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 NIS to Deliver Passports Within One Week, Scales Up Production Capacity to 4,000–5,000 Daily The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) plans to deliver passports to Nigerians within one week, following the centralisation of passport production for the first time in 62 years. Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on Thursday during an inspection of the new Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja. “The project is 100 per cent ready. Nigeria can now be more productive and efficient in delivering passport services,” Tunji-Ojo said. He explained that old machines could only produce 250 to 300 passports daily, but the new system had a capacity of 4,500 to 5,000 passports every day. “With this, NIS can now meet daily demands within just four to five hours of operation,” he added, describing it as a game-changer for passport processing in Nigeria. “We promised two-week delivery, and we’re now pushing for one week. “Automation and opti...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU TO VISIT KADUNA STATE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Friday, September 19, for Kaduna, the capital of Kaduna State. President Tinubu will attend the wedding ceremony between Nasirudeen Yari and Safiyya Shehu Idris during the visit.  Nasirudeen is the son of the senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari. President Tinubu will also pay a courtesy visit to Aisha, the widow of the late former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, at the family residence in Kaduna.   The President will return to Abuja on the same day after the visit.  Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) September 18, 2025

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE NIGERIA READY TO HOST  AFRICA'S FIRST COMMONWEALTH GAMES IN 2030- PRESIDENT TINUBU ASSURES‎  ‎Nigeria took a significant step towards hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, as it welcomed the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to Abuja on Thursday.‎ ‎ President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, formally received the delegation at the Presidential Villa.‎ ‎ President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to hosting an inclusive, diverse, and world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games on African soil.‎ ‎ Gbajabiamila and a strong federal government team of Ministers and senior government officials held strategic talks with the delegation led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport, and a member of the 2030 Evaluation Committee.   ‎ President Tinubu emphasised that the Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves its moment after nearly a century.‎ ‎Afr...

 Albania’s AI Minister Diella Addresses Parliament Amid Controversy Albania’s groundbreaking AI-generated minister, Diella, addressed parliament for the first time on Thursday, September 18, 2025, defending its role in governance. Appointed last week by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Diella—meaning “sun” in Albanian—appeared as a video projection of a woman in traditional Albanian attire, stating it is “not here to replace people, but to help them.” Diella, launched in January as a virtual assistant for the e-Albania platform, was entrusted with overseeing public tenders to ensure “100 percent corruption-free” processes and full transparency of public funds, according to Rama. The AI’s appointment comes as Albania, ranked 80th out of 180 in Transparency International’s corruption index, seeks to strengthen its anti-corruption measures in its bid to join the European Union by 2030. Addressing constitutional concerns raised by critics, Diella said, “Some have called me ‘unconstitutional’ b...

 Kaduna Flood: Body Of Missing 3-Year-Old Recovered In Zaria  The remains of a 3-year-old girl, Haneefa, swept away by floodwaters in Zaria, Kaduna State, have been found. Haneefa went missing after torrential rainfall on September 8 caused severe flooding in Tudun Jukun, Zaria, which also claimed the lives of her siblings. In a statement, Abdulmumin Adamu of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Zaria Division, confirmed that her body was recovered on Sunday morning at Gangaren Kasan Killaco, Gyallesu, Zaria. “This recovery brings closure to the search and confirms that all the flood victims are now accounted for,” he said. The flood, which struck Tukur Tukur Ward, killed two students: Fatima Sani Danmarke, of the School of Basic and Remedial Studies Funtua, and Yusuf Surajo (popularly known as Abba).  Haneefa, who had been carried on the back of her sister Fatima, had been missing since the incident. Speaking on the recovery, Haneefa’s grandfather, Mallam Suleiman of Layin Ad...

 Gauteng taxi boss gunned down on Soweto Highway A well-known Gauteng taxi association leader, Thani Moyo, has been shot dead in a brazen attack on the Soweto Highway. Moyo was travelling in his vehicle on Wednesday afternoon when unknown gunmen opened fire, fatally wounding him. He died on the scene before emergency services could arrive. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the incident, saying the motive for the shooting is not yet known but investigations are underway. “Police have opened a case of murder following the shooting of a 47-year-old man who was travelling along the Soweto Highway. At this stage, the suspects are unknown, and the motive cannot be confirmed. We are appealing to anyone with information to come forward,” Masondo said. The killing has sent shockwaves through the taxi industry, which has been plagued by violent power struggles over routes and leadership positions. Moyo was a prominent figure in Gauteng’s taxi sector, often mediating disput...

