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Why Woody Harrelson wanted to punch Matthew McConaughey on 'True Detective'
Woody Harrelson has remained good friends with fellow actor Matthew McConaughey over the years, but their time costarring on True Detective really tested the bonds of their friendship. "He's method," Harrelson, 64, said of McConaughey tackling his role as Louisiana detective Rustin Spencer "Rust" Cohle for the series. Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson on 'True Detective'. Jim Bridges/HBODespite their differing viewpoints, McConaughey said True Detective remains his "favorite" TV project to watch.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 16:21 UTC
Doctor remanded for issuing fake medical report to help Adetoun
The Ogun State Government has claimed that social welfare activist, Adetoun Onajobi, popularly known as Just Adetoun, has gone into hiding, and a medical doctor who allegedly issued a fake medical report to help her evade police arrest has been remanded in prison. Ogungbade described the allegations as false and dangerous, adding that Ogun State operates several emergency response services. Her lawyer later submitted a medical report to the police, however, police investigations revealed that the document was fake. “A letter was written to the police by her lawyer, attaching a medical report allegedly issued by a Lagos-based doctor stating that she was medically indisposed. “The doctor confessed that he never met, examined, treated or revived Adetoun Onajobi, contrary to the claims contained in the medical report.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 15:43 UTC
Police hunt kidnappers of Indian expatriate in Oyo
The Oyo State Police Command has commenced bush-combing operations in search of kidnappers of an Indian expatriate and other criminal elements in the state. The PUNCH reports that gunmen on Saturday killed a police officer and kidnapped an Indian expatriate at Ogunmakin community in the Oluyole Local Government Area of the state. “The state Police command is reviewing its security architecture to checkmate the activities of the kidnappers and other criminal elements in the 33 Local Government Areas of the state. “An Indian expatriate was kidnapped during the attack. They have started combing the bushes in search of the criminal elements.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 15:13 UTC
Shearer slams VAR over 'clear red card' for Dalot
A former England striker Alan Shearer has criticised the decision to book Diogo Dalot during Sunday’s Manchester derby, insisting the challenge should have earned a red card. Speaking to BBC Sport on Monday, Shearer said: “I think VAR got that terribly wrong. For me, that was a clear red card.”He added, “Forget about whether the contact was ‘glancing’ or not. I can understand why the referee hasn’t given it—it might have been difficult for him to see—but when the VAR has two professionals looking at that, it should have been a very easy decision to give a red card.”The incident saw referee Anthony Taylor issue a yellow card, a decision supported by video assistant referee Craig Pawson, who described the contact as “glancing and not with excessive force.”Shearer argued that while Taylor may have struggled to see the full extent of the challenge in real time, the VAR officials had sufficient footage to make a clear-cut decision for a sending-off. The ruling has reignited debate among pundits and fans, highlighting ongoing discussions about VAR consistency and the differing standards for serious foul play between the Premier League and European competitions.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 15:06 UTC
JUST IN: Non-oil exports hit record $6.1bn in 2025 — NEPC
Nigeria’s non-oil exports rose to an all-time high of $6.1bn in 2025, marking the strongest performance in the sector since the establishment of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council nearly five decades ago. The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during her annual progress report and 2026 non-oil export outlook briefing. “Ladies and gentlemen, based on the records obtained from pre-shipment inspection agencies, Nigerian non-oil export performance in 2025 reached an all-time high. “This marks the highest non-oil export value achieved in the country for formal documented trade in the country and also from the inception of the council almost 50 years ago. Ayeni added that ongoing reforms, export incentives, and capacity-building initiatives would be intensified in 2026 to sustain growth and expand Nigeria’s non-oil export footprint.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 14:21 UTC
At nine, I disappeared into home schooling. No one came looking
Dad’s mother, my Grandma Mimi, is an astonishment to me. After my grandfather’s death, Grandma Mimi got remarried, and I remember meeting my new step-grandfather Meir just once. Grandma Mimi is the first adult, the first person maybe, who has voiced the worry I carry at all times, about my future, and about my loneliness. “You know that I’m going to have a talk with your mother about all this,” Grandma Mimi tells me now. I can see how much Grandma Mimi is in fact looking forward to the open-field battle of this “talk”, and I know I’ve supplied her with the ammunition.
