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Marcia Ann Burrs, veteran TV and Hallmark actress, dies at 85 Marcia Ann Burrs, a veteran character actor known for her many television appearances and roles in Hallmark Christmas movies, died Sunday, March 22, in Matthews, North Carolina. She was 85. Her family announced her passing, noting that she died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Burrs appeared in feature films such as Rumor Has It… (2005) and The Bling Ring (2013), but she was most prolific on television, with a career spanning from The Slap Maxwell Story in 1988 to recent appearances on Young Sheldon, Angie Tribeca, and Grace and Frankie in 2017. Fans will remember her as Mrs. Claus in Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus (2004) and Meet the Santas (2005). Her extensive TV credits include Mad Men, Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, How I Met Your Mother, Bones, The King of Queens, My Name Is Earl, Monk, Frasier, That ’70s Show, Scrubs, Station 19, That’s So Raven, and Moonlighting. One of her most memorable performances came in a ...

 New heavily mutated COVID variant BA.3.2 spreads in US, raising immunity concerns A new COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2, also called “Cicada,” is spreading in the United States and several other countries. Experts say the variant carries numerous mutations in its spike protein that may make it harder for the immune system to recognize, potentially reducing protection from prior infection or vaccination. First detected in South Africa in November 2024, BA.3.2 has since appeared in at least 25 U.S. states and 23 countries worldwide, though cases remain relatively low compared with dominant strains like XFG and NB.1.8.1. Public health officials are monitoring it closely, classifying it as a “variant under monitoring.” Despite its many mutations, researchers say BA.3.2 does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous COVID variants. Symptoms are similar to other circulating strains, including cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, congestion, and loss of taste or smell. Current vaccin...

Cuban president expresses concern as two aid-laden sailboats with nine people go missing en route from Mexico     Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed deep concern Friday over two sailboats carrying nine people that went missing while en route to Cuba with humanitarian aid. The vessels departed from Isla Mujeres in southern Mexico on March 20, and the Mexican navy reported Thursday night that search operations were underway. Authorities have not received any communication from the boats, which were expected in Havana earlier this week. The disappearance comes amid growing international efforts to deliver aid to Cuba, where a U.S. fuel blockade has triggered widespread blackouts and heightened economic distress. Díaz-Canel said Cuba is doing everything possible to locate the missing sailors. The humanitarian group Nuestra América Convoy said the boats were projected to arrive between Friday and Saturday based on reported speeds and called on the public for any sight...

Bolsonaro granted house arrest for coup sentence due to health concerns  Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro has been granted permission to serve his 27-year sentence for attempting a coup at home due to declining health. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes made the ruling after Bolsonaro, who has faced multiple medical issues since being stabbed during the 2018 campaign, was hospitalized on March 13 with pneumonia. He also recently spent time in intensive care for kidney and related health problems, though doctors report his condition has improved. Bolsonaro’s family had requested house arrest following his November conviction, and he was moved from the federal police headquarters to a larger cell in January. Brazil’s Attorney General Paulo Gonet cleared the path for the transition to home confinement on Monday. Bolsonaro, who governed from 2019 to 2022, remains a central political figure, with his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, announcing a presidential bid for October...

 Idaho lawmakers consider bill criminalizing transgender bathroom use in private businesses  Idaho lawmakers are considering a controversial bill that would make it a crime for transgender people to use bathrooms that match their gender identity, including in privately owned businesses. The legislation would cover any “place of public accommodation,” meaning any business or facility serving the public. If passed, a first offense could carry a year in jail, while a second offense could result in up to five years in prison, exceeding penalties for a first drunken driving conviction in the state. Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Ben Toews, defended the bill as protecting safety and privacy in sex-separated spaces, while carving out exceptions for emergencies, custodial assistance, and other narrowly defined circumstances. The proposal has drawn strong opposition from law enforcement groups, LGBTQ+ advocates, and transgender residents, who warn that the bill could lead to prof...

 Twin Boys Safely Delivered via Emergency Caesarean at Upgraded Ohiya Primary Healthcare Centre in Abia In a significant medical milestone, the newly retrofitted Ohiya Primary Healthcare Centre in Umuahia South Local Government Area has successfully managed a life-threatening obstetric emergency, delivering twin babies through an emergency caesarean section. The 24-year-old patient, Mrs Chikamso Ibekwe, who was suffering from severe eclampsia, gave birth to twin boys, each weighing 3.2 kilogrammes, on Monday, March 23, 2026. The State Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, who visited the facility on Thursday, described the successful procedure as strong validation of Governor Alex Otti’s healthcare reforms under the Project Ekwueme initiative. Prof. Uche noted that the availability of modern equipment, essential drugs, oxygen, and skilled personnel enabled the primary healthcare facility to handle a condition previously considered too complex for that level of ca...