 IMPLEMENTATION OF 2025 BUDGET CAPITAL COMPONENT TO COMMENCE The National assembly joint committee on appropriations has reached an agreement with the national economic team on the immediate commencement of implementation of the capital component of the 2025 budget. At a meeting Thursday afternoon which resolved into closed door, both sides also affirmed earlier commitment during a meeting between the House of Representatives appropriation committee and the economic team that the circular issued by the federal government on the award of contract be withdrawn. Those in attendance at the meeting are the chairmen of the Senate and House committee on appropriation, Senator Adeola Olamilekan and Representative Abubakar Bichi. Also in attendance are the minister of finance wale edun, minister of Budget,  Atiku Bagudu, Accountant General of the Federation, Shamseldin Ogunjimi and the Director General Budget Office Tanimu Yakubu among others. Details on discussions will be communicate...

 24th FIFA U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles begin training in Santiago Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, had their first training session in Santiago, Chile on Wednesday evening at Cancha Liga Training Pitch. The session, which lasted for 2 hours, was supervised by head coach Aliyu Zubair. This comes after a recovery session in the morning at the team's base, Le Meridien Hotel. The Flying Eagles were scheduled to continue training on Thursday in their build-up ahead of the friendly game against Chile U20 team on Saturday, 20th September.  They will also play against the Australia U20 team on Tuesday, 23rd September.

 FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ABUJA. PRESS RELEASE:  FG, STATES, LGCs SHARE N2.225 TRILLION FROM A GROSS TOTAL OF N3.635 TRILLION FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2025 The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), at its September 2025 meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, shared a total sum of N2.225 Trillion to the three tiers of government as Federation Allocation for the month of August 2025 from a gross total of N3.635 Trillion. From the stated amount inclusive of Gross Statutory Revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and Exchange Difference, the Federal Government received N810.047 Billion, the States received N709.831 Billion, the Local Government Councils got N522.228 Billion, while the Oil Producing States received N183.012 Billion as Derivation, (13% of Mineral Revenue). The sum of N124.839 Billion was given for the cost of collection, while N1.285 Trillion was alloca...

 Champions League not a learning curve for Chelsea - Palmer Cole Palmer says Chelsea do not see this season's Champions League campaign as a "learning curve" - because they want to be competitive in it straight away. Enzo Maresca's side were second-best as they lost 3-1 to a more experienced Bayern Munich side at Allianz Arena on Wednesday. It was Chelsea's first appearance in the Champions League since April 2023 - and the match suggested a young team will need to reflect on what it takes to succeed at that level. But head coach Maresca suggested his side can take plenty from the defeat and "build something special" - while forward Palmer has dismissed the idea that they can't do that quickly. "We are not coming here for it to be a learning curve," the England international said. "We have shown tonight we want to compete and we want to do as best as we can." Chelsea won the Club World Cup in July, beating Paris St-Germain in New ...

 Alleged $6bn Mambilla Project Fraud: EFCC Re-arraigns Agunloye on Amended Charge The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, September 18, 2025 re-arraigned the former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja. He was re-arraigned on amended seven-count charge, bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla Power Project contract to the tune of $6billion (Six Billion US Dollars). Count one reads: “That you, Olu Agunloye, whilst being the Minister of Power and Steel on or about the 2nd of May, 2003 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, knowingly disobeyed the directive of the President, made in the Federal Executive Council meeting of 21st May 2003, directed at you pursuant to the Presidents’ powers under Section 5(1) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) when you signed a letter addressed to Sunrise Powe...

 EFCC Arraigns Man for $500,000 Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Ndubisi Kenechukwu Ugonna before Justice E. Okpe of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gudu, Abuja for fraud. Ugonna was arraigned on a one-count charge, bordering on advance fee fraud and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of $500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars). The charge against him reads: “That you Ndubisi Kenechukwu Ugonna sometime in 2020 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtain the total sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars (500,000.00 USD) from one Kofoworola Olagunju under the false pretence that you had capacity to invest in global security on his behalf and that the investment business was genuine which pretence you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) off the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable ...

