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Britain’s Duchess of Kent, known for her ‘human touch,’ dead at 92

The Duchess of Kent, one of Britain’s most beloved royals, died on Thursday night at age 92, surrounded by close family, Buckingham Palace announced Friday.

“It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent,” a statement from Buckingham Palace said.

“Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family,” the statement continued.

King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the British royal family will remember the duchess for her “life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people,” the palace said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sent his “sincere condolences” to the royal family following the death, calling the duchess “one of our hardest working royals.”

“She brought compassion, dignity and a human touch to everything she did,” he added.

The Prince and Princess of Wales said the duchess “will be a much missed member of the family” in a statement posted on X. “The Duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music,” the post said.

The King has approved a period of royal mourning to take place until the day of her funeral. Details of the funeral and who will attend have not yet been released. The Union Jack over Buckingham Palace was lowered to half mast in a sign of respect following the announcement of the duchess’ death, and the traditional framed announcement was placed on the royal residence’s railings.

During this period of royal mourning, members of the royal family and staff will wear specific clothing until the funeral. Troops on public duties and those working in the Royal Mews and Livery will wear black armbands.

The duchess may not be as well known as other members of the family to the current generation of royal-watchers as she stepped back from royal duties more than two decades ago, in 2002. However, in Britain and to tennis fans worldwide she will be remembered for the part she played at the Wimbledon tennis tournament., where she presented the trophy at the ladies’ singles final for years.

Born Katharine Worsley to an aristocratic family from Yorkshire, the duchess met her future husband, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1956, while he was stationed at a military barracks in northern England. She married into the royal family five years later, in 1961. Prince Edward was a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Following their wedding, the duchess became a working royal, volunteering for the Passage night shelter for the homeless, and traveling the world as an ambassador for UNICEF. The couple had three children, and another son who was stillborn. In 1994, she became the first royal to convert to Catholicism for more than 300 years.

At Wimbledon, she famously cast aside royal formalities and became a consoling figure for the competition’s finalists – most notably comforting a devastated Jana Novotna following the Czech star’s defeat in the 1993 final.

Five years later, it was a different story when Novotna beat Nathalie Tauziat in the final to win the title, with the duchess on hand to present the trophy.

After stepping back from public duties in 2002, the duchess, who had a deep passion for music and played the piano, organ and violin, taught the subject at a primary school in Hull, northeastern England, for several years. She also founded Future Talent, a charity that seeks to give children equal opportunities to excel in music. (CNN)

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Three Britons among 16 people killed in Lisbon funicular crash, police confirm

Portuguese police have confirmed that three Britons were among the 16 people killed in Lisbon on Wednesday evening when one of the city’s funicular streetcars derailed and hurtled down a hill and into a building.

The accident, described by Portugal’s prime minister, Luís Montenegro, as “one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history”, also left 21 people injured, five of whom are in a serious condition.

A preliminary report on the crash on the Elevador da Glória is due to be released on Friday by the government’s office for air and rail accident investigations.

In a statement on Friday morning, police said the accident had killed five Portuguese citizens, three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, one American, one Ukrainian, one Swiss citizen and one French person.

Police said that a German citizen thought to have died in the crash had been located alive in a hospital. Local media had reported that a German father had died and a mother was seriously hurt while their 3-year-old child suffered minor injuries.

The German foreign ministry said at least three German nationals were in hospital.

The injured also include Spanish, Israeli, Portuguese, Brazilian, Italian and French citizens, according to the executive director of Portugal’s national health service, Álvaro Santos Almeida.

Downing Street said Keir Starmer was deeply saddened to hear of the death of the three Britons.

A No 10 spokesperson said: “The prime minister is deeply saddened to hear that three British nationals have died in the funicular crash in Lisbon. His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident. We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time.”

The wreckage of the Elevador da Glória vehicle was removed from the scene on Thursday night and taken by police for examination as a day of national mourning ended. The chief police investigator, Nelson Oliveira, said a preliminary police report, which would have a broader scope, was expected within 45 days.

Investigators have not found any evidence of sabotage, leaving mechanical failures or maintenance issues among the possible causes.

The Glória line carries about 3 million people, tourists and residents annually. Its two cars, each capable of carrying about 40 people, are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable, with traction provided by electric motors on the cars.

On Thursday, the leader of the Fectrans union, Manuel Leal, told a local television station that workers had complained that problems with the tension of the cable that hauls the carriages had made braking difficult, but added it was too early to say if that had caused the crash.

