US Proposes Requiring Five Years of Social Media History from Visa-Waiver Tourists US Proposes Requiring Five Years of Social Media History from Visa-Waiver Tourists Tourists from dozens of visa-waiver countries — including the UK — may soon be required to submit five years of social media history before entering the United States, under a new proposal introduced by U.S. officials. The rule would apply to travellers eligible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allows citizens of nearly 40 countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.

Bronx Man Charged With Attempted Murder in Shooting of Jets Player Kris Boyd Bronx Man Charged With Attempted Murder in Shooting of Jets Player Kris Boyd A 20-year-old Bronx man, Frederick Green, has been charged with attempted murder in the shooting of New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd. Police told CBS News that Green was arrested on Monday and faces charges of attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. Boyd, 29, was shot around 2:00 a.m. on 16 November outside a popular New York City restaurant after what authorities described as a confrontation with a group of strangers.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Passenger Dies After Alleged Incident, Family Attorney Compares Case to George Floyd Royal Caribbean Cruise Passenger Dies After Alleged Incident, Family Attorney Compares Case to George Floyd Royal Caribbean Passenger Allegedly Asphyxiated After Being Over-Served Alcohol, Family Lawyer Compares Death to George Floyd The family of a Royal Caribbean cruise passenger who recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit claims he was served a massive amount of alcohol before security guards allegedly asphyxiated him — drawing comparisons to George Floyd, according to the family’s attorney. Michael Virgil’s family filed the lawsuit…

F1 2026 Preview: New Rules, New Teams, and Exciting Changes Ahead F1 2026 Preview: New Rules, New Teams, and Exciting Changes Ahead The 2025 Formula 1 season ended with McLaren claiming both the constructors’ and drivers’ titles, but 2026 promises a radically different landscape. The sport will introduce major technical regulation changes and welcome an 11th team to the grid. BBC Sport highlights what fans can expect next year. A Bold New Era of Regulations The 2026 regulations represent the biggest overhaul in F1 in years. Cars will be smaller, lighter, and more environmentally friendly — 30kg lighter, 10cm narrower, and powered by hybrid engines with an almost 50-50 split between electric and internal combustion energy, using fully sustainable fuels.

Zelensky: Ukraine Ready for Elections Despite Trump Criticism Zelensky: Ukraine Ready for Elections Despite Trump Criticism President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is prepared to hold elections, responding to US President Donald Trump’s claims that Kyiv is using the war to delay voting. Zelensky’s term ends in May 2024, but elections have been suspended since martial law was imposed after Russia’s invasion. He said elections could take place within 60–90 days if security is guaranteed with help from the US and European allies. “The issue of elections depends on the Ukrainian people, not other countries,” Zelensky said, dismissing suggestions he is clinging to power or blocking peace.

Mohamed Salah: The Man Behind the Goals and Glory at Liverpool Mohamed Salah: The Man Behind the Goals and Glory at Liverpool For more than eight years at Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has been adored by supporters, many of whom regard the “Egyptian King” as one of the greatest players in the club’s history. But his recent claim that he is being scapegoated for Liverpool’s poor form — after being named a substitute for three straight matches under manager Arne Slot — has sparked debate about his character among fans, pundits, and former players.

Chaos in Hollywood as Andy Dick Collapses in Apparent Drug Overdose Comedian Andy Dick is facing another serious health scare after suffering an apparent drug overdose on a Hollywood street, prompting bystanders and friends to rush in and save him. TMZ obtained exclusive photos showing Andy collapsed on a set of cement steps outside a building in Hollywood on Tuesday afternoon. He appeared completely unresponsive, with his signature glasses lying on the ground in front of him. According to eyewitnesses, several of Andy’s friends ran over and tried desperately to revive him, with one yelling at him to “wake up.” Others immediately contacted emergency services.

Lagos Declares Tuberculosis a Major Biosecurity Threat as First Lady Leads 2030 Eradication Campaign Lagos Declares Tuberculosis a Major Biosecurity Threat as First Lady Leads 2030 Eradication Campaign Lagos — The Lagos State Government has declared tuberculosis a major biosecurity threat, launching a large-scale campaign aimed at eliminating the disease by 2030. At the official unveiling of newly appointed TB Champions and Ambassadors, First Lady Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, alongside female lawmakers, council chairpersons, and spouses of political leaders, pledged strong support for the fight against the deadly disease.

Nigerian Lady Goes Viral After Unboxing Hilariously Oversized Christmas Shoes from U.S. Uncle Nigerian Lady Goes Viral After Unboxing Hilariously Oversized Christmas Shoes from U.S. Uncle A Nigerian woman has amused social media users after posting a hilarious video of the shoes she received from her uncle in the United States. Expecting a thoughtful Christmas present, she was instead greeted with a pair of oversized, unusually designed shoes that left her — and the internet — laughing. Looking Forward to a Christmas Gift The TikTok user, known as @prettyeli, shared that her uncle living in the U.S.

Pastor’s Wife Goes Viral After Revealing Her Husband’s Unusual Habit Pastor’s Wife Goes Viral After Revealing Her Husband’s Unusual Habit A Nigerian woman married to a pastor has revealed a surprising habit of her husband, stirring curiosity and amusement across social media. In a TikTok video posted on her account, @lifewiththeizuchukwus, she shared that her husband frequently talks to himself — a habit she wishes she had known about before their wedding. According to her, he often mutters under his breath, and it can happen at any moment, no matter where they are.

Kounde Double Powers Barcelona Comeback in Nou Camp Champions League Return Kounde Double Powers Barcelona Comeback in Nou Camp Champions League Return Jules Kounde scored twice to spark a Barcelona comeback as they overturned an early deficit to beat Eintracht Frankfurt — their first Champions League match at the Nou Camp in over three years. Eintracht struck first in the 21st minute when Ansgar Knauff latched onto Nathaniel Brown’s pass, held off Alejandro Balde, and finished past Joan Garcia. But Barça responded after the break, helped by the introduction of Marcus Rashford, who made an immediate impact.

