PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 LAWMA URGES DILIGENCE IN MEDIA REPORTING AS IT CLARIFIES OPERATIONAL REALITIES The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has urged media organisations to exercise diligence and contextual accuracy in reporting on waste management operations as it clarifies the operational framework guiding solid waste collection and disposal across Lagos State. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin stated this on Friday while responding to recent media reports on waste evacuation challenges in parts of the state. He explained that routine household waste collection was executed by licensed Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators under strict regulatory supervision and performance monitoring, contrary to assertions that LAWMA was directly responsible for carting away municipal solid waste from households. “LAWMA enforces defined service benchmarks and maintenance standards while activating targeted interventions wherever performance gaps are identified....

 Rwanda to lift defensive measures if Congo meets Washington peace accord obligations: Kagame Rwanda is ready to lift its “defensive measures” related to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo if Kinshasa fulfills its obligations under the Washington peace accord, President Paul Kagame said. Kagame made the remarks while addressing diplomats accredited to Kigali at a dinner he hosted. In December, Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi signed a peace and economic agreement in Washington brokered by the US president aimed at ending violence in Congo’s restive eastern region. Under the deal, Rwanda agreed to withdraw its troops from eastern Congo as part of what the government describes as defensive measures. Both countries also pledged to stop supporting militias and non-state armed groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). Kagame told diplomats the Washington accords established a ceasefire, acknowledged each side’s security...

 Dear @officialsarahmartins  I hope you are well. My attention has been drawn to your recent activity of cooking and distributing food on the streets of Lagos. While we acknowledge and appreciate the spirit of charity and compassion behind what you are trying to do, carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations. Cooking or trading on public infrastructure poses safety, sanitation and traffic concerns.  You were previously cautioned about this same issue last year due to the understanding of it’s philanthropic intention and pleas. I would strongly advise that you desist from carrying out street cooking or similar activities in public spaces in Lagos in order to avoid apprehension and prosecution.  If you wish to continue your charitable outreach, it should be done through proper channels and in approved locations so that your efforts can support vulnerable people without violat...

 Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has stated that he will contest the 2027 presidential election, declaring that he will not be intimidated by the large number of governors belonging to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (Nigeria) in the 2023 election, said several attempts have been made to discourage him from joining the race, but he remains determined to contest. The former governor spoke on Saturday in Nimo, located in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, during an empowerment programme organised by the member representing Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, George Ozodinobi. Addressing supporters at the event, Obi painted a grim picture of the country’s situation, saying Nigeria is in a critical state and urgently needs to be rebuilt. According to him, his interest in the presidency is not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to see a functi...

 Jennifer Lopez working '13-hour days' before Vegas show to prove 'she's still on top' after painful Ben Affleck split Jennifer Lopez is preparing to make a bold statement with her upcoming Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace.  Determined to prove she remains one of the industry’s top performers, Lopez has been rehearsing tirelessly, reportedly working 13-hour days with her dancers in North Hollywood.  Sources say she wants to deliver a show that not only showcases her artistry but also reaffirms her star power, especially as Las Vegas audiences flock to newer venues like the Sphere. The residency comes at a pivotal time for Lopez, who has described herself as being in her “happy era” following her split from Ben Affleck.  In addition to the residency, she recently released a new track, “Save Me Tonight,” with David Guetta, which she says perfectly captures her current outlook.  Lopez has emphasized that the concert will be “the quintessential...

 Abia State to Establish Safety Commission for Homes, Offices, Markets and Industries – Governor Otti Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has announced that his administration will establish the Abia State Safety Commission to enforce and regulate safety standards across homes, offices, markets and industrial premises throughout the state. The governor disclosed this on Friday when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, led by its Chairman, Hon. David Idris Zakarias. Governor Otti revealed that the proposal to set up the commission had already received approval from the State Executive Council and is now awaiting legislative action by the Abia State House of Assembly for enactment and full implementation. He emphasised that creating the commission would not be enough without continuous public education and reorientation to build safety consciousness among residents. Such efforts, he said, are vital to prevent avoidable disast...

