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Trump makes chilling preparations for possible war with Iran PODCAST: Trump's 'Freedom Day' Tariffs, along with an unexpected push for the death penalty in the Luigi Mangione case. Tune into Welcome to MAGAland here. As stock markets decline and the Trump administration faces criticism over the president's 'reciprocal' tariffs, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to reverse the situation by shifting the topic Nancy Pelosi ' s previous remarks criticizing China tariffs. Leavitt brought up the former House House Speaker's long record of resisting efforts to grant China preferred trading status – delivering a walk-off speech at the end of her White House briefing Tuesday. ' Democrats have long said that the United States of America has been ripped off by the countries around the world. They just don't want to admit it now, because it's President Trump who is saying that,' said ...

People living in a small coastal village recently rechristened Gulf of America are rejoicing over President Trump's contentious tariff proposal following their economy being devastated by inexpensive imports. Jeremy Zirlott, who works as a commercial shrimp fisherman in Bayou La Batre, Alabama He couldn’t scarcely believe it when he witnessed Trump announcing tariffs on imports from various countries worldwide last week. But while Global markets responded with shock. to the plan, Zirlott told the Wall Street Journal to him, it appeared almost unreal. Trump's tariff plan will impose heavy levies on nations that export the majority of America's shrimp, including a hefty 46 percent tariff on Vietnamese imports and 32 percent on Indonesia . These same imports had decimated the economy in Bayou La Batre in recent years, as the small fishing town couldn't compete with the influx of cheap farmed shrimp from overseas. Income and sales tax revenue in t...

BusinessWire India Pune (Maharashtra), India, April 8: Guestara , an AI-powered guest management platform, has announced a strategic collaboration with Internet Moguls , India's first digital marketing agency for hoteliers by hoteliers, to redefine how hotels across the country drive revenue and guest engagement. This alliance marks the beginning of a deeper relationship, with Internet Moguls' Founder, Avijit Arya, joining Guestara as a strategic advisor to accelerate the platform's growth in the Indian hospitality sector. Rethinking Hospitality Expansion with Strong Sector Experience Founded on August 15, 2009, Internet Moguls has been a first mover in hospitality marketing, earning the trust of brands like Lemon Tree Hotels, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Fern, and Rain Tree, along with over 100 independent and chain hotels worldwide. With more than Rs 10,000 crores in client revenue generated, the company has become a trusted gr...

Asue Ighodalo, who was the Peoples Democratic Party nominee for governor in last year’s election in Edo State, has announced his intention to challenge the decision made by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal held in Abuja. The tribunal validated Governor Monday Okpebholo from the All Progressives Congress as the victor of the September 21, 2024, polling. The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed the petition of the PDP and Ighodalo for their inability to prove the allegation of over-voting, affirming that Okpebholo scored the highest number of valid votes in the election. The tribunal criticized the manner in which the petitioners presented their evidence concerning the accusations made against them. However, Ighadalo, in an announcement on Wednesday, clearly expressed his discontent with the tribunal’s decision, stating further that he intended to challenge the verdict through an appeal. "...

The Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission, has commenced plans to introduce 12 new programmes into the curriculum of universities in the country, The PUNCH has learnt. A total of 12 panels were additionally convened to examine the courses and provide constructive recommendations aimed at bolstering weaker sections. According to a transcript from the gathering between the NUC and representatives of the committee, this information was acquired by our reporter based in Abuja on Wednesday. The 12 new programmes to be introduced are Artificial Intelligence; Classical Christian Education; Community Health Science; Cooperative Economics and Management Studies; Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science; Geomatics Engineering Intelligence and Security Studies; Parasitology and Entomology; Sports Management; Telecommunication Science; Water Sanitation and Hygiene, and Islamic Economics and Finance. Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, who serves as the E...

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Air Algérie will commence its first direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja on April 6, 2025. This signifies an advancement in bolstering the diplomatic and economic relationships between Nigeria and Algeria. As per a declaration issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, who serves as the acting spokesperson for the ministry, this fresh flight path has been established under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both nations. It will be managed by Air Algérie, Algeria’s state airline, employing a Boeing 737 airplane. It is anticipated that this new service will enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and ease trade and investment exchanges between Nigeria and Algeria. This demonstrates both nations' joint dedication to enhancing collaboration in aviation, trade, and cultural interactions. The declaration included, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs happily announces the initiation of Air Al...

Asue Ighodalo, who was the Peoples Democratic Party nominee for governor in last year’s election in Edo State, has announced his intention to challenge the decision made by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal held in Abuja. The tribunal validated Governor Monday Okpebholo from the All Progressives Congress as the victor of the September 21, 2024, polling. The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed the petition of the PDP and Ighodalo for their inability to prove the allegation of over-voting, affirming that Okpebholo scored the highest number of valid votes in the election. The tribunal criticized the manner in which the petitioners presented their evidence concerning the accusations made against them. However, Ighadalo, in an announcement on Wednesday, clearly expressed his discontent with the tribunal’s decision, stating further that he intended to challenge the verdict through an appeal. "...

