LinkedPrime
Jobs

News from November 2, 2025

609 articles found

Horror as five children from same family are killed or in critical after COP CAR crashed into them
Technology

Horror as five children from same family are killed or in critical after COP CAR crashed into them

A Texas family has been torn apart after a police cruiser plowed into their minivan, leaving two young boys dead and their three sisters hospitalized with critical injuries. The devastating crash, which happened just after 7pm on October 23, involved an on-duty Baytown Police Department officer who was responding to an emergency call. According to investigators, the collision occurred at an intersection in Baytown east of Houston, when the officer's patrol unit slammed into the family's Honda Odyssey carrying five children. The impact was so violent that Life Flight helicopters were called in, and police and bystanders performed CPR. Baytown Police Chief John Stringer called the crash a heartbreaking tragedy. 'This is a tragedy for everyone involved and impacted by this event,' Stringer said. 'Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the children and family involved, as well as our officer, the officer's family, and the Baytown officers who responded to the scene.' The department says the officer, identified as Michael Hightower, had the right of way at the time and was responding to a 'persons with a weapon' emergency when the fatal collision occurred. Days later, the victims' father Clint Russell confirmed brothers, eight-year-old Ryver and ten-year-old Jude Russell, who had earlier been described as showing 'no brain activity' following the crash 'passed peacefully, surrounded by the love and support of family.' 'Jude was a child of adventure and wonder. He had an inquisitive mind and was hungry to learn about the world around him. He was extremely active and enjoyed the beauty of nature. He had such a loving and caring soul. He was a dutiful big brother and cousin,' their heartbroken father wrote in an online tribute. 'Ryver was a child of creativity and happiness. He radiated joy and confidence. He loved making art and sharing that love with others. He enjoyed music and was always dancing and singing. Ryver was a people person and had a magnetic personality.' The tragic update, shared on the family's GoFundMe page, said the boys' parents made the decision to donate their organs, writing how 'in knowing the hearts and minds of their beautiful boys, the family made the decision for them to share the gift of life through organ donation.' 'Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers as they face difficult days ahead,' family friend Chelsea Hulett wrote. 'Your love, compassion and generosity will help them begin to heal.' The crash also left the boys' sisters, aged 16, 14, and 3, with devastating injuries, including multiple fractures and brain bleeding. Hulett said the 16-year-old remains hospitalized and 'is still fighting to overcome her injuries,' while the two younger girls were released this week to recover at home. 'The family is doing everything they can to stay strong - balancing hospital visits, caring for the kids, and trying to cope with the crushing emotional and financial weight of this tragedy,' she wrote. As of this week, donors have contributed more than $40,000 toward the family's $50,000 fundraising goal to cover medical bills, rehabilitation, and childcare costs. Baytown Police said preliminary evidence including dashcam video and witness statements indicated that the officer 'had a green light and the right of way in the intersection where the crash occurred.' Chief Stringer emphasized that the department's Crash Reconstruction Team and the Harris County District Attorney's Vehicular Crimes Division are investigating the incident. 'The department's Traffic Reconstruction Team is investigating in accordance with standard procedures and is cooperating fully to ensure a transparent and factual review of this incident,' Stringer said. 'We ask for patience and objectivity from the community as we gather all information, which may take some time.' The officer, who sustained a serious leg injury, remains in stable condition. While investigators say it may take weeks to complete the full reconstruction report, Baytown officials insist that transparency is their priority. The department says all body camera and dashcam footage will be reviewed by independent authorities.

Editor,James Gordon
US military blows up another 'drug boat': Hegseth announces
Technology

US military blows up another 'drug boat': Hegseth announces

The US military blew up another suspected drug boat in international waters, killing all three people on board, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday.He said the boat was in the Caribbean Sea and was known by US intelligence as a drug-smuggling vessel. The three males on board were described as “narco-terrorists” associated with a “Designated Terrorist Organization,” Hegseth said.“This vessel—like EVERY OTHER—was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics,” Hegseth stated in an X post.The US military's latest strike in the Caribbean marks the 15th operation since President Donald Trump's inauguration, resulting in over 60 fatalities in the ongoing campaign against drug smuggling.This operation follows heightened tensions with Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro has sought military aid from Russia, China, and Iran, amid US accusations of his involvement in drug trafficking. .The UN has condemned these strikes, stating they violate international human rights law, a stance that contrasts with Trump's assertion of legal authority under the same framework used post-9/11 against Al-Qaeda. Critics, including some US lawmakers and international legal experts, question the strikes' legality and the lack of transparency regarding the targets and evidence of drug trafficking. The deployment of significant US military assets, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, underscores the escalation of this campaign, raising concerns about potential broader conflict in the region.