 Protest rocks Abia community over destruction of farmlands, arrest of indigenes Indigenes of Amaidi, Onuzo and Amanyanwu villages in Imobi Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA of Abia State on Friday, protested the destruction of their farmlands by bulldozers, crying out that they were neither informed or compensated before the exercise. The agrarian community alleged that the farms were destroyed by a mining company to pave way for mining and stone crushing activities. They added that two of their sons, Cyprain Obite and Chinedum Oguguo, were arrested for protesting the invasion of their lands. According to the Imobi indigenes, some individuals from the community signed an agreement for the mining of granite in their land without conducting Environmental Impact Assessment about the dangers of the the activity or carrying the people along. Speaking through Emeka Onyeanusi, Chukwuma Agu, the woman leader Mrs Joy Chukwuemeka and others, the Imobi autonomous community indigenes appealed to Governor...

 Bwala Fires Back: “I’ll Face Any Interviewer, Anytime” – Tinubu Aide Stands Firm After Al Jazeera Firestorm President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has hit back at critics following the intense backlash to his combative appearance on Al Jazeera’s “Head to Head” with Mehdi Hasan, declaring he is ready to defend the administration “any day, anywhere in the world.” In a strongly worded statement released Saturday, Bwala described defending President Tinubu as a tough but joyful duty he fully embraces. “It is not an easy job to defend Tinubu, but a task I am very committed to,” he said, insisting he entered the role with eyes wide open to its challenges and has no intention of dodging tough questions or tough interviewers. Bwala revealed that Al Jazeera’s team approached him nearly six months ago specifically to discuss Nigeria’s security, economy, and anti-corruption drive, with no mention during that period of plans to scrutinize his past oppos...

 EFCC Arraigns Alleged Serial Fraudster, Titilayo Eboh Over N1.8bn Forex Fraud in Lagos    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi, on Wednesday March 4, 2026, arraigned an alleged serial fraudster, Titilayo Eboh , before Justice Mojisola Dada of the  Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, over an alleged N1, 871, 220, 000.00 (One Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventy-one Million , Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira).   Eboh was arraigned alongside Chayomi Aluminum Ltd. and one Abubakar Funtua (now at large) on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, stealing and obtaining money by false pretense.   Count one of the charge reads:  "Titilayo Eboh, Chayomi Aluminium Limited and one Abubakar Funtua (at large), between 2nd December, 2020 to 25th January, 2021, at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with the intent, to defraud conspired amongst yours...

 TURAN ATTACK VICTIMS RECEIVING TREATMENT AT BSUTH - HEALTH WORKER Victims injured in the recent attack on Turan community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State are currently receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Makurdi. A health worker at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit disclosed that several of the victims, including women and children, were rushed to the facility with gunshot wounds following the incident. The medical personnel, who was on night duty when the victims were brought in, described the scene as deeply distressing, noting that the emergency unit had to mobilise quickly to attend to the injured. According to the health worker, one of the most critical cases involved a 10-year-old child who reportedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the legs. “I resumed my night shift and was greeted with a very painful sight. Many of the victims were women and children from the Turan attack. One small boy of about 10 years...

 Ian Huntley, infamous UK child killer, dies days after prison attack   Ian Huntley, one of Britain’s most notorious child killers, died Saturday after being attacked by another inmate at a maximum-security prison. The 52-year-old had been on life support since Feb. 26, when he was repeatedly struck in the head with a metal bar inside a workshop at Frankland prison in northeast England. Huntley was convicted in 2003 of murdering 10-year-old friends Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. The girls disappeared from the village of Soham on Aug. 4, 2002, after leaving a neighborhood barbecue to buy candy. Their disappearance sparked a massive nationwide search that lasted nearly two weeks and drew intense public attention, with thousands visiting the village and leaving flowers outside a local church. The search ended when hikers discovered the girls’ bodies in a wooded area a few miles from Soham. Huntley maintained his innocence but was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, wi...