 His spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Friday, stating that the resignation had been formally communicated. “Yes, it is true. The deputy governor has resigned from his position,” he said, declining to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the decision. Although no official reason has been given for the resignation, the development comes amid recent tensions between the deputy governor and the Kano State House of Assembly. The Assembly had, in recent days, levelled a series of allegations against Gwarzo, including claims of misconduct and issues bordering on the discharge of his official responsibilities. The lawmakers had also initiated moves that observers described as a prelude to possible disciplinary action, raising concerns about a looming political crisis within the state executive arm. The resignation also comes against the backdrop of recent political realignments in Kano following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection to ...

 TRAGEDY HITS APC AS 3 BENUE YOUTH LEADERS DIES, OTHERS INJURED IN AUTO CRASH  Three members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State have lost their lives in a fatal road accident while travelling to Lafia, Nasarawa State, for the party’s North Central Zonal Congress. The victims were part of a delegation heading for the APC zonal gathering when the crash occurred on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The deceased were identified as Hon. Anawo Benjamin, Hon. Ogbe Enemari, and Hon. Abraham Enenche, all described as youth leaders within the party in Ogbadibo LGA. Several other party members sustained varying degrees of injuries in the accident. They are currently receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi. The Benue State APC Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a painful loss to the party. Similarly, Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue Sou...

 KOGI STATE POLYTECHNIC MORNS THIRD LECTURER DEATH IN SIX WEEKS  Kogi State Polytechnic is in mourning after Mr. Anslem Ojodomo, a lecturer at the institution, collapsed and died while delivering a lecture on Thursday. His sudden death has heightened concern within the campus community, marking the third staff death in six weeks. The incident follows the recent death of Dr. Barnabas Akuba in February, who passed away shortly after completing his PhD. The spate of deaths comes just weeks after Prof. Salihu Sanusi assumed office as Rector on February 11. Eyewitnesses said Mr. Ojodomo slumped during a classroom session, causing panic among students. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel later confirmed his death. Staff sources expressed deep concern, noting that Mr. Ojodomo had appeared vibrant during a meeting just hours before the lecture. “It is more worrisome that both Anslem and Barnabas died after defending their PhD thesis,” a staff member...

 HOUSE OF REPS FORM GOES FOR ₦70 MILLION, STATE ASSEMBLY ₦20 MILLION—APC CONFIRMS  The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the cost of its nomination and expression of interest forms for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party announced that the presidential form will sell for ₦200 million, while governorship and senatorial forms are pegged at ₦150 million and ₦100 million respectively. The APC’s national leadership disclosed the fee structure through the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Festus Morka. This is in line with preparations for the party’s primaries, expected in the months leading to the general elections. House of Representatives form: ₦70 million State House of Assembly form: ₦20 million All fees are non-refundable, as emphasized by party officials Morka stated, “These fees are in accordance with party guidelines and are designed to ensure a fair and transparent process for all aspirants.”

 LAGOS HEALTH DISTRICT V INTENSIFIES CAMPAIGN ON TUBERCULOSIS AWARENESS ... Urges Residents To Embrace Free Screening, Treatment Services The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, has urged market men and women to take advantage of free Tuberculosis (TB) screening services, emphasising early detection as key to preventing the spread of the disease.  He made this call during a TB outreach programme held at Boundary Market Roundabout in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area on Tuesday, 24th March 2026, as part of activities to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day with the theme: “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Government Powered by People." Describing Tuberculosis as a disease of public health concern, Dr. Asiyanbi encouraged residents to support the health initiatives of Mr. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, whose efforts continue to strengthen healthcare delivery and disease control ac...

 PRESS RELEASE  FG Moves to Secure ACReSAL Legacy; Ministers Advocate for Permanent Agency to Drive Sustainability of Project Gains ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a high-level strategic convergence in Abuja at the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Government of Nigeria identified a critical path toward transforming the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project from a time-bound initiative into a permanent pillar of national institutional architecture.  The meeting, which brought together the three leading cabinet members overseeing the project, reached a firm consensus on the urgent need to ensure that the monumental lessons in landscape restoration and community resilience are sustained beyond the project lifespan. The Chairman of the ACReSAL Federal Steering Committee and Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, emphasized that the "Knowledge Gain" harvested through ACReSAL’s implementation must become the permanent blueprint for Nigeria’s ...

