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 Powerful earthquake hits Afghanistan, leaving 19 dead and many injured A strong earthquake shook northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least 19 people and injuring hundreds more, with officials warning the toll could rise. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quake as a magnitude 6.3, striking at 12:59 a.m. local time approximately 13.6 miles west-southwest of Khulm in Samangan Province, at a depth of 17.3 miles. Initial reports from the Afghan Red Crescent put the death toll at 19 with 320 injured, while the Ministry of Public Health earlier reported 10 deaths and 260 injuries. Ministry officials cautioned that figures remain preliminary as rescue teams continue working in the affected areas. Medical teams have been deployed, and nearby hospitals have been placed on alert to treat the injured. The Ministry of Defense said the hardest-hit areas were in Samangan and neighboring Balkh Province, and military units have been dispatched to assist. Footage circulating online ...

Northwestern Mexico store fire and explosion kills at least 23, injures 12 MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - A fire and explosion at a convenience store in Hermosillo, northwestern Mexico, killed at least 23 people, including children, and left 12 others injured, state authorities reported. The incident occurred Saturday in downtown Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora state, according to Gov. Alfonso Durazo. As of Sunday morning, six victims remained hospitalized, with preliminary investigations indicating the deaths were caused by inhalation of toxic gases, Sonora Attorney General Gustavo Salas Chávez said. Videos shared on social media showed flames engulfing the Waldo's store, including footage of a severely burned man collapsing near the entrance. Authorities believe the fire started in a transformer, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum extended her condolences to the victims’ families and said she coordinated with the state governor to pr...

 Rutendo Matinyarare Slams Zuma’s Pan-African Credentials Activist and commentator Rutendo Matinyarare has strongly criticised former South African President Jacob Zuma, saying associating Pan-Africanism with Zuma “will destroy the cause.” In a post on X, Matinyarare accused Zuma of betraying African unity through his foreign policy decisions, including supporting NATO’s intervention in Libya, recognising Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara, and allowing xenophobic attacks to flourish under his leadership. He further claimed Zuma’s MK Party is “terrorising African immigrants” in KwaZulu-Natal and that Zuma “hid the truth” about the liberation struggles of other African states and the killing of Chris Hani. Matinyarare concluded by calling Zuma “an instrument of imperialism,” comparing him to former president Thabo Mbeki, and alleging that both “bowed to Western influence.”

 CP Lagos Deters Omoyele Sowore-led Protest At Iyana Oworo Ahead of a planned solidarity protest by Omoyele Sowore to hinder flow of traffic on third mainland bridge over the recent demolition of structures at Oworo Community, the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh led a team of tactical units to prevent any unlawful gatthering and procession in the axis.  The Deployment of Police Personnel around Iyana Oworo was able to deter protesters from gathering and there is free vehicular movement on the third mainland bridge.  CP Olohundare Jimoh reassured motorists and commuters of adequately security as they go about their normal businesses CP says there are information that the group led by Omoyele Sowore is planning to regroup elsewhere in Oworo Community hence the deployment of Command's tactical units to ensure no unlawful gathering is allowed in the axis

 FG Sympathizes With Caribbean Nations After Hurricane Melissa Federal Government has expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the emerging reports of widespread destruction, flooding, and loss of life as heart-wrenching.  The government however commended the courageous efforts of national emergency response teams in the affected countries. Nigeria condoled the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. In the spirit of South-South cooperation, Nigeria called on the international community to provide all necessary assistance for the urgent recovery and rebuilding efforts. Nigerian Government further extended its prayers for the people and governments of the affected nations.

 PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AKPABIO CALLS ONLINE STATEMENT AS FALSE CLAIMS   President of the Senate  Godswill Akpabio has denied making a statement attributed to him by an online media platform "Rant HQ" that Nigerians are satisfied with the country's conditions amid killings.  In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the post as "a total falsehood, a product of mischief, and a desperate attempt to incite misunderstanding" between him and US President Donald Trump, as well as between Nigeria and its international partners.  Akpabio  challenged the publishers to produce evidence supporting the claim, describing it as "digital recklessness" aimed at tarnishing reputations and inflaming diplomatic tensions. The statement urged the public to ignore the falsehood as it warns those who trade in misinformation to desist from peddling fabricated and unverified stories.

 2 girls fell from Ferris wheel at Louisiana harvest festival, sheriff says Two young girls were hospitalized after falling from a Ferris wheel at a harvest festival in Louisiana, authorities said. The accident occurred around noon Saturday at the Harvest Festival on False River in New Roads, roughly 40 miles northwest of Baton Rouge, according to Pointe Coupée Parish Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux. Both girls are under 13, and while one was transported to a hospital by ambulance, the other was airlifted to a medical facility. Their current conditions have not been released. “Our hearts go out to the families, and our prayers are with them,” Thibodeaux said. The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal is investigating the incident. In a statement, the agency confirmed that two riders fell from a Ferris wheel at the New Roads Harvest Festival. A witness, Madison Fields, told a local news outlet that it appeared the Ferris wheel bucket the girls were riding in tipped upside down, causing the...