Iranian couple handed prison sentence for dancing in the streets

   

A young Iranian couple appears alone in the video, dancing in front of the Azadi Tower in downtown Tehran. They smile as they move together. The woman’s uncovered hair trails behind her as he lifts her into the air.

Actor turned alleged cult leader arrested in Las Vegas

 

Las Vegas police on Tuesday arrested and raided the home of a former “Dances With Wolves” actor turned alleged cult leader accused of sexually assaulting young Indigenous girls during a period spanning two decades, according to police records obtained by The Associated Press.

Hulk Hogan 'paralysed from the waist down' after nerves removed in 11th back surgery

  

Kurt Angle has claimed long-time pal and former wrestler Hulk Hogan can no longer feel anything in his legs following his 11th back surgery.

Europe’s crackdown on Big Tech omitted TikTok — but now that’s set to change

TikTok is beginning to feel the sting of political and regulatory pressure in Europe, where the Chinese-owned app has largely evaded the scrutiny it’s faced in the U.S.

E.U. Commissioner of the Internal Market Thierry Breton warned TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in a meeting this month the bloc could ban the app if it didn’t comply with new rules on digital content well ahead of a Sep. 1 deadline. 

Strikes, Protests Hit France in Round 2 of Pension Battle

French labor leaders hope to bring more than 1 million demonstrators again into the streets Tuesday in the latest clash of wills with the government over its plans to push back France's retirement age.  

Death toll in Pakistan mosque blast rises to 83 - hospital spokesperson

The death toll in the suicide bombing in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar rose to 83 while at least 57 people were injured, several of them critically, a hospital spokesperson said on Tuesday.
  

Folarin Balogun scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser for Reims against Paris St-Germain.

On-loan Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser for Reims against 10-man Paris St-Germain.

The result means PSG miss the opportunity to open up a five-point lead over Lens at the top of Ligue 1.

Neymar had opened the scoring for PSG who then had midfielder Marco Verratti sent off.

Nigerian Newspapers this Monday morning

   

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on Sunday, extended the deadline for the exchange of old naira notes by ten days. In a press statement issued on Sunday, Godwin Emefiele, the CBN governor, said the new deadline is now February 10, 2023.

Zimbabwe - Human waste is detected in 15 boreholes in Harare

Harare City Council has temporarily decommissioned 15 boreholes that were contaminated with faecal matter and are believed to be the source of typhoid cases reported in three suburbs.

Bayo Onanuga Reacts As Ceased Old Naira Notes Were Reportedly Linked To Tinubu

A member and spokesman of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign organization, Bayo Onanuga has cleared air on reports making rounds on social media that old naira notes were linked the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Protests erupt across US as video shows ‘heinous’ deadly police beating of Tyre Nichols

Protests broke out across the country late Friday after the release of police bodycam footage showing the “unconscionable” deadly beating of Tyre Nichols by Memphis cops.

Crowds flocked to the streets in major cities over the explosive video, which Memphis’ police commissioner warned had showed “acts that defy humanity.”

Protesters charged the Memphis and Arkansas Bridge shortly after the police department released the graphic footage Friday night and shut down all four lines of the roadway, the Daily Caller reported.

The group had started the takeover on the Blues Highway, where they briefly congregated to chant Nichols’ name as they stopped to chant, “Our streets,” a move that forces a semi-truck to brake just a few feet from the protestors, Town Hall reported.

The protesters then climbed the sloped grass to the upper level of Interstate 55, where they caused a major backup of hundreds of vehicles on the major thoroughfare.

The protesers stood in front of the cars and semi-trucks with their arms raised in a surrender signal as an irritated driver honks, video shows.

The driver of a semi-truck, the first stopped by the group, told the Daily Caller he empathized with the movement, but had a hard day of work and just wanted to pass.”

Holding up traffic don’t do nothing,” he told a protester. “Then what do we do, bro?” the protester responded.

Other protests were organized in New York City, as well as Sacramento, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Seattle, with police at the ready for potential violence.

The White House said it held a joint emergency call Friday with the mayors of at least 16 cities before the sickening video’s release “to brief them on federal preparations in support of state and local leaders.

“Participating mayors shared their perspectives on how important it is to recognize the pain felt by communities across this country, be prepared in advance with a game plan to provide adequate community support, and to reinforce the importance of peace and calm during these difficult moments,” the Biden administration said in a statement about the call, which included cities from New York to Atlanta, Washington, DC, Seattle and Portland. 

Transgender woman found guilty of rape moved to male prison

A transgender woman convicted of raping two women is being moved to a male prison.

The announcement came a matter of hours after Nicola Sturgeon confirmed she would not be held in Scotland’s only all-female jail.

