Nigeria has embarked on an unprecedented nationwide vaccination campaign, one of the largest in its history, aiming to safeguard approximately 106 million children against measles, rubella, and poliomyelitis. This integrated initiative combines multiple vaccines and essential child health services into a unified effort, ensuring efficient and comprehensive protection across the country. Children aged 14 and below will receive measles and rubella vaccines, while those under five will be immunized against polio. The campaign is being rolled out in two phases: the first, launched on October 7, 2025, targets 20 high-risk northern states and Oyo state in the southwest, while the second phase, scheduled for January 2026, will cover the remaining southern states. Gavi, a global health organization, is supporting the campaign with a $103 million investment, collaborating with federal and state governments to strengthen health systems, share expertise, and ensure long-term sustainability. The initiative leverages years of investment in Nigeria’s health infrastructure, including cold chain systems, workforce capacity, and digital tools, while also utilizing data and technology to enhance decision-making, track progress, and boost public engagement.
作者： admin
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Young boy dies in road traffic incident
A tragic road traffic accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Rathmintin, Jobstown, Dublin, resulting in the death of a young boy. The incident took place at approximately 14:00 local time outside a residential property. Emergency services swiftly transported the boy to Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, where he was sadly pronounced dead upon arrival. The Gardaí, Ireland’s national police service, have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. Forensic experts conducted a technical examination of the scene to gather crucial evidence. The community has been left in shock and mourning as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
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Threat assessment of China led to spy case collapse, says CPS
A high-profile espionage case in the UK involving two men accused of spying for China has been dropped due to insufficient evidence, according to the country’s top prosecutor. Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33, both denied allegations of gathering and providing information prejudicial to the UK’s safety and interests between December 2021 and February 2023. The charges were dismissed in September 2024, sparking criticism from ministers and MPs. Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, stated that the government could only rely on the previous Conservative administration’s assessment of China, which labeled the country as an ‘epoch-defining challenge’ rather than a direct national security threat. Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions, explained that while there was initially sufficient evidence to prosecute under the Official Secrets Act, a precedent set by another espionage case raised the threshold for conviction. Parkinson revealed that the Crown Prosecution Service had spent months attempting to obtain further evidence from the government, but the witness statements provided failed to meet the required standard. He emphasized that the evidence would have needed to portray China as a ‘threat to national security’ at the time of the alleged offenses. The government maintained that its description of China could not be retrospectively altered and had to align with the previous administration’s stance. The collapse of the trial has fueled frustration within the government, with Parkinson’s intervention following weeks of speculation. The case has also highlighted the Labour government’s efforts to recalibrate UK-China relations, including a cross-Whitehall audit of bilateral ties. In October 2024, Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited China, advocating for ‘pragmatic solutions to complex challenges.’ Additionally, Jonathan Powell, the UK’s National Security Adviser, met with Chinese officials in July 2024, signaling Britain’s willingness to enhance dialogue with Beijing. The case underscores the complexities of prosecuting espionage under the Official Secrets Act, which requires proof that the information shared was useful to an enemy nation.
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Illegal US-Mexico border crossings hit lowest level in over 50 years
In a significant development for US border security, illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border have plummeted to their lowest levels in over half a century, according to federal data obtained by CBS News. During the 2025 fiscal year, which included four months under former President Joe Biden’s administration, US Border Patrol agents apprehended 238,000 migrants attempting to cross the southern border illegally. This marks the lowest number of apprehensions since 1970, when 202,000 unlawful crossings were recorded. Jennie Murray, president of the National Immigration Forum, hailed the figures as evidence of progress in border security, urging bipartisan efforts to pass comprehensive immigration legislation. Preliminary data indicates that over half of these apprehensions occurred in the first three months of the fiscal year, spanning October 2024 to September 2025. The figures reflect the number of times border officials intercepted and processed migrants attempting illegal entry, including repeat offenders. During Biden’s four-year presidency, US Customs and Border Patrol recorded approximately 11 million border encounters. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson attributed the decline to President Trump’s policies, stating that his administration has successfully curbed unchecked illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Trump’s executive orders, including deploying additional troops to the border, ending asylum requests, and expanding ICE’s enforcement capabilities, have been pivotal in achieving these results. The president has also intensified immigration enforcement through raids in major cities like Los Angeles and Chicago and has vowed to deport millions of undocumented immigrants during his tenure.