 Edo Court Jails 10 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of 10 internet fraudsters before Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City. The convicts are: Okoro Emmanuel, Billwise James Dikoru, Enoma Osasumwen, Samson Festus, Godspower Afolorunikon, Omonle Godwin Damien, Sunday Uanseoje, Sylvester Iziren Udu, Ani Emmanuel Chucks and Amilegbe Saviour They were prosecuted on separate one-count charges, bordering impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Okoro Emmanuel reads: "That you Okoro Emmanuel (m) on or about the 10th of September, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, on your iPhone 11 with IMEI Number 356867116691538, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained a false p...

“Light and darkness have nothing in common” — Actress Eucharia Anunobi warns believers against marrying unbelievers Nollywood actress and preacher Eucharia Anunobi has sent out a stern message to Christians who are considering relationships or marriage with unbelievers. In a video message, the actress asked why anyone in ministry would even think of going on life’s journey with someone who doesn’t share the same faith. According to her, “Those kisses, those hugs, those caresses with an unbeliever… there will be a waterloo. Some of you are already engaging in activities of the other room and yet you are in ministry. You think being with an unbeliever will make your marriage sweet? You will be most miserable.” Eucharia went on to stress that carnality can never replace spirituality, warning that along the way, the unbelieving partner could turn into the very “weapon fashioned against” the believer. Quoting Amos 3:3 — “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” — she reminded her audie...

 RE: VIRAL VIDEO OF STUDENTS ENGAGING IN ILLICIT BEHAVIOUR IN DORMITORY The attention of the State Government has been drawn to a disturbing video currently circulating on social media. The video shows a group of students, presumed to be from Excel College, Ejigbo, engaging in acts of smoking and consumption of alcohol within what appears to be a dormitory setting. The State Government views this incident with the utmost seriousness, as it goes against the core values and behavioural standards expected within the educational system of Lagos State. We wish to inform the public that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MBSE), via the relevant agency, Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), is fully aware of the content of the video and has commenced a thorough investigation into the matter. Our Monitoring and Investigation team has been dispatched to verify the authenticity of the video, confirm the identities of those involved, and determine the level of institutiona...

 LAGOS FIRE OUTBREAK: SANWO-OLU SYMPATHISES WITH VICTIMS, ASSURES OF GOVT COMMITMENT TOWARDS SAFETY Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sympathised with immediate families, organisations and Lagosians who lost their loved ones and goods in Tuesday’s fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street in the Lagos Island area of the State. The Governor who described the fire outbreak as unfortunate, said he is shocked by the ugly incident that claimed the lives of people and the destruction of properties.  Governor Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the management and staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital PLC, a financial and investment services firm, who lost four and six staff members, respectively, in the fire incident. The Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the Governor, on behalf of the Lagos State Government, genuinely ...

 LASG SET TO COMMENCE STATEWIDE ENUMERATION OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has announced the commencement of a comprehensive statewide enumeration of private schools. This initiative was unveiled on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the OEQA Conference Room by  the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul as approved by the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun. He said the exercise is designed to establish a robust database of all private schools operating in the state. “This enumeration is not merely a counting exercise; it is a strategic initiative to provide accurate, current, and comprehensive information about private schools across Lagos State. The data will guide policy formulation, resource allocation, and sector-wide planning,” Abdul added. The Coordinating Director explained that the exercise is aimed at generating accura...

 ANAMBRA SECURITY:  POLICE ARRESTS ANOTHER TEN SUSPECTED CULTISTS, RECOVER FIREARM AND AMMUNITION The Anambra State Police Command in its ongoing onslaught against cultism and violent crimes, through Police Operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS) Enugu ukwu in the early hours of today 18th September, 2025 acting on credible intelligence, stormed the residence of Ndefoh Chijoke ‘M’, aged 23 years in Ogbunike village, Oyi local government, a strong member of the Aye Confraternity (Black Axe), who was sighted in the company of other suspected cultists. Upon a search of him, an Ontario CA American-made pistol with one live round of ammunition was recovered from the suspect.  Also, in a follow-up on the information obtained on the spot from the suspect, 9 (Nine) other suspects were arrested. They include: Obuh Onyedika ‘M’ 27yrs, Obuh Confidence ‘M’ 19yrs, Mbanusi Nnaemeka ‘M’ 22yrs, Godwin Udebeh ‘M’ 31yrs, Chizoba Onuake ‘M’ 19yrs, Ohazunike Martins ‘M’...