Carris, the municipal public transport company that operates the service, said “all maintenance protocols” had been carried out, including monthly and weekly service programmes and daily inspections.

The president of Carris, Pedro de Brito Bogas, said the streetcar, which had been in service since 1914, underwent a scheduled full-maintenance programme last year and the company conducted a 30-minute visual inspection of it every day.

At a news conference, he said the streetcar had last been inspected nine hours before the derailment, but did not detail the visual inspection, nor specify when questioned whether all the cables had been tested.

Hundreds of people, including the prime minister, Portugal’s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, attended a solemn mass at Lisbon’s church of Saint Dominic on Thursday evening.

On Thursday afternoon, the prime minister called the crash a “tragic accident that transcends borders and a pain that knows no nationality”, and promised a quick investigation to establish what had gone wrong.

“The competent authorities will swiftly carry out the necessary investigations to determine the cause of this tragic accident,” he said. “We will determine all responsibilities with a sense of respect for all those who suffered and are suffering the effects of this accident.”

Moedas said there were no words to describe the pain the city was feeling. “We’re gathering all the information to determine who is responsible. The city needs answers,” said Lisbon’s mayor. (Guardian)

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Fire guts residential building in Oyo

A residential building was, on Thursday morning, gutted by fire at Olugbile House, Iyalamu area of Oyo town in Oyo State.

Investigations by PUNCH Online revealed that the incident occurred around 5:00 am as a result of a lighted cigarette stub left unattended by one of the occupants and ignited combustible materials, which set the house ablaze.

Though no life was lost, it was further gathered that two out of eight rooms were affected, while household items and properties were destroyed.

Confirming the incident in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday, the State Chairman of Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, said the agency’s personnel immediately mobilised to the scene.

He said, “Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, our officers met two rooms out of eight rooms of an ancient residential building on fire. They quickly swung into action, and the fire was subdued and prevented from spreading beyond the two rooms.

“The fire was completely extinguished, the occupants, sympathisers and onlookers were sensitised on fire prevention, particularly the importance of having fire extinguishers at every household in the state.

“The fire incident was a result of a lighted cigarette stub left unattended by one of the occupants and ignited combustible materials, which set the house ablaze.

“No casualty was recorded; the agency was able to save properties worth millions of naira. Report fire incident and give correct address, contact our emergency lines: 08067439223 and 08054353501 or 615.”

PUNCH Online reports that the incident highlights recurring fire outbreaks in Oyo State, often traced to negligence such as improper handling of electrical appliances, cooking gas, and cigarettes.

According to the Oyo State Fire Service, dozens of residential and market fire incidents have been recorded since the beginning of 2025, resulting in millions of naira in losses.

Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to adopt strict fire safety measures, including installing basic extinguishers, avoiding unsafe smoking habits indoors, and promptly reporting fire outbreaks to emergency lines.

Fire outbreaks tend to increase during dry seasons when harmattan winds make combustible materials more flammable, making early response critical to preventing large-scale damage. (Punch)

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Tinubu makes U-turn, reverses new NTA appointments

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withdrawn the recently announced management changes at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), recalling the Director-General, Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, and the Executive Director of News, Ayo Adewuyi, to complete their tenures.

Tribune Online recently reports that Tinubu recently overhauled the NTA leadership, appointing veteran media executive, Rotimi Richard Pedro, as the new Director-General of the state broadcaster.

Other key appointments include Katsina State’s Karimah Bello as Executive Director of Marketing, Stella Din from Plateau State as Executive Director of News, and Sophia Issa Mohammed from Adamawa State as Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited.

However, in a surprise U-turn, Tinubu in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the reversal of the fresh appointments while recalling the previous leadership.  

Dembos, who was appointed in October 2023, is to continue in office until the end of his three-year term, while Adewuyi, appointed in 2024, is to remain in his role until 2027.

The new directive sets aside earlier appointments made to fill the positions of director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA Enterprises.

The statement reads partly, “Dembos was appointed DG of the TV network by President Tinubu in October 2023. He will now return to complete his three-year tenure.

“The President similarly directed the recall of Mr Ayo Adewuyi, the Executive Director of News, to complete his three-year tenure, which ends in 2027.

“Adewuyi was appointed by President Tinubu in 2024.

“The new directive effectively reversed the previously announced appointments of a director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA Enterprises.” (Tribune)

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Police flag flies at half-mast as Force HQ mourns Arase

The Nigeria Police Force has opened a condolence register at its Force Headquarters in Abuja to honour the memory of the late Solomon Arase.