 Russia claims widespread presence of French military contractors in Africa The Russian Foreign Ministry claims private French military companies (PMCs) operate in 14 African countries with about 100 working internationally. The ministry said in a statement that those companies are typically led by former gendarmerie officers and, less commonly, by retired intelligence officers, Anadolu Agency reported. “Currently, these PMCs are active in Ukraine, Brazil, Brunei, India, Spain, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Finland, Switzerland, Estonia, and 14 African countries, including Algeria, Benin, Gabon, Djibouti, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Somalia, and Chad,” the statement says. Most firms are created for limited periods to carry out specific tasks, it noted. ‘Training for combat’ “In the context of the Ukrainian conflict, French PMCs offer services to train Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel in Eastern Europe...

 DR Congo, China deepen mining ties with deal on local processing Democratic Republic of Congo and China have signed a deal to deepen cooperation in the African nation's mining sector, Congo's government said, Reuters reported. Congo is the world's leading producer of cobalt and holds vast reserves of copper, lithium, coltan and other battery metals. Chinese companies led by top cobalt miner CMOC, Zijin and Huayou already dominate its mining sector. And Beijing is also Congo's biggest bilateral creditor. The US and other countries seeking supplies of the minerals needed for electric vehicle manufacturing and the energy transition are also courting Kinshasa. Duty-free access Congo's exports to China are already due to benefit from duty-free access to China from May 1 under an initiative covering 53 African countries. The new agreement sets out cooperation on geological data sharing, investment protection and the promotion of local processing of raw materials in Congo...

 El-Rufai’s Mother, Hajiya Umma, Passes Away According to Daily Trust, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the mother of Nasir El-Rufai, has passed away. The exact circumstances surrounding her death were not fully disclosed at the time of reporting, but it was said to have occurred on Friday afternoon.  Her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, confirmed the news in a statement, expressing the family’s grief and praying for her soul. He described her as the biological mother of Nasir El-Rufai and appreciated the life she lived, while also asking the public to remember the family in prayers. Her passing comes amid ongoing legal issues involving Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in custody.  The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged him with multiple offences, including alleged misappropriation of public funds and money laundering. He has denied all allegations, and a Federal High Court in Kaduna has scheduled a hearing on his bail application for Mar...

 Kentucky mom and daughter refuse $26M offer to sell their farms to mysterious Fortune 100 company A Kentucky mother and her daughter have turned down a massive $26 million offer  from a developer representing a mysterious Fortune 100 company that aimed to build a large data center on their land. Ida Huddleston, 82, said she has repeatedly refused the offer for her 71-acre property in Mason County, which was valued at $60,000 per acre, totaling $4.26 million.  Her daughter, Delsia Bare, also rejected an offer of $48,000 per acre for her 463-acre farmland, a sum exceeding $22 million. “I said I don’t want your money, I don’t need your money, but I do feel sorry for everybody around us,” Huddleston told LEX 18.  The two women explained that their refusal stems from concerns about how the data center could affect the wider community.  !They also noted that the secrecy surrounding the project, including the company’s refusal to reveal its identity, only strengthened...

 Stephen Graham Dedicates MOBO Award to Stepdad, Says Win 'Means the World' Stephen Graham dedicated his latest MOBO Award to his stepfather, Mike Fazakerley, as he accepted the Best Performance in a TV/Film award for Adolescence on Thursday night.  The actor was joined by his family at Manchester’s Co-op Live, including his half-brother Nathan Fazakerley, who rarely appear in public, and his stepfather, who watched proudly from the crowd. Stephen, whose children Alfie, 19, and Gracie, 21, were also in attendance, described the win as deeply meaningful.  “This recognition for me means the world. I’d like to give love and respect to my fellow nominees. This is just as much theirs as it is mine. Can we give them all a massive round of applause?” he said.  “On a personal level, my friends and family, you know who you are, thank you for helping me do something I can’t do on my own.” The actor’s bond with Mike dates back to 1989, when Mike married Stephen’s mother, Mary, ...