 Bad Bunny leads Latin Grammy Awards with most nominations Bad Bunny leads this year’s Latin Grammy nominations with 12 nods. The artist’s songs “DTmF” and “Baile Inolvidable” are contenders for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, while his album Debi Tirar Mas Fotos is up for Album of the Year. Following him are Edgar Barrera and Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, each with 10 nominations. The 26th annual Latin Grammy Awards will air Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. EST from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. TelevisaUnivision executive Ignacio Meyer described the event as a showcase of “extraordinary talent in Latin music” and a spotlight on artists shaping culture in the U.S. and globally. Other albums nominated for Album of the Year include Cosa Nuestra by Rauw Alejandro, Papota by Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, Raices by Gloria Estefan, Punito De Yocahu by Vicente Garcia, Al Roper la Burbuja by Joaquina, Cancionera by Natalia Lafourcade, Caju by Liniker, and En Las Nubes - Con Mis Panas by ...

 Boeing and Honeywell sued by families of Air India crash victims The families of four passengers who died in the June crash of Air India Flight 171 have filed a lawsuit against Boeing and Honeywell, alleging negligence and a faulty fuel cutoff switch contributed to the accident that killed 260 people. Flight 171 went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London on June 12. In a complaint filed Tuesday in Delaware Superior Court, the plaintiffs claim the locking mechanism for the switch on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner could disengage or be missing, potentially cutting off fuel supply and causing loss of thrust during takeoff. The suit alleges Boeing and Honeywell, which installed and manufactured the switch, were aware of the risk, particularly after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning in 2018 about disengaged locking mechanisms on several Boeing aircraft. The complaint states that placing the switch directly behind the thrust levers meant “norm...

 Judge criticizes ICE for using ‘cherry-picked’ data to mask poor conditions at Manhattan detention center Federal authorities provided “flawed and likely misleading” statistics to make conditions at a Manhattan detention facility appear better than they were, a federal judge ruled Wednesday. In an 84-page decision, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan expanded on a prior order requiring improvements at 26 Federal Plaza, rejecting the government’s claims that conditions were improving without court oversight. Kaplan, a Bill Clinton appointee, wrote that officials appeared to cherry-pick data to present the facility in the best possible light. Detainees at 26 Federal Plaza, a makeshift jail on the 10th floor of the federal building, reported squalid and overcrowded conditions. In court filings, one 20-year-old woman said she was denied feminine hygiene products and forced to wear blood-soaked clothing during her period. Other detainees described malnutrition, extreme dehydration, and co...

Army veteran pleads not guilty to federal charges after burning American flag near White House  An Army veteran pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal charges after setting fire to an American flag near the White House in protest of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on flag burning. Jan Carey, 54, of Arden, North Carolina, faces two misdemeanor counts related to lighting a fire in an undesignated area and causing damage to property or park resources, rather than the act of burning the flag itself. Carey appeared in court for his arraignment, and Chief Judge James Boasberg set an Oct. 17 deadline for his lawyers to file a motion to dismiss the case on constitutional grounds. Carey is scheduled to return to court for a status hearing on Dec. 1. Carey was arrested on Aug. 25 after burning the flag in Lafayette Park, which is managed by the National Park Service. The protest came shortly after Trump signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to investigat...

 Alexei Navalny’s widow says tests confirm he was poisoned in prison Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in a Russian prison in February 2024, was poisoned, his widow Yulia Navalnaya said Wednesday. Navalnaya shared images of his prison cell showing vomit on the floor on the day he died, along with video clips from a court appearance days earlier in which he appeared healthy. At the end of a 15-minute video, she revealed that her team had obtained smuggled biological samples from Navalny’s body, and two independent laboratories in separate countries had confirmed he had been poisoned. She did not specify the type of poison or the countries of the labs. “Labs in at least two countries examined these samples independently of each other. And these laboratories, in two different countries, reached the same conclusion: Alexei was killed — more specifically, he was poisoned,” Navalnaya said. Navalny had been imprisoned in 2021 after returning to Russia from Germany, where ...