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ICC convicts Janjaweed commander in ‘landmark’ Sudan case
In a historic verdict, the International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, commonly known as Ali Kushayb, on 27 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Sudan’s Darfur region. The ruling, delivered on Monday, marks the first conviction of a Sudanese official for atrocities that have plagued the region for over two decades. Kushayb, a former leader of the Janjaweed militia, was found guilty of orchestrating mass killings, rapes, and persecution during the Darfur conflict, which began in 2003. His sentencing will follow a subsequent hearing. The case, referred to the ICC by the United Nations Security Council in 2005, has been hailed as a landmark in the pursuit of justice for victims, though many argue it comes too late. Darfur, a region in western Sudan, has endured decades of violence, with the Sudanese government under Omar al-Bashir accused of deploying the Janjaweed to suppress a rebellion by non-Arab populations. The conflict, labeled a genocide by the US and human rights groups, claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Kushayb, known as the ‘colonel of colonels,’ commanded thousands of Janjaweed fighters and was accused of implementing a government-backed counter-insurgency strategy. His surrender to the ICC in 2020 followed a 2007 arrest warrant. Despite his claims of mistaken identity, presiding judge Joanna Korner dismissed his defense, stating he had ‘encouraged and given instructions’ for the atrocities. Victims welcomed the verdict, though analysts caution that it offers little solace to those still suffering in Darfur amid ongoing conflict. The Janjaweed, later rebranded as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), continue to operate under new leadership, with accusations of genocide persisting. The ICC’s pursuit of justice remains incomplete, with outstanding warrants for figures like Bashir and former officials. The verdict, while significant, underscores the challenges of addressing systemic violence and political instability in Sudan.
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Five takeaways from Pam Bondi’s tense, partisan Senate hearing
Pam Bondi’s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday was a fiery and contentious affair, marked by sharp partisan exchanges and a focus on the Justice Department’s handling of high-profile cases, including the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and the ongoing Epstein investigation. This was Bondi’s first congressional oversight hearing as Attorney General, and it came at a politically charged moment. Just two weeks prior, her department indicted Comey, sparking outrage among Democrats. A day before the hearing, a group of former Justice Department employees accused Bondi of undermining the department’s mission to uphold the rule of law. Bondi entered the hearing ready for battle, employing a strategy of aggressive counterattacks against senators from both parties. She deflected questions about the Comey case, Epstein’s client list, and her communications with the White House, often pivoting to emphasize the Trump administration’s crime-fighting achievements. Democrats, led by Senators Dick Durbin and Sheldon Whitehouse, pressed Bondi on Epstein’s ties to powerful figures, including Trump, but she refused to provide details. Republicans, meanwhile, used the hearing to air grievances about the Biden administration and past Democratic actions. The five-hour session ended with both sides accusing the other of politicizing the Justice Department, leaving little room for bipartisan agreement.
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Tesla shares fall as new lower-cost cars disappoint
Tesla has introduced more affordable versions of its popular Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan in the US, aiming to counteract declining sales following the expiration of a crucial federal tax credit for electric vehicles. The new models are priced $5,000 lower than their predecessors, with the Model Y starting at $39,990 and the Model 3 at $36,990. However, the announcement failed to impress investors, causing Tesla’s shares to drop by approximately 4%. The company has been grappling with increased competition, sluggish innovation in affordable vehicles, and reduced government support for EVs. Earlier this year, Tesla reported a 12% decline in second-quarter sales to $22.4 billion, marking its steepest drop in over a decade. While the company recently saw a surge in EV sales, analysts attribute this to consumers rushing to purchase before the tax credit expired. Tesla’s reliance on its core car business remains critical, even as CEO Elon Musk shifts focus toward AI-driven ventures like robotaxis and humanoid robots. The stripped-down versions of the Model Y and Model 3, designed to mitigate the loss of the EV credit, lack some features found in other Tesla vehicles. The company’s latest major launch, the Cybertruck, has also underperformed, with US sales totaling around 52,000 units since its 2023 debut.