 RE: MISREPRESENTATION OF THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF’S REMARKS ON OPERATION SAFE CORRIDOR The attention of Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a misleading narrative circulating on social media, particularly a Facebook post which deliberately distorted the remarks of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede regarding Operation SAFE CORRIDOR. Using a framing strategy that selectively amplifies certain phrases while ignoring the full context, the post falsely suggested that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are prioritizing leniency for terrorists over justice for victims. This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also undermines ongoing national security efforts. First, it is important to clarify that Operation SAFE CORRIDOR is not an amnesty programme but a carefully structured deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration initiative targeted strictly at surrendered, screened and low-risk former combatants. The programme forms part of a broader counter-insurgency strat...

  A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has discharged former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and her co-defendant, Gloria Odita, from a N2.5 Billion Fraud Case. The decision follows a Plea bargain agreement where two companies linked to Oduah, Sobora International Limited and Global Offshore and Marine Limited, pleaded guilty to amended charges and agreed to forfeit N1.98 billion to the Federal Government. The Court ordered the companies to be wound up and to forfeit N1.2 Billion in restitution and N780 Million recovered during the investigation to the Federal Government.  Oduah and Odita were originally arraigned in December 2025 on a five-count charge bordering on Fraud, Criminal breach of trust, and Obtaining money by false pretences. 

 Gospel artiste and Iconic Nollywood soundtrack voice, Onos Brisibi, dies at 55 Gospel artiste and popular Nollywood soundtrack voice, Onos Brisibi, jhas died. She was 55. Late Brisibi’s powerful vocals featured in classic Nollywood films such as Domitilla and Blood Money. Her family confirmed her passing in a statement issued on Thursday, March 26. According to the statement, late Brisibi d!ed on March 23, 2026, after a prolonged illness. Paying tribute, the family described her as a devoted Christian who impacted many lives through her music. They also remembered her as a joyful and warm-hearted individual, calling her “a beautiful and fun-loving woman with a heart of gold,” whose legacy will be fondly remembered “The Brisibi family announces with deep sorrow the passing of Esteemed Sister Onos Nancy Brisibi, who transitioned to glory on 23rd March 2026 after a protracted illness,” the statement reads.  “Onos Nancy Brisibi was a devoted Christian, a gifted songstress, and a ...

 France denies excluding South Africa from G7 summit under pressure from Washington French officials denied ​excluding South Africa from the list of invitees to the G7 leaders' summit in June due to pressure from Washington, saying ‌Kenya had been invited instead ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's visit there later this year. France announced earlier that it will host the leaders of India, South Korea, Brazil and Kenya at the summit to be held in Evian-les-Bains. South Africa, a regular guest at past G7 summits, said the French embassy in Pretoria had communicated the decision to the government ​about two weeks ago, saying the U.S. had threatened to boycott the summit if South Africa was invited. "We've accepted the French decision and ​appreciate the pressure they've been subjected to," said Vincent Magwenya, a spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Asked at a ⁠briefing whether South Africa had been excluded on the U.S.' request, a Fr...

 Landslides kill at least 20 people in Tanzania Landslides in southern Tanzania caused by heavy rain have killed at least 20 people, with the toll expected to rise. East Africa has been hit for several weeks by torrential rains that have left at least 81 people dead and thousands displaced in neighbouring Kenya this month. In Tanzania, the rain combined with strong wind triggered landslides that destroyed houses early on Wednesday in the Mbeya region, said Jaffar Haniu, administrator for the Rungwe district where the disaster occurred. "The death toll now stands at 20," he told reporters, saying that 18 bodies were found on Wednesday and two more on Thursday. More rainfall expected "One victim is a very young child, a year-and-a-half old," Haniu added, while calling on residents to "take precautions" as more rain was expected. Those in areas vulnerable to landslides should evacuate, he urged. Tanzanian meteorological services have forecast heavy rain acros...

 FIFA have officially announced the new rules for the 2026 World Cup!   1️⃣𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦: When a player is taken off, he has 10 seconds to leave the pitch. If they take longer, their replacement will have to wait one minute before entering, leaving his team with one fewer player.   2️⃣𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗪-𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟 𝗞𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗦: Once a throw-in or goal kick takes place, a 5-second timer will be applied. If the player takes longer than 5 seconds, it will result in loss of possession.   3️⃣𝗩𝗔𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡: VAR will now be able to review second yellow cards that have lead to a red, as well as incorrectly awarded corner kicks.   4️⃣𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗦: Only the captain is allowed to request explanations from the referee, if the rest of the players talk to the referee surround the referee, they will be given a yellow card.  5️⃣𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗦: Only the captain is allowed to request ex...

