UK housing market activity remains subdued, Nationwide reports

 

UK housing market activity has "remained subdued", the Nationwide says, as annual house price growth slowed for the seventh month in a row.

Annual price growth fell to 5.1% in March, down from 5.7% the month before.
House prices edged up 0.1% in March itself, the building society said, taking the average price to £189,454.

Court charge of up to £1,200 for criminals revealed

 

Convicted criminals in England and Wales will have to pay up to £1,200 towards the cost of their court case under new rules, it has been revealed.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said the Criminal Courts Charge would ensure criminals "pay their way".
The fees, which come into force on 13 April, are not means-tested and will start at £150.
The Magistrates Association warned the new charge could place a burden on people with little income.
It also warned that innocent people could be encouraged to plead guilty to avoid the risk of higher payments, as those who admit their offences will pay less than those convicted after a trial.

Election 2015: Cameron and Miliband face TV grilling

 

David Cameron and Ed Miliband have been put on the spot over immigration, the EU and spending plans in the first set-piece TV broadcast of the election.

The PM said he had "turned the economy around" while the Labour leader said he was "tough enough" to be PM.
Jeremy Paxman began the Channel 4/Sky programme by grilling Mr Cameron about food banks and zero hours contracts.
Mr Miliband said his relationship with brother David was "healing" after their bruising leadership battle.

Goodluck Jonathan‘Don’t make mistake of voting Buhari,’ President warns Nigerians

 

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that voting for All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Muhammadu Buhari is a gamble not worth taking.

Anushka Sharma: Indian media defend actress after cricket loss

 

Papers, former players and pundits have criticised Twitter users for blaming cricketer Virat Kohli's girlfriend Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma for India's defeat against Australia in the World Cup semi-final match.

Australia powered into the World Cup final with a 95-run victory over defending champions India in Sydney on Thursday.
Kohli, who is the team's vice captain, went out after making just one run.
Indians follow cricket passionately and millions of fans were disappointed by his poor show.
As India's chase hit roadblocks and it became clear that India was losing to Australia, many fans started to vent their anger on Twitter and some began to target Sharma, who was present in the stadium, watching the match.

ElectionsArmy Commander urges JTF to be civil, professional

 

Colonel Bello assures the general populace that the JTF will ensure a violence-free elections.

The Commander of Onitsha  Military Cantonment in Anambra, Col. Mohammed Bello, has urged officers and men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) to be civil and professional while discharging election duties.
Bello spoke on Thursday, March 26, shortly after JTF conducted a “Show-of-Force and Route-March” on major roads, streets and strategic locations in the state.

Oshodi Riot UpdateHow armed OPC members, political thugs terrorized residents

 

Residents and witnesses say that the men, numbering close to 50, were members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC). 

Chaos erupted in the Oshodi area of Lagos State on Thursday, March 26, after armed men invaded the area.

Residents and witnesses say that the men, numbering close to 50, were members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC).

The gang members wore masks and carried sophisticated weapons with which they shot sporadically into the air, Punch reports.

A vendor, identified as Samuel Ojukwu, told Punch that the attackers were supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Bangladesh Hindu pilgrims die in Narayanganj stampede

 

At least 10 Hindu pilgrims have been killed in a stampede during a bathing ritual at a holy site in Narayanganj, Bangladesh.

Police inspector Nasir Ahmed told AFP news agency the crush had involved "huge numbers of people".
He said the cause was not clear, but there were "an unusually high number of pilgrims" at the event.

Germanwings CrashGerman Police seize co-pilot's possessions, significant clue allegedly found

 

German police have began investigating Andrea Lubitz, the co-pilot who deliberately crashed the Germanwings plane.

BBC reports that his possessions have been seized by the police as they claim to have found a significant clue.

They however ruled out that it was suicide note.

Items seized include boxes and a computer, and said items were confiscated from Lubitz's flat in Duesseldorf and the house the 27-year-old shared with his parents in Montabaur.

North Korea 'arrests two South spies'

 

North Korea says it has arrested two South Korean men who it accused of spying for Seoul.

In a statement late on Thursday, state media said the two men, based in the Chinese border city of Dandong, were working to smear North Korea.
Seoul called the claims "groundless" and demanded the men be released.
North Korea periodically arrests foreigners and, in the cases of South Korean and US nationals, is accused of using them as bargaining chips.
It also arrests those engaged in missionary work, because religious activity is severely restricted in North Korea.
Sometimes it swiftly deports those held, as in the case of Australian missionary John Short, who was briefly detained in 2014.

