Author: Tunde

Pennsylvania has reported its fifth death linked to measles this year as the state grapples with a surge in infections nearing 1,000 amid a major outbreak. An unvaccinated resident from Lancaster County, who had tested positive for the virus, has succumbed to the illness, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which notified the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So far in 2026, the state has recorded 943 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties, including 40 new cases since 28 September. At least 176 individuals have been hospitalised. The current outbreak, deemed the worst in the US…

The 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) highlights a growing discord within the international system. While representatives from 193 member states converge to discuss peace, sovereignty and justice, their differing interpretations often mask underlying disagreements. Terms like sovereignty may be championed as protection from foreign interference by one speaker, while another might use it to justify national interests. Powerful nations further complicate matters with their contrasting views on the international order. The United States prioritises national strength and alliances, China’s focus is on sovereign equality and non-interference, while Russia advocates multipolarity. European leaders stress accountability and institutional rules. While…

Passengers on a flight to Israel subdued a pilot who stabbed his co-pilot and seemed intent on sabotaging the aircraft, leaving many fearing for their lives. Yaniv Hayun, who emerged from the ordeal in a blood-smeared shirt, shared his experience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, explaining that he realised something was amiss when the plane suddenly dropped. The flight, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, plummeted 17,000 feet (about 5,200 metres) in under two minutes. “Someone screamed… the light went out,” Hayun recounted in a video shared by Netanyahu. Hayun and other passengers attempted to force open the cockpit…

The Borno State Police have arrested five youths for allegedly possessing drugs while wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan “#TinubuMustGo”. The police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, responded to public criticism of the arrests, which many described as an attack on free speech. Daso clarified in a statement that the youths were detained on September 25, 2026, for allegedly inciting public disturbance and thuggery, not solely for their T-shirts. The arrests occurred during a routine patrol around the West-end roundabout, where police observed behaviour that could disrupt public peace. Officers recovered 15 wraps of what is suspected to be cannabis, 100…

Police investigating the Grenfell Tower fire have urged prosecutors to consider charges, including manslaughter and fraud, against various companies and individuals. The Metropolitan Police revealed that they have submitted evidence related to 20 entities and 54 individuals, marking what they termed a “milestone moment.” Andy Burnham, joining survivors’ groups, expressed concern over the lengthy process but pledged to support Grenfell families in their quest for justice. Potential charges could include corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety violations, and misconduct in public office. Housing secretary Angela Rayner announced that files passed to prosecutors also involve her department, which has…

The Anambra State Police Command has warned residents about the risk of flooding, urging parents, guardians, and caregivers to remain vigilant to safeguard schoolchildren in light of ongoing heavy rains in the area. In a statement on Wednesday, police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the alert stemmed from recent incidents of flooding, which sadly resulted in the death of a school pupil. A student from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, Success Ezenwafor, was swept away by floodwaters in Isiagu, Awka South Local Government Area. He was on his way to school last Tuesday when the minibus carrying him and other…

President Donald Trump launched America.gov this week amid much excitement, aiming to make government information more accessible. He claimed this new artificial intelligence prompt would revolutionise the relationship between citizens and their government, allowing users to find answers to their queries without navigating complex government websites. “This will be the first point of contact for citizens wanting information about their government and services,” Trump stated during the announcement. “No more tedious searches through endless government websites. Every question can now be answered easily and quickly.” Despite Trump’s high hopes, the AI prompt quickly faced scrutiny. When The Independent tested it…

The Return of Ernest Bai Koroma and the Future of the APC By Yoni Emmanuel Sesay On 6 September 2026, former President Ernest Bai Koroma returned to Sierra Leone from Nigeria after the government dropped criminal charges against him. ECOWAS welcomed his return, highlighting its importance for national reconciliation and peace. Koroma reaffirmed his commitment to promoting unity and development in Sierra Leone. His homecoming is significant, especially for the All People’s Congress (APC) party, evoking comparisons to the biblical figure of Moses. While it is crucial to remember that Koroma is not a prophet, his journey resonates with themes…

Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, a prominent figure in Mpumalanga’s taxi industry, has denied corrupt dealings with bus operator Putco during a hearing at the Madlanga Commission. He stated that his discussions with government officials aimed to benefit the KwaNdebele community. Sibanyoni is under scrutiny for alleged connections to organised crime and manipulation of government contracts. He explained that Putco’s CEO approached him to assist the company in moving from a month-to-month government contract to a longer-term agreement. The businessman revealed that GCBS, an affiliated company, sought a 30% stake in local transport routes, and local businesses desired a share of the…

A third of the world’s population faced dangerously high levels of ozone pollution in 2026, with Asia hit hardest, according to a report from the EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). The report, released on Wednesday, indicated that from January 1 to September 15, 34% of people globally experienced “extremely poor” air quality. Ground-level ozone, which is harmful to health, forms when sunlight and heat react with pollutants from vehicles, industries, and wildfires. An “extremely poor” rating means ozone levels exceeded the World Health Organization’s guideline of 100 micrograms per cubic metre over eight hours. In contrast, only 5% of…