Trendsetter Tribune

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Federal Government Urges Residents Near River Benue Basin to Relocate Amid Flood Warnings

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has called on residents living near riverbanks along the River Benue Basin to move to safer locations due to rising flood risks.

The Federal Government has withdrawn part of the Abuja-Kaduna highway rehabilitation contract from construction giant Julius Berger due to significant delays. The contract, originally awarded in 2018 during President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, has seen sluggish progress, particularly on the Abuja-Kaduna section, which has only reached 27% completion after six years.

Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator representing Abia North, has revealed that he earns a total of N14 million monthly, which covers all expenses related to his duties as a lawmaker. The former governor of Abia State made this disclosure during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television on Thursday, October 17.

The Nigerian government has officially ended fuel and foreign exchange (FX) subsidies, signaling the conclusion of a long-standing economic policy. This announcement was made by Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, during the presentation of the Nigeria Development Update by the World Bank in Abuja on Thursday, October 17.

Nigeria’s aviation industry has seen a significant improvement in its global standing following the introduction of new regulations governing aircraft repossession. The signing of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) has boosted the country’s compliance with international aviation standards.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a comprehensive "victory" plan to the Ukrainian parliament, aiming to achieve a just peace and bring an end to the ongoing war with Russia. The plan, which consists of five main points and three undisclosed annexes, outlines steps to strengthen Ukraine’s position and ensure long-term security.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed that many of the illegal weapons currently used by terrorists and bandits in Nigeria were originally owned by the Federal Government. Ribadu made this revelation on Thursday, October 17, 2024, during the Arms Destruction Exercise organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in Abuja.

King Harris, the 19-year-old son of rapper T.I., was arrested in Georgia earlier this week after an encounter with law enforcement. The incident took place on Monday, October 14, in Dunwoody when Harris nearly collided with a police vehicle while exiting a gas station, prompting officers to initiate a traffic stop.

Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader and mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, was reportedly killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during a strike in Gaza, according to Israeli officials. Photos claiming to show Sinwar's body were circulated on social media, though formal confirmation is still pending.

Actress Anna Kendrick, 39, has once again opened up about her perspective on motherhood. Known for her candid thoughts on the topic, Kendrick previously expressed her stance in her 2016 memoir Scrappy Little Nobody, where she stated, "Motherhood isn’t for me." In a recent conversation with Flow Space, published on October 16, Kendrick revisited the subject, reflecting on a common phrase used by men when talking about their desire for children.

Katie Price has revealed that passport machines are no longer able to recognize her face following her sixth facelift, which she underwent in Turkey. The 46-year-old former glamour model, currently enjoying a holiday in Cyprus, shared her travel struggles due to her passport photo not resembling her current appearance.

Former presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande, has expressed concerns about the absence of both President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria at the same time. During an appearance on Channels TV on October 14, Akande stated that it is not ideal for both top leaders to leave the country simultaneously, as governance requires constant attention.

Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader who orchestrated the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, may have been killed during an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operation in Gaza, according to a statement from the Israeli military on Thursday. The statement noted that three terrorists were eliminated in the operation, and the IDF is investigating whether one of them was Sinwar, though their identities have yet to be confirmed.

Francis Ngannou's path to becoming a fighting superstar has been anything but conventional. From his early days working in gold mines in Cameroon to crossing the Sahara Desert in pursuit of a better life, Ngannou’s journey has been marked by extraordinary challenges and triumphs. Now, as he prepares to face Renan Ferreira for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Super Fights heavyweight title, he grapples with the recent heartbreaking loss of his 15-month-old son, Kobe, earlier this year.

In the tranquil town of Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 26-year-old tailor Farhan Khan recalls the chilling events of September 17, when an anti-Muslim rally disrupted the peace of his community. As he opened his shop that morning, he was confronted by two men in saffron attire who recorded their interaction on a mobile phone. They aggressively questioned why he was open for business, and soon a larger group joined, escalating the confrontation.

Fadi al-Wahidi, an Al Jazeera cameraman, remains in a coma after being shot in the neck by an Israeli sniper in the Gaza Strip earlier this month. He was reporting on the Israeli ground invasion of the Jabalia refugee camp when the incident occurred, despite wearing protective gear that clearly identified him as a member of the press.

In a devastating incident in northwestern Nigeria, mass funerals are being held for over 150 victims who lost their lives in a tragic fuel tanker explosion. The disaster occurred as many individuals attempted to collect petrol that had spilled onto the road.