 Jessica Simpson and ex Eric Johnson are still living together as they look to sell family home 1 year after split: source Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson, who confirmed their separation in January 2025 after ten years of marriage, are still living together in their Hidden Hills, California home.  A source told  that while Johnson remains in the family house, the former couple is working toward selling the property and deciding on next steps.  Their priority has been maintaining stability for their three children Maxwell, Ace, and Birdie  and keeping their co-parenting relationship amicable. The $17.9 million estate, which spans 11,000 square feet with six bedrooms and ten bathrooms, has been listed and removed from the market multiple times since 2023. Simpson and Johnson purchased the home in 2013, and it has served as their family residence ever since.  Despite the split, they continue to spend holidays together, with Simpson emphasizing that family alw...

 'Mama June' Shannon details ovarian cancer scare after daughter Anna's death Mama June Shannon recently opened up about her health concerns, revealing that she underwent an unexpected hysterectomy in April of last year. The 46-year-old reality star explained that doctors discovered fibroid cysts which developed into separate cysts, sparking fears of cancer.  Her anxiety was heightened by the memory of her daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, who tragically died at 29 from stage IV adrenal carcinoma.  Mama June admitted she worried her own condition might be ovarian cancer, even sharing those fears with her children. Although she was not diagnosed with cancer, Mama June acknowledged she continues to face ongoing medical issues and is also experiencing menopause.  She described some days as difficult but emphasized that her condition is not life-threatening, though it could affect her mobility.  In past interviews, she has said she is keeping details private until...

 Emirates Suspends All Flights to and from Dubai Until Further Notice Amid Regional Airspace Closures Emirates Airline has officially announced the suspension of all flights to and from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) until further notice, citing ongoing closures of airspace across the region. In its latest travel update published on the airline's official website, Emirates stated:  "All flights to and from Dubai have been suspended until further notice. Please do not go to the airport. Emirates will share updates when available. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience." The suspension, a precautionary measure prioritizing passenger and crew safety, follows earlier extensions that had kept scheduled commercial operations halted through 23:59 UAE time on March 7. The decision stems from multiple regional airspace restrictions linked to heightened tensions and military activity in the Middle East.

 HEFAMAA CONCLUDES SENSITISATION EXERCISE ACROSS 20 LGAs AT IBEJU-LEKKI … Urges Herbal Practitioners to Adhere to Approved Traditional Practices The Lagos State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has concluded its statewide sensitisation campaign across the 20 Local Government Areas of Lagos State, with the last engagement in the series held in Ibeju-Lekki on Wednesday. Speaking at the town hall meeting held within the premises of the Ibeju-Lekki council secretariat, the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu cautioned herbal practitioners against administering orthodox medicines alongside traditional remedies without proper authorisation. Represented by the Deputy Director of Health Education, Mrs. Oladunni Omonike, the Permanent Secretary, explained that practitioners operating herbal centres or faith-based establishments are expected to restrict their services to recognised traditional medical practices. She emphasised that combining conven...

 Iran’s president expresses regret over strikes on neighbors, while missiles and drones continue hitting cities  Iran’s president issued an apology Saturday for attacks on neighboring countries even as missiles and drones continued striking Gulf Arab states, highlighting fractures in Tehran’s control over its military forces. President Masoud Pezeshkian, part of a three-person leadership council governing Iran after a Feb. 28 airstrike killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, acknowledged the strikes while rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated demands for unconditional surrender. His statement came amid a conflict that has spread across the region, disrupted global markets and air travel, and left Iran’s leadership weakened by hundreds of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Pezeshkian’s message, seemingly recorded hastily, underscored the limited authority the council exercises over the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which controls ballistic missiles targeting Isra...

