US President Joe Biden’s administration announced Tuesday it was halting petroleum development activity in the Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, reversing a move by former president Donald Trump to allow drilling.
The Interior Department said it was notifying firms of the freeze, pending a comprehensive environmental review that will determine whether leases in the area known as ANWR should be “reaffirmed, voided or subject to additional mitigation measures,” the agency said in a statement.
The announcement deals a blow to the long-contested quest of oil companies to drill in the sensitive territory. The push for development picked up momentum after Trump announced the leasing plan last November shortly after losing reelection to Biden.
At a lease sale in January over some 1.6 million acres, US officials auctioned off 11 oil tracts. Major oil companies sat out the bidding, and nine of the leases went to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, a state agency, while two went to small companies.
Biden had promised to protect ANWR during the presidential campaign.
White House climate advisor Gina McCarthy noted Biden’s promise and said the move reflected his belief that “national treasures are cultural and economic cornerstones of our country,” according to a White House statement.
Biden “is grateful for the prompt action by the Department of the Interior to suspend all leasing pending a review of decisions made in the last administration’s final days that could have changed the character of this special place forever,” McCarthy added.
Environmentalists have long argued that safeguarding ANWR is critical to protect polar bears and other vulnerable wildlife and for indigenous populations that hunt caribou in the region.
But the oil industry has long sought to drill in the area, which is thought to potentially hold billions of barrels in oil. Key Alaska lawmakers such as Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, have strongly backed development.
The Alaska Wilderness League, which had joined other environmental groups in litigation against the Trump administration’s development efforts, applauded the Biden administration’s action.
“Suspending these leases is a step in the right direction,” said Kristen Miller, acting executive director for the Alaska Wilderness League.
Continued threat
“There is still more to be done. Until the leases are canceled, they will remain a threat to one of the wildest places left in America,” Miller said. “Now we look to the administration and Congress to prioritize legislatively repealing the oil leasing mandate and restore protections to the Arctic Refuge coastal plain.”
But the American Petroleum Institute said the oil industry knows how to develop responsibly and that the decision will cost Alaska jobs and tax revenue.
“Policies aimed at slowing or stopping oil and natural gas production on federal lands and waters will ultimately prove harmful to our national security, environmental progress and economic strength,” API official Kevin O’Scannlain said.
“At a time of economic recovery, this action only serves to withhold the good-paying jobs and economic revenue that safe and responsible oil and gas development would provide to local Alaskan communities.”
The Biden administration’s move on ANWR comes only days after it sanctioned another Trump administration plan on oil development in Alaska, involving a ConocoPhillips project in Alaska’s North Slope in the former Naval Petroleum Reserve.
(AFP)
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Senator Patrick Abba Moro Mourns Son & Grandson in Devastating Double Tragedy

The family of Senate Minority Leader, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, has been thrown into mourning following a heartbreaking double tragedy that claimed the lives of his son and grandson within just two days.
According to reports by DAILY POST, Senator Moro’s son, Victor Moro, had only recently returned to Nigeria after completing his studies in Turkey and was preparing to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
Tragically, Victor lost his life in a fatal car accident along the Mararaba axis in Nasarawa State, barely 24 hours after the burial of his nephew Senator Moro’s grandson.
Sources revealed that Victor was travelling from the family residence to attend to personal matters when the accident occurred.
The successive tragedies have left the Moro family and their associates in deep grief, with sympathizers describing the situation as both devastating and unimaginable. Condolence messages continue to pour in from political allies, constituents, and friends mourning with the senator and his family.
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Phyna Detained at Abuja Hotel Over ₦3.5 Million Damage After Fight

Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has been detained at Dalchifit Hotel in Gwarinpa, Abuja, following a violent altercation that reportedly caused property damage estimated at ₦3.5 million.
The incident, which occurred on October 14, 2025, allegedly stemmed from a ₦200,000 debt dispute between Phyna and the hotel management. According to reports, the confrontation escalated when Phyna claimed that hotel staff allowed touts to enter her room, leading to a scuffle and significant property destruction.
Police officers attached to the Gwarinpa Division were called to the scene and have since begun investigating the matter. Sources confirmed that CCTV footage from the hotel is being reviewed to determine the sequence of events and establish accountability for the damages.
In a series of emotional social media posts, Phyna recounted her ordeal, alleging that her safety was compromised when the intruders broke into her room. She described the experience as “traumatic,” especially as it came barely weeks after the death of her sister, which she is still grieving.
“They broke into my room and tried to attack me. I was terrified and confused. How can a hotel let that happen? I’m still in shock,” she reportedly said in one of her posts.
While the hotel management has yet to issue an official statement, insiders at Dalchifit Hotel confirmed that they are cooperating with authorities to resolve the issue. The management is said to be insisting on compensation for the damaged property before releasing the reality star.
Phyna’s legal team has reportedly engaged with the police to ensure a fair investigation, as fans on social media express concern and demand her immediate release.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has not yet made a formal statement but confirmed that the case is under review.
Phyna, who rose to fame after winning Big Brother Naija: Level Up in 2022, has since built a strong brand presence in entertainment and influencer marketing. The current controversy marks one of her most serious public incidents since leaving the show.
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Manchester United End Anfield Drought with 2–1 Win Over Liverpool

Manchester United claimed their first victory at Anfield in nearly a decade as Ruben Amorim’s men edged Liverpool 2–1 in Sunday’s Premier League clash, marking a landmark result in the Portuguese coach’s tenure.
Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring early before Harry Maguire’s late header sealed the win after Cody Gakpo had levelled for Liverpool. The result handed United back-to-back league victories for the first time under Amorim and eased mounting pressure on the manager, who described it as “the biggest win” of his 11-month reign.
“I don’t have many wins with Manchester, so this is really important,” Amorim said. “It’s back-to-back, it’s at Anfield that is really important. Every detail of this game.”
Despite the significance of the triumph, the 40-year-old boss refused to get carried away.
“I want you guys (the media) to continue with the negative narrative that’s best for me,” he joked. “We need to try to win three games in a row and then forget about top-four talk. This doesn’t change anything; we are the same team we were 90 minutes ago.”
Amorim praised his players’ response after conceding. “When we suffered the goal, we managed that moment well that’s a key point for our team,” he said. “It wasn’t a perfect performance, but the spirit was amazing.”
He also hailed the travelling supporters who backed the team throughout. “It was really important for our fans, because they are struggling. Today they saw a different team. To come here, to this stadium, and sing during the game that’s massive for us. This win is for them.”
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Ned Nwoko Gives Reason for Clash with Regina Daniels

Nigerian lawmaker and businessman, Senator Ned Nwoko, has addressed reports of a marital dispute involving him and his wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, which have dominated social media in recent days.
In a viral video, Regina Daniels accused her husband of domestic violence, claiming she had fled their home due to repeated abuse. The clip has since sparked widespread reactions online.
However, Senator Nwoko has now denied the allegations, alleging that Regina has been battling substance abuse, which he claims is the root cause of their problems.
In a lengthy statement posted on Sunday, titled “Regina’s Unprovoked Carnage and Rampage in My House and in My Absence,” the senator accused the actress of violent behavior, including damaging property and assaulting domestic staff.
“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation program, or I fear for her life and safety,” he stated.
Nwoko further alleged that Regina had attacked three members of staff and destroyed cars and windows in the house, insisting that none of his other wives had ever accused him of violence.
“Regina is the violent one here,” he said. “I have set a clear condition for her to accept rehab in Asokoro or outside Nigeria, especially Jordan, where she will not have access to drugs.”
He also claimed that while he took their son, Moon, to the hospital, chaos erupted at home, allegedly involving two of Regina’s “drug suppliers,” whom he identified as “Sammy” and “Ann.”
As of press time, Regina Daniels has not publicly responded to Nwoko’s statement.
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Defence HQ Denies Coup Attempt, Says Independence Anniversary Cancellation Not Linked to Any Plot

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading reports suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an alleged attempted military coup.
In a statement on Sunday, the DHQ clarified that there was no coup attempt or any plan to destabilize the country, describing the report as a fabrication aimed at causing unnecessary panic among citizens.
“The Defence Headquarters wishes to state categorically that the report linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to an alleged attempted military coup is false and misleading,” the statement read in part.
The military urged members of the public to disregard the rumor and cautioned media organizations and social media users against spreading unverified information capable of undermining national security.


The statement reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and commitment to democratic governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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