Jay Hilotin
Diplomacy now: Why Tinubu must engage US head-on
Technology

Diplomacy now: Why Tinubu must engage US head-on

AS a Nigerian American, I believe that the recent altercation between Nigeria and the United States is deeply worrying. What began with a post by Senator Ted Cruz on X accusing the Nigerian government of anti-Christian violence has escalated into a direct confrontation between the two presidents. President Donald Trump’s administration has designated Nigeria a *‘Country of Particular Concern’* under U.S. religious freedom law, alleging systematic persecution of Christians by Islamist extremists. Within days, he warned that U.S. aid could be halted and said he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare possible military action if Nigeria fails to stop the violence. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu publicly rejected the designation, saying it *‘does not reflect our national reality,’* and stressed that Nigeria protects freedom of worship and remains committed to religious tolerance. This moment requires diplomacy, not bravado, on both sides. Tinubu must engage Trump directly — not out of weakness, but in both nations’ interest. A Yoruba Lens on Diplomacy As an Oyo-born Yoruba man, I draw from a political tradition older than most European monarchies. In the Oyo Empire, the seven Oyo Mèsì — the kingmakers — did not award the throne by simple birthright. They weighed consultation, counsel, and the character and relationships of each prince. They also understood that every ruler carries ‘the good, the bad, and the ugly,’ so the king-elect was subjected to spiritual scrutiny by dedicated Ifá priests to guard against abuses and calamities. The system built checks and balances: if a king became tyrannical, the Oyo Mèsì could compel him to abdicate — even to take his own life. This is a culture of diplomacy, consultation, and accountability — not the blind hereditary absolutism seen elsewhere. Tinubu stands in that lineage. Nigeria does not need a shouting match with Washington. It needs disciplined, structured engagement. Nigeria’s Legacy of Global Diplomacy and Cooperation: Nigeria has a long record of responsible engagement in world affairs. Nigerian troops led West Africa’s ECOMOG missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 1990s. Our forces have served in United Nations peacekeeping, including Darfur and the Congo. Nigeria backed decolonisation across the continent and stood firmly against apartheid in South Africa. More recently, Nigeria has partnered with Western nations on counter-terrorism and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Our ties with the United States are just as deep. Washington recognised Nigeria on our Independence Day in 1960. Programs like PEPFAR and USAID have supported health and governance. The African Growth and Opportunity Act opened U.S. markets to Nigerian exports. And Nigerian professionals in America strengthen the U.S. economy every day. Yet Nigeria now faces Boko Haram, an Islamist insurgency active since 2009 that has murdered both Christians and Muslims, displaced millions, and torn communities apart. Under late President Muhammadu Buhari, the United States — particularly under President Trump — approved the sale of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to support Nigeria’s fight against these extremists. That cooperation should not end; it should deepen. The US role: the moral duty: The United States has clear interests in Nigeria: energy, trade, regional stability, and counter-terrorism. There is also a moral claim. When extremist groups massacre civilians — including Christians — Americans feel an obligation to respond. By naming Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and threatening action, the Trump administration is signaling urgency. Whether one agrees with that framing or not, it cannot be ignored. The roots of Boko Haram are not only Nigerian. The 2011 NATO-led intervention in Libya shattered an already fragile region and flooded the Sahel with weapons and fighters. Even former President Barack Obama later said that failing to plan for ‘the day after’ in Libya was his ‘worst mistake.’ The rise of jihadist networks across West Africa — including Boko Haram — is part of that legacy. The United States therefore has not only a strategic interest but a moral duty to help stabilize the region. But that duty must be carried out with Nigeria, not imposed on Nigeria. What needs to be done – A strategic way forward: President Tinubu must now reopen diplomatic channels. He should immediately appoint a credible ambassador to Washington to restore Nigeria’s voice and give the White House, State Department, Congress, and U.S. religious freedom advocates a direct line. The non-appointment of ambassadors to the Nigerian embassies across the world for the past two years is a Tinubu’s government’s poor understanding of international relations. This is robbing Nigeria of necessary behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagements that would have resolved issues like this before it gets to this level of confrontation. He himself should visit the White House. Such a visit would signal seriousness, mutual respect, and readiness to work through differences at the highest level. Nigeria and the United States should also agree on a disciplined security framework: deeper intelligence-sharing, coordinated pressure on Boko Haram and other violent groups in the Sahel, and honest discussion of where U.S. support can help. Tinubu should make clear that Nigeria seeks partnership, not supervision. At home, just as the Oyo Mèsì sought wisdom before enthroning a king, Tinubu should convene religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society, and the military to present one Nigerian voice. Nigeria must be able to show U.S. officials real steps: protection of worshippers, prosecution of bandits and insurgents, and measurable progress. Why diplomacy now matters The Trump administration’s public threat of military action is unprecedented in Nigeria–U.S. relations. An intervention without coordination would be disastrous for both countries. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy. It is not a failed state. If the 2011 intervention in Libya unleashed chaos, a heavy-handed approach to Nigeria could produce something far worse. For the United States, bypassing diplomacy would damage decades of partnership, raise dangerous questions about sovereignty, and ignite anti-American anger across Africa. Diplomacy is the only responsible path. But diplomacy is a two-way street. President Trump must choose restraint over escalation. His administration should channel America’s moral voice toward partnership, not punishment — toward cooperation, not coercion. A phone call, a meeting, or a joint envoy on religious freedom would do more for both nations than threats of war. For his part, President Tinubu also has an urgent window to show that Nigeria is not defiant for its own sake, but engaged on equal terms. He should appoint an ambassador, go to the White House, and set up a serious Nigeria–U.S. channel on security and religious freedom. If both men act now, Nigeria and America can renew a friendship that has served both nations for decades. The way forward is dialogue, trust, and cooperation — not ultimatums and not invasion. Both nations still have a chance to choose partnership over extremism. God bless Nigeria and the United States. • Salako, Ph.D., writes from Texas, USA.

Olarinre Salako
Mississippi woman kills escaped monkey, fearing for her children's safety
Technology

Mississippi woman kills escaped monkey, fearing for her children's safety

One of the monkeys that escaped last week after a truck overturned on a Mississippi roadway was shot and killed early Sunday by a woman who says she feared for the safety of her children.Jessica Bond Ferguson said she was alerted early Sunday by her 16-year-old son who said he thought he had seen a monkey running in the yard outside their home near Heidelberg, Mississippi. She got out bed, grabbed her firearm and her cellphone and stepped outside where she saw the monkey about 60 feet away.Bond Ferguson said she and other residents had been warned about diseases that the escaped monkeys carried, so she fired her gun."I did what any other mother would do to protect her children," Bond Ferguson, who has five children ranging in age from 4 to 16, told The Associated Press. "I shot at it and it just stood there, and I shot again, and he backed up and that's when he fell."The Jasper County Sheriff's Office confirmed in a social media post that a homeowner had found one of the monkeys on their property Sunday morning, but said the office didn't have any details. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks took possession of the monkey, the sheriff's office said.The Rhesus monkeys had been housed at the Tulane University National Biomedical Research Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, which routinely provides primates to scientific research organizations, according to the university. In a statement last week, Tulane said the monkeys do not belong to the university, and they were not being transported by the university.Rhesus macaque primates have brown fur with red faces and ears. They have close-cropped hair on their heads, which accentuates their very expressive faces. They were imported to the United States in the 1970s for biomedical research in laboratories, according to the New England Primate Conservancy. Rhesus macaques are "bold, extremely curious and adventurous monkeys," and the species is "highly adaptable to coexisting alongside humans," the conservancy says.A truck carrying the monkeys overturned Tuesday on Interstate 59 north of Heidelberg. Authorities have said most of the 21 monkeys were killed. The sheriff's department has said animal experts from Tulane examined the trailer and had determined three monkeys had escaped.The Mississippi Highway Patrol has said it was investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred about 100 miles from the state capital, Jackson.Rhesus monkeys typically weigh about 16 pounds and are among the most medically studied animals on the planet. Video recorded after the crash showed monkeys crawling through tall grass beside the interstate, where wooden crates labeled "live animals" were crumpled and strewn about.Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson had said Tulane officials reported the monkeys were not infectious, despite initial reports by the truck's occupants warning that the monkeys were dangerous and harboring various diseases. Nonetheless, Johnson said the monkeys still needed to be "neutralized" because of their aggressive nature."The primates in question were not carrying any diseases and had received recent checkups confirming that they were pathogen-free," Tulane spokesperson Andrew Yawn said in another statement on Wednesday.About 10 years ago, three Rhesus macaques in the breeding colony of what was then known as the Tulane National Primate Research Center were euthanized after a "biosecurity breach," federal inspectors wrote in a 2015 report. The breach involved at least one staff member failing to adhere to biosafety and infection control procedures, it said.The facility made changes in its procedures and retrained staff after that happened, according to the report from the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.Rhesus macaques "are known to be aggressive," according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. It said the agency's conservation workers were working with sheriff's officials in the search for the animals.In November 2024, 43 rhesus macaque primates escaped from an Alpha Genesis research facility in Beaufort County, South Carolina, prompting warnings for nearby residents to secure their doors and windows. They were all eventually safely captured. Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, told CBS News in November last year that a caretaker inadvertently failed to secure a door at the enclosure, allowing the monkeys to roam free.

Scotty Ray Boyd
Lost in translation: Printing error hits VCE language exam
World

Lost in translation: Printing error hits VCE language exam

A printing error has been blamed for confusion over last month’s Persian language VCE exam, but authorities say no student will be disadvantaged from the mistake. The exam, sat by 104 students, included a passage written in Persian, which was to be translated into English. But one source familiar with the matter, but not authorised to speak publicly, described the passage as “a stream of gobbledygook in some kind of semi-plausible Middle Eastern script”. The authority is on high alert during this year’s exams cycle for any errors after last year’s VCE was marred by controversy when questions on dozens of exam papers were inadvertently published before tens of thousands of students sat their tests.

