Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina on Wednesday signed the 2026 budget into law, just 22 days after its November 4th presentation to the State House of Assembly.
Titled “Building Your Future III”, the ₦897, 865, 078, 252.05 budget is a first of its kind for Katsina, comprising 81% capital expenditure, 18% recurrent, prioritizing development over bureaucracy.
During the ceremony at the Council Chamber, Radda hailed the swift passage as a sacrifice for the people, stressing unity and harmonious relations between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
“The speedy passage of the appropriation bill has really demonstrated the assembly’s sacrifices and love for the state and the people, and commitment to serve the state.
” In Katsina State, the executive, legislative, and judiciary arms of government are working in harmony for the betterment of the state.
“This is the people’s budget, which we got input from all 361 political wards across the state through town hall meetings, which reflect the minds of the citizens. The essence is to bring government closer to the people”, he added.
READ ALSO: Jigawa Gov Presents N901.8bn 2026 Budget To State Assembly
Earlier in his remarks, the speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Nasiru Daura, while presenting the budget to the governor on behalf of the 34 members of the state Assembly.
Daura noted that the house took its time to study the budget proposal, asked questions for the best interest of the people to ensure that the document reflects their needs for the progress of the state
READ ALSO:  , Gov Yusuf Presents ₦1.36trn 2026 Budget To Kano Assembly
The American rancher, one of Donald Trump’s most steadfast voting blocs, has had a whiplash-inducing month.
Ranchers have found themselves caught between the president’s desires to appease both them and the American consumer in the wake of high beef prices, starting with Trump’s quip on October 19 that the US would increase beef imports from Argentina and the ensuing rancher backlash following the announcement of an investigation into the hyperconsolidated US meatpacking industry and the removal of tariffs on Brazilian beef.
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The lowest herd size for beef cattle since the 1950s has led to higher cattle prices for US ranchers. Other factors that limit supply include the Mexican border’s closure due to concerns about screwworms and high tariffs on imported beef.
Cattle prices paid to ranchers are distinct from those for consumer beef, which were $6.32 for a pound (453 grams) of ground beef in September, an 11 percent increase from $ 5.67 per pound in September 2024. Due to the government shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not release economic data, including the consumer price index for the month before.
Trump’s plan to import more Argentinian beef was met with opposition from his typically devoted ranchers, who they perceived as a threat to their recent economic successes.
They would be acting in a manner that they have for the past 20 years, which is Terrible! Trump stated in an October post on his Truth Social platform, “It would be nice if they understood that.”
Corbitt Wall, a commercial cattle manager and market analyst, is clear that he “totally supports Trump and everything he does,” but he also saw hubris and a misunderstanding of the president’s cattle industry.
He told Al Jazeera, “There was not a person in the cattle business on any level who was not insulted by that post.”
Since Trump’s announcement on October 21st, Wall has religiously followed prices across the cattle trade, from ranch to slaughterhouse, and has witnessed a decline in the futures market for cattle by more than 15%.
Futures prices affect cattle ranchers’ future sales prices, which will also affect future sales prices. Wall said he hopes Trump leaves the cattle market alone for the sake of ranchers.
He doesn’t understand the impact a statement can have on our business because he doesn’t live in this place, he said, and he does in fact do in this cattle world.
Years of challenging weather
Rancher in Oregon David Packham claimed that many ranchers are still struggling despite years of declining cattle prices.
Years of drought across the nation caused some ranchers to sell their cattle, raising feed costs for everyone. Additionally, tractor-to-pick-up truck prices have increased, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and are expected to increase even further as a result of Trump’s tariffs.
Packham said he has sold cattle at a loss frequently and doesn’t want consumers to believe that ranchers are raising livestock for the price.
Because I couldn’t afford $100, 000 for a new tractor, Packham said, “I’m looking at a 40-year-old tractor that I use on a daily basis just to keep putting it off replacing it, making repairs, even though it’s difficult to find parts for now, just to keep it limping along.” We have all this loss carryover, so when I say we’re not really making a lot of money, it’s because of it.
Cattle are sold at Fallon, Nevada’s Nevada Livestock Marketing [Courtesy of Corbitt Wall]
Up until Trump’s first term, Packham was a registered Republican. Ranchers who criticize Trump, he said, are in a minority in the community because of the president’s comments about Argentina and the subsequent chaos in the cattle industry.