Taiwan: Chen Chien-jen announced as new premier

Chen Chien-jen is to become Taiwan's new premier, President Tsai Ing-wen announced on Friday morning.

Announcing the appointment in Taipei on Friday, President Tsai said, "Today I announced that former VP Chen Chien-jen will take over as head of the cabinet from Su Tseng-chang." 

Police Testify Against Doctor Accused Of Defiling Wife’s Niece

            

An investigative police officer (IPO) Inspector Abe Leonard ohas testified in the ongoing trial of a 57-year-old medical director, Dr Olufemi Olaleye, who is accused of defiling his wife’s niece, before Lagos State Sexual Offences Court, Ikeja. 

Trump's Suspension from Facebook and Instagram Ends in 'Coming Weeks,' Meta Announces

Meta has announced that former U.S. President Donald Trump's suspension from Facebook and Instagram will end "in the coming weeks," according to a Meta Newsroom article penned by Nick Clegg, the company's president of global affairs.

Afghanistan: Freezing weather kills at least 124 people

At least 124 people died in freezing temperatures in Afghanistan in the past fortnight, Taliban officials say.

About 70,000 livestock had also perished in what is the coldest winter in a decade, a State Ministry for Disaster Management spokesman said. 

Nigeria bets on new deep seaport to drive economic growth

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari marked Monday (Jan. 23) the opening of a $1.5 billion, Chinese-funded deep seaport in the commercial hub of Lagos that authorities hope will help grow the West African nation's ailing economy.

Woman who killed ill husband in hospital faces murder charge

             

A woman who fatally shot her terminally ill husband inside a Florida hospital was taken into custody over the weekend after SWAT team members used a nonlethal explosive device to distract her and then tried to use a stun gun on her, authorities said Monday.
         

Multiple victims in another mass shooting in California

At least seven people were killed and one critically injured in two related mass shootings on Mondayn in Half Moon Bay in the US state of California.  

Turkey’s president says no support for Sweden’s NATO bid

 

Turkey’s president cast serious doubt on NATO’s expansion Monday after warning Sweden not to expect support for its bid for membership into the military alliance following weekend protests in Stockholm by an anti-Islam activist and pro-Kurdish groups.

Brazil, Argentina set to announce a joint currency - report

The plan will focus on how a new currency which Brazil suggests calling the "sur" (south) could boost regional trade and reduce reliance on the US dollar.

Missing Cameroonian journalist found dead

The mutilated body of a distinguished Cameroonian journalist and radio presenter was found near the capital on Sunday, five days after unidentified assailants reportedly abducted him outside a police station.     

Burkina Faso residents broadly welcome move to oust French military

     

People in Burkina Faso have broadly welcomed plans by the military government to oust French troops within a month.   

Italy’s FM meets with Egyptian officials on migration, Libya

Italy’s chief diplomat held talks Sunday with Egyptian and Arab League officials in Cairo that focused on regional security and the conflict in neighboring Libya, as well as sensitive bilateral issues.

Labour party unanimously endorses Chris Hipkins to succeed Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

New Zealand’s Labour party has unanimously endorsed Education Minister Chris Hipkins to succeed current Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as party leader.

Hipkins was the only nominee for the leadership position so his endorsement on Sunday was largely a formality.

LA mass shooting suspect kills 10 near Lunar New Year fest

A gunman killed 10 people and wounded 10 others at a Los Angeles-area ballroom dance club following a Lunar New Year celebration, setting off a manhunt for the suspect in the fifth mass killing in the U.S. this month.

Pizza Hut attempts world record with 14,100-square-foot pizza

  

Chain restaurant Pizza Hut celebrated the return of one of its popular menu items by cooking a 14,100-square-foot pizza in Los Angeles.

Canada to pay $2B to settle residential schools lawsuit

The Canadian government on Saturday agreed to pay $2.1 billion to settle a lawsuit seeking reparations for forcing thousands of Indigenous Canadians to attend residential schools.

The lawsuit, first brought by 325 First Nations in 2012, argued that the government schools led to a loss of language and culture in an effort to assimilate young Indigenous Canadians.

Man loses weight after being tormented by ex wife

A HARARE man told magistrate Tamara Chibindi that he had lost weight due to his ex-wife’s abuse.

Sabastian Jowa said this while applying for a protection order against his ex-wife, Ruth Jowa, who he accused of verbal and physical abuse.

Gabon's foreign minister dies of heart attack

 Gabon's Foreign Minister Michael Moussa Adamo died on Friday of a heart attack, President Ali Bongo said in a statement.  

Job cuts in tech sector spread, Microsoft lays off 10,000

Microsoft is cutting 10,000 workers, almost 5% of its workforce, joining other tech companies that have scaled back their pandemic-era expansions.     

