Beyonce stuns in new PHOTOS

24-time Grammy winner Beyonce has also been steadily taking over the fashion industry with her streetwear line.

She went pure sex kitten Saturday on Instagram, posing in a skintight pink ensemble with a matching fur-lined Jeep, as she teased her new 'Icy Park' collection for Ivy Park X Adidas.

#EndSARS: Many #LekkiMassacre victims were brought to our facilities: Reddington Hospital

Babajide Lawson, a physician with Reddington Hospital has confirmed to the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry on police brutality that victims of the Lekki shooting of October 20, 2020, with gunshot wounds were treated at the hospital’s facilities.

Mr. Lawson’s testimony countered the military who claimed that no live rounds were fired by the Nigerian army on #EndSARS protesters at Lekki tollgate. The medical doctor who appeared before the Judicial panel on Saturday revealed that the hospital was overwhelmed with ‘mass casualty’ from the Lekki shootings. Mr. Lawson, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, stated that victims of the incident were brought into the hospital from 20th to 22nd of October. The doctor’s revelation came as he was being grilled by Olumide Fusika and Adesina Ogunlana, the lawyers representing victims of the shooting. 

When asked by the lawyers to go through the medical reports of the victims of the Lekki shootings to confirm if he knew them, Mr. Lawson revealed that he personally handled the treatment of some victims with gunshot wounds. 

“Yes, it’s our medical report. I don’t know them personally but I know them as patients that I treated,” he said. “Being in charge of trauma, it means that anybody that is involved in traumatic injuries such as accidents and gunshots must go through me in both of our locations. 

“On that 20th, a lot of the patients were treated at the Lekki office. 

Later on the night of 20th, I also went to the Lekki office to assess the level of assistance needed in my capacity and I also spoke with the MD of that branch. 

That night, I transferred a patient to the VI office which is our headquarters where I work from and where he stayed till the 23rd,” Mr. Lawson further revealed. 

“On the first night, there are about six patients that I saw at that night, but as the day goes by, other patients trickled in,” he added. 

Mr. Lawson also named the victims of the Lekki shootings which he personally treated to include Ajogwu Japheth, Philemon Lucky, Samuel Oshola, Nnaji Madem, Bright Osariemen, Damilola Adedayo and Joshua Samuel. 

The #EndSARS protest which was embarked upon by Nigerian youths to protest against police brutality took a new twist after men of the Nigerian army opened fire on peaceful protesters. 

The army who initially denied being at the scene of the Lekki shootings later came out to admit that they were at the scene of the shooting but did not open fire on the peaceful protesters.

UAE announces citizenship for non-Emirati investors, medical doctors, skilled professionals, scientists & talented people

In a historic move, the UAE on Saturday announced major changes to the citizenship law, to allow for the naturalisation of foreign investors, doctors, scientists, artists and talented people and their families.

The decision to give people with exceptional talents and their families the Emirati citizenship aims to embrace them as members of part of the UAE society, ensure the social stability of these people in the country and boost the overall national development process. The changes, taken upon the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, were approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Saturday.

We adopted law amendments that allow granting the UAE citizenship to investors, specialized talents & professionals including scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, authors and their families. The new directives aim to attract talents that contribute to our development journey.

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) January 30, 2021

The UAE cabinet, local Emiri courts & executive councils will nominate those eligible for the citizenship under clear criteria set for each category. The law allows receivers of the UAE passport to keep their existing citizenship.

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) January 30, 2021

Requirements 

The law detailed the terms and conditions upon which the citizenship can be granted: 

Investors: Must own a property in the UAE Medical doctors and skilled professionals: Must be specialised in a unique scientific field that is needed by the UAE, have contributed to studies and research that have scientific value in their field, have 10 years of experience in that field in addition to a membership in a prestigious professional organisation in his field. 

