Four out of five Australian children still using social media despite ban, study finds amid fears over UK crackdown
Four out of five Australian young people reported still accessing social media in the months after a ban for under-16s took effect, according to new research which threatens to cast doubts on the UK’s incoming restrictions.The findings from a small study of the initial impacts of the world-first ban suggested “insufficient evidence of any substantive early effects”, the paper from the University of Newcastle, Australia, said.The UK is set to have a ban in place on certain social media for under-16s by spring 2027, after an announcement by Sir Keir Starmer earlier this month.
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Four out of five Australian young people reported still accessing social media in the months after a ban for under-16s took effect, according to new research which threatens to cast doubts on the UK’s incoming restrictions.The findings from a small study of the initial impacts of the world-first ban suggested “insufficient evidence of any substantive early effects”, the paper from the University of Newcastle, Australia, said.The UK is set to have a ban in place on certain social media for under-16s by spring 2027, after an announcement by Sir Keir Starmer earlier this month.
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Burnham eyes up ‘No 10 in the North’ as path to a coronation becomes clearer
Andy Burnham is set to create a ‘No 10 in the North’ by moving some of his Downing Street operation to Manchester if he enters Downing Street as expected, reports suggest.He edged closer to a coronation on Wednesday after one of his leadership rivals, Darren Jones, a key ally of Sir Keir Starmer, ruled himself out of the race.Dubbed Labour’s ‘King of the North’, the former mayor of Greater Manchester is expected to set out his plans in a speech on the devolution of power on Monday. open image in galleryAndy Burnham is seen as the most likely successor to Sir Keir Starmer (PA Wire)He has long criticised what he sees as Westminster-centric politics, which he argues is holding back the UK economy.Mr Burnham returned to Westminster last week after he won a by-election to become the new MP for Makerfield, in Greater Manchester.
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Andy Burnham is set to create a ‘No 10 in the North’ by moving some of his Downing Street operation to Manchester if he enters Downing Street as expected, reports suggest.He edged closer to a coronation on Wednesday after one of his leadership rivals, Darren Jones, a key ally of Sir Keir Starmer, ruled himself out of the race.Dubbed Labour’s ‘King of the North’, the former mayor of Greater Manchester is expected to set out his plans in a speech on the devolution of power on Monday. open image in galleryAndy Burnham is seen as the most likely successor to Sir Keir Starmer (PA Wire)He has long criticised what he sees as Westminster-centric politics, which he argues is holding back the UK economy.Mr Burnham returned to Westminster last week after he won a by-election to become the new MP for Makerfield, in Greater Manchester.
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Nation Reporters
Nation Reporters — Breaking News India & World
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Andy Burnham responds to Kemi Badenoch’s ‘t-shirt and a pair of eyelashes’ PMQs jab
Independent TVShowing now | News00:10Bookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverAndy Burnham responds to Kemi Badenoch’s ‘t-shirt and a pair of eyelashes’ PMQs jabAndy Burnham has responded to Kemi Badenoch after she described him as a “pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt”.During a fiery Prime Minister's Questions, the Conservative leader took several swipes at the outgoing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his party.“They have abandoned him and what for? A pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt,” said Badenoch on Wednesday.In a video response posted hours later, the MP for Makerfield donned a T-shirt as he batted his eyelashes at the camera and clarified “it’s dark blue, actually”.Up next02:01What are Scientology ‘speed runs’?
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Independent TVShowing now | News00:10Bookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverAndy Burnham responds to Kemi Badenoch’s ‘t-shirt and a pair of eyelashes’ PMQs jabAndy Burnham has responded to Kemi Badenoch after she described him as a “pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt”.During a fiery Prime Minister's Questions, the Conservative leader took several swipes at the outgoing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his party.“They have abandoned him and what for? A pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt,” said Badenoch on Wednesday.In a video response posted hours later, the MP for Makerfield donned a T-shirt as he batted his eyelashes at the camera and clarified “it’s dark blue, actually”.Up next02:01What are Scientology ‘speed runs’?
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Andy Burnham issued warning over tax rises should he become prime minister
Andy Burnham is facing warnings from political opponents against placing new business taxes or a leftward lurch if he becomes prime minister. These cautions will be voiced at a gathering of business chiefs, where opposition leaders plan to outline their economic response to a Sir Keir Starmer’s potential successor.Chancellor Rachel Reeves is also expected to speak at the event, stressing the Government’s commitment to economic stability as a foundation for growth, even as Cabinet changes loom.