Noel Towell
Zenith Bank posts N917.4bn PBT in nine months as gross earnings rise 16% to N3.37trn
Technology

Zenith Bank posts N917.4bn PBT in nine months as gross earnings rise 16% to N3.37trn

Zenith Bank Plc has released its unaudited financial results for the nine months ended 30 September 2025, with a remarkable 16 per cent year-on-year growth in gross earnings from N2.9 trillion recorded in Q3 2024 to N3.4 trillion in Q3 2025. The Group’s performance continues to demonstrate resilience, strong momentum, disciplined execution and an ability to deliver long-term shareholder value in spite of challenging macroeconomic environment. According to the financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the growth in gross earnings was driven by a sustained growth in interest income which grew by 41 per cent year-on-year to N2.7 trillion. The growth in interest income was supported by a high-yield rate environment and an expansion in the Bank’s investment portfolio. Despite the increase in interest expense by 22 per cent to N814 billion on the back of a tightening monetary cycle and a growth in the Bank’s funding base, the Bank was able to achieve a healthy Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 12 per cent as against 10 per cent in September 2024. Non-interest income declined by 38 per cent to N535 billion, underpinned by a 60 per cent decline in trading gains. Profitability remained strong, with profit before tax at N917 billion as against N1.00 trillion reported in September 2024. Profit after tax also declined by 8 per cent to N764 billion and Earnings Per Share (EPS) came in at N18.60 as against N26.34 in September 2024, as the Bank took bold measures to improve the quality of its loan portfolio. The Bank’s total assets grew by 4 per cent from N30 trillion in December 2024 to N31 trillion as at September 2025. This was largely supported by customer deposits, which rose by 8 per cent to N23.7 trillion within the same period. Gross loans declined by 9 per cent to N10 trillion as at September 2025, while Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improved to 3 per cent due to the write-off of non-performing loans. Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) stood at 23.3 per cent and 3.3 per cent respectively. Cost of funds increased to 4.5 per cent, underscored by the broader elevated interest rate environment. The Group’s cost of risk stood at 10 per cent while cost-to-income ratio rose to 45 per cent. Coverage ratio and liquidity ratio remain solid and well within regulatory limits at 211.1 per cent and 53 per cent respectively. This highlights the Bank’s strong capital position and liquidity profile as well as its ability to fund strategic growth opportunities. It also reflects its unwavering commitment to a prudent risk management, compliance and corporate governance culture. Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “the Bank’s robust performance is an attestation to the resilience of the Zenith brand, result-driven strategy, and the adaptability of our people in an evolving operating environment. We have fortified our capital base, reset our asset quality, and are well positioned for sustainable and profitable growth”. Looking to Q4 2025, Dame Dr. Umeoji reinforced her optimistic outlook: “This result confirms the resilience of both our business model and our people. We’re on a solid growth path that we expect to maintain through the remainder of the year. Our focus on innovation, digital transformation, and developing solutions that address our clients’ changing needs positions us to capitalise on emerging opportunities whilst maintaining our disciplined approach to growth.” She assured shareholders that the robust performance, combined with improved asset quality and the Bank’s strong capital base, positions Zenith Bank to deliver exceptional returns with expectations of sustained value creation. “We’re well placed to sustain this momentum whilst maintaining responsible leadership in the Nigerian banking industry and delivering exceptional value to all our stakeholders.” The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023. Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom. The Bank’s commitment to excellence led to Zenith being also being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025. Zenith Bank has also bagged several non-financial awards including, Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024.

Tribune Online
Fight back against flood of fake news and AI content on tech platforms, media leaders urge PM
Technology

Fight back against flood of fake news and AI content on tech platforms, media leaders urge PM

Keir Starmer must give more support to trusted UK journalism in the face of soaring levels of fake news on tech platforms, the media industry urges in a new campaign. In a letter to the Prime Minister, leading figures from newspapers and broadcasting urge him to take steps to address the misinformation flourishing online. And warning him of the risk of artificial intelligence (AI) to the future of journalism, they urge him to give the Competition and Markets Authority the tools to address anti-competitive behaviour by tech giants, such as favouring unverifiable online content in search results over real news sources. Launching the Journalism Matters campaign, the News Media Association (NMA) – representing publishers – and BBC, ITN and Sky bosses call for action. The NMA's chief executive Owen Meredith said: 'In today's uncertain world, trusted sources of information matter more than ever. 'Yet the tech platforms – the main gatekeepers to news – are downgrading the visibility of trusted journalism in favour of AI-generated slop, all while using journalistic content to train AI products with no transparency or oversight. 'This situation is unsustainable, and urgent action is required. 'The Prime Minister must give his full backing to trusted journalism, otherwise we risk creating an information ecosystem that is filled entirely with mis and dis information.' Deborah Turness, the chief executive of BBC News, said: 'AI can bring endless opportunities. However, our research has shown the dangers of distortion from AI assistants which could undermine people's trust in facts. It's vital we take steps to address these dangers.' ITN chief executive Rachel Corp said: 'We're beginning to see real benefits from combining human expertise with AI – from fact-checking President Trump's election speeches to analysing vast datasets. 'But there's also a sharp rise in misleading content. ITN will always uphold high standards – the challenge now is ensuring people can access and recognise reliable information. 'To achieve this, we need Government support – to promote the responsible use of AI.' Sky News Group executive chairman David Rhodes said: The public's trust is at the heart of what we do, which is why Sky News is supporting clear, fair rules.

Editor,Whitehall
Eastern Region Win MTN Elite U19 Title After Penalty Shootout
Technology

Eastern Region Win MTN Elite U19 Title After Penalty Shootout

Eastern Region have been crowned champions of the maiden MTN Elite U19 Championship after defeating Brong Ahafo 4-2 on penalties in a tense final at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Sunday. The hard-fought contest ended goalless in regulation time, sending the game into a dramatic penalty shootout. Eastern Region’s goalkeeper emerged the hero of the night, making two crucial saves as his teammates calmly converted four of their five spot-kicks to secure the title. Midfielder Desmond Tutu, who had earlier missed a penalty in each half, was eventually spared his blushes as coach Kelvin Agyemang Tuffuor’s side held their composure to claim a historic victory. The triumph capped off a remarkable campaign for the Easterners, who topped their group and impressed throughout the 11-day tournament with their tactical discipline and mental resilience. Greater Accra’s Yussif Saani scooped double honours, winning both the Most Valuable Player and Goal King awards after netting five goals in six matches. Eastern Region’s Ishmael Azagonor was named Best Goalkeeper, while teammate Prince Boakye took home the Most Promising Player award. The championship, which ran from October 23 to November 2, 2025, featured ten regional teams and showcased Ghana’s deep pool of emerging football talent. Powered by MTN Ghana, the tournament forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s long-term commitment to grassroots development and its vision of creating a sustainable pathway for young players to transition into professional and national team football. Source: YEN.com.gh

Isaac Darko,Samuel Obour
Elon Musk and Sam Altman are still trading jabs over OpenAI
Technology