Mead Strike Sends Arsenal Through as Wasteful Gunners Edge Past Twente in Champions League Mead Strike Sends Arsenal Through as Wasteful Gunners Edge Past Twente in Champions League Arsenal secured their place in the Women’s Champions League knockout rounds with a narrow 1–0 win over FC Twente, despite another unconvincing display. Beth Mead struck in the 10th minute, guiding a deflected effort into the bottom corner after sustained early pressure. It was the bright moment in a match where Arsenal dominated territory but failed to turn control into a comfortable scoreline.

Atalanta Stun Chelsea with Late Comeback to Dent Blues’ Champions League Hopes Atalanta Stun Chelsea with Late Comeback to Dent Blues’ Champions League Hopes Chelsea’s hopes of sealing automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds suffered a setback as Atalanta overturned a deficit to win in Bergamo. Both teams entered the match level on points, each with three wins, one draw and one defeat. Chelsea struck first when João Pedro guided home Reece James’ cross, but Atalanta remained dangerous throughout, with former Charlton and Everton forward Ademola Lookman a constant threat.

Son Heung-min’s Emotional Return Inspires Spurs as Frank’s Side Cruise to Key Champions League Win Son Heung-min’s Emotional Return Inspires Spurs as Frank’s Side Cruise to Key Champions League Win Son Heung-min returned to Tottenham in trademark fashion — perfectly on cue. The South Korean icon, who scored 173 goals in 454 appearances for Spurs, visited the club for the first time since his summer move to Los Angeles FC. And fittingly, his homecoming came on a big European night, the kind of occasion he helped define during his spell at the club — from the 2019 Champions League run to his farewell as captain in last season’s Europa League Final win in Bilbao.

Szoboszlai’s Late Penalty Lifts Liverpool to Crucial Champions League Win Amid Salah Fallout Szoboszlai’s Late Penalty Lifts Liverpool to Crucial Champions League Win Amid Salah Fallout Dominik Szoboszlai struck an 88th-minute penalty to hand Liverpool a vital Champions League victory over Inter Milan. The build-up to the match had been overshadowed by Mohamed Salah’s absence after the forward claimed the club had “thrown him under the bus” and that his relationship with manager Arne Slot had broken down. With Salah left at home, Szoboszlai stepped up when it mattered most, converting from the spot after a VAR review ruled that Alessandro Bastoni had pulled Florian Wirtz’s shirt in the box.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state confirmed the approval of a 13th‑month salary bonus for 2025 workers He announced the payment alongside the inauguration of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Governing Board in Ibadan Makinde also pledged to clear minimum wage arrears in December and address the lecturers’ strike Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state approved the payment of the 13th-month salary bonus for 2025 to state workers. The announcement was made on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the executive chamber of his office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, during the inauguration of the Governing Board of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

Reading Time: 4 minutes Should Prince Harry be stripped of his royal titles? The Duke of Sussex joined Stephen Colbert last week, spoofing this year’s crop of Christmas films and taking some digs at Donald Trump. The audience loved it — with those in the studio giving Harry a standing ovation. Meanwhile, Harry’s most vocal critics are calling for him to lose his titles.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has broken its silence after its aircraft and 11 Nigerian soldiers were detained in Burkina Faso on Monday, December 8, 2025 ECOWAS rival union, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), forced the Nigerian aircraft to land for allegedly violating airspace rules The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, has issued an official statement to address the issue Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues FCT, Abuja - The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has denied the claim that its C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso was guilty of airspace violation.

Reading Time: 4 minutes Jim Bob Duggar infamously makes potential suitors jump through hoops before they can “court” his daughters. For years, people have wondered about the questionnaire that determined if they could date his daughters. Jim Bob uses his wealth to control his adult children, ambushing his kids to control the narrative on social media. Now, Jeremy and Jinger are revealing the exact questions that he used to gatekeep whether they could side-hug.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly match ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Some of the players have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the scheduled date of the fixture The 35th edition of the continental tournament will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026 Nigerian sports journalist, Eyere Ekuta believes that the tight flight schedules of the friendly might affect their performance The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Egyptian Football Association had agreed to play a friendly match on December 14 ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The nominees for the 2026 Golden Globes were announced Monday, and "One Battle After Another," from director Paul Thomas Anderson and star Leonardo DiCaprio, tops the list with nine nominations. "White Lotus" earned six, the most of any television series. There are 28 categories for nominations, including a new award for Best Podcast. The Golden Globes says it is the first major award show to honor podcasting. The 83rd Annual Golden Globes will air on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. It will also be available to stream on Paramount+.

Editor’s note: In this piece, analyst and media strategist Oluwafemi Popoola takes a close look at Tinubu’s new ambassadorial list and the uneasy concerns it poses about loyalty, credibility and the kind of voices Nigeria is choosing to send abroad. His commentary details why these choices matter for the country’s image and political culture. There is something deeply unsettling about the list of 32 ambassadorial nominees recently submitted to the Senate by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Instead of inspiring confidence, the list reads like yet another chapter in Nigeria’s long tradition of political compensation dressed up as diplomacy.

Reading Time: 5 minutes The Golden Globe nominations were announced Monday morning, and some of Hollywood’s biggest names and most powerful players are celebrating. But there can be no thrill of victory without the agony of the snub, and several major stars are tending to bruised egos this morning after their names were not read during today’s announcements. One of the day’s most surprising twists was the fact that Sydney Sweeney wasn’t nominated for her work in Christy.

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.