Scientists: Must be an active researcher in their field at a university, a research institute or the private sector, have 10 years of experience in that field, have scientific contributions- such as having won a prestigious scientific award, or having secured a significant funding for their research for 10 years, in addition to a recommendation letter from a credited scientific institute in the UAE. Talented people: 

Inventors: they must have had at least one patent certified by the UAE Ministry of Economy or any accredited relevant international body, which has a real value to the UAE economy, in addition to a recommendation letter from the UAE Ministry of Economy. Intellectuals and artists: they must be pioneers in culture, arts and other talents with at least one international award in those talents in addition to a recommendation letter from the UAE relevant bodies. 

Conditions 

The new law stipulates the terms and conditions of the granting of citizenship to those talented segments, such as the oath and swearing in allegiance to the UAE, a pledge to uphold and respect the laws of the country, informing the relevant authority if they get a new citizenship or lost one.

Beyoncé's young rapper cousin, Martell DeRouen shot dead in his apartment

Martell 'Kardone' Derouen, 34, was reportedly found dead in his apartment in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday.

The aspiring rapper is said to be the cousin of the iconic singer Beyoncé, according to reports. Friends and family of the San Antonio-based rapper, known by his stage name Kardone, are seeking justice as police hunt down 21-year-old suspect Sasha Skare. 

In 2019, Skare was also charged with an assault linked to the shooting death of her boyfriend.

Suspect Sasha Skare, 21, below:

St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai to reopen on Monday

St Mary’s Catholic Church in Oud Metha, Dubai, will reopen on Monday (February 1), with two masses scheduled daily, parish priest Fr Lennie J.A.

Connully OFM Cap announced on the church website. He said: “Glad to announce that we have received permission from CDA (Community Development Authority) to reopen our church for the Holy Mass with a few conditions and guidelines.” St Mary’s Church will have two masses daily at 6.30am and 7pm from February 1 onwards, but the church will remain closed at other times.

Pre-registration is a must

Fr Connully noted that only 30 per cent of the church’s capacity, which will be around 250 people, will be allowed to attend the mass. There will not be distribution of the holy communion during the mass and pre-registration through the church website is a must to attend the mass. He added: “Those registered for mass should report 30 minutes before for the thermal scanning to enter the church. Senior citizens above 60 years and children below 12 years are discouraged from atending. Both the masses every day will be live-streamed as it is being done presently.”

Install Al Hosn app

Fr Connully also said that churchgoers must install the Al Hosn app on their mobile phones. All attendees must wear face masks and gloves at all times while at the church premises. Visiting or veneration at the grotto or other areas in the church or church compound before or after the mass will not be permitted. Canteen and toilet facilities will remain closed and eating and drinking within the church premises is strictly prohibited. “The guidelines have been given to us by government authorities. So please follow the instructions strictly,” he clarified.

Photos: Conor McGregor is still balling in Dubai following his loss in a lightweight clash against Dustin Poirier in Abu Dhabi

Conor McGregor displayed his ripped physique as he posed shirtless while riding a horse in Dubai in an Instagram snap he shared on Thursday.

The UFC star, 32, travelled to the UAE earlier this month for his fight against Dustin, sharing a snap of himself on board a luxurious yacht as he made the work trip. The fighter previously spent some of lockdown in a £1million Algarve mansion with views of the Atlantic with his fiancee Dee Devlin and their two children Conor Jnr and Croia. 

Conor was renting the villa in November and it boasted an infinity pool and cinema room for guests. It comes after Conor made his highly-anticipated comeback in a lightweight clash against Dustin Poirier, with hopes that a win would act as a springboard for a run at the title he won in 2016. 

However, Conor fell flat at the first hurdle with Poirier exacting revenge over his 2014 defeat by the Notorious, knocking the former two-weight world champion out in the second round.

Breaking News! The UK imposes a travel ban on the UAE

The UAE has been placed on the UK's 'red list', meaning no flights may land in the UK from Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

The ban takes effect at 1pm on Friday 29 January. UK residents will be allowed to return from the UAE, but they will need to travel via a third country. Anyone who arrives in the UK after 4am on Friday morning, will have to self-isolate immediately along with their households. There are no details yet on the UK plans for hotel quarantine, including a starting date.