Karrueche TranWhat if Chris Brown's ex runs into his baby mama?

 

It was only last night, March 25, Karrueche was told Breezy wants to bring his baby mama, Nia Guzman to L.A. See her reaction below.

Taraji P. Henson'Empire's Cookie' to host Saturday Night Live in April

 

"DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!!!!! #Believe #Faith #HardWorkPaysOff MOST IMPORTANTLY #GodIs." Cookie wrote on Instagram

Taraji P. Henson better known as Cookie from Fox's hit show, 'Empire' is the host of the Saturday Night Live in April.

The show made the announcement on Thursday, March 25 stating that the Hollywood's current favorite will be their host on April 11.

Indian nun rape case: Police make first arrest

 

Police investigating the rape of an elderly nun in the Indian state of West Bengal have made their first arrest, more than 12 days after the crime.

Several men were earlier detained by the police for questioning, but no-one had been arrested so far.
The incident caused outrage in India and led to street protests in many cities across the country.
Six alleged attackers were caught on CCTV as they burgled the convent before raping the 74-year-old woman.

London Taxi Company Coventry plant to create 1,000 jobs

 

A £250m new taxi plant is to be built outside Coventry, creating up to 1,000 new jobs.

The plans have been revealed by the owner of the London Taxi Company (LTC), which makes the iconic black cab.
Chinese manufacturer Geely said the new factory would include research and development and an assembly plant to build the next generation of electric and low-emission vehicles.
The first cars are expected to be made at the Ansty Park site in 2017.

Richard III: Leicester Cathedral ready to rebury king

  

King Richard III's body is due to be laid to rest at Leicester Cathedral later at a service presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Most Rev Justin Welby will be joined by local senior clergy and representatives of world faiths for the service at 11:30 GMT.

MPs warn on growing numbers of British jihadists

 

Not enough is being done to prevent people leaving the UK to join Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, a group of MPs has warned.

Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, said Britain must win their "hearts and minds".
The committee's report comes as the BBC launches a database tracking British jihadists in Syria and Iraq.
It shows that many people left in clusters from certain UK areas - often due to friendships and peer groups.

Saudi Arabia launches air strikes in Yemen

 

Saudi Arabia has launched air strikes in Yemen against Shia Houthi rebels, the Saudi ambassador in the US has said.

Adel al-Jubeir said Saudi Arabia acted to "defend the legitimate government" of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.
Supporters of President Hadi say that they recaptured Aden airport on Thursday after heavy fighting with forces allied to Houthi fighters.
The Iran-backed rebels have made rapid gains in recent months.

They have forced Mr Hadi to flee the capital Sanaa.

Japan unveils Izumo, its largest warship since World War II

 

(CNN)Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) has taken delivery of the Izumo, the largest Japanese military vessel to see service since World War II.

The warship was unveiled at a ceremony at the Yokusuka naval base near Yokohama, also home to the U.S Navy's Seventh Fleet.

Germanwings plane crash: Pilot 'locked out of cockpit'

 

One of the two pilots of the Germanwings plane that crashed in the French Alps was locked out of the cockpit, according to reports.

Early findings from the cockpit voice recorder suggest the pilot made desperate efforts to get back in, sources close to the investigation say.

Di'JaThis is how flawless singer looks rocking her nappy hair

 

Pretty singer; Afrodija shows off her flawless self sporting her natural hair in a new photoshoot; check on her look. 

 Mavin Records Artiste; Di'ja is a pretty energetic lady. The petite beauty who sets her own trend is always a delight any day.

Beauty VideoThe correct way to use an eyelash curler

 

 Eyelash curler can be used heated or unheated and works as a cosmetic tool and if you didn't know how to use it before now, watch this simple guide.

Style PickBlack soap - Dudu Osun

 

 For being intensely cleansing, exfoliating and natural, the black soap; this time 'Dudu Osun' makes a great pick, check on why.

Black soaps are generally overrated or maybe used to be before now.

For those who know, black soap is the purest and one of the most effective product for the skin.

Black soap comes in different ways; they could be from the local markets in containers or even nylons (its important to be sure of the source so one doesn't end up with mixed chemical instead of black soap)

One of the best black soap to try out is 'Dudu Osun'. The soap is simply packed in a box with sheer detailing cut out on the pack.