 FG COMMENDS LAKE CHAD BASIN COMMISSION FOR STRENGTHENING REGIONAL COOPERATION - UTSEV  The Federal Government has acknowledged the contributions of the Lake Chad Basin Commission in promoting regional cooperation and sustainable management of shared water resources across member countries. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made the remarks during the 71st Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Commission held in N'Djamena, Chad. Utsev, who spoke on behalf of the Nigerian delegation that included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, said the Commission had over the years remained a vital platform for environmental restoration, socio-economic development, and the promotion of peace and stability in the Lake Chad region. He expressed appreciation to member states for supporting Nigeria’s nominee, Ibrahim Babani, who was accepted to serve as the next Executive Secretary of the Commission. According to the minister...

 BENUE ASSEMBLY COMMENDS ALIA OVER RESPONSE TO KWANDE ATTACKS  The Benue State House of Assembly on Friday commended Gov. Hyacinth Alia for his swift response to the recent violent attacks on some communities in Kwande Local Government Area of the state. The commendation followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Kwande East State Constituency, Mr Anyor Mato, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Berger Alfred Emberga. Mato informed the House that suspected armed militia herdsmen invaded Nyihemba, Anwase and Abande communities, killing 13 civilians and two police officers, while several residents were displaced. According to him, the governor visited the affected communities shortly after receiving reports of the incident to assess the situation and sympathise with the bereaved families. He said Alia also ordered the construction of a road linking Nyihemba, Anwase and Abande communities during the visit and reassured residents of h...

 Former presidents, mourners gathered to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson The late Reverend Jesse Jackson was honored on March 6 with a grand celebration of life attended by former presidents, first ladies, renowned musicians, and thousands of admirers.  Jackson, who passed away at 84 in Chicago on February 17, was remembered as a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement.  Having worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr., he later established the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and led Operation Breadbasket to improve economic opportunities for Black communities.  The ceremony, held at the House of Hope on Chicago’s South Side, featured tributes from leaders such as Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton, as well as performances by Jennifer Hudson and BeBe Winans.  Speakers reflected not only on Jackson’s global influence but also on the personal ways he touched their lives. Barack Obama recalled Jackson’s groundbreaking presidential run, noting how his cou...

 Daryl Hannah slams her portrayal in Ryan Murphy's Love Story Actress Daryl Hannah has spoken out against her portrayal in FX’s hit series Love Story, which dramatizes John F. Kennedy Jr.’s relationship with Carolyn Bessette.  In an op-ed for The New York Times, Hannah criticized the show as a “tragedy-exploiting television series” and said viewers have wrongly assumed its depiction of her relationship with Kennedy is factual.  She stressed that the character representing her bears no resemblance to her real life or conduct, and she firmly denied several scenes, including claims of drug use, press manipulation, and inappropriate behavior at family memorials. Hannah explained that while she has endured false stories and unflattering portrayals in the past, she usually chooses silence to protect her privacy and that of her loved ones.  However, she felt compelled to respond this time, noting that her discretion has been misinterpreted as agreement with lies.  She ...

 Lisa Rinna exposes the rudest celebrities she’s ever worked with: ‘Nasty piece of work’ Lisa Rinna is pulling no punches in her new memoir You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star singled out her Celebrity Apprentice co-stars Dionne Warwick and Star Jones as the rudest celebrities she’s ever worked with.  Rinna recalled Warwick dismissively ordering her to fetch a Pepsi during a team task, only to later conspire against her. She also accused Jones of throwing her “under the bus,” which led to her early elimination from the show.  Reflecting on the experience, Rinna said the hostility she faced prepared her for the drama she would later encounter on RHOBH. Rinna also revisited her time on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, admitting the show cast “a black cloud” over her family life.  She explained that leaving the series lifted that negativity, allowing her family dynamic to improve.  Still, she didn’t hold...