Larry King's last words before he died

Revealed: Larry King's last words before he died.

Larry King's heartbroken wife Shawn has claimed the TV icon died of sepsis and was 'ready to go'. 

The legendary late-night host died on Saturday aged 87 after a recent battle with Covid which saw him hospitalized. King's seventh wife Shawn Southwick, whom he married in 1997 and was in the midst of a divorce with at the time of his death, says he could not overcome an infection after beating coronavirus. She also revealed his last words to her, telling her over a video call from hospital: ‘I love you, take care of the boys'

Donald Trump's impeachment trial to begin in February

The second impeachment trial of Donald Trump will begin next month under an agreement reached between Senate Democrats and Republicans.

House of Representatives Democrats will send the charge of "inciting insurrection" to the Senate on Monday. But arguments will not begin until the week of 8 February, allowing Mr Trump's lawyers two weeks to build a defence. Democrats accuse the ex-president of instigating the deadly 6 January riot at the US Capitol. The House last week paved the way for the Senate proceedings by charging Mr Trump with inciting the violence, which left five people dead. 

His second impeachment trial will begin almost exactly a year after the Senate acquitted him on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. That case related to accusations he pressured Ukraine to help smear Joe Biden and his son. Mr Trump's term ended on Wednesday and he left Washington, snubbing his successor Joe Biden's inauguration. His speech to a rally ahead of the Capitol riot are at the heart of the case against him. 

The then-president told protesters near the White House to "peacefully and patriotically" make their voices heard as they prepared to march towards the US Capitol building, which houses the US Congress. He also told them to "fight like hell".

You can be jailed for years in Dubai if your social media post is against God, His prophets, messengers or against Islam

Certain types of social media posts can get you jailed in the UAE, the Dubai Police have reiterated.

In a video posted on their social media pages, the police said some posts can become a criminal case, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Residents have been urged to act responsibly whenever they post anything on social media.

>> Penalties

The following crimes are punishable with imprisonment and/or fines between Dh250,000 and Dh1 million:

- Offending any Islamic sanctities or rituals.

- Offending any of the sanctities or rituals prescribed in other religions.

- Insulting any of the recognised monotheistic religions.

- Encouraging, inciting or promoting sins.

Additionally, an individual can be jailed for seven years if the post is against God, His prophets, messengers or against Islam.

The police also listed out the types of posts that can get you into trouble:

>> Religious intolerance

The UAE has long established itself as a nation that embraces diversity. It offers a secure platform for people of different nationalities and faiths to thrive in. Religious intolerance and hatred have no place in the UAE. Insulting or mocking other people’s religions or any religious symbol is considered an offence and is punishable by law.

>> Privacy and rights

Those found violating or infringing on others’ rights and privacy may face a jail sentence as well as a fine. Some people are involved in such illegal practices because of their “misunderstanding of freedom of expression” or assumption that they can get away with anything in the virtual world.

>> Discrimination

The UAE has enacted laws that support the values of human justice in all forms. A law in the country criminalises every word or action that triggers strife or discrimination between individuals or groups. 

Promoting legal knowledge & Respecting laws..Community Safety Valve#legal_knowledge pic.twitter.com/vjEs0vrw7i

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) January 25, 2021

Culled From Khaleej Times

Biden reverses Trump's transgender military ban

President Biden on Monday repealed the Trump administration’s ban on transgender personnel serving openly in the U.S. military, taking early action to advance campaign promises targeting discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in the federal government, schools and other areas of American society.

The executive order, which will provide immediate protection to transgender troops at risk of being forced out of the military, addresses critics’ concerns that Trump-era restrictions would shrink the military’s recruiting pool and sideline qualified service members. Lifting the ban, Biden said, will make for a more effective force. “America is stronger, at home and around the world, when it is inclusive,” the White House said in a statement. “The military is no exception.” The decision represents one element in a flurry of actions unveiled in the Biden administration’s initial days that seek to support transgender equality — which the president has called “the civil rights issue of our time” — and gay and lesbian rights.