Arase, the 18th Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, passed away on August 31, at 69.

According to a statement on its X account on Monday, the current IG, Kayode Egbetokun, paid heartfelt tribute to the late police chief as senior officers and staff converged at the headquarters to sign the register and pay their respects.

“The Nigeria Police Force has opened a Condolence Register at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, for the revered former Police Chief, as senior officers and staff pay their respects.

“In honour of his memory, the Police flag will fly at half-mast in all Commands and Formations nationwide,” the statement read.

The gesture is part of a series of formal remembrances by the service following Arase’s death. (Punch)

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Trump to rebrand Pentagon as Department of War

US President Donald Trump is directing that the Pentagon be known as the Department of War.

He will sign an executive order on Friday for the Department of Defense to use the new name as a secondary title and for Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to be known as Secretary of War.

The Pentagon – which oversees the US armed services – is the successor to the War Department, which was first established as a cabinet-level agency in 1789 and existed until 1947.

The responsibility of creating executive departments rests with the US Congress, meaning that an amendment would be required to legally change the department’s name.

The BBC has seen the text of the executive order, which says: “The name ‘Department of War’ conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve compared to ‘Department of Defense,’ which emphasizes only defensive capabilities.”

Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of the name change, arguing that the US had “an unbelievable history of victory” in both world wars under the previous name.

He has also expressed optimism that lawmakers would support such a change.

“I’m sure Congress will go along if we need that. I don’t even think we need that,” the president said last week. “But, if we need that, I’m sure Congress will go along.”

Trump and Hegseth have sought to refocus the department on “warfighting” and a “warrior ethos”.

They have argued that the department has become too focused on diversity, equity and inclusion programmes and “woke ideology”. (BBC)

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Iheanacho will love Celtic, says Rodgers

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes new signing Kelechi Iheanacho will thrive at the club and endear himself to supporters after signing the Nigeria striker on a free transfer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 28-year-old agreed a one-year deal with the Scottish champions after parting ways with Sevilla just a day earlier. His arrival came hours before the Europa League signing deadline and followed criticism from fans over the club’s failure to bring in a striker on transfer deadline day.

Rodgers, who previously worked with Iheanacho during their time together at Leicester City, backed the forward to make an immediate impact.

“He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate,” Rodgers told Celtic’s website.

“He has great experience and he is right in his peak years, so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”

The move also came against the backdrop of discontent from the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters Clubs, who condemned the decision to sell Adam Idah to Swansea City without lining up a replacement. The group accused the club hierarchy of “failure to strengthen the squad” and “disarray witnessed on the final evening of the transfer window”.

Rodgers, however, was adamant that Iheanacho represents the quality required to strengthen his attack. “He will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings,” he added.

Iheanacho began his professional career at Manchester City, where he won the League Cup, before making more than 200 appearances for Leicester, helping the Foxes lift the FA Cup in 2021.

He was part of the Nigeria squad that finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has been capped 59 times by his country.

After leaving Leicester last summer, the forward joined Sevilla but ended last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the English Championship. (Punch)

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Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani dies at 91

Italian fashion legend Giorgio Armani, king of a high-end lifestyle empire, has died at the age of 91, “surrounded by his loved ones”, his company said on Thursday.

“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” it said in a statement.

The best-known contemporary designer, Armani, opened his fashion house in Milan in 1975, quickly rising to the top of the industry and going on to dress the stars.

His funeral will be private, the group said, but well-wishers can pay respects beforehand at a funeral chamber open on Saturday and Sunday in Milan.

“Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” the company said.

“Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects,” the company said.

Armani had cancelled his menswear show in Milan this year due to health reasons. He also missed the Paris Armani Prive show on doctors’ orders.

“My doctors advised more rest, even though I felt ready.”

He added that he had “followed and overseen every aspect of the show remotely”, stressing: “I approved and signed off on everything you will see.”

The Italian icon was credited with inventing red-carpet fashion, but also moved into a younger and less expensive range through Emporio Armani, and opened luxury hotels.

His death came just weeks ahead of celebrations marking 50 years of his eponymous label.

Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli led the tributes, paying homage to “a leading figure in Italian culture, who was able to transform elegance into a universal language”.

“His understated and innovative style redefined the relationship between fashion, cinema, and society, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary culture,” he said.

