Author: damazah@gmail.com

For a while it seemed like the diarrhea-inducing parasite cyclospora was everywhere. Confirmed and suspected cases number more than 22,000 across 15 states, with 517 people requiring hospitalization. Two people in Michigan died. But now, with signs that the outbreak is slowing down, experts say lettuce is probably safe to eat again.The reason? Most of the contaminated produce is no longer available.Federal health authorities have linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms, including at Taco Bell restaurants. On July 17, Taylor Farms announced a recall of shredded iceberg lettuce and salad mixes…

In his first few weeks in Downing Street, Andy Burnham could hardly have been clearer that his aim as prime minister is to make people feel better.His supporters inside the Labour Party characterise him as a leader with the political nous to prioritise policies that will make a difference, and the communication ability to sell those messages to the masses.His critics, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, have branded him a “people pleaser” who doesn’t want to take difficult decisions.The conundrum over how to manage the early release of prisoners is an acute example of the tricky political decision-making that inevitably…

It is absolutely critical that the opportunity to build synergies and leverage capacity across the African world is forged towards as a future alternative to the exploitation, colonialism and brutal hegemony that is currently the global approach. The wider diaspora, coordinated with a continental focus of 54 countries, can become the engine for a future that is inclusive and interdependent. The next two generations of Africans need this systemic change, and Afrlition lays it out starkly and hopefully with clarity. The African expression of identity and character in the 21st century has to be transcontinental. It has forever been so:…

The 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship commences the PGA postseason as it’s the first event of the 2026 FedEx Cup Playoffs. Play from TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tenn., starts on Thursday, but you don’t have to wait until then to construct a St. Jude Championship parlay. Four of the last five editions of this tournament have gone to a playoff, as margin of victory is a golf prop that can be wagered on within a PGA parlay. Neither Scottie Scheffler nor Rory McIlroy have ever won this event, or even placed second, but they top the St. Jude Championship 2026…

Former England footballer John Fashanu, who is of Nigerian descent, has apologised to his daughter, Amal, for spreading misinformation about her. He also announced he’s divorcing his wife, Vivian, over the issue. In May, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Fashanu, in a video, denied claims involving Amal and said she was not managing his affairs. He also dismissed claims that he had suffered health problems from heading footballs and said he wanted some distance from her. At the time, the English television presenter also said he was happily married to Vivian and accused his daughter of attempting to defame him. However, the…

 K BOLANLE ATI-JOHN urges the country to move from establishing university as status to education as capability There is much in the federal government’s emerging education reform agenda that deserves acknowledgement. The renewed emphasis on technical and vocational education, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM), student financing, education data, innovation and quality assurance reflects an important recognition by the Tinubu administration: Nigeria’s education system cannot remain detached from the economic, technological and demographic realities reshaping the country. Perhaps even more significant was government’s decision last year to halt the proliferation of new tertiary institutions. The reasons were sobering. Education…

Lolade Aiyepola The future of Nigeria’s pension industry will not be determined solely by investment performance or regulatory compliance. It will be determined by how effectively institutions anticipate uncertainty, build resilience, and transform risk into a strategic advantage. For many years, risk management in Nigeria’s pension industry has largely been viewed through the lens of compliance, an essential function designed to satisfy regulatory requirements, prevent operational failures, and avoid sanctions. This approach has undoubtedly strengthened governance and contributed to the credibility of Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most significant financial sector reforms since the…

‘Some people call it putting a jumper on’: Tim Wilson suggests housing energy efficiency standards could be optionalShould energy efficiency standards in housing be optional? The opposition is considering it.Andrew Bragg says under his 80-page national construction code essential structural, fire safety and health requirements will be compulsory but additional features will be “optional”.The shadow treasurer, Tim Wilson, is in the RN Breakfast hot seat after Jim Chalmers and is asked whether that sounds about right to him.Wilson says there are “risks on all side” in whether you make energy efficiency standards compulsory or not, and that different parts of…

The Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) equities market on Tuesday reversed its four-session bullish run, losing N1.166 trillion in market capitalisation amid sell-offs in key stocks. Market capitalisation fell by 0.73 per cent from N160.421 trillion to N159.255 trillion, while the All-Share Index (ASI) shed 1,806.18 points to close at 246,723.57. The market’s year-to-date return also declined to 58.55 per cent, despite the positive breadth, which recorded 28 gainers against 27 losers. Thomas Wyatt Nigeria led the losers, declining 9.97 per cent to close at N2.89, followed by AVA Capital, which fell 9.60 per cent to N8.95. International Energy Insurance dropped…

Accel has closed a new $550 million India fund, less than two years after raising its previous India-focused vehicle, as part of a coordinated $3.5 billion global fundraising effort. The new India fund was oversubscribed and closed within weeks, people familiar with the matter told TechCrunch. Accel still has more than 55% of its previous $650 million India fund available for investment, the people said, underlining that the latest raise came despite ample capital remaining in its earlier vehicle. The fundraising comes as Accel bets that India’s next startup wave will be driven not only by AI, but also by…