“I’m noticing more and more of them [ranchers] who have been cautiously neutral and who are now kind of like me and who just say, “You know what?” No. This is bulls***. He’s a train wreck, Packham claimed.
The “Perennial issue”
However, Trump’s announcement on November 7 that the big four US meatpackers, Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef, will be subject to a Department of Justice investigation for “potential collusion, price fixing, and price manipulation,” is something that action ranchers can support.
Because the four companies, which own more than 80% of the market, have historically had little negotiating leverage on ranchers looking to sell cattle.
However, the first Trump administration’s investigation into meatpacker price fixing was initiated in 2020 as a result of a gulf caused by falling cattle prices and rising consumer beef prices. Under President Joe Biden’s administration, the investigation continued, but it never came to an end. Just before Trump announced the antitrust investigation in November, the investigation was quietly closed with no findings, according to Bloomberg News.
The administration’s announcement regarding the antitrust investigation is “entirely for political consumption,” according to James MacDonald, a research professor in agricultural and resource economics at the University of Maryland.
You can gain some political ground by attacking the packers, according to MacDonald, because it is a recurring problem that “p***es off ranchers.”
Packham said that because of the squeeze caused by the tight cattle market, packers are operating with slimmer margins and not from an absolute position of power.
More than 3, 000 people were employed at Tyson’s Nebraska beef-processing plant as of Friday. The decision, according to MacDonald, was “shock” because it showed how severe the US beef shortage is. Years of drought, which wiped out grazing lands and slowed herd rebuilding, contributed to the current low cattle inventory in the US. Years of work go into improving the cattle supply chain.
It’s a fundamental and kind of a fact, according to MacDonald, and it won’t change for a while.
MacDonald also doubts that Argentina’s increased imports will help to lessen this shortage or lower prices because the country primarily exports lower-grade, lean beef to the US, which accounts for only 2% of imports. He anticipated that while the import market will be impacted by the reintroduction of largely lean Brazilian beef, overall beef supply will be impacted less by it.
McDonald also cited heifer retention figures, which indicate how many female cattle ranchers hold back to produce future herds, which are still low.
These figures were likely taken into account when Tyson made the decision to shut down its plant in Nebraska, and McDonald asserted that the industry doesn’t anticipate a rebound in herd numbers either.
Tyson claims that he doesn’t believe cattle supplies will soon rebound, according to MacDonald.
Trump’s recent policies’ actual mechanisms may not temporarily alter consumers’ bottom lines or alter the cattle market, but Wall is more concerned about the effects of the news cycle, claiming ranchers are “live and die” by the cattle markets. Despite Wall’s shaken faith, he still believes that ranchers will support Trump in spite of the election results.
There is no way for people to choose that option, according to Wall, when you consider what the other side has to offer. They will stick with him in the long run, they say.
Kam Hogg passed away. The Scottish actress, who kept her age, was receiving care at St. John’s Hospice in Hackney, east London.
Her family shared the devastating news on social media on Wednesday. Her family said in a statement that the late icon had posed on a beach and that she had recently passed away.
We are relieved to know that her final moments were peaceful and surrounded by dear friends and family. For the lovely help they gave Pamela in her final days, we want to thank all the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney.
Pamella left a magnificent legacy that will continue to inspire, delight, and challenge us to live beyond the bounds of convention. She left a profound impact on the lives of many people of all ages. Our thoughts and feelings will remain engraved in Pamella. A glorious life was lived and loved.
The fashion icon was being cared for at a hospice in East London (Getty Images for GAY TIMES).
In the 1980s, the late designer (Alan Chapman, Dave Benett, Getty I) rose to fame.
“Professor Hogg, fearless and brilliant,” wrote Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters. Fly, my sister, xx. Three heart emojis were added by Sadie Frost, saying, “Love you, Pam.” Andu Oliver, a chef for TV, said: “I’m so sorry to hear about our beloved Pam. What a woman! The one and ONLY! “!
Telly and Fearne Cotton, a former radio host, said, “Pam. Oh, Pam . What a pleasure to get to know you. Pam, you’ll be missed. Additionally, the band’s drummer, Garage, posted a moving tribute on her own social media pages. The music producer remarked, “That’s you away, hen.” Our dearest and most renowned physician. Our beloved Scottish fashion designer. I appreciate everything.
