PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 EFCC Arraigns  Fake Contractor for N111m Fraud in Kaduna The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Bashir Bello Ibrahim, a former Kaduna State government contractor and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Formal Act Legacy Limited before Justice A. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna for fraud. He was arraigned on a seven-count charge, bordering on obtaining money by false pretences, advance fee fraud and money laundering.  One of the charges reads: “That you Bashir Ibrahim Bello (being Managing Director of Formal Act Legacy Limited) and Formal Act Legacy Limited sometime in the month of July, 2024 at Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria conspired between yourselves to commit a felony, to wit: obtaining the sum of N37,300,000 (Thirty Seven Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira only) under false pretence, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a)...

 Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.  Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.  The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.  Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it. Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths.  Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on ...

 POLICE ARREST, PROSECUTES MASQUERADE LEADER, ONE OTHER FOR PUBLIC DISTURBANCE, ARMED BLOCKADE, AND EXTORTION The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two individuals, including the leader of a masquerade cultural group for a series of criminal activities including illegal assembly, armed blockage of a public highway, and extortion. The arrest followed a distress call received from a concerned citizen (name withheld) reporting the illegal display of a masquerade cultural group that was attacking citizens, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from members of the public passing through the route. According to the information from the distress call, the perpetrators, armed with sphere arrows, machetes, sticks, and other weapons, were also physically assaulting members of the public, including NYSC members.  Investigation revealed that the leader of the "Ekpo" masquerade in the village, one Uwem Umanah 'M' aged 45 years, had authorized members of the  gro...

Governor Soludo Congratulates Igwe Orizu Of Nnewi As He Clocks 100 Years The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has celebrated and congratulated His Royal Majesty, Dr Kenneth Onyeneke Nnaji Orizu III, CON, JP, the Igwe of Nnewi, on the occasion of his remarkable 100th birthday. In his congratulatory remarks, contained in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo stated “that this significant centenary milestone in the life of Igwe Orizu III is a historic achievement which gladdens the heart and stirs admiration for a long-reigning monarch with undiminished vigour, wisdom, exceptional leadership, and dedication to the service of his people. Reaching the age of 100 years, the Governor noted, is an extraordinary feat that symbolises divine favour, resilience, and the blessing of longevity. “What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that His Royal Majesty has retained all his mental and physical faculties, continuing to ...

 Anioma leaders reject Nwoko’s bill joining Anioma people with South East. Njiko AniomaOshimili, mouthpiece of Aniocha and Oshimili people of Delta State has rejected the proposed bill of Anioma State and its regional affiliation with South East by Senator Ned Nwoko. The leaders and stakeholders from the Aniocha and Oshimili areas rejected the proposal, describing the move as “a distortion of history and a betrayal of Anioma’s distinct identity.” In a Communiqué on the proposed Anioma State and Its regional affiliation, sign by one of the leaders , Dr. Okey Okonta, he explained, that,”we, the Aniocha and Oshimili people, speak out unequivocally against Senator Ned Nwoko’s bill proposing Anioma State as the sixth state in the South East geopolitical zone. “This stance betrays Anioma’s distinct identity, historical trajectory, and the vision of our past leaders like Senator (Obi) Nosike Ikpo, who represented Bendel East in the Nigerian Senate, and His Excellency Rt. Hon. Dennis Osade...

 Nnamdi Kanu has constitutional right to agitate for self-determination- Leader of Hausa community Amawbia, Anambra  The Sarkin Hausawa of Amawbia community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Alhaji Mahmud Sani, has stated that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has a constitutional right to agitate for self-determination, provided he does so peacefully and within the law. Speaking with journalists in Amawbia near Awka on Thursday, Alhaji Sani said that detaining or prosecuting Kanu solely for advocating self-determination would amount to a violation of his fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, unless violence was involved in the process. According to him; “There is nothing wrong constitutionally for anyone to agitate for self-determination. It is, however, left for his fellow Southeasterners to either support him or not. From my observation, the problem he is facing seems to stem from the fact t...