Millions of WhatsApp users are abandoning the app & here's why

Millions of WhatsApp users have taken the drastic step of abandoning the app, following a poorly explained update to the terms and conditions.

Rival apps have gained many of these disgruntled users, with new figures shared by the UK parliament's home affairs committee on 'online harms' showing that Signal gained 7.5 million users in the first three weeks of the year, while Telegram gained a whopping 25 million. 

The mass exodus comes after WhatsApp alerted users to a change in its terms and conditions, according to Niamh Sweeney, the company's director of public policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

President Joe Biden bans travelers from South Africa

President Joe Biden will impose a ban on most non-US citizens entering the country who have recently been in South Africa starting Saturday in a bid to contain the spread of a new variant of COVID-19, a senior US public health official told Reuters.

Biden on Monday is also reimposing an entry ban on nearly all non-US travelers who have been in Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and 26 countries in Europe that allow travel across open borders. 

'We are adding South Africa to the restricted list because of the concerning variant present that has already spread beyond South Africa,' said Dr Anne Schuchat, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s principal deputy director, in an interview Sunday. She added the agency was 'putting in place this suite of measures to protect Americans and also to reduce the risk of these variants spreading and worsening the current pandemic'. 

Then-President Donald Trump directed on January 18 those restrictions on Brazil and Europe be lifted effective Tuesday but Biden's proclamation will rescind that decision.

How COVID 19 is spreading here! Dubai authorities tighten rules to keep residents, tourists safe from the coronavirus

Authorities in Dubai have issued multiple new Covid-19 safety measures to protect residents and tourists from the coronavirus.

Inspectors from regulatory bodies like the Dubai Economy, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Tourism are out on the field to ensure that all precautionary measures are followed at outlets and venues. The fresh directives will ensure more social distancing at private gatherings, weddings, eateries, gyms and hospitals across the emirate. Here is a list of all the announcements that were made over the weekend. According to Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, only first-degree relatives can attend weddings, social events and private parties. The maximum number of guests allowed has been capped at 10. The directive — which is applicable for events at homes and hotels — is effective from Wednesday, January 27. Tables at restaurants in Dubai will be set up three metres apart — up from the previous two metres. Additionally, the number of people allowed to sit on one table has been capped at seven — reduced from 10 earlier.

>> Safety at cafes

Only four patrons are allowed per table at cafes. The distance between tables has been increased to three metres.

>> Safety rules for gyms

Fitness centres and gyms in Dubai will need to increase the physical distancing between the sports equipment and trainees from 2 to 3 metres.

>> Shows cancelled

The Dubai Tourism has suspended all the entertainment permits issued in the emirate. This came after the authority detected more than 200 violations of safety guidelines and closed down around 20 establishments in three weeks.

>> Shows on ships, floating eateries cancelled

No entertainment activities will be allowed on board vessels or floating restaurants “until further notice”.

>> Some live shows allowed

However, the Dubai Tourism said live events, including the concerts of Egyptian star Amr Diab at the Dubai International Stadium and Enrico Macias at the Dubai Opera, will continue as scheduled. These events will be held amid strict safety measures, including a minimum social distancing of 2 metres and wearing of masks.

To ensure proper physical distancing, the capacity of the venues has been reduced according to the one-person-per-4 square metres rule.

>> Non-essential surgeries suspended

Hospitals and day surgical clinics won’t perform non-essential surgeries till February 19. The decision applies to elective therapeutic surgeries that require deep sedation or general anesthesia. Elective surgeries that are medical emergencies are permitted.

Despite Dubai community members complying with precautionary measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, private gatherings and parties at homes and weddings are still the major reasons behind the recent spike in the number of positive cases, the chief of Dubai Police has observed.

Lt General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-In-Chief of Dubai Police, said that some people were neglecting the precautionary measures like social distancing and wearing of masks at private gatherings and those were the reasons behind the recent spike in the number of positive cases of COVID-19.