Elon Musk and Sam Altman are still trading jabs over OpenAI

The feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman showed no signs of slowing down on Sunday, when the tech leaders again bumped heads on X over OpenAI."You stole a non-profit," Musk said in an X post on Saturday, in response to a post from Altman about trying to cancel a Tesla order.Musk and Altman cofounded OpenAI — then a nonprofit AI research company — alongside Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman in 2015. Their relationship has since soured, resulting in the pair trading jabs on social media and in legal filings. Musk stepped down from OpenAI's board in 2018 and founded a competing AI company, xAI, in 2023. Altman serves as OpenAI's CEO.Altman responded to Musk on Sunday, writing on X, "i helped turn the thing you left for dead into what should be the largest non-profit ever.""you know as well as anyone a structure like what openai has now is required to make that happen," Altman said, adding in a follow-up post: "you also wanted tesla to take openai over, no nonprofit at all. and you said we had a 0% of success. now you have a great AI company and so do we."i helped turn the thing you left for dead into what should be the largest non-profit ever.you know as well as anyone a structure like what openai has now is required to make that happen. https://t.co/k85Bfn5My6"can't we all just move on?" Altman asked at the end of his posts.Musk and Altman's latest tiff began last week on X. In one exchange, Altman shared a screenshot of an email from July 2018, confirming a $45,000 payment to reserve a next-generation Tesla Roadster. Separate screenshots showed Altman requesting a $50,000 refund, and the email bouncing back.Representatives for Musk and Altman did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.OpenAI has grown quite a bit since 2015, largely due to the popularity of ChatGPT, a generative chatbot powered by a large language model that became available in 2022. Since Musk left OpenAI's board, he's been vocal with his critiques of the company and Altman."OpenAI was created as an open source (which is why I named it "Open" AI), non-profit company to serve as a counterweight to Google, but now it has become a closed source, maximum-profit company effectively controlled by Microsoft. Not what I intended at all," Musk wrote in a 2023 post.Musk has also taken legal action against OpenAI and Altman. Musk's lawyers said in court filings that Altman and Brockman "deceived" Musk into cofounding the startup by leaning into his concerns over AI. Musk's legal team also filed an injunction to get a court to stop OpenAI's transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit company.OpenAI completed its transition to a for-profit company in October. The company wrote in a blog post that OpenAI's nonprofit division remains in control of its for-profit division."The nonprofit, now called the OpenAI Foundation, holds equity in the for-profit currently valued at approximately $130 billion, making it one of the best-resourced philanthropic organizations ever," the company said. "The recapitalization also grants the Foundation additional ownership as OpenAI's for-profit reaches a valuation milestone."The company said its for-profit division, called OpenAI Group PBC, has the same mission as the OpenAI Foundation."The OpenAI Foundation and OpenAI Group will work in concert to advance solutions to hard problems and opportunities posed by AI progress," the company wrote.

Lauren Edmonds
Laura Wolvaardt hammers century in Women's World Cup final: Stats
Technology

Laura Wolvaardt hammers century in Women's World Cup final: Stats

South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt has hit a magnificent hundred versus India in the final of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025. The match in Navi Mumbai saw India score 298/7 in 50 overs. In response, Wolvaardt kept her team in the hunt with a stupendous knock. However, she perished for 101. India then won the contest by 52 runs. Here are further details. Wolvaardt also became the highest run-scorer in an ICC Women's ODI World Cup edition. The dashing batter reached the landmark with her 40th run in this contest. The South African great surpassed Australia's Alyssa Healy, who slammed 509 runs in the 2022 edition. Besides, she also went past Rachael Haynes (497). Wolvaardt finished the 2025 World Cup campaign with a tally of 571 runs. Before this, Wolvaardt hit a record 169-run knock versus England Women in the semis. It was her maiden World Cup ton. Earlier in the contest, the 26-year-old also completed 5,000 runs in WODIs. This century versus India is Wolvaardt's 2nd World Cup ton (50s: 12). This is her 14th fifty-plus score in the global event (24 innings). She steered clear of India legend Mithali Raj for the most fifty-plus scores in this regard. Mithali managed 13 50-plus scores. Wolvaardt's 101 came from 98 balls (4s: 11, 6s: 1). She hammered her 11th hundred in WODIs (50s: 38). Playing her 119th match, she has raced to 5,222 runs at 50.69. Against India Women, she owns 907 runs from 18 matches at 43.19. This was her 2nd century against India (50s: 8). Meanwhile, she owns 1,328 World Cup runs from 24 matches at 63.23. Wolvaardt is now the 2nd-highest scorer in ICC Women's World Cup history. Most runs in Women's ODI World Cup: 1,501 - Debbie Hockley (NZ-W) 1,328 - Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W) 1,321 - Mithali Raj (IND-W) 1,299 - Janette Brittin (ENG-W) 1,231 - Charlotte Edwards (ENG-W) This was Wolvaardt's 8th century in Women's ODIs as captain. She has now equaled Suzie Bates in terms of hundreds as captain in WODIs. Meg Lanning (11) is the only player with most tons as captain. Most hundreds as captain in Women's ODIs: 11 - Meg Lanning 8 - Suzie Bates 8 - Laura Wolvaardt 6 - Chamari Athapaththu 6 - Hayley Matthews As per Cricbuzz, Wolvaardt became the second to register a hundred in the semi-final as well as the final of the same World Cup edition (Men's or Women's), after Australia's Alyssa Healy did that in 2022. SA-W openers Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits added 51 runs for the 1st wicket. India hit back to reduce the viditors to 62/2. Alongside Sune Luus, Wolvaardt added a fifty-plus stand for the third wicket. SA-W remained in the hunt with Wolvaardt getting key partnerships with Sinalo Jafta and Annerie Dercksen. Wolvaardt got to her century before getting out.

Rajdeep Saha
Aaj Ka Panchang, November 3, 2025: Tithi, Vrat, Shubh Muhurat & Rahu Kaal Today
Technology

Aaj Ka Panchang, November 3, 2025: Tithi, Vrat, Shubh Muhurat & Rahu Kaal Today

Aaj Ka Panchang, November 3, 2025: Today is under the influence of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase), the Uttarabhadrapada Nakshatra, and Harshana Yoga. Trayodashi Tithi is considered particularly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva and spiritual practices. Performing religious rituals, fasting, and charity on this day brings virtuous results. Uttarabhadrapada Nakshatra symbolizes stability, patience, and spirituality, inspiring the mind to peace and deep contemplation. Harshana Yoga, which will last until 7:40 pm, brings enthusiasm and positivity to life, making any endeavor undertaken today more likely to be successful. The Moon transits Pisces today, deepening emotions and sensitivity. This time brings compassion, trust, and a spiritual inclination to relationships. This autumn season is considered auspicious for acquiring knowledge and sacred activities. Today is highly auspicious for religious activities, Shiva worship, meditation, and introspection. Trayodashi Tithi and Harshana Yoga will bring a sense of enthusiasm and contentment. Uttarabhadrapada Nakshatra guides you toward stability and restraint, while the Moon in Pisces strengthens emotional connections and spiritual inclinations. Overall, this Monday is a day of peace, devotion, and success. Tithi: Shukla Trayodashi Nakshatra: Uttra Bhadrapad Karana: Kaulav Paksha: Shukla-Paksha Yoga: Harshan till 07:40:36 PM Day: Monday Sun & Moon Calculations Sun Rise: 06:46:30 AM Sun Set: 06:01:56 PM Moon Rise: 04:18:01 PM Moon Set: 04:08:32 AM Moon Sign: Pisces Ritu: Sharad Hindu Month & Year Shaka Samvat: 1947 Vikram Samvat: 2082 Month Amanta: Kartika Month Purnimanta: Kartika Inauspicious Timings (Ashubh Muhurat) Rahu Kaal: 08:10:56 AM to 09:35:22 AM Yamaganda: 10:59:48 AM to 12:24:13 PM Gulika Kaal: 01:48:39 PM to 03:13:05 PM Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat) Abhijit: 12:02:00 PM to 12:46:00 PM (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla).