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Andy Burnham is facing warnings from political opponents against placing new business taxes or a leftward lurch if he becomes prime minister. These cautions will be voiced at a gathering of business chiefs, where opposition leaders plan to outline their economic response to a Sir Keir Starmer’s potential successor.Chancellor Rachel Reeves is also expected to speak at the event, stressing the Government’s commitment to economic stability as a foundation for growth, even as Cabinet changes loom.
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Nigel Farage referred to financial regulator over donations from crypto-billionaire
Nigel Farage has been referred to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) over claims his cryptocurrency advocacy has benefited his billionaire backer, Christopher Harbone.The Reform UK leader has previously insisted the millions donated by the Thailand-based crypto investor was gifted to him and the party with the expectation of “absolutely nothing in return at all”.But the Chair of the Labour Party has now written to the financial regulator calling for an investigation into whether Mr Farage’s efforts to promote cryptocurrencies and stablecoins may have benefited Mr Harborne.“Mr Farage’s public advocacy for stablecoins and cryptoassets raises issues within the FCA’s remit,” the letter reads.open image in galleryThe letter, written by Chair of the Labour Party Anna Turley, refers to reports Mr Farage used a private meeting with the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, to argue…
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Nigel Farage has been referred to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) over claims his cryptocurrency advocacy has benefited his billionaire backer, Christopher Harbone.The Reform UK leader has previously insisted the millions donated by the Thailand-based crypto investor was gifted to him and the party with the expectation of “absolutely nothing in return at all”.But the Chair of the Labour Party has now written to the financial regulator calling for an investigation into whether Mr Farage’s efforts to promote cryptocurrencies and stablecoins may have benefited Mr Harborne.“Mr Farage’s public advocacy for stablecoins and cryptoassets raises issues within the FCA’s remit,” the letter reads.open image in galleryThe letter, written by Chair of the Labour Party Anna Turley, refers to reports Mr Farage used a private meeting with the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, to argue…
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Nation Reporters
Nation Reporters — Breaking News India & World
India's AI-powered multilingual digital news network. Breaking news, analysis and in-depth reporting.
UK heatwave breaks 50-year temperature record for June
Britain has recorded its hottest June day on record, shattering a previous high which has stood since 1976.Provisional temperatures soared to 35.8C in Wiggonholt, West Sussex, and 35.7C in Charlwood, Surrey. This unprecedented heat surpasses the previous record of 35.6C, which had stood since 1976 and 1957, according to the Met Office.The record-breaking temperatures arrive as much of England and Wales endures exceptionally hot and humid conditions, prompting a rare red warning for extreme heat from the Met Office.
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Britain has recorded its hottest June day on record, shattering a previous high which has stood since 1976.Provisional temperatures soared to 35.8C in Wiggonholt, West Sussex, and 35.7C in Charlwood, Surrey. This unprecedented heat surpasses the previous record of 35.6C, which had stood since 1976 and 1957, according to the Met Office.The record-breaking temperatures arrive as much of England and Wales endures exceptionally hot and humid conditions, prompting a rare red warning for extreme heat from the Met Office.
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Tube temperatures near 40C as commuters brave heatwave: ‘It’s hotter than South Africa’
Temperatures on the London Underground rail network reached almost 40C on Wednesday as the day was officially declared the hottest in June on record.A provisional outdoor high of 36.1C was recorded at Gosport in Hampshire, beating the previous top temperature of 35.6C set in 1976, the Met Office said as the record was broken four times in a day.The forecaster issued several health warnings for extreme heat, including a rare red warning that covers much of southern England until Thursday.Many schools and offices across the country remain closed amid the hot and humid conditions.Despite the record temperatures, commuters could still be seen in droves in central London, braving the notoriously high Tube heat.Readings taken by The Independent on London Underground carriages showed highs of 39.4C, recorded on the Central line – one of the capital’s busiest lines.open image in galleryReadings…
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Temperatures on the London Underground rail network reached almost 40C on Wednesday as the day was officially declared the hottest in June on record.A provisional outdoor high of 36.1C was recorded at Gosport in Hampshire, beating the previous top temperature of 35.6C set in 1976, the Met Office said as the record was broken four times in a day.The forecaster issued several health warnings for extreme heat, including a rare red warning that covers much of southern England until Thursday.Many schools and offices across the country remain closed amid the hot and humid conditions.Despite the record temperatures, commuters could still be seen in droves in central London, braving the notoriously high Tube heat.Readings taken by The Independent on London Underground carriages showed highs of 39.4C, recorded on the Central line – one of the capital’s busiest lines.open image in galleryReadings…
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Nation Reporters
Nation Reporters — Breaking News India & World
India's AI-powered multilingual digital news network. Breaking news, analysis and in-depth reporting.