“It is rare to see someone at a public place not wearing a mask. Many people complying [with the health protocol] shows increased awareness in society. But the problem is with private gatherings like weddings and those at homes,” Lt Gen Al Merri told Gulf News.

Culled From Khaleej Times

Dubai live entertainment suspension is extended to boats & yachts

A ban on live entertainment in Dubai has been extended to include boats, yachts and floating restaurants.

Entertainment in hotels and restaurants - namely bands, DJs, dancers and live performers - was temporarily suspended from Thursday January 21, with no firm date stated for its return. The ban was imposed by Dubai Government’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing after it issued more than 200 violation notices for non-compliance with COVID-19 guidelines over a three-week period. And now Dubai Maritime City Authority has prohibited the same activities on the waves until further notice. 

A tweet on the authority's handle said: "DMCA will continuously monitor and evaluate the situation in co-ordination with the concerned authorities in the Dubai Government."

الإيقاف المؤقت للأنشطة الترفيهية على الوسائل البحرية والمطاعم العائمة

Temporary hold of entertainment activities onboard vessels and floating restaurants pic.twitter.com/o3HqaMvBmQ

— Dubai Maritime City Authority (@DMAuthority) January 21, 2021

 

Dubai suspends live entertainment: Bands, DJs, dancers & live entertainers in hotels & restaurants

Zinedine Zidane, the head coach of Spanish giants Real Madrid, tests positive for #Covid19

Real Madrid have confirmed head coach Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for Covid-19.

The Spanish champions broke the news on Friday morning after releasing a statement. It means the former World Cup winner will not be on the sidelines for his side's LaLiga clash with Alaves on Saturday evening. There is a possibility he may also be absent for their match against Levante, which takes place on January 30. 

The result comes two days after the club announced defender Nacho Fernandez had contracted the virus.

#COVID19: Legendary broadcaster Larry King passes on today aged 87

Iconic broadcaster and media legend Larry King has died at the age of 87.

The network King co-founded, Ora Media, revealed on Saturday that he passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. 

His son, Chance, also confirmed King's death to the broadcaster's longtime employer, CNN. pic.twitter.com/x0Hl0X6vqU — Larry King (@kingsthings) January 23, 2021 "With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles," the statement reads. 

"For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry's many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster." 

No official cause of death has been revealed, but CNN reported earlier this month that King had been hospitalized after contracting COVID-19. King has also battled several reoccurring health issues, including suffering multiple heart attacks, fighting lung cancer in 2017, and dealing with type 2 diabetes. Larry King was the host of CNN's popular Larry King Live for over 25 years. This show served as a platform for King to interview world leaders, pop culture figures, and regular citizens. He conducted over 50,000 on-air interviews, winning Peabody awards and other accolades in the process. 

His iconic status has prompted fans and colleagues to eulogize him via social media.

May his soul rest in perfect peace- AMEN.

Dubai suspends live entertainment: Bands, DJs, dancers & live entertainers in hotels & restaurants

Entertainment in hotels and restaurants across Dubai is to be temporarily suspended from Thursday January 21.

The move means bands, DJs, dancers and live entertainers are not allowed to perform in hotels and restaurants. The announcement came in a circular from Dubai Government’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTM), advising managers and owners of hotels and restaurants across Dubai of the change. In December a circular was issued about “compliance with precautionary measures to counter pandemic COVID-19”. 

And the new directive states that this latest news is in response to “an increase in the number of violations during entertainment activities in hotels and restaurants”. 

No time period has been announced, but it is “until further notice”.

Photos: Woman who beat coronavirus 2 times, celebrates her 106th birthday & reveals her secrets

Happy 106th birthday Mary-Mary!

A resilient pensioner who has survived two world wars and three flu pandemics, has celebrated her 106th birthday by beating Covid-19 for a second time. Mary Nicholson who lives at the Elizabeth Court Care Home in St Helen’s, Merseyside, tested positive for Covid-19 on New Year’s Eve but said she felt ‘healthier than ever’ after overcoming the virus in time for her birthday on Tuesday. 

