XCOPA NEWS

  San Diego Shaken by 5.2-Magnitude Earthquake: A Wake-Up Call Without Widespread Damage San Diego County experienced a jolt on Monday morning, April 14, when a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near the mountain town of Julian. The tremor, which hit around 10:08 a.m. local time, sent ripples of concern across Southern California, rattling nerves but sparing the region from serious destruction. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the quake’s epicenter just outside Julian at a depth of about 8.3 miles. While the area is no stranger to seismic activity due to its location along the Elsinore fault zone — a part of the broader San Andreas fault system — Monday’s quake served as a stark reminder of how suddenly the ground can shift beneath Southern Californians’ feet. Residents from San Diego all the way up to parts of Los Angeles County, nearly 120 miles away, reported feeling the tremors. Some experienced shaking strong enough to knock items off shelves and rattle windows. S...

  Kyren Lacy's Father Breaks Silence Following Son’s Heartbreaking Death: “Talk to Your Children” The sudden and tragic death of 24-year-old NFL hopeful Kyren Lacy has sent shockwaves through the sports world and left his family grappling with unimaginable grief. Now, his father, Kenny Lacy, is speaking out publicly for the first time — not only to mourn the loss of his son but to urge parents everywhere to prioritize their children’s mental health. Kyren, a former LSU wide receiver and NFL Draft prospect was found dead on April 12 in Houston, just weeks ahead of what was meant to be one of the biggest milestones of his football career. Authorities ruled his death a suicide, adding another painful layer to an already devastating loss. His father took to Facebook to share his heartbreak and reflect on the need for honest, emotional conversations between parents and their kids. “Please check on your children and talk to them. Hug them and let them know how much you love them,” he ...

  Aimee Lou Wood Speaks Out Against SNL's 'White Lotus' Parody: “It Wasn’t Funny — Just Cruel” British actress Aimee Lou Wood is making headlines not for her performances but for her candid response to a recent Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch that parodied her character from the HBO hit series The White Lotus . The comedy skit, dubbed "The White Potus," aired on April 12 and portrayed a fictional political version of the show. But what caught Wood’s attention wasn’t the concept — it was the execution. In the sketch, comedian Sarah Sherman impersonated Wood’s character “Chelsea” with an exaggerated set of prosthetic teeth, a detail that struck a nerve. Wood didn’t hold back in her response, calling the portrayal “mean-spirited and lacking any real wit.” For the Sex Education star, the mockery of her natural appearance crossed a line. “It felt like a cheap shot, not satire,” Wood said in an interview. “There’s a difference between parody and bullying.” She po...

  2025 Masters Prize Money Breakdown: How Much Every Player Earned The 2025 Masters Tournament saw Rory McIlroy finally achieve his lifelong goal of securing a green jacket, completing the prestigious career Grand Slam. The event not only delivered a thrilling finish but also marked a milestone with its record-breaking purse of $21 million. As the victor, McIlroy was awarded a staggering $4.2 million, the largest payout in Masters history. The runner-up, Justin Rose, earned $2.268 million, while third-place finisher Patrick Reed walked away with $1.428 million. The prize money distribution for the top finishers was as follows: Rory McIlroy – $4.2 million Justin Rose – $2.268 million Patrick Reed – $1.428 million Jordan Spieth – $1.2 million Jon Rahm – $1.1 million Scottie Scheffler – $1 million Dustin Johnson – $900,000 Brooks Koepka – $800,000 Collin Morikawa – $700,000 Bryson DeChambeau – $600,000 In addition to the top finishers, the...

  Arson Attack on Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence: Suspect Arrested and Charged A shocking arson attack on the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has sent shockwaves through the state. The incident occurred in the early hours of April 13, 2025, when a fire was deliberately set at the governor's mansion in Harrisburg. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as Governor Shapiro and his family, along with any guests, were evacuated safely from the building. The attack, which occurred at around 2:00 a.m., was swiftly followed by the arrest of 38-year-old Cody Allen Balmer from Penbrook, Pennsylvania. Balmer has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, terrorism, arson, and aggravated assault. In his confession, Balmer expressed deep animosity toward Governor Shapiro and admitted that he intended to harm the governor, potentially using a hammer if he had encountered him during the attack. According to authorities, Balmer made his way on...