Chirag Daruwalla,News18,Nibandh Vinod
Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and security must not be ignored
Technology

Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and security must not be ignored

The recent decision by the United States to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” has stirred global attention, but it also risks overlooking significant reforms and security gains currently underway in Africa’s largest democracy. While Nigeria faces undeniable security and religious-tolerance challenges, the narrative is incomplete without acknowledging the deliberate steps the Tinubu administration has taken to uphold religious freedom, protect communities and restore stability. Since assuming office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has treated national security and unity with urgency. Renewed counter-terrorism operations have disrupted major insurgent networks across the Northeast, while intensified intelligence-led deployments in the North-Central region continue to reduce farmer-herder clashes. In the Northwest, coordinated military offensives are degrading bandit networks, and enhanced maritime security in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea has significantly reduced piracy and oil theft, safeguarding both lives and national assets. Beyond security operations, the government has strengthened community-reconciliation programs and socio-economic interventions to address the root causes of conflict. Humanitarian support for displaced persons has expanded, interfaith dialogue platforms have been reinforced, and community policing frameworks are being enhanced. Importantly, the rights of Nigerians to freely worship, whether Christian, Muslim or of other faiths, remain guaranteed and actively defended, with the President consistently affirming that no citizen’s safety or religious liberty should be compromised. At the same time, the administration has implemented economic reforms that may be unpopular in some quarters, yet are necessary to reset the economy after years of structural strain. Fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate alignment and stricter fiscal discipline are intended to stabilise the macro-economic environment, attract investment and lay a foundation for sustainable growth. In such a delicate phase, a designation of this nature risks unsettling investor confidence and placing additional stress on an economy that is fragile but recovering. Conversations with officials and policy experts in Washington, where I have previously served, reveal that documentary and video evidence, along with direct engagement with victims and advocacy groups, informed the United States Government’s decision. Whether one agrees with Washington’s conclusion or not, its position is based on intelligence assessments and survivor testimonies. Nigeria must therefore respond with clarity and confidence. What Nigeria confronts is persistent terrorism, and few nations have invested as many lives, resources and political effort in fighting violent extremism and protecting religious communities. Nigeria’s vibrant civil society, independent media remain important instruments of accountability. International partners, including the European Union and the United Nations, have recognised Nigeria’s renewed commitment to inclusive governance and rule of law. Nigeria welcomes constructive international engagement. To this end, government should deepen dialogue with Washington, share intelligence, carefully review the evidence cited and provide additional context on verified terrorist activities affecting communities of all faiths. Cooperative engagement, rather than isolation, will help ensure mutual understanding and prevent misrepresentation of the realities on the ground. Labels of this nature can embolden extremist narratives, unsettle markets and undermine ongoing reforms aimed at building a safer and more prosperous nation. The United States remains a strategic partner, and sustained engagement based on mutual respect and shared democratic values remains essential. Nigeria’s path forward requires collaboration and dialogue, particularly at a time when reforms are beginning to yield gradual progress. Nigeria acknowledges its challenges and is addressing them with resolve and reform. The nation’s future will be determined not by external labels, but by continued domestic progress, constructive diplomacy and genuine international partnership. •Soneye is a media entrepreneur and communications strategist.

Olufemi Soneye
Multiple casualties feared as magnitude 6.3 quake hits Afghanistan
Technology

Multiple casualties feared as magnitude 6.3 quake hits Afghanistan

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck northern Afghanistan overnight Sunday into Monday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, two months after a tremor in the impoverished nation's east killed over 2,200 people..The overnight quake hit at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles) in Kholm, near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, according to the USGS..It was felt by AFP correspondents in the capital Kabul..Local authorities broadcast emergency telephone numbers for people to call, but did not immediately report any deaths or injuries..In Mazar-i-Sharif, many people ran into the street in the middle of the night, fearing their homes might collapse, an AFP correspondent observed..The Taliban authorities have had to deal with several major quakes since returning to power in 2021, including one in 2023 in the western Herat region on the border with Iran that killed more than 1,500 people and destroyed more than 63,000 homes..A shallow 6.0-magnitude quake struck this year on August 31 in the country's east, killing more than 2,200 people -- the deadliest tremor in recent Afghan history..Earthquakes are common in Afghanistan, particularly along the Hindu Kush mountain range, near where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates meet..Afghanistan is contending with multiple crises after decades of war: endemic poverty, severe drought and the influx of millions of Afghans forced back home by neighbouring Pakistan and Iran..Many modest Afghan homes are shoddily built and poor infrastructure hampers rescue efforts after natural disasters like quakes..Since 1900, northeastern Afghanistan has been hit by 12 quakes with a magnitude above 7, according to Brian Baptie, a seismologist with the British Geological Survey.

AFP
Nicole Scherzinger Norma-lizes a Mix of ‘Sunset Blvd.’ Bravura and Pussycat Doll Playtime in Commanding Turn at Disney Hall: Concert Review
Technology

Nicole Scherzinger Norma-lizes a Mix of ‘Sunset Blvd.’ Bravura and Pussycat Doll Playtime in Commanding Turn at Disney Hall: Concert Review