Woman fighting for life after ‘clothes catch fire’ on street in Edinburgh
A woman is fighting for her life after an incident in which her clothes appeared to catch fire on a street in Edinburgh.The woman was seriously injured in the incident outside flats in St Leonard’s Street on Monday afternoon.A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Around 12.10pm on Monday, June 22, police were called to a report of a seriously injured woman outside flats on St Leonards Street, Edinburgh.“The woman was taken by ambulance to hospital where medical staff describe her condition as critical.“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.
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A woman is fighting for her life after an incident in which her clothes appeared to catch fire on a street in Edinburgh.The woman was seriously injured in the incident outside flats in St Leonard’s Street on Monday afternoon.A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Around 12.10pm on Monday, June 22, police were called to a report of a seriously injured woman outside flats on St Leonards Street, Edinburgh.“The woman was taken by ambulance to hospital where medical staff describe her condition as critical.“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.
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Emergency services launch search operation after boy, 15, goes missing while swimming in lake
Emergency services have launched a search operation for a 15-year-old boy who was last seen swimming in a lake near Southampton.The teenager was reported missing after being last seen swimming at Testwood Lakes, near Totton, Southampton. The alarm was raised at 1.35pm on Wednesday.Hampshire Constabulary confirmed a multi-agency effort is underway to locate him.A spokesman said: "A multi-agency operation is under way following a report that a 15-year-old boy is missing after he was last seen swimming at Testwood Lakes near Totton."This was reported to police at 1.35pm on
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Emergency services have launched a search operation for a 15-year-old boy who was last seen swimming in a lake near Southampton.The teenager was reported missing after being last seen swimming at Testwood Lakes, near Totton, Southampton. The alarm was raised at 1.35pm on Wednesday.Hampshire Constabulary confirmed a multi-agency effort is underway to locate him.A spokesman said: "A multi-agency operation is under way following a report that a 15-year-old boy is missing after he was last seen swimming at Testwood Lakes near Totton."This was reported to police at 1.35pm on
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Newly-elected MP who crossed fingers during oath accused of putting on fake Scottish accent
Independent TVShowing now | News00:22Bookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverNewly-elected MP who crossed fingers during oath accused of putting on fake Scottish accentNewly-elected SNP MP Lara Bird, who appeared to cross her fingers whilst swearing allegiance to King Charles, has been accused of putting on a fake Scottish accent.Video recorded in January has emerged of the new Arbroath and Broughty Ferry MP speaking with an English accent. Ms Bird, who is half-Scottish, half-English, was raised in Scotland before studying at the University of Sheffield in 2018 and then moving to London.“I think I probably just picked up a bit of an accent when I was there and because I’ve grown up with an English side of my family,” she told The Courier earlier this month.
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Independent TVShowing now | News00:22Bookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverNewly-elected MP who crossed fingers during oath accused of putting on fake Scottish accentNewly-elected SNP MP Lara Bird, who appeared to cross her fingers whilst swearing allegiance to King Charles, has been accused of putting on a fake Scottish accent.Video recorded in January has emerged of the new Arbroath and Broughty Ferry MP speaking with an English accent. Ms Bird, who is half-Scottish, half-English, was raised in Scotland before studying at the University of Sheffield in 2018 and then moving to London.“I think I probably just picked up a bit of an accent when I was there and because I’ve grown up with an English side of my family,” she told The Courier earlier this month.