The extraordinary, explosive sense of humor that never ceases to amaze you with great force is “the brilliance, the bravery, and the extraordinary, explosive sense of humor.” You will find yourself in the long and storied history of British fashion and in the creative, pioneering work of every and every fashion designer who leaves your path. A genuine original has been lost in the world.
“One of a kind.” a human jewel. You will be missed. Your family and all those who had a deep love for you will be in love with you. Your entire community is mourning. You’re almost cackling from the heavens and enjoying the spectacle and the darkness of the theater.
Hogg, a favorite of the underground club scene, created latex, mesh, and razor-sharp looks in the 1980s, making him one of the biggest trailblazers in British fashion in the 1980s.
She quickly gained popularity among people like Lady Gaga, Björk, Grace Jones, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kylie Minogue, and Debbie Harry, to name a few. However, Hogg’s designs did not only include music royalty. A Pamela outfit was once worn by the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
While Princess Eugenie attended Royal Ascot in 2013, she also donned a custom Pam Hogg black and white hat.
Cruse Bereavement Support is happy to provide free assistance in interpreting your feelings if you have been affected by this story. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.
This story, do you like? Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads for more latest news and gossip.
Kam Hogg passed away. The Scottish actress, who kept her age, was receiving care at St. John’s Hospice in Hackney, east London.
Her family shared the devastating news on social media on Wednesday. Her family said in a statement that the late icon had posed on a beach and that she had recently passed away.
We are relieved to know that her final moments were peaceful and surrounded by dear friends and family. For the lovely help they gave Pamela in her final days, we want to thank all the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney.
Pamella left a magnificent legacy that will continue to inspire, delight, and challenge us to live beyond the bounds of convention. She left a profound impact on the lives of many people of all ages. Our thoughts and feelings will remain engraved in Pamella. A glorious life was lived and loved.
The fashion icon was being cared for at a hospice in East London (Getty Images for GAY TIMES).
In the 1980s, the late designer (Alan Chapman, Dave Benett, Getty I) rose to fame.
“Professor Hogg, fearless and brilliant,” wrote Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters. Fly, my sister, xx. Three heart emojis were added by Sadie Frost, saying, “Love you, Pam.” Andu Oliver, a chef for TV, said: “I’m so sorry to hear about our beloved Pam. What a woman! The one and ONLY! “!
Telly and Fearne Cotton, a former radio host, said, “Pam. Oh, Pam . What a pleasure to get to know you. Pam, you’ll be missed. Additionally, the band’s drummer, Garage, posted a moving tribute on her own social media pages. The music producer remarked, “That’s you away, hen.” Our dearest and most renowned physician. Our beloved Scottish fashion designer. I appreciate everything.
The extraordinary, explosive sense of humor that never ceases to amaze you with great force is “the brilliance, the bravery, and the extraordinary, explosive sense of humor.” You will find yourself in the long and storied history of British fashion and in the creative, pioneering work of every and every fashion designer who leaves your path. A genuine original has been lost in the world.
“One of a kind.” a human jewel. You will be missed. Your family and all those who had a deep love for you will be in love with you. Your entire community is mourning. You’re almost cackling from the heavens and enjoying the spectacle and the darkness of the theater.
Hogg, a favorite of the underground club scene, created latex, mesh, and razor-sharp looks in the 1980s, making him one of the biggest trailblazers in British fashion in the 1980s.
She quickly gained popularity among people like Lady Gaga, Björk, Grace Jones, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kylie Minogue, and Debbie Harry, to name a few. However, Hogg’s designs did not only include music royalty. A Pamela outfit was once worn by the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
While Princess Eugenie attended Royal Ascot in 2013, she also donned a custom Pam Hogg black and white hat.
Cruse Bereavement Support is happy to provide free assistance in interpreting your feelings if you have been affected by this story. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.
This story, do you like? Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads for more latest news and gossip.
The Mirror examines Richard Branson’s first marriage to Kristen Tomassi as he announced the sad passing of his wife Joan Branson.
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Richard Branson was married to Kristen Tomassi before they had their first child.
Sir Richard Branson, the billionaire, paid tribute to his sadly 80-year-old wife Joan Branson, who has sadly passed away. Few people may recall that the Virgin tycoon separated before finding the woman he poignantly called his “guiding light.”