 Umahi Joins Governor Otti to inspect Construction of Federal Road that are in partnership Abia State Government for construction and rehabilitation  The Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, on Friday inspected several federal roads that are under construction and rehabilitation in Abia State. Umahi commended Governor Otti’s proactive approach to fixing dilapidated federal roads, describing him as a leader focused on the needs of his people rather than partisan considerations. The Governor of Abia expressed his gratefulness to the Minister of Works for the  commendation of his  administration's commitment to infrastructure, and the  collaborative synergy with the Federal Government under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.  Otti mentioned that The  partnership between Federal Government and Abia State Government has already yielded approvals for key Federal roads in Abia State, including: - Umuahia-Ikot...

 An extensive emergency manhunt is underway for a 24-year-old North Carolina man accused of taking his grandmother's life before stabbing a deputy and fleeing on foot. Residents of Eastern North Carolina are on edge this Halloween with a real-life boogeyman on the loose. The Sheriff of Craven has asked residents to "lay low" this Halloween (tonight) as the wanted man might try to blend in and hurt someone else taking part in Halloween festivities, including trick or treating. There have been a number of cancelations and closings, including the West Craven High-School Fall Fest, which was scheduled for Halloween night. Most area schools have been closed since Thursday, with students utilizing remote learning.  All of this is in relation to one 24-year-old man who has managed to elude law enforcement since October 25th, although he had a close call on Wednesday, which resulted in a deputy being stabbed at a Bojangles restaurant.  This all began when Craven County Deputies w...

 LAWMA TRAINS HEALTHCARE WASTE SUPERVISORS ON CUSTOMER CARE RELATIONS The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), today, organised a one-day training for its Healthcare Waste Supervisors on Customer Care Relations, in a bid to enhance communication and service delivery within its operations. The training, which took place at LAWMA Headquarters, Ijora-Olopa, focused on equipping supervisors with essential skills to improve communication, customer management, and complaint handling, while ensuring strict compliance with healthcare waste procedures and best practices. Declaring the session open, Mrs. Mojisola Adeleye welcomed all PSP supervisors to what she described as a maiden training session, noting that it was the first of its kind. She emphasised that effective communication between psp supervisors, LAWMA teams, and clients was key to maintaining high service standards across healthcare waste operations in Lagos State. Participants were taken through practical sessions and dis...

 Kenya landslide: At least 13 killed as rescue work continues At least 13 people were killed in western Kenya's Rift Valley in a landslide early on Saturday morning following heavy rains, the police said. Nineteen people have been rescued and an unknown number are still missing, Elgeyo-Marakwet County police commander Peter Mulinge told Reuters. Kenya's interior minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, said in a statement that military and police helicopters had been deployed to assist with the rescue efforts. Hundreds of people have been killed in recent years in landslides and flooding in Kenya, with scientists saying climate change is causing more intense and frequent extreme weather events. In the worst incident last year, 61 people were killed in a mudslide and flash floods in central Kenya. Landslides in the east of neighbouring Uganda have also killed at least 13 people this week, according to the Uganda Red Cross.

 U.S. Issues Stark Travel Warning for Niger Amid Security Threats The United States Department of State on Friday urged American citizens to avoid all travel to the Republic of Niger, citing a perilous mix of rampant crime, civil unrest, terrorism, health risks, and widespread kidnapping. The Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory highlights Niger's volatile security landscape, where armed groups operate  in vast regions, and kidnappings targeting foreigners remain a grave concern. U.S. officials recommend that any Americans currently in Niger depart immediately using commercial options while they remain available.  The advisory underscores ongoing challenges in the Sahel nation, which has grappled with jihadist insurgencies and political instability since a 2023 military coup.

 House Probes Excessive Tax Deductions From Civil Servants And Multiple Banks Charges The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into excessive deduction of taxes and sundry charges from the earnings of civil and public servants.  The House Ad-hoc Committee set up for the probe will also investigate multiple bank charges imposed on customers' accounts across the country.  Lawmakers, at an inaugural sitting, say the investigation has become imperative arising from numerous complaints received from civil servants and other citizens about inconsistencies in bank charges and tax deductions.  The House of Representatives is assuring Nigerians that it will ensure that financial practices whether in government or banking institutions align with principles of justice and equity.