 I’ve appealed bench warrant against me —  Factional PDP Chairman Kabiru Turaki A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered the arrest of Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for failing to appear before it in a criminal case filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Justice U.P. Kekemeke issued the bench warrant on Thursday, March 26, 2026, after Turaki failed to attend court for his scheduled arraignment. The judge ruled that the former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs had no justification for his absence from the proceedings. The IGP had filed a one-count charge against Turaki, accusing him of providing false information to the police in a petition dated October 5, 2022. The charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/647/25, alleges that Turaki gave the false information via a petition signed on his letterhead paper against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara, with intent to misuse the ...

 Heather Graham opens up about 'domineering father' and 30-year family estrangement Heather Graham has spoken candidly about her difficult upbringing, revealing that her father’s controlling nature left her with painful memories she has no desire to revisit.  The actress explained that her FBI agent father was domineering, while her mother accepted his behavior, creating an environment that normalized unhealthy dynamics.  By the age of 18, Graham moved out thanks to her first acting paycheck, and by 25, she cut ties with her parents entirely.  She has maintained that reconciliation would only be possible if her father acknowledged the harm he caused and apologized, something she doubts will happen. Her career took off with roles in License to Drive, Twin Peaks, and Swingers, but Graham said her father’s paranoia about Hollywood made her early success even more challenging. Despite this, she credits her mother and teachers for encouraging her creative side.  Over...

 Andy Cohen blasts Sarah Michelle Gellar for calling RHOBH 'boring' and 'slow' in his studio Andy Cohen didn’t hold back after Sarah Michelle Gellar criticized The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills during a Page Six Radio interview.  Gellar, best known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, bluntly called season 15 “boring” and dismissed newcomer Amanda Frances as unlikable.  While she praised cast members like Rachel Zoe, Bozoma Saint John, Kathy Hilton, and Jennifer Tilly, she insisted the show had been slow to gain momentum.  Cohen, who had just interviewed Gellar in the same SiriusXM studio, was frustrated that her remarks were shared with Radio Andy branding prominently visible. On his Andy Cohen Live show, the producer expressed feeling betrayed, saying, “Don’t bring someone into my studio to trash my show.” He argued that Gellar’s comments were unfair and emphasized that she was wrong about the season’s quality.  The tension was especially striking given that Gella...

 Lisa Kudrow's rarely seen husband of 30 years Michael Stern is secretly her biggest fan Lisa Kudrow has been a familiar face on television for decades, most famously as Phoebe Buffay on Friends.  Her quirky character and memorable one-liners made her a comedy icon, but off-screen, Kudrow has enjoyed a long and private marriage to Michael Stern.  The couple wed in 1995 and welcomed their son Julien while Kudrow was filming Friends. Her pregnancy was written into the show, with Phoebe serving as a surrogate for her brother.  Kudrow later recalled how the cast supported her during that time, even affectionately including baby Julien in their backstage rituals. Today, Julien is a 26-year-old USC graduate, and Kudrow and Stern are proud parents who keep their family life largely out of the spotlight.  Kudrow has admitted she avoids watching Friends reruns because she finds it uncomfortable to see herself on screen, but Stern loves revisiting her performance as Phoeb...

 Shannen Doherty's estate settles legal battle with ex-husband Kurt Iswarienko Shannen Doherty’s estate has finalized a settlement with her ex-husband, Kurt Iswarienko, over ownership of their former Texas mansion.  Court filings from March 24 confirm that both sides agreed to resolve their legal dispute, which had continued after Doherty’s passing in July 2024.  The estate had argued that Iswarienko failed to follow the terms of their divorce settlement, including not notifying the trust when he listed the property for sale, while also owing money to the estate. Under the agreement, Iswarienko will retain the Texas home if he provides Doherty’s estate with half of the property’s equity and submits a full inventory of his photographic works. If he fails to meet these conditions, the house must be sold.  The trustees are also required to cooperate in transferring the title and deed, as well as return personal items awarded to Iswarienko in the divorce, including guita...

 Michele Hundley Smith Reunites with Her Daughter After 24 Years Apart Outside Courthouse Michele Hundley Smith has been found and reunited with her daughter more than 20 years after she disappeared from her home in North Carolina. The reunion happened outside a courthouse in Rockingham County, where Smith appeared over an old driving-related case linked to the time she went missing.  Waiting there was her daughter, Amanda Smith, who had spent years searching for answers. “We only get one life, and I want my mom in it,” Amanda said. Smith was 38 when she left home in December 2001 and did not return.  At the time, her disappearance drew attention and remained unsolved for years. Amanda, who was just 14 then, grew up with uncertainty. “I didn’t really know what to do,” she recalled. Investigators recently received new information that led them to Smith. They located her in North Carolina and confirmed she was “alive and well.” She was later arrested in connection with an o...