 Ozzy Osbourne documentary to debut on Paramount+ Oct. 7 Paramount+ will release Ozzy: No Escape From Now, a documentary on the late rocker Ozzy Osbourne, on Oct. 7. The film features commentary from Ozzy and his family, including his children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack. They discuss the impact of the fall that forced him to cancel his farewell tour, while his wife, Sharon Osbourne, details his struggles with depression. Originally not intended as a posthumous project, the documentary now serves as a tribute to Ozzy’s courage, humor, determination, and talent, highlighting why he remains an icon to millions worldwide. The film also includes appearances from musicians such as Tony Iommi, Duff McKagan, Slash, Robert Trujillo, James Hetfield, Billy Idol, Maynard James Keenan, Chad Smith, Zakk Wylde, Andrew Watt, Billy Morrison, Tom Morello, Mike Inez, and Billy Corgan. Osbourne, who rose to fame as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, passed away in July at age 76.

 Mark Zuckerberg reveals $799 Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the $799 Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses on Wednesday, marking the social media company’s first consumer-ready smart glasses with an integrated digital display. The glasses feature a small high-resolution screen that can be controlled via hand gestures using a Meta Neural Band wristband powered by EMG technology. The new device bridges Meta’s audio-only Ray-Ban smart glasses and the experimental Orion augmented reality glasses, which overlay 3D visuals onto a person’s real-world view but remain costly and unavailable to consumers. The Ray-Ban Display glasses allow users to watch videos or view and respond to text messages without obstructing their view, with the display disappearing when not in use. The glasses go on sale in the U.S. on Sept. 30. Meta has been collaborating with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica on smart glasses since 2019 and renewed the partnership last year. Alongside the Ray-Ban Display...

 Disney and National Women’s Soccer League double number of games in expanded media rights deal ESPN and the National Women’s Soccer League have expanded their media rights agreement, increasing the network’s coverage for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The supplemental deal will add 16 more regular-season games per year on ABC and ESPN, raising the total number of NWSL matches broadcast on Disney networks from 17 to 33 each season. It also introduces the league’s “Match of the Week” series on ABC or ESPN and will air all NWSL Decision Day games live, featuring eight matches played simultaneously on the final day of the season. All games will be available through the ESPN app, the network’s direct-to-consumer service, and traditional pay-TV providers. The agreement builds on the four-year media rights deal originally announced in 2023, under which ABC and ESPN continue to present the league playoffs, including two quarterfinals and one semifinal match. NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman h...

 Brazil passes new law requiring age verification for minors online Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday signed a new law aimed at protecting children and adolescents from harmful digital content, covering social media, online games, and other digital services. The legislation, commonly called the “Adultization Bill” or “Digital ECA,” updates Brazil’s 1990 law guaranteeing minors’ rights and will take effect in 180 days. In his announcement, Lula described the law as a step toward Brazil’s digital sovereignty, welcoming foreign companies that comply with national rules. He criticized Big Tech for failing to self-regulate, stressed the need for stronger protections for children, and issued a provisional decree granting autonomy to the National Data Protection Authority. The law requires digital platforms to adopt safeguards, limit data collection from minors, and impose penalties for violations. Companies must prevent exposure to illegal or inappropriate conten...

  Trump announces plans to label antifa as 'major terrorist organization' President Trump announced Thursday that he is designating the anti-fascist movement antifa as a terrorist organization, posting the declaration on Truth Social during his state visit to the United Kingdom. In the post, Trump described antifa as “a sick, dangerous, radical left disaster” and said he is formally labeling it a “major terrorist organization.” He also said he plans to push for investigations into individuals or groups funding antifa, calling for scrutiny “in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.” Antifa is a decentralized, leaderless movement opposed to fascism, often associated with far-left activism. While some participants have engaged in violence or vandalism at protests, research from the Anti-Defamation League notes that such actions are not representative of the movement as a whole. Because there is no central organization, it is unclear how many people actively ide...