Former One Direction member Liam Payne was found dead at the age of 31 in a Buenos Aires hotel on Wednesday evening, October 16, after falling from a balcony. His tragic passing has raised alarm, as a 911 call made by hotel staff revealed their deep concern for the singer's wellbeing shortly before the incident.

It was an exciting night on Tuesday as music lovers gathered at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos for thrilling performances during the ongoing Felabration 2024. The annual musical festival, held in memory of Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, saw artists like Skales, May D, and Durella electrify the crowd with their energetic performances.

Nigerian music producer and Mavin Records CEO, Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, has donated N100 million to the non-governmental organization (NGO) of controversial activist, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.

American rapper Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, better known as Cardi B, has promised to give up alcohol following her recent 32nd birthday celebration in New York City. The rap star, who is also a nursing mother, made the declaration after what appeared to be an intense night of partying.

Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has expressed concerns over the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stating that it was "unconstitutionally established." Agbakoba made this assertion in a letter dated October 14, 2024, addressed to Mr. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review.

The Lagos State Government has attributed the delay in commencing the long-anticipated Fourth Mainland Bridge and Lekki Airport projects to a shortage of funds. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this revelation during a live broadcast on Channels TV

Maya Henry, the ex-fiancée of Liam Payne, recently opened up about the late singer's mental health struggles, just days before his untimely death in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 31-year-old former One Direction star passed away on October 16, after reportedly falling from the third floor of a hotel.

Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, 54, allegedly attacked members of his son Justin's football coaching team in 2015 following a dispute over how his son was disciplined. According to newly revealed documents from the Los Angeles Times, the altercation occurred at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) weight training facility.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump addressed Hispanic voters in Miami on Wednesday, October 16, emphasizing that under his administration, migrants must "love our country" in order to gain entry. Speaking at a town hall event hosted by Univision, Trump reiterated his support for legal immigration while criticizing the current handling of border control.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has received 846,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine, the first batch from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as part of the country’s efforts to combat malaria. The official launch of the vaccines took place on Thursday, with key health officials and development partners in attendance.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has reached a monumental agreement to pay $880 million to victims of clergy sexual abuse, marking what is believed to be the largest single settlement involving a Catholic archdiocese in the United States. This settlement addresses decades-old claims of abuse, affecting over 1,300 individuals.

Arrests Made in Attempted Murder Case of Fitness Influencer Miguel Angel Aguilar

In a significant development regarding the attempted murder of fitness influencer Miguel Angel Aguilar, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced on Wednesday that three men have been arrested and charged with felonies related to the case.

As Halloween approaches, the infamous Menendez Brothers are inspiring a new wave of costumes, thanks to renewed public interest in their notorious parental murder case. eBay sellers have quickly capitalized on this trend, offering a variety of themed attire for those looking to embody Lyle and Erik Menendez this spooky season.

North Korea has destroyed sections of its road and railway links with South Korea, declaring its neighbor a "hostile state," according to state media reports. The Korean People’s Army reportedly demolished 60-meter stretches of both road and rail along the east and west sides of the inter-Korean border. This action is part of what the North describes as a “phased complete separation” from South Korea.

Vice President Kamala Harris participated in a contentious interview with Fox News host Bret Baier on Wednesday, aiming to address voter concerns as the campaign heats up ahead of the November 5 election. The discussion quickly turned to immigration, a critical issue for both parties.

Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance addressed a rally in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he reiterated his belief that former President Donald Trump did not lose the 2020 election. Vance's comments came during a question-and-answer session with reporters on Wednesday.

The U.S. military has carried out a series of airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, according to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. On Wednesday, U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers conducted "precision strikes" on five underground weapons storage sites in Houthi-controlled areas of the country.

The strikes focused on heavily fortified underground facilities where weapons components were stored, which the Houthis have allegedly used to target both civilian and military vessels in the region, Austin explained.

China's coastguard announced that it had expelled a Japanese fishing vessel that "illegally" entered its territorial waters near a disputed group of islands in the East China Sea. On Thursday, a spokesperson for China's coastguard, Liu Dejun, stated that authorities took "necessary control measures," warning and removing the ship from waters surrounding the Diaoyu Islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan.