 Ben Stiller demands White House remove “Tropic Thunder” clip from White House video: 'War is not a movie' Ben Stiller has publicly criticized the White House for using a clip from his 2009 comedy Tropic Thunder in a recent social media post.  The video, shared Thursday on the official White House X account, featured scenes from various films and TV shows, including Top Gun, Braveheart, Iron Man, Breaking Bad, and Tropic Thunder, with the caption “JUSTICE THE AMERICAN WAY.” The clip in question showed Tom Cruise’s character Les Grossman dancing. On Friday, Stiller reposted the video and demanded that the administration remove the footage, stressing that neither he nor the film’s team had given permission.  “We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie,” he wrote.  His comments came amid heightened tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, with the White House’s video including imagery of w...

 Drew Carey reveals he suffered heart attack after ignoring symptoms Drew Carey recently reflected on the heart attack he suffered in 2001, admitting he initially ignored the warning signs because of misconceptions he had picked up from cartoons.  Speaking on Ted Danson’s Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast, Carey recalled feeling numbness in his shoulder and a racing heart while jogging, but dismissed the symptoms since he didn’t collapse dramatically as he thought a heart attack would look.  Despite experiencing chest tightness and elevated heart rates, he continued with his day, even going out to eat, before realizing later that he needed medical help. Carey described how the situation escalated while filming The Drew Carey Show. After rehearsals, he felt chest pain again and asked producers to call an ambulance.  He also reached out to his friend Sam Simon, co-creator of The Simpsons, before heading to the hospital. Doctors performed a coronary angioplasty, i...

 Scott Patterson addresses sudden exit from Sullivan’s Crossing Scott Patterson has officially addressed his departure from Sullivan’s Crossing, confirming that he will not return for season four despite his character’s central role in the drama.  In a post, the Gilmore Girls alum explained that while he loved portraying Sully, creative differences made it impossible for him to continue.  He emphasized that his decision was not sudden but stemmed from ongoing disagreements about the show’s direction. Patterson also pushed back against claims suggesting the production had moved on from him.  He clarified that the opposite was true, stating that he felt compelled to speak out so fans of both the series and Robyn Carr’s books would understand the reality of the situation.  Expressing gratitude for the audience’s support, he noted that viewers deserved honesty and respect, especially given their dedication to the characters and stories. Meanwhile, showrunner Roma Ro...

 THEATRE COMMANDER PAYS TRIBUTE TO FALLEN HEROES; VOWS THEIR SACRIFICES WILL NOT BE IN VAIN. The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI  Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar has  paid tribute to gallant officers and soldiers who recently paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.   At the funeral at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State, Major General  Abubakar described the occasion as a painful reminder of the true cost of military service, stating that in the profession of arms, there are moments of victory  filled with pride and affirm the courage and unity that define  service . He stated that there are also solemn moments that weigh heavily  and remind us of the true cost of service to the nation, assuring the families of the fallen heroes that their sacrifices would not be in vain, adding that all entitlements  will be processed promptly. The Theater Commander also extended c...

 IMF, Gabon authorities discuss economic development, reform plan The International Monetary Fund ssai its staff team ‌held talks with Gabonese authorities on macroeconomic ​and policy developments ​and on implementing the ⁠country's growth plans. The talks ​highlighted ongoing reforms ​to improve public financial management and governance, and underscored ​the need for ​prudent fiscal and financial policies ‌to ⁠safeguard macroeconomic stability in Gabon and the region, the IMF said, Reuters reported. "Policy ​dialogue ​with ⁠the authorities will continue in the ​weeks ahead, including ​during ⁠the upcoming IMF Spring Meetings," the fund ⁠added, ​after wrapping ​up talks in Libreville.

Iran strikes Dubai International Airport in UAE  Operations at the Dubai International Airport have been temporarily suspended after a drone attack struck an area near the airport’s terminals on Saturday, sending shockwaves through one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. The government said it had activated air defenses, even as passengers waiting for flights out of Dubai found themselves ushered down into train tunnels at the sprawling airfield after the alert sounded.  A witness also told AFP that an explosion was heard over the airport, followed by a cloud of smoke in the air. Several residents told The Associated Press about explosions across the city. Emirates said that “all flights to and from Dubai have been suspended until further notice”. Customers who booked to travel between February 28 till March 31 were given options to rebook or request for a refund. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said an investigation is underway to determine the origin of the drone a...