Israel has a new IDF chief: Here are the challenges waiting for him

Having served in and commanded the IDF special forces, headed Military Intelligence, led the Southern Command and served as IDF deputy chief, one might think that Herzi Halevi has seen it all.

And yet, sitting in the lonely chair of the IDF chief of staff, he is now in a new situation. 

Brain doctor says slap fighter on Dana White's show 'may never be the same' after memory loss and brutal KO

       

American neuroscientist Christopher Nowinski has slammed Dana White's new Power Slap series following its debut on Wednesday evening. 

Former WWE Superstar applauds Triple H's recent Shinsuke Nakamura decision

Former ECW and WWE star The Blue Meanie recently commented on Triple H's decision to let Shinsuke Nakamura wrestle in Japan.On January 1,

Donald Trump pleads with Meta to restore his Facebook account

Donald Trump has officially asked to be able to return to Facebook, his campaign team said on Wednesday, calling not to "reduce a presidential candidate to silence.”
      

Xi makes video calls to people across China, extending festive greetings ahead of Year of Rabbit

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended festive greetings to all Chinese people when he held virtual talks in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with the general public from across the country ahead of the Spring Festival.   

Congo: 49 bodies found in mass graves after militia attacks

 

The UN said they were investigating whether the mass graves were linked to recent attacks blamed on a local militia group. The graves were found in the restive Ituri province, where violence has flared since December.   

Jacinda Ardern resigns as prime minister of New Zealand

Fighting back tears, Ardern told reporters in Napier that Feb. 7 will be her last day as the country’s leader.

Gambia’s Vice President Badara Joof is dead

Gambia’s Vice-President Badara Alieu Joof has died of illness in India, President Adama Barrow said on Tuesday. 

Polar bear kills woman and young boy after rampage through remote Alaska village

                               
A polar bear chased down and killed a woman and a young boy when it entered a remote village community in Alaska before a resident was able to shoot and kill the bear during the attack.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Wales, Alaska -- the westernmost point of the American mainland with an estimated population of about 170 people -- when a polar bear reportedly entered the remote community, police said.

Australian Open 2023: Injured Rafael Nadal loses to Mackenzie McDonald

Rafael Nadal's Australian Open title defence is over after a second-round defeat by American Mackenzie McDonald in which he struggled with an injury.  

Centenarian nun thought to be the world's oldest person dies at 118

Sister Andre prays on the eve of her 117th birthday in Toulon, southern France, on Feb. 10, 2021.

Randon, known as Sister Andre, was born in southern France on February 11, 1904, when World War I was still a decade away. 

WhatsApp ending support on some devices

           

WhatsApp is an instant messaging app that is used to send messages, pictures, videos and audio files. It's been super popular over the years because of its features like group chatting, voice messages, and location sharing, and it is commonly used among those who wish to message friends who live in other countries.
     

FTX: Collapsed crypto exchange says $415m was hacked

Collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX says that around $415m (£338m) of crypto has been stolen by hackers.

About $323m was hacked from its international exchange and $90m from its US platform since the firm filed for bankruptcy, FTX's CEO says. 

Family of Kanye West's New Wife Breaks Silence After Wedding

Ye reportedly tied the knot with Bianca Censori last week.

Kanye West is reportedly a newly married man, and now his bride’s family is speaking out about the nuptials.

Last week, reports began swirling that the rapper privately tied to knot with Yeezy Architectural Designer Bianca Censori. 

Man Utd coach, Ten Hag told to kneel down, apologise to Ronaldo

Veteran British broadcaster, Piers Morgan, has demanded Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag to apologise to Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo for disrespecting him.  

China records 1st population fall in decades as births drop

 

China’s population shrank for the first time in decades last year as its birthrate plunged, official figures showed Tuesday, adding to pressure on leaders to keep the economy growing despite an aging workforce and at a time of rising tension with the U.S.

Nepal air crash: Indian passenger's video caught plane's last moments

In the hours after Nepal's deadliest plane crash for 30 years, a video went viral in India - it showed one of the victims, Sonu Jaiswal, livestreaming from the plane just seconds before the crash. 

No cash, no bank heists in Denmark; criminals now go online

   

COPENHAGEN, Denmark- For the first time in years, Denmark hasn’t recorded a single bank robbery. There wouldn’t have been much point.  

Gavi, Lewandowski, Pedri score in Barca’s 3-1 Super Cup win over Real Madrid

                      

Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez won his first title as the team’s manager on Sunday, prevailing 3-1 over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final at King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before 57,340 paying spectators and many more crammed onto the stairways in the stands, having managed to get into the venue without seat tickets.