 WHO Warns of Surging Mpox Spread Across Africa and Beyond The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a strong warning about the escalating transmission of mpox, with 17 African nations reporting active cases over the past six weeks.  WHO in a statement said from September 14 to October 19, the agency documented 2,862 confirmed infections and 17 deaths. Formerly known as monkeypox, the virus has now emerged for the first time in Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, marking its expanding footprint outside Africa. In its latest assessment, the WHO calls for intensified monitoring, broader vaccine distribution, and robust infection prevention measures to halt the virus's entrenchment.  As mpox advances quietly yet persistently, international leaders face a critical juncture: effective containment demands a swift, unified response.

 KEBBI POLICE DEPLOYS TACTICAL UNITS, MILITARY AND VIGILANTES TO RESCUE KIDNAPPED DEPUTY SPEAKER The Kebbi State Police Command says it has deployed tactical units to join military personnel, and vigilantes for a joint search and rescue operation following the abduction of the Deputy Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Sama’ila Bagudo. In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the incident occurred on Friday night, October 31, 2025, at about 8:20 p.m., when a gang of armed bandits attacked Bagudo town in Bagudo Local Government Area and kidnapped the Deputy Speaker shortly after observing the Isha’i prayers on his way home. Upon receiving the report, the Police Command swiftly mobilized a combined team of tactical operatives, military personnel, and local vigilantes, who are currently combing the bandits’ escape routes and surrounding forests with the aim of rescuing the lawmaker unhurt and apprehending the perpetrators. The Commissione...

 How I spent N756m during Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign – MC Oluomo The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, has narrated how he spent over N756 million to campaign for President Bola Tinubu in 2023. MC Oluomo disclosed that the fund came from his personal pocket, adding that he never received any assistance “from Abuja” during the campaign era. In a viral video circulating on social media, MC Oluomo said he paid for hotel accommodations, logistics, and daily expenses for Nollywood actors, actresses and others during the campaign period. Oluomo, a long time ally of Tinubu, revealed how he booked 140 hotel rooms at N45,000 per night for four months, in addition to daily stipends for those working on the campaign. “I spent N756 million of my own money during the campaign. Nobody from Abuja gave me a dime. I paid for hotels and took care of everyone working day and night for Asiwaju’s victory,” he said. He a...

 Police confirm abduction of Kebbi deputy speaker, begin rescue operation The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo, by suspected bandits in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state. The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday. Abubakar said the incident occurred on Friday night at about 8:20 p.m., when a gang of armed men stormed Bagudo town and kidnapped the lawmaker shortly after observing Isha’i prayer on his way home. PUNCH Online had reported late Friday that the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, said he had just received the information when contacted by our correspondent. The police spokesman said that the command had since deployed a combined team of police tactical unit, military personnel and vigilantes to track down the abductors and ensure safe rescue of the de...

 Wike group commends judgment halting PDP convention  The Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders, a group in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has commended the judgment halting the party’s national convention. BACKGROUND On Friday, a federal high court in Abuja stopped the opposition party’s planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo state. James Omotosho, the presiding judge, stated that the evidence before the court showed that the party failed to hold valid state congresses before the planned national convention as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and its own constitution.

 CP ORUTUGU DECORATES FOURTEEN NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICERS: UNVEILS RENOVATED COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HALL FACILITATED BY THE GOODWILL OF HRH OTONYE EFEBO PHD (SHIDI VII) THE AMADABO OF SHIDI-AMA IN TWON BRASS OF BAYELSA STATE The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc minps Phd, on 31st October 2025 decorated  14 (Fourteen) newly promoted officers of the Command in a brief but colorful ceremony held at the Police Headquarters, Awka. In the same event, the Commissioner of Police also unveiled the newly renovated Commissioner of Police Hall, a project graciously facilitated through the goodwill and benevolence of His Royal Highness Otonye Efebo PhD, (Shidi VII) the Amadabo of Shidi Ama Twon - Brass, Bayelsa State whose support reflects the enduring partnership between traditional institutions and the Nigeria Police Force in strengthening community-oriented policing. While congratulating the newly promoted officers, CP Orutugu urged them to see their ele...