New MusicWale - 'Allelu' feat. Olamide, Don Jazzy, Reekado Banks

 

The heavy collaboration was produced by consistent hit maker Maleek Berry.  

Rita OraCheck out singer's glam all red looks

 

Check out Rita Ora in two top to toe red looks and she nails both 'lady in red' looks

 Rita Ora puts her stylish body forward everytime, taking on any style and owning it most of the time.

DavidoTwitter reacts to pop star's resurfaced Tim Westwood Freestyle

 

Fans have taken to the micro-blogging site to share their feelings about the freestyle.  

Superstar Davido is currently not getting not much love on Twitter. Apparently Davido's Tim Westwood freestyle which was recorded last year has resurfaced on the Internet again.

Lily AldridgeVictoria's Secret angel poses topless for Maxim April 2015

 

Victoria's Secret angel; Lily Aldridge strikes topless poses in the April issue of Maxim Magazine.

New VideoBig Mo - 'Get everything' feat. Di' Ja

 

The rapper is preparing to release his EP 'The Come Up'.

Tonye Garrick, SholzFast rising singers made a perfect match for Exquisite Magazine

  

Emerging singer; Tonye Garrick and Sholz were a perfect match for Exquisite Magazine's new editorial...

New VideoDJ Xclusive - 'Tonight' feat. Banky W, Niyola

 

 Shot in Lagos at Club Quilox, 'Tonight' features appearances from many stars including CDQ, Shaydee, Big Mo, Uzzy Tebudiga, DNMT and Aristo W. 

Marc JacobsDesigner finally joins Instagram, records over 47k followers in 48 hours!

 

 American designer; Marc Jacobs of the eponymous brands finally joins Instagram after recently revealing his dislike for social media

Jay ZRapper held secret meeting with top acts over streaming service Aspiro

 

 The meeting was also attended by members of the Roc Nation staff, as well as lawyers and music executives

Naya RiveraCheck out actress' hot maternity style

  

Naya Rivera is showing off her cute baby bump in sexy looks, preggers or not she looks good, peep...

Naya Rivera is working her baby bump in style.

The actress chose a head to toe black look and it was all sorts of flattering.

9iceArtiste changes name of record label

 

 9ice is set to drop three new singles next month. One of the singles 'Familete' is produced by his longtime producer ID Cabasa. The title of the other single is 'Sugar' produced by Puffy Tee. 

Money MattersWoman boils husband with scalding water over financial demands

 

 An angry woman who bathed her husband with scalding water when he could not meet her financial demands has been sentenced to jail.

Tonto Dikeh Actress and her stylist speak out against men who kiss and tell

 

Controversial Nollywood actress and singer Tonto Dikeh and her stylist and BFF  Swanky Jerry have a message for men out there who kiss and tell.

"Real Men Don't Talk About Their Sexual Conquests Or Call A Woman Out Of Her Name.My Father Once Told Me 'No Matter If A Woman Is Sinner Or A Saint When You Lay With Her You Become Equal .So No Matter What You Feel About Them,It's Also A Reflection of Yourself ."

Michelle ObamaHas America's First Lady gone bald?

 

 FLOTUS' shocking hairstyle on 'Jeopardy', MArch 24 has left everyone confused... What happened to her hair?

Michelle Obama's latest TV appearance last night, March 24 has left almost everyone’s mouth ajar.

Barack Obama's wife showed up during a category in 'Jeopardy' yesterday with a strange hairdo which has now left many asking,

Justin BieberPop star to make 1st stage performance since 2013

 

The last time Bieber sang in front of a concert crowd was in December 2013 in Perth, Australia when he wrapped up his 'Believe' tour.

It was confirmed March 24 that the pop star will headline the 2015 Fusion Festival in the U.K in August.

Kelly OsbourneFormer E! host reveals she has breast cancer gene

 

In 2002, Kelly's mother, The Talk host Sharon Osbourne, was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent a double mastectomy in 2012  

Kelly Osbourne is back in the news after quitting 'Fashion Police' in February and she's getting candid about her health situation.

Just a day after Angelina Jolie disclosed she removed her ovaries and fallopian tubes for fear of ovarian cancer, Kelly has revealed she also has the BRCA 1 gene.

Olamide AdedejiPopular Soundcity producer turns 30

 

Soundcity producer and popular socialite who is good friends with Banky W adds another year.

Olamide Adedeji popularly known as Lamide Lagos is a year older today March 25, 2015 as he turns 30

He is a popular Nigerian socialite and producer of urban music station Soundcity TV.