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Bridget Phillipson hits out at ‘deeply unpleasant targeting’ of trans people in wake of Supreme Court ruling
The minister for women and equalities has hit out at the “deeply unpleasant targeting” of trans people in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling on biological sex, but insisted that the government’s position is “the right place to be”. Bridget Phillipson made the remarks during her first appearance before the Women and Equalities Committee since the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published its updated guidance on single-sex spaces last month.The code - which was intensely criticised by trans campaign groups and charities - confirmed a service must be used on the basis of biological sex in order for it to be classed as single-sex under the Equality Act, as per the Supreme Court ruling in 2025.This means single-sex toilets, changing rooms, hospital wards and refuges must be used based on a person’s birth sex, rather than the gender with which they identify.Ms Phillipson admit…
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The minister for women and equalities has hit out at the “deeply unpleasant targeting” of trans people in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling on biological sex, but insisted that the government’s position is “the right place to be”. Bridget Phillipson made the remarks during her first appearance before the Women and Equalities Committee since the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published its updated guidance on single-sex spaces last month.The code - which was intensely criticised by trans campaign groups and charities - confirmed a service must be used on the basis of biological sex in order for it to be classed as single-sex under the Equality Act, as per the Supreme Court ruling in 2025.This means single-sex toilets, changing rooms, hospital wards and refuges must be used based on a person’s birth sex, rather than the gender with which they identify.Ms Phillipson admit…
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Nation Reporters
Nation Reporters — Breaking News India & World
India's AI-powered multilingual digital news network. Breaking news, analysis and in-depth reporting.
See Record-Breaking Extreme Heat Wave Across Europe in Photos
Temperature records were broken in several European countries on Wednesday.
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Temperature records were broken in several European countries on Wednesday.
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ICC Judges Sue Trump Administration Over Sanctions
Kimberly Prost, a Canadian judge at the International Criminal Court, and two colleagues are suing the administration, saying the sanctions were a form of retaliation.
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Kimberly Prost, a Canadian judge at the International Criminal Court, and two colleagues are suing the administration, saying the sanctions were a form of retaliation.
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Cuba Announces Sweeping Overhaul of Struggling Communist Economy, But Obstacles Remain
The Cuban government announced a major economic restructuring, but experts say most changes would depend on buy-in from the Trump administration.
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The Cuban government announced a major economic restructuring, but experts say most changes would depend on buy-in from the Trump administration.
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Photos: Earthquakes Strike Venezuela
After two powerful quakes shook the South American country, concern is growing that the damage could be devastating.
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After two powerful quakes shook the South American country, concern is growing that the damage could be devastating.
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NDLEA records 128 convictions, 559 arrests in Anambra
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Anambra State Command, has intensified its war against illicit drugs, arresting 559 suspects and securing 128 convictions within the last 11 months. The State Commander, Charles Onubogu, disclosed this in Awka on Wednesday, during a press briefing ahead of the 2026 ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’, observed annually on June 26. Onubogu added that the arrested suspects, comprising of 475 males and 84 females, were nabbed for various drug-related offences, adding that the command seized about 1.8 tonnes of different categories of illicit drugs during the period under review. He said the arrest underscored the significant breakthrough recorded in the ongoing war against drug trafficking and abuse in the state. He said, “Since I came into the com…
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NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Anambra State Command, has intensified its war against illicit drugs, arresting 559 suspects and securing 128 convictions within the last 11 months. The State Commander, Charles Onubogu, disclosed this in Awka on Wednesday, during a press briefing ahead of the 2026 ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’, observed annually on June 26. Onubogu added that the arrested suspects, comprising of 475 males and 84 females, were nabbed for various drug-related offences, adding that the command seized about 1.8 tonnes of different categories of illicit drugs during the period under review. He said the arrest underscored the significant breakthrough recorded in the ongoing war against drug trafficking and abuse in the state. He said, “Since I came into the com…
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Nation Reporters
Nation Reporters — Breaking News India & World
India's AI-powered multilingual digital news network. Breaking news, analysis and in-depth reporting.