 US President Trump declares Nigeria 'country of particular concern' over Christian 'genocide' claims US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Christianity faces an "existential threat" in Nigeria and he was adding the West African nation to a State Department watch list for countries of "particular concern." In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed thousands of Christians were being killed in Nigeria, citing a figure of 3,100 Christians killed there but without giving details on source of the information. It is a repudiation of his advisor for Africa, Mossad Bullos, who recently rejected claims that a “genocide” against Christians was taking place in Nigeria. “The United States can not stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries,” Trump said in his post. He directed US Congressman Riley Moore, together with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to immediately investigate the matter and repor...

 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja Press Release No: MFA/PR/2025/103 The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by U.S. President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.” While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully. Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people. Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts. Signed: Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja....

 Actor Jesse Eisenberg to give kidney to stranger in December   Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg announced Thursday that he will donate one of his kidneys to a stranger in an act known as an altruistic kidney donation. The 42-year-old actor, recognized for roles in The Social Network and the Now You See Me films, said the procedure is scheduled for mid-December. “I’m actually donating my kidney in six weeks,” Eisenberg said during a television interview. He explained that his decision follows years of giving blood and supporting donation efforts, calling the upcoming kidney donation “so exciting” and “essentially risk-free and so needed.” Altruistic kidney donations involve giving a kidney to someone with advanced kidney disease whom the donor does not personally know; these non-directed donations can save lives for recipients anywhere on the transplant list. Eisenberg first considered donating about a decade ago, but was unable to connect with a program at the time....

 MTV ends Ridiculousness after 14 years MTV has announced the end of "Ridiculousness," concluding one of the network’s longest-running series. Cast and crew were informed this week that the current season will be the show’s final one. The series, which went on hiatus in July and was expected to return in January, will continue airing previously produced episodes through 2026, but no new episodes will be made. Past seasons will remain available on MTV, with select seasons streaming on Paramount+. The cancellation comes as MTV seeks to refresh its programming with new formats and creative voices, following the Paramount-Skydance merger and widespread company layoffs. "Ridiculousness" premiered in 2011, hosted by Rob Dyrdek alongside Steelo Brim and Lauren "Lolo" Wood, and ran for more than 30 seasons with over 900 episodes. The clip show, known for viral internet fails and celebrity guest reactions, became a signature part of MTV’s lineup. Chanel West Coast,...

 Gervonta Davis faces lawsuit over alleged choking incident with woman Gervonta Davis is facing a lawsuit filed Thursday by a woman who claims the boxer assaulted her at a Miami strip club earlier this week. The plaintiff, Courtney Rossel, alleges that she and Davis were involved in a private relationship over the past five months, but that the relationship was marred by repeated abuse. In the Miami-Dade County court filing, Rossel claims Davis physically and verbally threatened her on multiple occasions. She said that on September 23, Davis accused her of infidelity and sent a message stating, “I’ll kill you.” The alleged assault escalated on Monday while Rossel was working as a VIP cocktail waitress at Tootsies. According to the lawsuit, around 4:15 a.m., Davis located her in a VIP lounge, forcibly dragged her through a stairway and the kitchen, and into the parking garage. There, Rossel claims he “continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck [her] in the back of the ...

 Ryan Seacrest’s father dies at 81 Ryan Seacrest has shared the sad news that his father, Gary Lee Seacrest, has passed away at the age of 81 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Seacrest announced the news on Instagram, saying his father “peacefully passed away earlier this week” and expressing comfort in knowing “he is in a better place and free of any pain or suffering.” He included family photos and concluded his message with a heartfelt tribute: “Dad, you will live in our hearts forever. I love you.” Earlier this year, Ryan had spoken publicly about his father’s private struggle with prostate cancer, recalling how difficult the journey was and sharing the moment he learned during an “American Idol” episode that his dad was in the ICU, leading to a critical conversation with doctors about his condition. Gary Seacrest is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marie Zullinger, their son Ryan, daughter Meredith Seacrest, her husband Jimmy Leach, and their daughter Flora Leach.