Iggy AzaleaRapper reveals why she fell in love with an African American

 

The ‘Fancy’ rapper opened up to Vogue about what made her fall for Nick Young, and her answer shows just how much she adores the L.A Lakers B-ball star.

She is a sexy white girl dating a handsome black NBA star but why did the talented Iggy Azalea, 24, fall in love with a the dark skin Nick Young, 29?

Banky WArtiste enjoys South Africa vacation

 

 Banky W and friends Lamide Adedeji, Tunde Demuren enjoy trip to South Africa.

Empire Mates Entertainment artiste Banky W enjoyed his relaxation time in Cape Town, South Africa

Kylie Jenner17-yr-old star to land on Playboy Magazine next year?

 

 Do you think Kris Jenner is fast turning her youngest child into a sex symbol?

Kylie Jenner’s new bombshell look is part of Kris Jenner’s long-term master plan to turn her daughter into a sex symbol, reports HollywoodLife.

The young reality TV star may even pose for Playboy Magazine after she turns eighteen. The only problem is that Playboy doesn’t want her mother anywhere near their photo shoots.

Jon Hamm'Mad Men' actor completes 30-day rehab stay

 

 The star checked into the Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut in February for alcohol addiction

Actor Jon Hamm has left the rehab facility after spending 30 days for alcohol abuse.

Jeremy Clarkson dropped from Top Gear, BBC confirms

 

Jeremy Clarkson's contract will not be renewed after a physical altercation with a producer, the BBC's director general Tony Hall has said.

Lord Hall said he had "not taken this decision lightly" and recognised it would "divide opinion".
However, he added "a line has been crossed" and he "cannot condone what has happened on this occasion".
Clarkson was suspended on 10 March, following what was called a "fracas" with Oisin Tymon in a Yorkshire hotel.
The row was said to have occurred because no hot food was provided for him following a day's filming.
An internal investigation began last week, led by Ken MacQuarrie, the director of BBC Scotland.
Mr Tymon did not file a formal complaint and it is understood Clarkson reported himself to BBC bosses.

Radiohead album preserved by US Library of Congress

 

Radiohead's seminal album OK Computer has become one of 25 recordings to be preserved by the US Library of Congress.

It is joined by Ben E King's Stand By Me and recordings by Joan Baez, The Righteous Brothers and Steve Martin.
Each year the library chooses recordings that are "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant".
This year the recordings span from 1890 to 1999.
The Library of Congress has been preserving important sound recordings for 15 years under terms of a preservation act.

Church appoints second woman bishop

 

A second woman has been appointed a bishop by the Church of England.

The new Bishop of Hull will be the Reverend Canon Alison White, the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has announced.
Mrs White is currently priest-in-charge of Riding Mill in the Diocese of Newcastle.
Dr Sentamu said: "This is a joyous day. I am delighted to be welcoming Alison as the next Bishop of Hull. She's a very gifted person."
Mrs White said she was "absolutely amazed" by the news.
"It's been a long time in coming and so many people have prayed, hoped and thought about the way God is taking this into the future," she said.

David Cameron rules out VAT increase at PMQs

 

David Cameron ruled out an increase in VAT if he retains power at the general election in his final Commons clash with Ed Miliband before polling day.

The prime minister said this was a "clear promise" and challenged the Labour leader to rule out increasing National Insurance.
Mr Miliband said "nobody would believe" Mr Cameron's pledge, because his government had raised VAT in 2010.

Meredith Kercher: Italy ruling on Knox and Sollecito convictions

  

 Italy's top court is to decide whether to uphold the convictions of American Amanda Knox and Italian Raffaele Sollecito for the 2007 murder of British student Meredith Kercher.

Lee Kuan Yew: Huge queue to view founder lying in state

 

A huge queue has formed through downtown Singapore as thousands wait to pay tribute to late statesman Lee Kuan Yew lying in state in parliament.

As of 15:00 local time (07:00 BST), the waiting time was eight hours.

Germanwings plane crash: Alps recovery operation resumes

 

A search and recovery operation has resumed in the southern French Alps after Tuesday's crash of a Germanwings plane with 150 people on board.

One of the "black box" recorders - recovered from a remote mountain ravine between Digne and Barcelonnette - has been damaged, officials said.
The leaders of Germany, France and Spain are due to visit the crash site.
The Airbus A320 - flight 4U 9525 - from Barcelona to Duesseldorf crashed after an eight-minute rapid descent.