TikToker remanded over alleged cyberbullying of Mohbad’s widow
Omowunmi Aloba, the widow of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad A Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ikeja has remanded a 27-year-old TikToker, Oladimeji Hammed, popularly known as Immunizer, over allegations of cyberbullying and online harassment of Omowunmi Aloba, the widow of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. Hammed was arraigned on Tuesday on a six-count charge bordering on cyberstalking, cyberbullying and the publication of harmful online content. The charges, filed by the Commissioner of Police, accused the defendant of using his social media platforms to publish insulting, provocative and harmful content targeted at the 26-year-old widow. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The court, however, granted him bail with two sureties who must each provide evidence of a bank account balance of at least N700,000. One of the su…
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Omowunmi Aloba, the widow of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad A Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ikeja has remanded a 27-year-old TikToker, Oladimeji Hammed, popularly known as Immunizer, over allegations of cyberbullying and online harassment of Omowunmi Aloba, the widow of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. Hammed was arraigned on Tuesday on a six-count charge bordering on cyberstalking, cyberbullying and the publication of harmful online content. The charges, filed by the Commissioner of Police, accused the defendant of using his social media platforms to publish insulting, provocative and harmful content targeted at the 26-year-old widow. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The court, however, granted him bail with two sureties who must each provide evidence of a bank account balance of at least N700,000. One of the su…
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Nation Reporters
Nation Reporters — Breaking News India & World
India's AI-powered multilingual digital news network. Breaking news, analysis and in-depth reporting.
Ogun kidnap gang hit as police kill two, recover cash
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni. Moyinoluwa Oluyemi Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered a firearm, cash and other items during a follow-up operation linked to the rescue of an abducted victim in the state. The command said the operation was carried out by its Anti-Kidnapping Unit as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the victim was abducted on June 11, 2026, at Ogbe Village in Ogun State. The statement noted that upon receiving the report, the command activated its Anti-Kidnapping Unit and deployed intelligence and tactical resources to secure the victim’s release and apprehend the suspects. It noted that sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and operation…
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Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni. Moyinoluwa Oluyemi Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered a firearm, cash and other items during a follow-up operation linked to the rescue of an abducted victim in the state. The command said the operation was carried out by its Anti-Kidnapping Unit as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the victim was abducted on June 11, 2026, at Ogbe Village in Ogun State. The statement noted that upon receiving the report, the command activated its Anti-Kidnapping Unit and deployed intelligence and tactical resources to secure the victim’s release and apprehend the suspects. It noted that sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and operation…
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Nation Reporters
Nation Reporters — Breaking News India & World
India's AI-powered multilingual digital news network. Breaking news, analysis and in-depth reporting.
One dead, many trapped as Rivers five-storey building crumbles
Tragedy struck on Wednesday morning when a five-storey building under construction collapsed along Odili Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, leaving one person dead and several others trapped beneath the rubble. As of 7:30pm, rescue operations were still ongoing, with victims, including the site engineer and a woman who sold food to construction workers, believed to be trapped in the debris.
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Tragedy struck on Wednesday morning when a five-storey building under construction collapsed along Odili Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, leaving one person dead and several others trapped beneath the rubble. As of 7:30pm, rescue operations were still ongoing, with victims, including the site engineer and a woman who sold food to construction workers, believed to be trapped in the debris.
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Court remands Lagos man for assaulting 18-year-old wife
A 32-year-old man, Emeka Joseph, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos over the alleged assault of his 18-year-old wife, Ezaka Chisom Prisellia, in the Isheri-Oshun area. PUNCH Metro learnt on Wednesday that the incident occurred on Sunday on Ayomide Street, Isheri-Oshun, where Joseph was alleged to have pushed and assaulted Prisellia during a confrontation.
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A 32-year-old man, Emeka Joseph, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos over the alleged assault of his 18-year-old wife, Ezaka Chisom Prisellia, in the Isheri-Oshun area. PUNCH Metro learnt on Wednesday that the incident occurred on Sunday on Ayomide Street, Isheri-Oshun, where Joseph was alleged to have pushed and assaulted Prisellia during a confrontation.
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APM Terminals strenghtens Nigeria’s export value chain
APM Terminals Apapa has reaffirmed its position as a critical driver of the nation’s export growth, leveraging strategic investments, advanced technology and customer-focused solutions to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian exports in the global marketplace. The terminal operator announced this in a statement on Tuesday obtained by The PUNCH.
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APM Terminals Apapa has reaffirmed its position as a critical driver of the nation’s export growth, leveraging strategic investments, advanced technology and customer-focused solutions to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian exports in the global marketplace. The terminal operator announced this in a statement on Tuesday obtained by The PUNCH.
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