On September 14, 2026, President Donald Trump dismissed warnings about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, vehemently declaring such existential tech fears a "HOAX" on his Truth Social platform.  He likened these warnings to other significant controversies from his political past, branding the narrative a "SICK conspiracy" even more outrageous than what he referred to as the "Russia hoax" and climate change. Instead of halting development, President Trump contended that the best safeguard against possible AI threats is a "STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT." His main objections revolved around global competition and the fragmentation of regulations: Trump cautioned that enforcing strict safeguards could hinder the United States in its technological rivalry with China, insisting that "whoever wins AI, wins." He criticized state-level initiatives aimed at establishing separate AI regulations, describing a patchwork of 50 ...

  On Monday, oil prices surged significantly, with Brent crude surpassing $107 a barrel due to rising tensions in the Middle East, which heightened concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies.  For November delivery, Brent crude increased by 2.8 percent to reach $107.54 a barrel, while the US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate for October, saw a rise of 2.3 percent to $102.34. Both contracts built on last week’s gains, having climbed back above the $100 mark. The market's attention remained sharply focused on the Middle East, where new security issues posed threats to crucial export routes. This situation escalated as Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its East-West pipeline following drone strikes, and a merchant ship was hit in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, resulting in one fatality and three injuries, according to Iranian officials. Previously, the strait was open for transit, but Iran now mandates that vessels seek permission and is contemplating a system...

Senegal's goalkeeper Édouard Mendy has officially declared his retirement from international football at the age of 34. The former Chelsea player and current Al-Ahli shot-stopper announced the news on his social media platforms, sharing a highlight reel of his career with the Lions of Teranga, along with the message "Jerejef (Thank you) Senegal." Mendy's retirement marks the conclusion of an eight-year international career. He made his debut in 2018 under coach Aliou Cissé and played a pivotal role in the most successful period in Senegalese football history. He leaves with 59 caps for his nation, having kept 31 clean sheets and conceded only 34 goals.  Mendy is renowned for leading Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2021, where he saved a vital penalty in the shootout against Egypt and was awarded the tournament's Best Goalkeeper. He also represented Senegal in two World Cups—the 2022 tournament in Qatar and the upcoming 2026 event...

  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a caution to Nigerians regarding the acceptance of packages from relatives and friends overseas without fully understanding their contents.  This warning comes in light of a growing trend where illicit drugs are being hidden within consolidated cargo shipments. The alert was communicated by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, through a post on his official X account on Sunday. Babafemi indicated that some Nigerians residing abroad are reportedly sending consolidated cargoes that contain illicit substances, particularly types of cannabis referred to as Colorado and Loud, to their family and friends in Nigeria. He noted that unsuspecting recipients are often listed as consignees or recipients of these shipments, which could lead to their arrest and prosecution. "Some of our people living abroad are sending home consolidated cargoes tainted with illicit drugs, especially Colorado and Loud, design...

  Celine Dion made a remarkable comeback to the concert stage on Saturday, September 12, 2026, as she performed her first full concert in six years at the Plenitude Arena in Paris, following a prolonged struggle with Stiff Person Syndrome. The 58-year-old icon delivered a heartfelt, sold-out performance to an enthusiastic audience of 30,000 fans, commencing her set with her classic 1990s French-language ballad "On ne change pas" ("One Doesn't Change"). Clearly emotional and shedding tears of joy, Dion expressed to the audience her profound happiness to be back on stage after years of health challenges brought on by her rare neurological disorder, Stiff Person Syndrome, which is an incurable condition characterized by severe muscle stiffness and spasms.  "The path was rockier than expected," she remarked, addressing the crowd in both French and English. "But I held on to a faint ray of light in the distance, deep in the mountains." She perform...

  The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a fine of N15 million on RwandAir due to a violation of consumer protection regulations related to a passenger's damaged luggage.  Michael Achimugu, the spokesperson for the NCAA, made this announcement via a post on his personal X account on Friday. This compensation aligns with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which outlines consumer protection measures in air travel, including compensation and other remedies for passengers affected by baggage issues. He stated that the penalty was imposed for the airline's failure to address the baggage complaint within the required timeframe. Furthermore, the NCAA has instructed RwandAir to replace the damaged bag of the passenger and to provide $170 as immediate compensation. The NCAA emphasized that this sanction highlights the necessity for airlines to promptly address passenger complaints and adhere to consumer protection regulations. RwandAir, originally known as Rwandair...