“He was not only a master of fashion, but also a recognised ambassador of Italian identity around the world.” (Punch)

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Veteran actress Peju Ogunmola loses son, colleagues mourn

Veteran Nollywood actress, Peju Ogunmola, has lost her son, Ayomikun Oluwanisola.

The news of his death surfaced on Tuesday, with tributes pouring in from industry colleagues and fans.

Announcing his demise in an Instagram post on Tuesday, actress, Biola Adebayo, described the loss as devastating.

“This is a big loss. This is devastating and heartbreaking. This is tragic. May God almighty comfort Mummy Peju Ogunmola who just lost her only child.

“May God Almighty be with the family and loved ones at this tough time,” she wrote.

Actor, Odunlade Adekola, also mourned in an Instagram post saying, “This is a big loss. God will console you ma …… and the whole family. E le yi po oo.”

Sharing his pain, Kunle Afod commented, “Hmmmm. My heart has been very heavy.”

Actor, Femi Adebayo, also described the loss as one too heavy for words, stating, “Life has written a line too heavy for the stage… Today, we mourn with our dear elder, a thespian whose heart now carries the weight no mother should bear.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you ma. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

Also reacting, actor, Ibrahim Yekini, poluparly known as Itele D Icon prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved actress, writing, “A mother’s pain in losing her child is beyond words. Olorun ma fi ina omo jo gbogbo abiamo.”

“Subuhanalah This is pain! My heart goes to the entire family in this dark hour. May the Almighty strengthen you during this tough time ma,” actor, Adedimeji Lateef, wrote on Instagram.

Actor, Muyiwa Ademola, also wrote, “This is sad! It is such a sad news!! It broke the heart. No accurate words of condolences. The words are not coming. Not even sure if this is right or wrong. Just felt I should do something.

“The only one to console you is God! May the Almighty be with you, Aunty. This is too much to shoulder, too much to bear. It is well.”

Ogunmola is the wife of the veteran actor Sunday Omobolanle also called Papi Luwe or Aluwe, and has featured in numerous Yoruba films spanning decades.

The news of her son’s death comes just weeks before his birthday on October 12. (Punch)

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US suspends most visas for Palestinian passport-holders, reports say

US officials have further restricted visitor visas for Palestinians, by denying them to almost all applicants who use a Palestinian passport, media reports say.

The development comes days after 80 Palestinian officials were denied visas ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Earlier in August, visitor visas were paused for people hoping to travel from the Palestinian territory of Gaza. This newly-reported decree would affect a wider group – including people living in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The Department of State did not explicitly confirm the move but said it was “taking concrete steps in compliance with US law and our national security”.

The decision was issued in a diplomatic cable dated 18 August, the New York Times and CNN reported.

US consular officers were told to refuse non-immigrant visas to “all otherwise eligible Palestinian Authority passport holders”, the communication was quoted as saying.

That would apply to Palestinians hoping to come to the US for a range of purposes, including for business, study or medical treatment.

The move meant that officials would be required to perform a further review of each applicant, which amounted to a blanket ban on issuing visas to Palestinians, the New York Times added in its report.

Palestinians who are able to make visa applications using other passports were said to be unaffected.

It is not clear what prompted the reported move, though the Trump administration has been steadfast in its support for Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.

The news also follows last month’s announcements by a number of other US allies – including the UK, Canada and France – that they would recognise a Palestinian state on certain conditions. US Vice-President JD Vance has said Washington has “no plans” to follow suit.

The Trump administration has also cracked down on pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses.

The move represents a further toughening of the president’s stance on visas, following two earlier measures.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was among a group of dozens of Palestinian officials who were recently blocked from attending the UN General Assembly session in New York later this month, after US officials revoked his visa and accused the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), both of which Abbas leads, of undermining peace efforts.

And the Department of State said on 16 August it had paused approvals of visitor visas for Palestinians from Gaza specifically, so that a review could take place.

Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist group by the US, governed Gaza when hundreds of its armed fighters attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. The attack triggered a massive and ongoing Israeli military offensive, in which at least 63,459 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The US visa policy has effectively been extended now to include people from the West Bank and wider Palestinian diaspora.

Asked about the latest move, a Department of State spokesperson’s statement said: “The Trump administration is taking concrete steps in compliance with US law and our national security in regards to announced visa restrictions and revocations for PA (Palestinian Authority) passport holders. We refer you to those public announcements for more information on those restrictions and revocations.

“Every visa decision is a national security decision, and the State Department is vetting and adjudicating visa decisions for PA passport holders accordingly.” (BBC)