 KASUPDA Residents Appeal Against ₦2.5 Million Community Payment For Old Transformer Repair, Call For Assistance Residents and small business owners along Gwari Road by Kasupda have issued an urgent appeal to authorities over the recent demand that the community raise ₦2.5 million for the repair of a faulty electricity transformer. In a letter signed by community representative Rita Mobi, residents highlighted the prolonged power challenges affecting the area due to the outdated and unreliable transformer.  The community expressed concern that the financial demand is an unbearable burden on residents, most of whom are low-income earners and operate small-scale businesses struggling to survive amid economic hardships. "Our area has been experiencing prolonged power challenges due to a faulty and outdated transformer. We were recently informed that the community is expected to raise the sum of ₦2.5 million for the repair of this old transformer. This demand has placed an unbeara...

 30 BANKS MEET NEW CBN CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS The Central Bank of Nigeria says the banking sector recapitalisation programme introduced in 2024 is progressing steadily, with financial institutions strengthening their capital base to meet new regulatory thresholds. A statement by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the bank, Hakama Sidi Ali, says thirty banks have already met the new minimum capital requirements tied to their respective licence categories. The statement adds that thirty-three banks had raised additional capital through rights issues, initial public offerings and private placements as part of the recapitalisation programme. The CBN notes that the capital positions of the remaining banks are currently undergoing routine verification ahead of final confirmation of compliance within the stipulated timeline. The apex bank reiterates that Nigeria’s banking system remains stable and sound, stressing that the recapitalisation initiative will further strengthen ...

 DSS AREESTS 1 NOTORIOUS ESN COMMANDER, 1 SUSPECTED IPOB MEMBER  Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday 6,  at Eha-Amufu and Umuhu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Enugu State, arrested a suspected notorious Eastern Security Network (ESN) commander, Sabastine Odo Odam, and Ejike Daniel, a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Security sources revealed that the arrest followed months of sustained intelligence gathering on activities of the suspects. The arrests came on the heels of series of violent attacks on police stations and killings between  2024 and  2026, all in Isi-Uzo LGA. "Both men have confessed to being masterminds of a chain of attacks on police stations and carting away of weapons.  The attacks include the February 26 killing of 11 labourers, and that of five policeman between December 24, 2025 and January 26, 2026.  "The arrests represent a major success for the DSS in the fight against inse...

 Almost 80 fall ill on Holland America cruise in Asia amid suspected norovirus outbreak Health authorities in Hong Kong are investigating a suspected norovirus outbreak aboard the MS Westerdam, an American-owned Holland America Line cruise ship, after dozens of passengers and crew reported gastrointestinal symptoms during a multi-country voyage. Officials with the Centre for Health Protection said Sunday that 76 people on board developed signs of acute gastroenteritis, including vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The vessel, carrying roughly 2,000 passengers and 800 crew members, arrived in Hong Kong on March 1 after traveling a circular route that included stops in multiple Japanese cities, Busan in South Korea, and Shanghai. Investigators warned that the outbreak could potentially spread across ports visited during the cruise. The first two cases were reported on Feb. 15 in Japan, and additional illnesses appeared throughout the trip, with some affected individuals vomiting in public...

Ford recalls over 600,000 vehicles due to defective windshield wipers Ford is recalling more than 600,000 vehicles due to a defect that can cause windshield wipers to stop working. The recall affects certain 2020, 2021, and 2022 models of the Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a failing wiper motor can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford said the problem stems from a poor connection in the assembly of the front wiper motor, which can lead to intermittent wiper operation and eventual total failure. Ford first investigated the issue in June 2021 after receiving multiple warranty complaints, but initially closed the case in September 2021, citing a low safety risk. The investigation was reopened in November 2025 after another increase in complaints. As of mid-February, Ford has recorded 1,374 warranty claims related to the faulty motors, but no accidents or injuries have been r...