The Special Advisor to the Jigawa State Governor on the Film Censorship Board, Ishaq Hadejia, has advocated for background checks on those nominated for political positions, with the aim of verifying their involvement—or lack thereof—in illicit drug-related actions. Hadejia, who previously served as the Managing Director of Jigawa State Television, stated that this step would help stop leaders from encouraging drug use among young people. During a statement addressed to the governor and the Muslim community on Tuesday, Sallah highlighted the importance of ensuring the credibility of those assigned to public positions. “The call for drug screening for political appointees is essential at this critical time towards ensuring accountability and integrity in public offices. This action is aimed at advancing good governance and avoiding the misuse of authority. "As the state progresses further, the significance of maintaining the integrity of its leadership cannot be em...

Medical practitioner Dr. Ojo Ademola has submitted a document outlining the repercussions for defying judicial orders at a Lagos State High Court located in Ikeja. The filing targets former leader of the Lagos State Task Force, Engineer Peter Omotosho, along with Starmark Finance Company Limited and another individual. This action comes as they stand accused of blatantly disregarding an injunction prohibiting them from entering his property in the Lekki district of the state. Mr. Tunji Solaja has been named as the Defendant/Respondent in Case No. LD/15415LMW/2024, documented on Form 48, for alleged blatant disregard of the court’s directive issued by Justice Akinkunmi Idowu on December 10, 2024. The motion seeking consequences for disobeying the court order was filed after the petitioner prayed to the court to bar Attorney General of Lagos State Lawal Pedro (SAN) & Associates from representing Starmark Finance Company Limited. Ademola, via his lawyer Mr Ayode...

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Mele Kyari and other board members of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited due to growing concerns about their performance and inability to achieve crucial production goals, according to statements made by officials from the Presidency. On Wednesday, Tinubu unexpectedly dismissed Kyari from his position leading the national oil company, a role he had held since 2019. This change was part of a larger restructuring effort announced by the Presidency with the aim of increasing Nigeria’s production of crude oil and natural gas. "President Tinubu dismissed all the board members who were appointed alongside Pius Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023," stated Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy for President Tinubu, in an early morning press release on Wednesday. As a result, he named Bashir Ojulari as the new Group CEO, with the appointment taking effect on April 2, 2025. ...

At this year's Energy Times Awards in Lagos, notable honorees include Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu; the governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji; and Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya from Gombe State. The occasion set for April 11 aims to honor both individuals and organizations that have made significant positive contributions, particularly within the realm of the energy industry, enhancing people's lives through their efforts. Governor Biodun Oyebanji The organizers revealed that Adelabu will head the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry delegation at the event. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Group, is set to receive the Life Achiever of the Year Award. The honorees include the CEO of Nigeria’s Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed; the Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, Dr. Kola Adesina; the Chairperson of Mojec International, Mrs. Mojisola Abdul; along with several others. "Four ...

The Nigerian televangelist, Pastor Timothy Omotoso, has been released and cleared of the rape and human trafficking allegations that have persisted since 2017. A 66-year-old senior pastor from Jesus Dominion International Church in South Africa has been charged with allegedly raping and trafficking young women, which includes members of the Gospel group Grace Galaxy as well as school-going minors. As reported by The South African, a publication based in South Africa, Pastor Omotoso was cleared of all accusations by the Gqeberha High Court. The televangelist had been in custody since his initial arrest in 2017 on multiple charges, including sexual assault and human trafficking. On Wednesday, though, the court acquitted him, resulting in his liberation. The report stated, "Omotoso along with his two fellow accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, went back to the dock as Judge Irma Schoeman announced the verdict." He was acquitted of r...

The Katsina State government has approved the installation of Closed-Circuit Television surveillance cameras across all 34 local government areas in the state, as part of efforts to tackle the growing threats posed by bandits and terrorists. On Tuesday, Robo Tambaya, who serves as both the Chairman of Danja Local Government Area and the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Katsina State, revealed information at a stakeholder’s town hall meeting. This event was organized by the state Police Command. The meeting was part of activities marking the 2025 maiden annual Police Day celebration, which took place at the Officers Mess in Katsina. Tambaya said, “I want to give you information that you have to push it. I had a meeting with the Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy, and Internal Security and Home Affairs, about my discussion with the state Governor to ensure that maximum security is provided and as I spoke to you, 34 loca...

The residents of Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State, breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday as they experienced their first rainfall of the year. The city of Makurdi, which serves as the state capital, is severely affected by heatwaves, leaving residents complaining about the intense temperatures, often resorting to sleeping outside. The rainfall began at approximately 5:30 am and was accompanied by strong winds; this continued for nearly an hour and a half. A number of locals who talked to PUNCH Metro following the rainfall greeted the chilly climate with excitement and hoped for additional precipitation. A woman named Madam Debby characterized the rainfall as a 'gentle remedy,' stating, "We were anticipating this rain due to the strong winds we observed over the past seven days." The intense heat has become extremely difficult to bear. We typically sleep outside until around 4:30 am before heading indoors. Glory belongs to Go...

On Wednesday, representatives from the National Sports Commission handed over the Unity Torch to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State. The unveiling of the torch acts as an official invite for the State to participate in the event scheduled from May 16 to May 30 in Ogun State. Accepting the torch on behalf of the governor, State Deputy Governor Sam Ode praised the delegation for their visit and emphasized that this event signifies a bond of unity, aiming to bring together all sports enthusiasts nationwide and strengthen our collective spirit despite our varied origins. Ode mentioned that his principal is passionate about sports and has introduced numerous innovations in this area, particularly enhancing the infrastructure within the sporting domain. He urged investors to head to the state and put money into sporting events, characterizing sports as a sector. He stated, "It should be noted that none of the previous governors of Benue State have promoted sports dev...