If only we could hear Norma Desmond rise up and sing: Don’t cha wish your girflriend, that little tart Betty Schaefer, was hot like me? That does not happen in Nicole Scherzinger‘s current run of shows, which included a diverting stop Thursday night at Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown L.A. The show tunes stayed in their corner, and the Pussycat Dolls oldies stayed in theirs. It was a show with a slightly split personality, with musical theater numbers dominating the first three-quarters and the flashy pop perpetrated by her ex-girl-group taking over the last stretch. But it didn’t feel like an impossibly wide chasm. Even as Scherzinger sang two bravura songs from the stage musical that brought her back into the limelight in a big way, “Sunset Blvd.,” you were reminded that that Broadway/West End show was rejiggered some when she was starring in it so that Gloria Swanson was a very distant memory, and so that you had to think of Norma Desmond not as a hag but as being a woman of a certain age who is very much H-O-T-T-O-G-O. And it worked. Meanwhile, there’s the F.O.M.O. that the L.A. theater community has suffered from not getting a local transfer of Scherzinger’s run in “Sunset” on Broadway. Of course, many Angelenos made their way east to catch her in that Tony-winning turn in late 2024 and early ’25. “You were everything in ‘Sunset’!” shouted the man in front of me, which is exactly the right thing to shout at a diva performance where everyone is just a little too mature to call out anything about mothering. So the full house was probably made up of about one-third jet-setters who already knew how spectacularly her “With One Look” would go, and two-thirds less-privileged locals who until now had only been able to guess it. As the “Sunset” segment unfolded in the middle of her concert’s second act (the show that is “what’s gotten me here today,” as she told the audience), “With One Look” was really just the warm-up, though. The number that followed, “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” was the money song, the one that seemed redolent of Barbra Streisand’s own cover of the Andrew Lloyd Webber neo-classic. Throughout it, I sensed a few of the people around me who seemed eager for the song to end — not because they really wanted Scherzinger to stop singing, but because they were literally jittery on the edge of their seats, barely able to hold off jumping up for the inevitable standing ovation. I felt their twitchiness. And not so very long after that peak, gown-clad classiness: the Pussycat Dolls’ “Buttons,” and the unveiling of a slinky, button-less catsuit to match. Because why not? Scherzinger clearly is favoring her stage-actress era nowadays, but she’s still got the goods to indulge in some throwback choreo, or cardio, from back in the day. This isn’t a full tour for the singer, but the last of three shows taking place in some of the world’s most storied venues — the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall and now (the day after she was honored at Variety’s Power of Women L.A. event) Disney Hall. It’s easy to imagine her taking it further on the road, if she doesn’t book another theater gig, or doing a residency. Would it draw a wider split of fans, in other cities, who might be attracted to come only for the Dolls stuff or only for a night of standards? Possibly, but she would likely leave everyone ultimately pleased, either way. Thursday’s show certainly announced its primary intentions right at the start, with Scherzinger doing a faithful rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” That’s a bold way for a singer who hasn’t been known primarily for being in the theater arena that long to start off with — maybe too bold, in declaring that Streisand’s turf is her terra firma, too. Her version was terrific, for what it was, but not an especially imaginative or reinvented pick. From there, she got a little looser with the perennial Halloween/R&B favorite “I Put a Spell on You,” giving good growliness. “Diamonds Are Forever” was a great choice of movie song to include (Variety having previously declared it the best Bond theme of all time), and it was wise that she paid proper homage to the originator, but the issue remains of how difficult it is to out-Bassey Shirley Bassey. (At least she is a dozen times more capable of nailing it than poor, miscast Doja Cat at this year’s Oscars.) Finally Scherzinger arrived at the first song truly associated with her, with some chan-toozy banter to set it up: “Y’all look so good, I think I might ‘stickwitu’ forever. That reminds me of a song…” Hey, us too. The diversion to Pussycat hit territory was only a momentary one for the moment, veritably a trailer for the show’s finale. But there was something about it that seemed to put her on a surer footing, even as she returned to the stage and film perennials. A medley of Sondheim’s “Losing My Mind” and “Not a Day Goes By,” which seem to have become conjoined in the interpreter mindset somewhere around the turn of the century, offered a good teaser for the mind-losing possibilities of the “Sunset” material to come later. And then, for her pre-intermission closer, Scherzinger tackled “Cabaret’s” greatest number, “Maybe This Time,” the patron saint of songs for losers everywhere. She wouldn’t fit into a modern “Cabaret” production where the leading lady has to play it like an unpracticed waif, but she sure would have killed the role in the day when everyone looked to do it as skillfully as Liza. At the end, she sacrificed emotion for a moment of camp, but that was okay. Going back to the sort of nightstand where she kept her water bottle and Kleenex, Scherzinger crouched down in an odd way — was she working off a cramp? — and then reemerged holding something behind her back. “Maybe this time,” she belted, pausing for effect… out come her two biggest trophies, in either hand… “I’ll win!” She referred to them as her friends “Laurence and Antoinette,” as in, of course, an Olivier and a Tony. Intermission thoughts: Either you love this kind of blowsy, broad (in all the senses), old-school show-biz-stuff — lengthy patter interludes included — or you don’t. Anyone who doesn’t hold the same nostalgic hankering for veteran actresses holding court with one-woman shows might not be blamed for opting out. But Scherzinger is operating out of a great tradition with this stuff, and there aren’t a lot of others of her generation filling the void, at least with her profile coming from the pop side and the chops to work it on the theater side. She feels more born to this than she was to being a 2010s pop tart… although she was a good enough actress to pull that off, too. Being an Interscope sex bomb definitely did not allow her to casually walk around the stage making slightly off-color remarks in-between showing off coloratura prowess. All of which is to say, if this is a prelude to her doing shows like this indefinitely, and working up to putting “I’m Still Here” into her repertoire 20 years from now, some of us will be there for it. “The ladies are looking absolutely divine,” Scherzinger told the audience. “A lot of hot men in the house tonight.” Here’s betting she says that to all the Carnegie and Royal Albert Hall boys. Or maybe not. “Looks like all the WeHos showed up,” she added, getting a big enough roar to drown out whatever she said subsequently. She did not shy away from elbow-nudging humor. Talking of her heritage, she described herself as “Hawaiian, Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, Polish… Irish 2%… I also have some English in me, too. His name is Thom.” Her fiance, Thom Evans, came up for referencing again when she sang the one new, original song of the evening, the pop-R&B vamp “Bullshit”: “This is my idea of a love song. It’s about waiting for that special someone to, how do you say it, get it together (and) put a ring on it. You catch my drift?” Sample lyric: “Wake your ass up before I up and leave.” Flashing a ring after the song was over, she said, “Needless to say, he got the message.” Scherzinger did not ignore the folks in the balcony behind her, although she meant to, at times. “You’ve got the best seats in the house!” she informed them early on. Much later, toward the end of the second of three acts, she got verklempt as she started talking about Prince, whom she described as “a big part of who I am — he was my mentor, my big brother.” Retreating back to the nightstand, she took a moment to turn her back to the audience and wipe her nose. “Thank God for these tissues…” Then she remembered there was a whole separate audience behind the stage. “Oh great, you guys are here; I’d forgotten that. Give it up for my surprise party back there.” “Purple Rain” was her main sop to mainstream pop-rock tastes, and to the one who makes her cry. The “La Cage aux Folles”/Jerry Herman/Gloria Gaynor anthem “I Am What I Am” was her main sop to the WeHos, as she put it. As for the pure Broadway demographic in the crowd, although she mostly stuck to musical theater’s greatest hits, it was a delight when, to kick off the final act, she brought out the cheeky “Drowsy Chaperone” number “Show Off,” which is exactly what she intended to do for the finale. She appeared for this last bit in what almost appeared to be an elegant bedroom dressing gown, sipping tea (“Let me put this down before I spill too much,” she said), which eventually showed some leg. And then was abandoned altogether to show a lot more than that, as the show settled into its full-Pussycat end run. With the final Pussycat Dolls medley, Scherzinger — hoofing it up in black lace and heels, somehow looking about a foot taller than her 5’5" frame — was all about the life of a showgirl. That’s what would truly draw ’em in, probably, if she ever deigned to do this as a Vegas residency. But what most of this Disney Hall audience will remember most is that two-song “Sunset Blvd.” bit, where Norma came alive on west-coast home turf, minus the Broadway stage blood. Without Jamie Lloyd’s cameras there to do close-ups, Scherzinger played the anti-heroine just a little less for obsessive mania and more for pure Barbra-style butter. Norma Desmond doesn’t really have to be portrayed as a killer when, from this murderously good revue, we already understand that Nicole Scherzinger is one. Setlist for Nicole Scherzinger at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Oct. 30, 2025: Don’t Rain on My ParadeI Put a Spell on YouDiamonds Are ForeverStickwituYou Raise Me Up/ReflectionLosing My Mind/Not a Day Goes ByMaybe This Time Set 2:I Am What I AmBullshitWith One LookAs If We Never Said GoodbyePurple Rain Set 3:Show OffButtonsWhen I Grow UpDon’t ChaDon’t Hold Your Breath

Chris Willman
Cam Little stuns with 68-yard field goal against Raiders; here’s how it compares to official NFL record list
Technology