Ozzy Osbourne's pumpkin mosaic sets new Guinness World Record  A farm in Southampton, England, honored the legacy of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne by creating a record-breaking pumpkin mosaic in his likeness. Sunnyfields Farm arranged hundreds of pumpkins and squashes to form a 2,281-square-foot image of the “Prince of Darkness,” earning recognition from Guinness World Records for the largest cucurbita mosaic ever made. The mosaic was unveiled at a ceremony attended by Osbourne’s wife, Sharon, and daughter, Kelly. Osbourne, famed as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, passed away on July 22 at age 76.

 Grand Egyptian Museum to open after 30 years and over $1 billion in costs CAIRO, EGYPT - Egypt is preparing for the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on Saturday, welcoming dozens of foreign leaders and dignitaries to celebrate a project more than three decades in the making and costing over $1 billion. Originally budgeted at $500 million, the museum’s cost more than doubled due to delays and escalating expenses. The massive 5-million-square-foot, triangular-themed structure sits about a mile from the Giza pyramids and is now among the largest museums in the world dedicated to a single civilization, chronicling roughly 7,000 years of Egyptian history from prehistory to the end of the Greco-Roman era around 400 A.D. The museum’s design features a striking 53-foot-high Hanging Obelisk—the only one of its kind in the world—suspended over a glass floor so visitors can view its inscriptions from beneath. Visitors ascend a grand staircase of 108 steps, flanked by colossal...

China launches Shenzhou 21 with 3 taikonauts, 4 mice to rotate space station crew JIUQUAN SATELLITE LAUNCH CENTER, CHINA - China successfully launched its Shenzhou-21 spacecraft on Friday, sending a new three-person crew to the Tiangong space station for a mission centered on scientific research. The mission includes China’s youngest-ever taikonaut and, for the first time in its space program, live mammals—four mice—to study the effects of microgravity on behavior. The launch took place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China aboard a Long March-2F rocket just before midnight local time. The crew—commander Zhang Lu, along with Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang—will rotate with the Shenzhou-20 crew, which has been aboard the station since April. The new team will carry out 27 research projects spanning space life sciences, biotechnology, space medicine, materials science, microgravity fluid physics, combustion, and advanced space technologies. Alongside them, the four mice—...

 Sean 'Diddy' Combs transferred to federal prison in New Jersey  Sean "Diddy" Combs has been transferred to a federal prison in New Jersey following his conviction on prostitution-related charges in New York, according to online prison records. The music mogul is now housed at FCI Fort Dix, a federal correctional institution located on the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, northeast of Philadelphia. Online records show that as recently as Monday, Combs was at a detention center in Brooklyn. A spokesperson for Combs declined to comment on the transfer. Combs’ legal team had requested placement at FCI Fort Dix to address drug treatment needs and allow for maximum family visitation and rehabilitation, according to a letter submitted to the judge. Earlier this month, the 55-year-old was sentenced to just over four years after being convicted on two counts of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting anyone for purposes related to prostitution or other immoral a...

 UN accuses US of violating international law with deadly Caribbean and Pacific airstrikes The United Nations on Friday accused the United States of violating international human rights law through a series of airstrikes targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the operations, calling them “unacceptable” and urging Washington to immediately halt the attacks and launch an independent investigation. He said that under international law, lethal force is only justified as a last resort against individuals posing an imminent threat to life and argued that, based on available information, the people killed in the strikes did not meet that standard. Türk emphasized that even in cases involving alleged criminal activity, the U.S. is obligated to ensure due process and fair trial protections rather than resorting to extrajudicial killings. The criticism follows a series of military strikes...

Cortland, NY, students suspended for bringing BB gun to school as Halloween costume prop  Two students from Cortland Junior Senior High School were suspended Friday morning after one of them brought a BB gun to school as part of a Halloween costume, according to a statement from the district. The weapon was discovered in the student’s possession inside the school, prompting officials to alert police and notify families. The district described the incident as showing an “incredible lack of judgment” and a clear violation of school policy prohibiting weapons of any kind on campus. Police said the student who brought the BB gun did so because his costume depicted someone who had been shot. Another student, realizing the potential consequences, offered to hide the gun in his backpack for the day. A third student, unsure if the weapon was real, reported the situation to school staff. Authorities quickly located the students, and the BB gun was surrendered without incident. Both students...

