March 27, 2019

Israeli military: New airstrikes in Gaza

March 27, 2019 11:01 am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is “prepared to do a lot more” after overnight Israeli strikes hit Hamas targets in Gaza, but by sunset on Tuesday an uneasy calm seemed to be holding, following the sharpest escalation in violence since the beginning of the year.

The militant Hamas group — which Israel blamed for triggering the latest round of hostilities by firing a rocket that hit a house north of Tel Aviv in the early hours of Monday morning — first announced that a ceasefire had been agreed late Monday, but renewed rocket fire from Gaza into Israel,

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New York county bans unvaccinated kids from public areas

March 27, 2019 10:48 am

Unvaccinated people under age 18 are banned from public places in Rockland County, New York, as of midnight Wednesday, according to John Lyon, director of strategic communications for County Executive Ed Day.

Day announced the order Tuesday.

The declaration is an effort to contain an outbreak of measles that began in October; 153 cases have been confirmed in the county.

“We’re not punishing the people who are doing the right thing already and following the rules. We just want to encourage everyone to do the right thing so we can stop this outbreak,” Lyon said. The step is “extremely unusual.

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Chicago prosecutors drop charges against actor Smollett

March 27, 2019 10:35 am

It’s a plot twist even “Empire” couldn’t come up with. All 16 felony charges against actor Jussie Smollett — who’d been accused of staging a hate crime against himself — were dropped by Chicago prosecutors, in a shock move that angered the city’s mayor and police chief.

What’s more, Smollett’s criminal record was wiped clean and records in the case were sealed, all in exchange for Smollett doing some community service and forfeiting his $10,000 bond. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson were livid. They blasted Smollett and the county attorney’s office. Emanuel repeatedly called it a …

Gunmen kidnap policeman, others in Edo

March 27, 2019 10:25 am

A police officer simply identified as DSP Godwin and four other persons have been abducted by gunmen at Ubiaja, headquarters of Esan South East local government area.

DSP Godwin was travelling to Asaba when the vehicle he was travelling in was stopped by the gunmen who were on the road apparently for kidnapping.

Police sources said DSP Godwin and others were taken into the bush.

The source said a Pastor who was travelled along the same route was shot and is receiving treatment in a hospital.

It was gathered that the police have mobilised tactical team to forest reserves around …

INEC withholds Return Certificates for 4 Delta Legislators

March 27, 2019 10:08 am

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday denied certificates of return to four House of Assembly members- elect in Delta State over pending court matters.

However, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy Kingsley Otuaro along with 24 other members-elect were given certificates of return.

National Commissioner in charge of Delta State, Dr Mohammed Lecky, confirmed the development while presenting certificates of return to successful candidates.

Kuje residents set agenda for new council boss

March 27, 2019 9:41 am

Some residents of Kuje Area Council, FCT, have urged the new Chairman of the council, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, to focus on addressing challenges bothering on infrastructure, education and environment for the development of the area.