Cam Little stuns with 68-yard field goal against Raiders; here’s how it compares to official NFL record list

APCam Little's 68-yard field goal is the longest field goal in NFL history during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Longest field goal in NFL history: Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little made NFL history on Sunday by scoring a 68-yard field goal, the longest ever in a regular-season game. The record-breaking kick came during the Jaguars’ matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, giving fans a moment to remember in the 2025 NFL season.At the time of writing, the Raiders were leading 6-3, but it was Little’s kick that stole the spotlight and likely a permanent place in the record books.Cam Little: The Jaguars kicker who made historyThe 22-year-old Cam Little, drafted in the sixth round in 2024 out of Arkansas, has had a mixed second season. Entering Sunday’s game, he had converted only 10 of 14 field goal attempts this season. Yet, with one incredible swing, he shattered the NFL field goal record that had stood since 2021.The NFL shared the historic moment on X, writing, “CAM LITTLE JUST KICKED THE LONGEST FG IN NFL HISTORY! 68 YARDS!”— NFL (@NFL) Longest field goal in NFL historyBefore Little’s kick, Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens held the record with a 66-yard field goal in 2021. Tucker’s kick had beaten the previous 64-yard mark set by Matt Prater in 2013.Live EventsLittle had already shown promise earlier this year — during a preseason game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, he had scored a 70-yard field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, since preseason stats don’t count toward official records, that feat wasn’t recognized in the league’s books.NFL record field goal: Top 10 longest kicks in historyHere’s a look at the ten longest field goals in NFL history following Little’s record-breaking performance:68 yards – Cam Little, Jacksonville Jaguars – 202566 yards – Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens – 202165 yards – Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys – 202464 yards – Matt Prater, Denver Broncos – 201363 yards – Joey Slye, New England Patriots – 202463 yards – Brett Maher, Dallas Cowboys – 201963 yards – Graham Gano, Carolina Panthers – 201863 yards – David Akers, San Francisco 49ers – 201263 yards – Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders – 201163 yards – Jason Elam, Denver Broncos – 1998With Cam Little’s 68-yard field goal, the NFL’s longest field goal record has officially been reset.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onlongest field goal NFL historyCam LittleJacksonville Jaguarsfield goal recordJustin TuckerTop 10 longest kicks in historyNFL record field goal2025 NFL seasonNFL field goal statisticsNFL records table (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onlongest field goal NFL historyCam LittleJacksonville Jaguarsfield goal recordJustin TuckerTop 10 longest kicks in historyNFL record field goal2025 NFL seasonNFL field goal statisticsNFL records table(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless Explore More Stories123

Sectionscam Little
I haven't kissed anyone in 6 years. It's not because I gave up on love.
Technology

I haven't kissed anyone in 6 years. It's not because I gave up on love.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Olivia Howell, 40, CEO of Fresh Starts Registry and mother of two. It has been edited for length and clarity.I had my first boyfriend at 16 and stayed in relationships nonstop until six years ago.I was heavy into dating apps, often seeing more than one person at once. In college, I had a serious boyfriend I thought I'd marry. Then, at 24, I met my husband on Match.com. We moved fast: he relocated from Connecticut to Long Island, where I still live, and we married two years later. Shortly after, we had our two sons. Our marriage eventually dissolved. He moved out in August 2019, and he's the last person I've kissed or slept with. I'm completely happy with that decision, despite the naysayers who assume it must be lonely.But let me back up.I didn't realize I was in an emotionally abusive marriage until after it ended. My ex belittled my looks and used "coercive control," a pattern of threats, intimidation, and humiliation to maintain power.My nervous system was constantly on high alert. Only after my sister sent me TikToks about emotional abuse did I recognize the signs. I'd spent so long in survival mode that I stopped seeing myself as a beautiful or sexual person.As CEO of Fresh Starts Registry, a divorce gift registry and support network I launched after our split, I've learned that leaving isn't the end of healing. It's when the real work begins.I have no interest in dating apps or Long Island's bar scene. As a single mom running a business, the idea of hiring a babysitter and getting dressed up for a one-night stand or a high-drama relationship feels both exhausting and unnecessary. Also, I live with my parents, and I'm not about to bring someone to my childhood bedroom.I'd rather hang out with my kids, read, or craft in my pajamas on a Saturday night. With sole custody, there's little time without them anyway. A quiet night in is hard to beat.My life used to revolve around men, and quitting dating has been liberating. Since I was a teen, I worried about how I looked and what men thought. Six years without physical intimacy has taken off that pressure and allowed me to heal in therapy and on my own.I've dipped my toes back in once, reconnecting with someone from my past. It never went beyond flirty phone calls, but it reminded me that I'll love again and that attraction still exists.Just because a man isn't touching you doesn't mean you're untouched. I get massages regularly, a safe, gradual way to reconnect with my body after abuse.I wouldn't feel as confident and connected if it weren't for my support system. Living at home with my family and having support from my siblings, parents, and amazing friends means always having someone to talk to, eat dinner with, and confide in.Even my therapist once told me I should put on some lipstick and go out. I was like, "Umm, do you know me?" That's not who I am. For now, I treat myself well. I buy plants and perfume my bed each evening. I know I'm worth it.I know I'll eventually find a loving partner and stepdad for my sons. I've had the privilege of being raised by an amazing stepdad myself, and that gives me hope. I'm giving myself these six years, and as many more as I might need, to step back from the messy, complicated dating scene to look inward, reflect, and heal.I refuse to show up as anything else than the full person I could be at the time of my life when I meet someone else, whether that's tomorrow or in another six years.Do you have a story about looking for love that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor: akarplus@businessinsider.com.

Alexandra Frost
Kudus and Semenyo in: Salah snubbed in Top 7 valuable African players list
Technology