 Former The View co-host Lisa Ling exits CBS News amid major Paramount layoffs Lisa Ling is among the CBS News personalities affected by the network’s recent layoffs following Paramount’s acquisition by Skydance. Ling, a former co-host of The View, shared the news on social media, noting that while she was let go, some of her reports will still air in the coming weeks. “Yesterday, I got a call from CBS that I was among the massive layoffs at the network,” Ling said in an Instagram video. “This didn’t entirely surprise me, because I wasn’t a full-time employee, but rather a contributor, and we’re easy to cut. My heart goes out to those who have been working at the network for many, many years.” She added that she was proud of the series she produced on topics including caregiving, psychedelic healing, and spirituality, and announced plans to develop a new platform focusing on intergenerational strength and healing. The layoffs affected nearly 100 CBS News staffers and included the e...

 Patricia Crowther, pioneer in modern witchcraft, dies at 97 Patricia Crowther, a trailblazer in modern witchcraft, died at her home in Sheffield, England, on Sept. 24 at the age of 97, her partner Ian Lilleyman confirmed. Crowther, a high priestess of Wicca, was widely recognized for bringing the practice of witchcraft into public awareness in England, countering long-standing misconceptions that witches practiced black magic or flew on broomsticks. Born Patricia Claire Dawson on Oct. 14, 1927, in Sheffield, she was a gifted dancer as a child, performing for Allied troops during World War II and appearing on BBC radio shows in the early 1950s. She was initiated into Wicca in 1960 by Gerald Gardner, the founder of the modern movement, in a ceremony on the Isle of Man. Three years later, Gardner named her a high priestess, making her one of the leading figures in British witchcraft alongside contemporaries such as Doreen Valiente. Crowther became a prominent advocate for Wicca, emph...

 Texas Supreme Court permits judges to decline officiating same-sex marriages AUSTIN, TEXAS - Texas judges and justices of the peace who perform weddings can now legally refuse to officiate ceremonies based on a “sincerely held religious belief” without facing disciplinary action, according to a new interpretation of the Judicial Code of Conduct from the Texas Supreme Court. The court issued the clarification on Oct. 24, stating, “It is not a violation of these canons for a judge to publicly refrain from performing a wedding ceremony based upon a sincerely held religious belief.” The update came after a federal appeals court sought guidance from the Texas Supreme Court on state law earlier this year. The inquiry stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Jack County Judge Brian Umphress, who argued that being required to officiate same-sex marriages would violate his First Amendment rights. While the state court did not formally answer the federal court’s question, the new code comment effect...

 White House to reopen public tours in December with revised route The White House announced Friday that public tours will resume in December with a “updated route” following a pause over the summer for construction on President Trump’s proposed ballroom. Tours will restart on Dec. 2, the first lady’s office said, offering visitors a chance to experience the history and architecture of the White House, coinciding with holiday decorations. Public tours are coordinated through congressional offices, with January slots to be made available to members of Congress in December. Tours were suspended in August as construction on the ballroom began. The project has included demolition of the East Wing, sparking criticism from historians, preservation groups, and critics of President Trump. Officials maintain the demolition was necessary to adjust construction plans and have emphasized that the $300 million cost will be funded by private donations. Reports indicate First Lady Melania Trump p...

 RSF 'arrests' fighters accused of mass civilian killings in Sudan's Al Fasher Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces said they had arrested several of their fighters accused of committing abuses during the capture of the city of Al Fasher, including a man identified in media reports as conducting multiple executions. The RSF, at war with the army since April 2023, seized Al Fasher -- the army's last stronghold in western Darfur -- on Sunday, after an 18-month siege. In a statement late Thursday, the RSF said it had detained several fighters accused of "violations that occurred during the liberation" of Al Fasher, including one known as Abu Lulu who appeared in multiple videos on his TikTok committing summary executions. In one clip verified by AFP, he is seen shooting unarmed men at close range. Another shows him standing among armed men near dozens of bodies and burnt vehicles. ‘Ongoing investigations’ The RSF released a video appearing to show Abu Lu...