 Visitor dies after collapsing on roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe  A tragic incident occurred at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park in Florida on Wednesday night when a guest became unresponsive during a ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster and later died at the hospital. Park officials confirmed the death in a statement but did not release the guest’s name. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported the guest to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Universal Orlando Resorts expressed condolences to the victim’s family and said the park is fully cooperating with investigators. The Stardust Racers ride has been temporarily closed as a precaution while the Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigates the circumstances surrounding the death. The sheriff’s office has not yet released additional details.

Mario Lopez set to host Daytime Emmy Awards on Oct. 17 Actor and television host Mario Lopez will serve as the host for the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. The ceremony, honoring excellence in daytime television, is scheduled for Oct. 17 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California. The full event will be live-streamed on the Emmys website and app, with highlights airing later on Access Hollywood. In the week leading up to the awards, the entertainment program will feature nightly behind-the-scenes segments showcasing the preparations for the gala. Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS, praised Lopez, saying he brings “the perfect blend of energy, familiarity, and star power” to the stage. The ceremony will also honor this year’s Gold and Silver Circle recipients, recognizing television professionals whose work has significantly shaped daytime storytelling. General Hospital actress Jane Elliott will be inducted into the Gold Circle, while Star Jones, along with soap stars Kate Lind...

 Dolly Parton misses Dollywood event due to infected kidney stone Country music icon Dolly Parton was unable to attend a Dollywood event in Tennessee on Wednesday due to an infected kidney stone. The 79-year-old singer was scheduled to help unveil a new ride, Night Flight, at her theme park, but instead appeared via video to explain her absence. "I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problems," Parton said. "It turned out it gave me an infection, and the doctor said, 'You don't need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better.' So, he suggested I not go to Dollywood today, but I'm there with you in spirit." In addition to her theme park involvement, Parton announced in June that she will begin a Las Vegas residency this December, her first in over 30 years. She also has a new book, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage, scheduled for release in November.

 Jonas Brothers set to return for Camp Rock 3 TV movie Fraternal pop trio Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas are reprising their roles for a new Camp Rock 3 TV movie. The Jonas Brothers are also serving as producers on the Disney+/Disney Channel project alongside singer-songwriter Demi Lovato. Filming is currently underway in Vancouver, with the cast set to include Liamani Segura, Malachi Barton, Lumi Pollack, Hudson Stone, Casey Trotter, Brooklynn Pitts, and Ava Jean. The movie continues the story from 2008’s Camp Rock and 2010’s Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, both of which also starred the Jonas Brothers and Lovato.

 Factions trade accusations as battle for control of Adamawa ADC persists The leadership crisis within the Adamawa State chapter of African Democratic Congress, ADC, has taken a new turn with a leading stakeholder, Comrade Umar Yakub, condemning the faction led by Shehu Yohanna for rejecting a four-man reconciliation committee constituted to address the party’s internal contentions. ‎The ADC family in Adamawa State began to fall apart in July this year when prominent politicians started to step into the party. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led the entrance of high profile persons into the party when he officially resigned from the PDP. Atiku was quickly followed by the 2023 governorship candidate of the APC, Senator Aishatu Ahmed (Binani), and then Adamawa State governor in 2015-2019, Senator Jibrilla Bindow. The swelling of the ranks of the ADC by these prominent individuals and their supporters has also led to a contest for relevance in the party, hence the friction that h...

 FG to boost fertiliser supply chain The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) said it is advancing efforts to secure a resilient and uninterrupted supply of fertiliser to Nigerian farmers, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for food sovereignty. A statement by its Executive Director, Portfolio, Tajudeen Ahmed, said the initiative has entered a new phase, PFI 3.0, as it lays the foundation for a stable supply of raw materials to blending plants, with the ultimate goal of making Nigeria self-sufficient in crop production for both food and industrial uses. “As of September 2025, more raw materials have already been supplied or ordered than the total supplied in 2024, and additional arrangements have been concluded with fertilizer raw material manufacturers to stock warehouses nationwide. Blenders will have access to as much material as their production capacity can support. This is backed by verifiable data and a proven track record by the PFI, bolstering confidence among...