Kudus and Semenyo in: Salah snubbed in Top 7 valuable African players list

Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo have earned spots among the top seven most valuable players in AfricaThe Ghanaian duo have both enjoyed stellar starts to the 2025/26 season, with Kudus dazzling for Tottenham and Semenyo continuing his fine form at BournemouthYEN.com.gh takes a look at the complete list of Africa’s seven most valuable football stars making waves across Europe Africa has long been a cradle of football excellence, and its latest generation of stars is cementing that legacy on the global stage. From breathtaking goals in Europe’s top leagues to eye-watering market values, these players are flying the African flag with pride and power. Top 7 most valuable African players YEN.com.gh takes a look at the seven most valuable African footballers right now, according to data from Transfermarkt. The list includes familiar faces lighting up England, France, and Turkey — though surprisingly, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah misses out this time. 7. Antoine Semenyo (Ghana) – €55 million From battling through rejection in England’s lower leagues to starring in the Premier League, Semenyo’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. The Bournemouth striker’s explosive pace and tireless work rate have turned heads across Europe. Manchester United, Tottenham, and Liverpool are all reportedly monitoring him as a potential long-term attacking option. 6. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana) – €55 million Few players embody flair and versatility quite like Kudus. The Tottenham playmaker has dazzled fans with his quick feet and fearless creativity, often leaving defenders in his wake. With one goal and four assists already this season, his steady rise continues. Many pundits regard him as one of Europe’s most complete attacking midfielders, a statement rehashed by Didier Drogba. 5. Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) – €60 million Brighton’s midfield maestro has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young players. His composure under pressure and ability to dictate tempo have made him indispensable for the Seagulls. Manchester United once eyed him for over €100 million, which shows just how highly rated he is in English football circles. 4. Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) – €65 million Another Cameroonian making waves is Bryan Mbeumo. Since swapping Brentford for Manchester United in the summer, his creativity and adaptability have been crucial for Ruben Amorim’s side. Mbeumo has quickly become a fan favourite at Old Trafford, proving he can thrive under pressure and deliver in key moments. 3. Omar Marmoush (Egypt) – €70 million After shining with Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, Marmoush’s move to Manchester City elevated his profile even further. His direct running and eye for goal have made him a valuable asset for Pep Guardiola’s team. Though his form dipped slightly toward the end of last season, he remains one of the continent’s brightest attacking talents. 2. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – €75 million The Nigerian goal machine is back in business. Now starring for Galatasaray, Osimhen has rediscovered his scoring touch, leading the Turkish giants’ title charge. His relentless energy and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders. Having already etched his name in history as the first African to win Serie A’s Golden Boot, he continues to raise the bar for strikers across the continent, as noted by GOAL. 1. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – €80 million Topping the chart is Morocco’s dynamic right back, Achraf Hakimi. The PSG star has once again proven why he is regarded as one of the best in the world at his position. His blend of pace, intelligence, and attacking flair helped Paris Saint-Germain secure a historic quadruple last season. With individual awards piling up, Hakimi’s dominance shows no signs of slowing down. Kudus and Semenyo miss out on CAF POTY Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards have been unveiled, with Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo notably missing out. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi have emerged as the frontrunners for the coveted African Player of the Year title. Source: YEN.com.gh

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe,Samuel Obour
Meet 101-year-old Philippine politician: Juan Ponce Enrile, a survivor who has outlasted regimes
Technology

Meet 101-year-old Philippine politician: Juan Ponce Enrile, a survivor who has outlasted regimes

Manila: Filipino politician Juan Ponce Enrile (born on February 14, 1924), has seen quite a bit.Also known as "Manong Johnny," Enrile currently serves as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.He is first centenarian to hold such a key post in the Asian country. Enrile, a Harvard-trained lawyer, politician, and statesman has a distinguished career that spans over seven decades..Resilience, controversiesHe embodies resilience and enduring influence in Philippine politics.Controversy follows "Manong Johnny", aka JPE. The most recent cases against him: 15 counts of graft related to the so-called "pork barrel" scam, allegedly involving fake projects funded by Filipino taxpayers but siphoned off by politicians.On October 24, 2025, Enrile was acquitted after a six-year trial on graft charges. The Sandiganbayan (anti-graft court) Special 3rd Division cleared Enrile and his former aide Gigi Reyes of 15 counts of graft related to the scam. However, some of their co-accused acquitted of criminal liability were found "civilly liable" and were ordered to pay ₱338 million (about $5.7 billion) in total. Enrile and Reyes were not among them.Family background Born in Gonzaga, Cagayan, to a modest family — his father a wealthy lawyer and his mother a street vendor — Enrile overcame early hardships, including illegitimacy, to excel academically. .Anti-graft court allows hospital arrest for Senator Enrile.Enrile’s son responsible for murder: Wikileaks.Enrile willing to reveal all about Aquino slaying.Supreme Court allows Sen. Enrile to post bail.He graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1953 and passed the bar exam with a near-perfect score, before going to Harvard for further studies. His early career as a corporate lawyer honed his sharp intellect and strategic acumen. Enrile's rise began under President Ferdinand Marcos, whom he served as customs commissioner (1966–1968), justice undersecretary, and defence secretary (1970–1986). .Fake ambushA loyalist, he helped draft Martial Law proclamations in 1972, justifying Marcos's dictatorship to suppress communism and oligarchy. Enrile claimed the 1969 ambush on his convoy — later admitted as staged — was a pretext for Martial Law. .As defence minister, JPE oversaw military operations during the regime's repressive years, amassing wealth through cronyism while building a power base in the armed forces.His defection in 1986 sparked the People Power Revolution. Barricaded with reformist generals Fidel Ramos and others at Camp Aguinaldo, Enrile's rebellion, amplified by Radio Veritas and civilian support, toppled Marcos. Post-EDSA, he served as senator (1987–1992, 1995–2001, 2004–2016), presiding over the Senate (2008–2013). Known for fiscal expertise, he authored laws on agriculture, energy, and anti-corruption. .ControversiesControversies shadowed him.There were plunder charges in 2014 over pork barrel scams (he was acquitted later), human rights abuse allegations from Martial Law years, and flip-flopping alliances — he backed Gloria Arroyo, then opposed her; supported Rodrigo Duterte, then assailed him.Back in 2013, Filipino Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, in a privilege speech, has insinuated that Gigi Reyes, about 30 years younger than Enrile, was Manong Johnny's "girlfriend".It was Cayetano’s retaliation for Reyes’ accusations of “hypocrisy” against him for supposedly receiving a “cash gift” from the Office of the Senate President.That spat ended when Reyes "profusely apologised" to Cayetano for her "offensive statements" — followed by her irrevocable resignation from Enrile’s office..The first public denial came years earlier, in 1998, when the Chicago Tribune reported that Enrile’s wife Cristina left him after she could no longer tolerate his “alleged tryst with a top aide.”Enrile said in a statement in 1998: “What is totally false and malicious are the reports in the press and the rumour mills that the cause of our marital difficulties is an alleged relationship between me and my Chief of Staff, lawyer Gigi Reyes. There is no relationship, other than an official and professional one.”When JPE's marked his 100th birthday in 2024, Daily Tribune’s Rina Jimenez-David wrote: "One public persona of Johnny Ponce Enrile is that of a playboy and a ladies' man.".At 101 (as of 2025), Enrile remains active, serving as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel under President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr (a post JPE held since 2022). His memoirs, Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir (2012), offer a self-justifying narrative..Critics decry his role in authoritarianism; admirers praise his survival instincts and institutional knowledge. After Enrile's acquittal on October 24, the presidential palace stated that it "respected" the graft court's decision.Enrile personifies Philippine politics' blend of opportunism and patriotism, a survivor who outlasted regimes..49 years after Martial Law in the Philippines: Why many Filipinos choose not to forget.Defence secretary: Philippine-wide martial law ‘very remote’.Philippine lawmakers approve extending Mindanao martial law to end of year.Philippine top court upholds martial law in south as fighting drags on.Juan Ponce Enrile's Timeline1924: Born Juan Furagganan in Gonzaga, Cagayan; later adopts Ponce Enrile surname.1953: Graduates cum laude from UP Law; tops bar exams (98.75% score, adjusted).1966–1968: Appointed Customs Commissioner by Marcos.1970–1986: Serves as Secretary of National Defense.1972: Helps implement Martial Law (Proclamation 1081); stages own ambush as pretext.1986: Defects from Marcos; leads EDSA Revolution with Ramos, ousting dictator.1987–1992: Elected Senator (first post-Marcos term).1995–2001: Returns to Senate.2004–2016: Serves third Senate stint; Senate President (2008–2013).2012: Publishes mJuan Ponce Enrile's Timeline2014: Arrested for plunder in PDAF scam; detained at PNP General Hospital.2021: Supreme Court acquits him of plunder.2022–present: Appointed Chief Presidential Legal Counsel by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Jay Hilotin
1 2 3 Next