She revealed her long life is the result of drinking full fat milk, cream and butter, as well as enjoying a ‘tipple of whisky at night’. 

Mary who never got married or had children, revealed she's looking forward to celebrating her birthday with family after the pandemic

President Trump's personal physician, Dr. Harold N. Bornstein passes on

Awwww.....

Dr. Harold N. Bornstein, Donald Trump’s former physician who once declared him to be ‘the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency’ only to later say he was coerced into making the claim, died on Friday, it has been revealed. Bornstein, the Manhattan-based doctor, was 73 years of age at the time of his death, which was revealed in a paid notice published in The New York Times on Thursday. No cause of death was given. There is also no word as to where he died. Bornstein, a gastroenterologist, served as Trump's personal physician from 1980 until 2017. 

He inherited Trump as a patient from his father, Dr. Jacob Bornstein, who also practiced medicine at the same Park Avenue address on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Bornstein is survived by his wife, Melissa, daughter Alix, and sons Robyn, Joseph, Jeremee, and Jackson.

Trump permanently banned from Twitter, may build his own platform soon #TrumpTwitterBan

On Friday night, Twitter permanently suspended President Donald Trump's account, citing his potential to incite violence further.

The crackdown on the president's Twitter usage predictably infuriated Trump. He went "ballistic," a senior administration official told Politico. 

After the ban, Trump tweeted from the official @POTUS Twitter account but his posts were almost immediately deleted. Similarly, the president then tried in vain to share a message from his @TeamTrump account. This was deleted and the account was suspended. 

The official also said Trump was "scrambling to figure out what his options are," according to Politico. In a now-deleted tweet, Trump said he'd been "negotiating with various other sites" and would have a big announcement soon. 

Trump also said that his team "look at the possibilities of building our own platform in the near future."

Trump's banishment from Twitter - the platform that has defined much of his presidency - was met with both outrage and glee online. His critics celebrated his account being disabled, most notably Hillary Clinton.

#SJ182: Plane debris pulled from the sea after Boeing 737 with over 50 people on board vanishes from radar

A Boeing 737 passenger plane is believed to have crashed into the sea after disappearing from radar and plunging 10,000ft.

The Sriwijaya Air passenger jet lost contact after taking off from Indonesian capital Jakarta earlier today en route to Pontianak in West Kalimantan province. It had more than 60 people on board - including 10 children. 

The Indonesian navy has said it has worked out the last known coordinates of the missing jet, and ships are being sent to the area. Navy official Abdul Rasyid told reporters: "The coordinates have been found and have been given to all Navy vessels in the area." Photos show rescue workers pulling debris from the water in a desperate search for survivors. An Indonesian rescue agency confirmed suspected debris of the flight had been found. No radio beacon signal had been detected, the agency said. 

Residents of Thousand Island said they heard two explosions before finding items in the sea. It's been reported the plane fell 10,000ft in less than one minute, about four minutes after taking off. Surachman, a local government official, told Kompas TV that fishermen found what appeared to be the wreckage of an aircraft in waters north of Jakarta and a search was underway. 

Other channels showed pictures of suspected wreckage.

Culled From Mirror,Co.Uk

Yikes! Justin Bieber forgets lyrics to his hit song, ''Sorry'' during #NewYearsEve performance

Justin Bieber is saying 'sorry' after he suffered a bit of a flop during his New Year's Eve performance.

The 26-year-old singer was performing his 2015 hit Sorry, when he stumbled over the lyrics and confessed, 'I forget the words.' Seemingly a bit frazzled from his stacked performance on top of his debut of his new song Anyone, Bieber was left tongue tied though he tried to keep going. 

At the top of the song he uttered out the lyrics, 'You gotta go and get angry at all of my,' before forgetting the last word 'honesty.' 

He tried to move forward and got the second verse, 'You know I try but I don't do too well with apologies,' before acknowledging his lyric flop and trying to pick it back up.  

The live streamed event put on by T-Mobile took place at The Beverly Hilton hotel and also featured a slew of guests watching live from the balconies.

Culled From Daily Mail.