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Germany set for new government as mainstream parties sign coalition deal

By in News, World News

Six months after the previous administration’s collapse, the leaders of Germany’s main centre-right and left-leaning parties approved of a coalition agreement.

The agreement setting out the government’s strategy was signed on Monday, almost six weeks after the snap election in February, by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), and Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU).

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which came second in the vote, will be able to form a new government after the mainstream parties have agreed to it.

Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, is expected to be confirmed as chancellor on Tuesday in a cabinet confirmation hearing. This task has become even more difficult as a result of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s erratic policies on European security and global trade.

The AfD saw its support push it into second place in the February election, despite Germany’s long-standing efforts to support the far-right.

In a nod to the rise of the AfD, which announced on Monday that it had filed a lawsuit against Merz’s designation by Germany’s intelligence services as “extremist,” the AfD has also pledged to stop irregular immigration.

US officials criticized the designation. It was referred to as “tyranny in disguise” by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Change, upheaval, and uncertainty

Merz pledged “strong, well-planned, and dependable governance” at the signing ceremony on Monday.

We live in a time of profound change, profound upheaval, and great uncertainty, and he said, “We know that leading this coalition to success is our historic obligation.”

The incoming government “is determined to move Germany forward with reforms and investments,” according to the waiting chancellor, and it also promised a “government whose voice is heard in Europe and the world.”

The designated vice chancellor and finance minister, Lars Klingbeil of the SPD, stated that “the new government needs real teamwork more than ever.”

“We want to bring Germany back to its proper place.”

On November 6, the SPD Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government collapsed, triggering Trump’s re-election to the White House.

Injured Maddison expected to miss rest of season

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty
Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

James Maddison, a midfielder for Tottenham, is expected to miss the team’s final three weeks due to a knee injury.

The 28-year-old scored in the Europa League semi-final first-leg against Bodo/Glimt but then suffered an injury during that game.

In the immediate wake of the game, head coach Ange Postecoglou sounded optimistic.

However, it became clear on Friday morning that the injury was more serious than initially thought, and scans have since confirmed that.

According to sources, Maddison is receiving treatment for knee ligament damage. The severity of the problem will be determined over the coming 48 hours.

Tottenham, who are in a strong position to reach the Europa League final, will be hit with the news that Norway will host them on May 8th, will host them in a second leg on that day.

However, Maddison is almost certainly unavailable for either the second leg of the semi-finals or the potential final in Bilbao later this month.

Postecoglou said: “We’ll probably get some clarity]on Monday following our 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday.

related subjects

  • Premier League
  • Tottenham Hotspur
  • Football

UPDATED: Youths Protest In Abuja, Demand VDM’s Release

By in News, Nigeria News

Scores of youths have taken to the streets of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, in protest of the arrest of a popular rights activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkman (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The protesters, who marched from the headquarters of the EFCC to the premises of a commercial bank where he was reportedly arrested, held placards with inscriptions such as “Release Very Dark Man,” and “Seyi Tinubu, Are You Involved?,” among others.

VDM was reported to have been arrested on May 2 by the EFCC following some petitions it received against him.

He was said to be in the custody of the EFCC as of the time of filing the report.

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Confirming the arrest on X (formerly Twitter), his legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, said, “A team of policemen arrested VDM at GTB. He was arrested with his friend C Park but they left his mom alone.

“This is absolutely unacceptable. Demanding accountability is not a crime.”

In a follow-up tweet, Adeyanju added that VDM was arrested alongside a friend, identified only as C Park. ,” he said.

But the protesters, who were sighted at the Wuse area, just right after the Berger bridge, described VDM’s arrest and detention as illegal.

A cross-section of the protesters in Abuja

They also demanded transparency from the authorities as they vowed to take their grievance to the Nigerian Human Rights Commission in the Maitama district of the nation’s capital.

The arrest of the activist had also received criticisms from some prominent Nigerians.

The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, on Sunday condemned the arrest of the social media influencer, saying that the action was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians worried.

Obi, in a statement, explained that the manner in which VDM was arrested closely resembled an abduction, “a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements”.

He emphasised that if Nigerians began to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, “we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability”.

“This trend is not new. We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years. When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected under the law,” he said.

READ ALSO: ‘You Spoke Like Politician,’ Presidency Counters Adesina Over GDP Comment

Obi added, “The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had serious reputational consequences. At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community.

Some of the protesters

“One cannot help but ask: was it impossible to invite Mr. Otse in a civil, transparent, and legal manner? Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the unnecessary shame and losses we now witness?”

‘Free My Guy,’ Davido Joins Call

Similarly, Nigerian music star, Davido, has called for the immediate release of VDM.

Davido, in a post, said, “Outside all the noise, it’s good to see that the good one does actually impact lives and people actually appreciate! The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging, makes one want to do more for the masses. FREE MY GUY.”

Pete Doherty reveals type 2 diabetes ‘wake-up call’ that turned his world upside down

By in Entertainment News, News

The guitarist for the Libertines admitted to being told to stay off his feet or risk having his toes amputated, which revealed a terrifying insight into his diagnosis.

Pete Doherty was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year(Image: Ferda Demir/Getty Images for ZFF))

Rock icon Pete Doherty has shared a shocking update on his health challenges, opening up about his battle with type 2 diabetes, after admitting he was diagnosed with the chronic ailment in 2024.

In a startling revelation earlier this year, The Libertines guitarist was cautioned to “stay off his feet” or face the grim prospect of toe amputation. Currently, the 46-year-old is unable to slip into regular footwear and has instead turned to clunky orthopaedic sandals for relief.

Pete acknowledged in a candid conversation with The Sunday Times Magazine that despite his recent diagnosis, the illness probably developed years prior as a result of continued substance abuse.