When Richard first laid eyes on Joan in the bric-a-brac shop where she worked in Westbourne Grove, west London, he was already married to Kristen Tomassi, an American woman who would later break his heart and send him “chasing her all around the world”.
Richard, age 75, and Kristen were just getting married. She was a 20-year-old architecture and design student when he was just 21 and was already gaining notoriety as the head of Virgin Records. In Shiptonon-Cherwell, close to Richard’s Manor Studios, the couple tied the knot in the summer of 1972 at Holy Cross Church.
By the end of the 1970s, however, it was over, with psychedelic singer-songwriter Kevin Ayers later disclosing his reasons for not saying why the marriage had ended and how he had been accused of “stealing” the wife of one of the richest men in the world.
READ MORE: Joan Branson: Richard recalls exactly how long it took for him to fall for his wife
Speaking with the Mirror in September 1998, Kevin, who died in 2013 at the age of 68, told of how he and Kristen allegedly fell for each other at a party thrown by Richard himself, who reportedly didn’t anticipate just how far things would go.
The spark was ignited at a celebration held in Branson’s former residence in Notting Hill, West London, in the 1970s, according to Kevin. At the time, Virgin was interested in signing Kevin, a former Soft Machine member, and Richard invited the popstar to the event. However, it would seem that Kevin’s foremost priority was business on that night.
“It was a wealthy, middle-class affair with all the typical rock and roll, drugs, and alcohol. Then, as soon as I saw this gorgeous, willowy blonde, Kristen, there was a sudden, life-changing flash of light. Over the following few years, our attraction grew. Everyone was aware that Richard and his wife were both having a party, so I kept sending her postcards saying “Hi, it’s me” because I was aware of this.
Kevin, who was born in Kent and later moved to Montolieu, France, claimed Richard initially encouraged the singer’s growing kinship with Kristen because he was drawn to Cyrille’s then wife. In fact, Richard allegedly organized a party on his houseboat on the Regent’s Canal in Little Venice, London because he was so taken by Cyrille.
The two couples drank plenty of wine, setting the stage for seduction with candles, scatter cushions, and atmospheric music, and desire quickly acceded.
Kevin revealed that “he vanished into the bedroom with Cyrille, leaving me and Kristen staring at each other over the remains of the meal.” I recognized Kristina’s nonplussed behavior as if she had anticipated it, but I soon realized it would be a very significant evening for me.
“We had plenty of wine to drink, so it was no problem.” I didn’t feel awkward being by myself with his wife, as it appeared as though Richard had planned it. For us, it just sat there. We became intimate because we had a good chemistry and everything seemed natural, even though we didn’t have any sex that night.
My heart and brain both caught fire, I felt a spark. This was a developing passion, not just a one-night stand. When I night-boat left, Cyrille said to me, “Branson was so cheap that I wouldn’t even pay my taxi fare home.” There was no coercion, though. She liked having him to sleep with.
In the weeks that followed, Kevin and Kristen first became acquainted during nights out at bars and concerts, and they eventually moved into bedtime. Kevin said, “I assumed Richard knew. He proudly boasted about their open marriage. However, his issue was that he was losing control as a result of what had initially seemed to him to be a game.
How could you possibly steal my wife while Richard was allegedly confronting him about the blossoming romance, Kevin claims. He was very emotional and enraged. No one steals a woman, I said because she had her own opinion.
Richard made a desperate decision to win Kristen over Kevin when it became clear that he had chosen her over him. He pleaded with her during late-night phone calls and in a flurry of desperate letters.
Kevin recalled that his interpretation of the events was pathological because he couldn’t stand losing. He emailed Kristen a number of letters and calls saying, “How can you leave me? ” for a year. It was heartbreaking and nerve-wracking.
He’d be calling me for hours while I waited in the other room and bit my nails. Kristina never explained what he said to me. She was so upset about it. He capitalized on her guilt, and she felt very sorry. However, Kristen refused to cause him harm. It was as simple as that when we fell in love.
In Kevin’s words, those early years were “idyllic.” Before purchasing a home in Mallorca, they built a house together in Provence and welcomed their daughter Galen. However, after five years of dating, things finally started to unravel.
