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Pope Francis acknowledged on Sunday being fragile and “facing a period of trial”, as he thanked well-wishers for prayers in a message from hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for pneumonia. The 88-year-old pope, hospitalised since February 14, sent a particularly personal message to the faithful published by the Vatican, as he once again
Hot SourceAt least 27 people were killed and dozens more injured on Saturday as tornadoes and severe storms swept across the central United States, leaving behind a trail of destruction, officials confirmed. Local media captured roofs torn homes, large trucks overturned, and entire neighborhoods battered by powerful winds. Authorities have warned that more tornadoes could strike
Tornadoes, storms kill 27 in Central US
At least 27 people were killed and dozens more injured on Saturday as tornadoes and severe storms swept across the central United States, leaving behind a trail of destruction, officials confirmed.
Local media captured roofs torn homes, large trucks overturned, and entire neighborhoods battered by powerful winds.
Authorities have warned that more tornadoes could strike this weekend.
In Kansas, eight people lost their lives in a multi-vehicle crash involving more than 50 cars, caused by low visibility during a severe dust storm, local police reported.
Meanwhile, Missouri recorded 12 storm-related fatalities, with the State Highway Patrol sharing images of boats stacked atop one another at a marina destroyed by the weather.
Authorities reported downed trees and power lines, damaged buildings across several counties, with violent tornadoes, thunderstorms, and large hail causing chaos.
“It was the scariest thing I’ve ever been through. It happened so fast, and our ears were about to burst,” said Alicia Wilson, a Missouri resident who was evacuated from her home, speaking to local station KSDK.
Missouri officials confirmed six fatalities in Wayne County, three in Ozark County, and one each in Butler, Jefferson, and St. Louis counties.
In Texas, four people died in vehicle accidents linked to dust storms and fires, reducing visibility on the roads.
In Arkansas, three people were killed and 29 others injured. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency and said she had spoken to President Donald Trump about the crisis.
“He said to tell the people of Arkansas he loves them and that he and his administration are here to help with whatever we need following last night’s tornadoes,” Sanders posted on X.
By Saturday evening, at least 200,000 homes and businesses across the central US were without power, according to tracking site poweroutage.us.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued further warnings for Mississippi and Tennessee, forecasting: “Numerous significant tornadoes, some of which may be long-track and potentially violent, should continue into this evening.”
The central and southern US states of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas experience some of the most violent tornadoes due to their unique weather patterns.
Dubbed “Tornado Alley”, this region sees winds of widely varying temperatures colliding to form dangerous storms.
While most tornadoes occur between May and June, this latest disaster shows the year-round threat posed by extreme weather in the region.
In 2024, 54 people died in tornado-related incidents in the US, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA.
Officials continue rescue and recovery operations, urging residents in affected states to remain vigilant as storms persist.
Tornadoes, storms kill 27 in Central US
Hot SourceThe alleged threats and intimidation being faced by Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member, Ushie Uguamaye, after her viral TikTok video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s government over escalating economic hardship, has been condemned by the Amnesty International. In a statement posted on X on Sunday, the human rights organisation noted that Uguamaye was well
Tinubu: Amnesty International condemns alleged threats against NYSC member
The alleged threats and intimidation being faced by Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member, Ushie Uguamaye, after her viral TikTok video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s government over escalating economic hardship, has been condemned by the Amnesty International.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, the human rights organisation noted that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions and condemned in strong terms the reported threats from NYSC officials against the corper.
“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes,” Amnesty International said in the statement.
Uguamaye’s video openly criticised Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader” and lamented that financial struggles have made hardwork feel futile.
The NYSC member also complained about poor sanitation in Lagos State, describing it as a “smelling state”.
Uguamaye alleged that shortly after the video went viral, she began receiving threats, purportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content.
She then took to Instagram to express fears for her safety, saying that her personal details had been leaked and she was being pressured to report to the NYSC office.
“Dear Nigerians, I am already getting threatened by the NYSC Board to stop speaking on this issue. Less than 24 hours, I’m already getting threatened by the government, starting with the NYSC Board,” she said.
Amnesty International’s statement also accused the Nigerian authorities of attempting to silence dissenting voices rather than addressing citizens’ economic grievances.
The group said Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions.
“Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the statement added.
The controversy has sparked a national debate on free speech and the role of the NYSC in suppressing public criticism.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand accountability, with the hashtag #ProtectRaye gaining traction.
Tinubu: Amnesty International condemns alleged threats against NYSC member