A federal judge has ruled that Alabama cannot remove over 3,200 people from its voter rolls just before the upcoming presidential election. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by Donald Trump, issued a preliminary injunction stopping the effort led by Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen to purge the voter rolls, suspecting some individuals of being non-citizens.

Authorities in Florida have arrested Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, for abandoning his dog in floodwaters as Hurricane Milton approached. Garcia, a resident of Ruskin, Florida, was charged with aggravated animal cruelty after leaving his dog tied to a post on the side of Interstate 75 in Tampa, with rising floodwaters threatening the animal’s life.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has filed a lawsuit against California’s Coastal Commission, accusing the agency of political bias for rejecting the company’s proposal to increase the number of rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. SpaceX claims the commission’s decision was influenced by Musk’s political views and not environmental concerns, as the agency cited Musk’s controversial statements on his social platform, X (formerly Twitter).

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has made headlines by being named to the All-WNBA first team, becoming the first rookie in 16 years to earn this distinction. The announcement on Wednesday highlighted Clark’s remarkable debut season, as she joins elite company in the 2024 WNBA selections.

Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber has added his voice to calls for greater accountability in football, urging FIFA to adopt a more strategic approach to the sport. As concerns about the expanding football calendar continue to mount, Garber emphasized the need for thoughtful decision-making by the sport's governing bodies.

This week marks the 25th anniversary of Australia voting "no" in a 1999 referendum to become a republic, yet interpreting this decision as a firm commitment to the monarchy would be a mistake. The complexities behind the rejection seem lost on those who organized King Charles III's latest visit to Australia. The British-born monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla, is making his 17th visit to the country, and his first as king, with stops in Sydney and Canberra during the six-day trip.

This week, Italy launched a controversial agreement with Albania to handle asylum procedures offshore, aiming to reduce the increasing flow of irregular migrants. The initiative, championed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has attracted significant attention, especially from countries like Germany, which recently implemented new border regulations following security concerns and the rise of far-right anti-immigration parties. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed support for Meloni’s pragmatic approach during a recent visit to Rome.

As climate disasters worsen globally—hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires—some tech leaders are advocating for futuristic solutions over immediate action. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt recently suggested at an AI conference in Washington, D.C., that humanity is unlikely to meet its climate goals due to poor organization. He further proposed that instead of focusing on constraints, we should push forward with AI, which he believes could potentially solve the climate crisis. His remarks were met with skepticism, as AI is known to consume vast amounts of energy, prompting some tech companies to abandon their own climate targets.

Governor Gavin Newsom of California has recently vetoed SB1047, a landmark artificial intelligence safety bill. The bill aimed to address safety concerns with large AI models but excluded smaller ones, a key reason Newsom cited for his rejection. He argued that the bill's narrow focus left significant gaps, advocating instead for comprehensive AI regulation.

On Tuesday, a large crowd gathered for a Donald Trump rally in Marietta, Georgia, forming a line that stretched nearly a quarter-mile around the venue. The hall, which seats 2,700 people, started filling early, with the first attendees arriving around 1 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. event. However, not all those who waited were able to get in due to the high turnout.

For three years, New Zealanders have been captivated by the mystery of Tom Phillips, a fugitive father who disappeared into the wilderness with his three young children. Despite numerous sightings and an ongoing investigation, Phillips and his children—Ember, Maverick, and Jayda—have managed to evade capture. Now, new developments have reignited questions about why he hasn't been found and how he has managed to survive in the rugged backcountry of Waikato.

Standing desks, often promoted as a remedy for prolonged sitting in the workplace, may not offer the health benefits many believe, according to new research. A study conducted by the University of Sydney reveals that standing for extended periods does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart failure. Instead, it may increase the risk of circulatory issues such as varicose veins and blood clots.

The United States has called on Israel to provide concrete evidence that it does not have a policy of starvation in northern Gaza, as pressure mounts on the Netanyahu government to permit increased humanitarian aid into the region.

During a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday, US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated that such a policy, if in place, would be "horrific and unacceptable" and could have legal implications under both international and US law. She emphasized the need for Israel's actions to align with its claim that essential supplies, including food, would not be cut off.

Phoenix police are under fire after body camera footage was released, showing two white officers using excessive force on Tyron McAlpin, a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy. The incident occurred on August 19 outside a Circle K store in Phoenix, Arizona, where officers Benjamin Harris and Kyle Sue arrested McAlpin. He is now facing charges of resisting arrest and assault on police officers.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Wednesday, October 16, 2024