Kevin concluded that moving to Majorca was a bad choice, saying, “But it was a very bad move on my part. A meat market full of foreigners all displaying their allegiances and in person was a very active social scene. Because my career was deteriorating, Kristen needed more security.
We “drift apart,” he said. Then she moved in with wealthy German real estate developer Axel Ball, keeping Galen. She has had two boys with Axel, and she has had a great relationship with him. She was probably correct to depart. Although my precarious lifestyle was appealing, she was mad at it.
Richard and Kristen divorced in 1979 after their marriage ended, and despite his initial heartache, he later saw things differently, noting how young they had been when they had walked down the aisle. He stated in a 2014 interview with The Guardian that “we were probably a little too young.” My ex and my ex-friends still get along well, and mine and her children also get along.
Continue reading the article.
On Necker Island, which he had previously admitted to impressing his second wife, Richard wed Joan in 1989. Before Joan’s passing, the couple spent 50 happy years together before Richard’s passing. Richard wrote in a heartbreaking statement: “Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away. Our children and grandchildren could have wished for the most wonderful mother and grandmother. She was my world, my ally, my guide, and my best friend. I’ll miss you forever, Joan X.
Do you have a tale to tell? Contact me at julia@gmail.com. banim@reachplc.com Follow Mirror Celebs on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat.
READ MORE: Inside Richard Branson’s 50-year relationship with ‘love of his life’ as he issues tribute
Vernon Kay’s comment comes after he ranted about continuous speculation on who could replace his wife Tess Daly and her co-star Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing
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Vernon Kay quickly clarified his comment(Image: ITV)
BBC Radio 2’s Vernon Kay was quick to clarify his comments on-air this week after naming his “best” co-presenter. The television star, who has shared the screen with a host of famous faces including Alex Jones and AJ Odudu, singled out one colleague as particularly memorable.
Reminiscing about his early days in television, the 51-year-old fondly remembered how a former Welsh presenter guided him through the process. Speaking to his co-host Ellie Brennan live on the show, he enthused: “I learned so much with the amazing Josie d’Arby, [she’s] probably the best TV presenter I’ve ever worked with.
“She could read a piece of A4 once, and it would be in there. RADA trained, knew how to read a script, she was unbelievable, so much fun.” Vernon and Josie teamed up for shows such as The Phone Zone and TOTP@Play, a music spin-off from Top of the Pops during the noughties.
During this period, the dad-of-two said Josie, who now has a very different career, “held [his] hand” and showed him the ropes of presenting. “She really did, she was amazing,” he continued, before echoing: “Josie d’Arby, the best presenter I’ve ever worked with, so talented and such a lovely person, hi Jose!”
As his co-host moved on to deliver the latest traffic updates, Vernon interjected to quickly clear things up. He added: “No offence to any of the others that I’ve worked with, I just had a hot flush then, you’re all brilliant.”
Vernon’s comments follow his fury over speculation surrounding his wife Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s potential successors on Strictly Come Dancing.
Last month, the duo revealed they would be passing on the “sparkly baton” to fresh faces once the current series wraps up. In a separate heartfelt statement shared by Tess, she reflected on her “21 unforgettable years” on the programme.
As part of the post, she wrote: “Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.”
Following their announcement, numerous celebrities have been tipped as possible replacements, with names such as La Voix, Alex Jones, Holly Willoughby, Bradley Walsh and Paddy McGuinness all in the frame.
Speaking about the rumours during an on-air chat with his co-star Scott Mills, Vernon fumed: “It’s hilarious really, since Tess and Claud announced that they will be leaving all the dentist, doctors and reception magazines are all saying, ‘It’s going to be this person, it’s going to be that person’.
“Let me just say this for the record, and I know a lot of people listen to his because we get quoted a lot of times. Do you honestly think that the people at Strictly Come Dancing mid-series are going to have a roundtable about who is going to host it next year?” Vernon continued his tirade, stating: “Sometimes common sense when you put your fingers to the keyboard makes a big difference.”
When Scott suggested he could be the one to step in for his wife, Vernon quipped: “I tell you who it is, it’s me and Rylan [Clark]. There you go, done, simple.”
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Echoing his co-star’s sentiment that producers are currently focused on the ongoing series, Vernon agreed, saying: “It’s not even finished, as if they’ve got time! They’ve got a Christmas special to organise, just behave yourselves! Wind your necks in, it does my head in.”