 €20 Million Seized in Case Involving Actress Ursula Andress Italian authorities have seized assets worth €20 million in a case linked to funds allegedly taken from Ursula Andress. The actress filed a criminal complaint earlier this year, claiming she was defrauded of about 18 million Swiss francs over several years. She alleged that money was moved from her account without her consent and used for unauthorized purchases. Speaking about the situation, Andress described the emotional toll it has taken. “I am still in shock,” she said. “I was deliberately chosen as a victim. They gained my trust over years and then exploited it.” She added that the experience has left her feeling overwhelmed. “This feeling of helplessness is unbearable,” she said, explaining that the situation has affected her peace of mind. Andress, who said she had carefully saved throughout her life, expressed hope for justice.  “I’ve worked hard and hoped to live peacefully. Now this has happened. I hope tho...

 How Kaduna Residents Held Solidarity Rally For El-Rufai Amid Court Arraignment Kaduna State residents staged a solidarity rally yesterday to show support for former Governor Nasir El-Rufai on the day he was arraigned in court. The demonstrators marched through the streets before converging outside the Federal High Court, Kaduna, where El-Rufai faced charges of corruption brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Chanting slogans such as “Free El-Rufai Now” and carrying placards with messages including “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied,” the crowd expressed frustration over what they described as the continued detention of El-Rufai by the APC-led government. The protest drew participants across all age groups, with men and women visibly emotional, and some shedding tears. Community leaders and human rights activists addressed the crowd, condemning the detention and calling for the immediate release of the former governor. Though pea...

 Tinubu Tasks Traditional Rulers On Security And Unity President Bola Tinubu has called on traditional rulers to strengthen their role in addressing insecurity and promoting unity across Nigeria. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President made the call at the autobiography launch of Samuel Oluyemisi Olu Falae. He said traditional institutions remain vital to peacebuilding and grassroots stability, urging them to rise to the nation’s current challenges. President Tinubu also described Oba Falae as a symbol of service, bridging tradition and modern governance, and expressed hope his legacy will inspire future leaders. One more photo below. 

 FG Appoints Prof.  Thairu Yunusa as CMD, UATH President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Thairu Yunusa as the substantive Chief Medical Director of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada. *Take Pictures* The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, presented the appointment letter to the new Chief Medical Director during a brief ceremony at his office in Abuja. Professor Thairu Yunusa has since assumed office following the formal handover by the Acting Chief Medical Director, Professor Bob Ukonu, at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.  In a statement Signed by the Public Relations officer, UATH, Sani Suleiman, the event was witnessed by members of the hospital’s top management team. Until his appointment, Professor Yunusa led the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Isolation and Treatment Centre in Gwagwalada and has played key roles in infectious disease management and cl...

 FED. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION MANDATES ALL TEACHERS TO BE FULLY CERTIFIED/LICENSED  BY 2026/2027 ACADEMIC SESSION                                                      Concerns over unqualified individuals in classrooms and the need to strengthen professionalism in the teaching sector have prompted a renewed regulatory push in Nigeria’s education system. All teachers across the country are now required to be fully certified and licensed before the end of the 2026/2027 academic session.  This directive issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and to be enforced by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), ensuring that only professionally qualified educators are allowed to teach in Nigerian schools. Teachers are expected to access the Council’s official portal to obtain or renew their licences, which will remain valid for three y...

 TROOPS OF  OPERATION WHIRL STROKE ON PRE-WET SEASON OFFENSIVE APPREHEND SUSPECTS, RECOVER AK-47 AND AMMUNITIONS On 26 March 2026, in furtherance of pre-wet season farming operations, troops of the COAS Intervention Battalion XI under Operation WHIRL STROKE continue to clear identified flash points based on credible intelligence. Accordingly, on receipt of information regarding the presence of suspected terrorists within the Agasha general area, the troops advanced tactically to the suspected location. Upon arrival, the area was swiftly cordoned, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Mr Sule Ibrahim and Mr Salmanu Risko, both from Nasarawa State, as well as Mr Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos. Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, twenty-seven rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, ten sachets of alcohol, and assorted charms. The suspects are in troops custody for preliminary investigation and ...