  Justin Rose Consoles Rory McIlroy After Masters Playoff Heartbreak: A Moment of Sportsmanship In a display of true sportsmanship, Justin Rose was quick to offer kind words to Rory McIlroy after the latter secured a historic victory in the 2025 Masters Tournament. Rose, who came up short in a dramatic playoff, showed nothing but class as he congratulated McIlroy on his remarkable achievement. “I just told him, ‘This is a big moment in golf history,’” Rose said, reflecting on his brief but meaningful exchange with McIlroy. “It's special to be part of this, even though I wanted to be the one to win. But Rory achieving the career Grand Slam is monumental for the game.” Rose, who had made a remarkable comeback with a final-round 66 to force the playoff, found himself in a tough battle with McIlroy. Despite his efforts, McIlroy triumphed by birdieing the first playoff hole, finally claiming the elusive green jacket that had long eluded him. While Rose may have fallen short once aga...

  Man Shot and Burned in Binduri as Tensions Spill Over from Bawku Conflict A disturbing act of violence in the Upper East Region has left the Binduri community in shock, as a man was reportedly shot dead and his body set ablaze alongside his motorcycle in what many believe is fallout from the protracted chieftaincy dispute in Bawku. Eyewitnesses reported that the victim appeared to have been ambushed, though the full circumstances remain under investigation. Graphic evidence from the scene shows what seems to be an armed individual near the lifeless body, sparking concerns about increasing lawlessness in the area. After being shot, the man’s body and his motorcycle were dragged into dry grass and set on fire — a brutal act that underscores the escalating tension in the region. The violent incident comes on the heels of a high-level visit from Commissioner of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who was recently in the area to assess the situation following unrest in Bawku. That earl...

  Four Suspected Highway Robbers Fatally Shot by Police in Ashanti Region Standoff A swift intervention by the Ghana Police Service ended in a deadly confrontation on the Bekwai-Fomena highway in the Ashanti Region, where four suspected armed robbers were fatally shot during a gun battle with officers. The incident occurred on Saturday, April 13, 2025, after police received multiple emergency calls reporting a robbery in progress on the busy highway. According to preliminary reports, the suspects had mounted a blockade and were in the process of robbing commuters when security forces intervened. Upon arrival, the police team was met with gunfire, prompting a fierce exchange. Four of the suspects were shot and killed on the spot, while two others who sustained injuries managed to flee into the surrounding bush. A search operation has since been launched to track down the escaped suspects. The Ashanti South Regional Police Command confirmed the incident and has launched an invest...

  President Mahama Backs Creation of National Defence University to Strengthen Ghana’s Security Sector In a significant move aimed at advancing Ghana’s national security and defense education, President John Dramani Mahama has pledged his full support for the establishment of a National Defence University by the Ghana Armed Forces. The President made this commitment during an engagement with the military, expressing confidence in the Ghana Armed Forces' capacity to lead such a transformative initiative. According to him, the creation of a National Defence University aligns with Ghana’s long-term vision to modernize the military and provide top-tier training and strategic education for defense personnel. Enhancing Local Military Capacity President Mahama emphasized that the proposed university will serve as a center of excellence for military and strategic studies in West Africa. It will not only equip Ghana’s security forces with advanced academic and tactical training but also...

  President Mahama Unveils Ambitious ‘Feed Ghana’ Programme to Revolutionize Agriculture In a bold step toward reshaping Ghana’s agricultural future, President John Dramani Mahama officially launched the "Feed Ghana" program on April 11, 2025, in Techiman, located in the Bono East Region. This transformative initiative is set to tackle long-standing issues in food production and build a more resilient, self-sufficient agricultural economy. A Cornerstone of Agricultural Transformation The Feed Ghana program forms part of the government’s broader “Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda,” aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s food systems and creating sustainable livelihoods across the agricultural value chain. At the heart of the program is a renewed focus on food security, with an emphasis on equipping farmers with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure needed to significantly boost production. President Mahama underscored the urgency of the moment, stating that it is ti...

  Prof. Ransford Gyampo Rejects CEO Privilege: Calls for Strict Use of Government Vehicles Amid Austerity Drive In a strong call for accountability and modesty in public service, Prof. Ransford Yaw Gyampo, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), has declared that government vehicles should be used strictly for official duties. His comments come in the wake of Ghana’s ongoing austerity drive and public criticism over the misuse of state resources by public officials. A “Commonsensical” Approach to Leadership Speaking to Joy News, Prof. Gyampo emphasized his practical, no-frills approach to leadership, stating that he personally uses his own car for personal engagements such as church, weddings, and funerals. “Government vehicles must only be used for government business,” he asserted, noting that he had been provided with an older vehicle, which he uses solely for commuting to and from work. Austerity Measures in Action Prof. Gyampo’s ...