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US Ryder Cup a mess that not even another task force could fix
The U.S. Ryder Cup team’s woes persist, with no clear path forward following yet another defeat to Europe. The aftermath of the 2014 loss in Scotland, where Tom Watson’s captaincy was heavily criticized, led to the formation of a task force aimed at revitalizing the team. Despite initial optimism from players like Phil Mickelson, who envisioned a long-term blueprint for success, the Americans have only managed to win two of the last five Ryder Cups. Europe, on the other hand, continues to dominate, practically owning the competition. The task force was disbanded in 2015, replaced by a Ryder Cup committee, but the system remains flawed. The PGA of America, which oversees the biennial event, has struggled to align with the PGA Tour, leading to a disconnect with players. Paul Azinger, who successfully captained the U.S. team in 2008, has been notably absent from Ryder Cup matters since. The roots of these issues trace back to 1968, when a split between touring pros and PGA professionals led to the creation of the modern PGA Tour. The Ryder Cup, once a minor exhibition, has since grown into a high-stakes event, but the U.S. lacks a consistent strategy for success. Mickelson’s move to LIV Golf further disrupted continuity, leaving the PGA of America to consider handing over management to the PGA Tour, which has more expertise and player relationships. While this may not guarantee a turnaround, it could be a step in the right direction.
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Everest hikers guided to safety after being stranded by blizzard
In a dramatic rescue operation, 580 hikers stranded near Mount Everest due to severe weather have been safely evacuated to the Tibetan township of Qudang and surrounding areas. The rescue, reported by Chinese state media CCTV on Tuesday, also included 300 local guides, yak handlers, and support staff. A final group of approximately 10 hikers, accompanied by rescue workers, has reached a rendezvous point equipped with heating, oxygen, and emergency supplies but has yet to arrive in Qudang. The hikers were trapped at an altitude exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) after heavy snowfall blocked their route on Everest’s eastern slopes over the weekend. The unexpected blizzard occurred during China’s Golden Week holiday, a peak tourism season. October is typically favored for hiking in the Everest region due to clear skies and moderate temperatures. Hundreds of hikers had ventured onto the Karma Valley trail, a scenic but less-traveled route offering views of the world’s highest peak. The snowfall, which began on Friday evening and intensified over the weekend, caught even experienced guides off guard. One trekker, a veteran of over a dozen Himalayan expeditions, described the conditions as unprecedented. Among the stranded, several individuals showed signs of hypothermia, with one group reporting snow depths of up to a meter during their retreat. The rescue effort mobilized police, firefighters, and hundreds of Tibetan volunteers. In a related incident, one hiker in Qinghai province died from hypothermia and altitude sickness, while 137 others were evacuated. Meanwhile, neighboring Nepal has faced torrential rains, causing severe flooding and landslides that have claimed over 50 lives.
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Canada Freedom Convoy leaders spared more jail time at sentencing
Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, key figures in the 2022 ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests that paralyzed Ottawa, have been handed conditional sentences, avoiding further incarceration. The duo was convicted of mischief in April after a protracted trial but were acquitted of most other charges. The protests, which saw hundreds of trucks and vehicles blockading the capital for three weeks, were a response to COVID-19 mandates and the policies of then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government. The Crown had initially sought seven and eight-year prison terms for Lich and Barber, respectively, but the court opted for 18-month conditional sentences. This includes 12 months of home confinement with limited outings, followed by six months under curfew, plus 100 hours of community service. Additionally, the Crown is pursuing the seizure of Barber’s ‘Big Red’ truck, a prominent symbol of the protest, with a hearing scheduled for November. In a separate legal development, the Crown is appealing the lenient sentence given to Pat King, another protest organizer, who received three months of house arrest despite prosecutors pushing for a decade-long sentence. The protests, which began in February 2022, were triggered by a federal vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers and were eventually quelled when Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act, marking its first use in Canadian history. The act empowered law enforcement to dismantle the blockades and imposed restrictions on public gatherings.