Source:The Guardian
January 19, 2026 14:10 UTC
FIFA President Slams 'Unacceptable' AFCON Final Chaos
Senegal’s former Liverpool star Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and urged his teammates to come back onto the pitch for the penalty. They were already furious at having a goal disallowed at the other end for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier. Meanwhile, trouble broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans tried to enter the field of play and became involved in fighting with security personnel. “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”AFP
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 13:44 UTC
FG opens applications for 2026 overseas scholarships
The Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund Overseas Scholarship Scheme, providing opportunities for Nigerian postgraduate students to study in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. “FG has announced the commencement of applications for 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships overseas,” the post said. PhD applicants must also submit a research proposal of up to five pages outlining objectives, methodology, and data collection approaches. “All applicants must ensure their National Identity Number (NIN) is verified prior to application, and multiple applications or submission of falsified documents will result in automatic disqualification,” the PTDF statement added. Interested candidates are advised to apply online at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng for approved programmes at PTDF partner institutions.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 13:33 UTC
Mutfwang meets Plateau Muslim leaders, seeks peaceful coexistence
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Saturday evening held a strategic meeting with Muslim leaders in the state to strengthen collaboration towards promoting peaceful coexistence, infrastructural development, and political harmony. The engagement, which took place at Crispan Suites and Event Centre, Jos, provided a platform for constructive dialogue on issues of mutual interest, with strong emphasis on unity, mutual respect, and harmonious relations among all communities in Plateau State. The Governor noted that the decision had given birth to a new political movement driven by the aspirations of Plateau people within the APC. He appealed for the unwavering support of Muslim leaders and the entire citizenry to enable the state attract greater dividends of democracy from the centre. The Emir called for mutual respect, justice, and fairness among all citizens, and reaffirmed the commitment of Muslim leaders to support the Governor in advancing peaceful coexistence, infrastructural development, and political stability in Plateau State.
Source:The Guardian
January 19, 2026 12:12 UTC
FG denies Lagos gold refinery claim, faults NEF allegation
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has dismissed claims by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) alleging that the Federal Government sited a gold refinery in Lagos in violation of the federal character principle. The Ministry described the allegation, contained in a statement signed by NEF spokesperson Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, as false and misleading, stressing that there is no federal government–owned gold refinery in Lagos or anywhere else in the country. According to the Ministry, the newly established gold refinery referenced by NEF is a private-sector initiative of Kian Smith, a 100 per cent privately owned mining company. The refinery was developed to support the growth of Nigeria’s local gold industry through innovation and value addition. The Ministry clarified that at no point did the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, announce that the Federal Government had established or owned a gold refinery in Lagos.
Source:The Guardian
January 19, 2026 12:05 UTC
Tata Punch to Hyundai Venue: Top 5 Turbo Petrol Cars You Can Buy
From Tata Punch to Hyundai Venue, here are the top turbo-petrol cars under Rs 15 lakh in India, offering more power output with compact engines. With the launch of the Tata Punch Turbo, the compact car space gets a fresh dose of excitement. The Tata Punch Turbo uses a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 110bhp and 140Nm of torque. Prices for the Punch Turbo start at Rs 8.29 lakh (ex-showroom). The turbo engine forms a major part of the SUV’s identity, allowing Mahindra to compete strongly in the compact turbo-petrol segment.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 11:43 UTC
Chelsea recall David Fofana ahead of permanent transfer
Chelsea have recalled forward David Fofana from his loan spell as the club and the player’s camp prepare for a potential permanent transfer in the coming days or weeks. The 21-year-old Ivorian, who joined the Blues from Norwegian side Molde in January 2023, has spent time out on loan to gain first-team experience. According to Fabrizio Romano’s X post on Monday, “Chelsea recall David Datro Fofana from loan as he’s set for a new move in the upcoming days/weeks. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Fofana has yet to make a significant impact in Chelsea’s first team. The club has prioritised his development through loan moves, allowing him to gain regular playing time and experience at a senior level.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 11:34 UTC
The Times Drive Show Tata Punch Facelift Walkaround, XUV 7XO Review
The Times Drive Show Tata Punch Facelift Walkaround, XUV 7XO ReviewIn this week’s episode of the Times Drive Show, the first segment brings you a first look at the all-new Tata Punch Facelift, highlighting what has changed and what’s new in the car. In the second segment, Ankur takes you to the roads of Jaisalmer to share his driving experience of the new Mahindra XUV 7XO. Watch the full video to know more.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 11:02 UTC
N30bn relief: Oyo cries politics as HEDA drags Makinde to EFCC
In the petition dated January 5, 2026, the group expressed concern that only about N4.5bn intervention funds were reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the FG’s N30bn remained largely unaccounted for. “The organisation is concerned that only about N4.5bn intervention funds were reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire N30bn remains largely unaccounted for,” the petition read. The Oyo State Government had acknowledged receipt of the FG funds but clarified that it received N30bn, which it said remained untouched until it gets the balance of N20bn. He said, “The Oyo State Government is at peace with the comprehensive and convincing statement issued on the unfortunate incident. The group therefore charged the EFCC to launch a thorough, impartial and professional investigation into the “receipt, management and utilisation of all Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State in connection with the Bodija explosion.”
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 10:50 UTC
IMF raises global growth forecast to 3.3% for 2026
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has marginally revised its global growth outlook for 2026 upward, while warning that economic momentum remains uneven across regions and subject to policy and geopolitical risks. The IMF trimmed its 2027 outlook for the US by 0.1 percentage point. Spain stands out among major euro area economies, with growth projected at 2.3 per cent in 2026 and 1.9 per cent in 2027. India’s growth outlook remains unchanged, with the IMF projecting 6.4 per cent growth in both years. On prices, the IMF said global inflation is projected at 3.8 per cent in 2026, slightly higher than previously forecast, before easing to 3.4 per cent in 2027.
Source:The Guardian
January 19, 2026 10:09 UTC