

She recently said at an event in California that she would be “honoured” to accept the role if asked.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less