He revealed how he handled a terrifying situation in January, when his extremities suddenly lost sensation, turning two of his toes ominously black. I’m currently unable to wear regular shoes, Pete said. It was a clear wake-up call indeed.

Close-up image of The Libertines' Pete Doherty and Carl Barat, holding guitars, performing a concert in Camden, London
Pete’s health issues are far cry from his wild days with fellow Libertines band member Carl Barât(Image: Nicky J. Sims/Redferns via Getty Images)

The star described the risk of “losing his toes,” calling it a “touch and go” moment, underscoring the urgent need for a radical change in both his diet and personal habits.

Continue reading the article.

Since late 2019, Pete has acknowledged that excessive drinking has made his condition worse. He continued, “I now allow myself a gin and tonic once a week, but I’ve basically stopped drinking and have raised my blood sugar to a good level, so my toes are healing. However, smoking doesn’t help.

You could lose your foot if the inflammation gets too bad.

Pete also confessed his other guilty pleasures, including Comté, a type of French cheese, and Comté on toast. Sleeping is my guilty pleasure.

Head and shoulders image of rock star Pete Doherty, wearing a black fedora hat and suit jacket, smoking a cigarette during a press event in Spain. He is promoting his film there.
Pete has cut back on drinking, but admits “smoking doesn’t help”(Image: Kike Rincon/Pool/Europa Press via Getty Images)

What does type 2 diabetes exactly mean?

The NHS describes type 2 diabetes as arising when a patient’s insulin, a hormone, either isn’t effective, or isn’t produced in sufficient quantities.

This malfunction causes bloodstream glucose (sugar) levels to rise. Adults are most frequently affected, but it can also affect children.

What signs indicate type 2 diabetes?

As Pete pointed out, symptoms of type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health issues like vision loss, organ failure, cardiac conditions, and sometimes even needing an amputation.

Type 2 diabetes sufferers typically exhibit a number of observable symptoms:

  • Feeling very worn out
  • more peeing than usual
  • Feeling thirsty all the time
  • attempting to lose weight without success
Head and shoulders image of rock star Pete Doherty, wearing a black fedora hat and suit jacket, posing with a backdrop of Barcelona behind him Spain. He is promoting his film there.
He has been forced to wear orthopaedic shoes owing to his diabetes(Image: Kike Rincon/Pool/Europa Press via Getty Images)

What is the treatment for type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes is manageable through lifestyle modifications, despite continuing to be incurable.

The NHS advises sticking to a nutrient-dense diet that includes both legumes, including chickpeas and lentils, as well as whole grains like wholemeal bread and oats.

Continue reading the article.

Other helpful advice for professionals includes reducing alcohol consumption, shedding extra pounds, and kicking the habit of smoking.

Oasis ‘dropping iconic song from tour set list’ due to Gary Glitter connection

By in Entertainment News, News

One of their alleged hit songs, “Oasis,” was removed from their reunion tour set list due to its association with disgraced singer Gary Glitter.

Oasis ‘dropping iconic song from tour set list’ due to Gary Glitter connection(Image: Getty Images)

Oasis are reportedly removed a hit song from the set list of their long-awaited reunion tour due to it’s connection to Gary Glitter. Liam and Noel Gallagher shocked the entire world last year when they announced they brushed their feud under the rug to get back together for a huge tour.

Fans are eager to hear all of the duo’s favorite songs live for the first time since 2009 because they haven’t played together since 2009. Oasis reportedly made the decision to drop their hit song, Hello from their reunion tour lineup due to its ties to disgraced singer Gary Glitter.

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Liam and Noel Gallagher
Liam and Noel reunited for a new tour(Image: Redferns)

The opening track to their 1995 album, What’s the Story, is called Hello. and includes the melody of the original song playing in it along with Gary’s 1973 song Hello, I’m Back Again.

After serving half of his 16-year sentence, the disgraced 80-year-old was released from prison in 2023 after being imprisoned in 2015 for the sexual abuse of three schoolgirls.

Within weeks of breaking his licensing requirements by allegedly downloading images of children online, Glitter was taken back to the Dorset specialist sex offender prison HMP The Verne.

Continue reading the article.
Undated Metropolitan Police handout photo of Gary Glitter
One song is reportedly being removed from the set list due to its association with Gary Glitter(Image: PA)

He is now due to go before the Parole Board in the coming months when he could be cleared for release. The news that Glitter could be released from jail again will come as a blow to his victims.

Glitter will have served his full sentence by the time he has served his sentence in 2031. He is eligible for parole hearings every two years.

Speaking to The Sun about Hello being ‘removed’ from the set list, a source claimed the band chose to ‘leave it in the past’. They said: “It would be inappropriate to play it given its connotations to Glitter and his convictions.” The Mirror have reached out to Oasis’ reps for comment.

Meanwhile, Oasis fans have been speculating about the set list on Reddit as they eagerly await the tour to begin. A passionate fan wrote on Reddit: “Honestly, I think Gas Panic! at Wembley 2000 is the best live song Oasis ever did. The whole vibe is unreal-dark, trippy, powerful. That intro alone feels like you’re about to witness something big, and then Liam comes in and just absolutely owns it.

Man, it’s majestic when he sings “an hour to sing for his soul.” Every time, gives me chills. He means it when he says it. His voice is carrying a lot of weight.

“It’s one of those situations where everything works out perfectly: his performance, the band’s energy, the audience’s fury.” Additionally, it demonstrates how seriously underappreciated Standing on the Shoulder of Giants material might be.

However, some fervent supporters quickly point out that the triumphant return of this particular number might not occur given Liam Gallagher’s evolving singing voice.

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Continue reading the article.

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