General news
I trusted a tanning salon — now I’m battling stage 3 cancer
A young mother has shared her journey after being diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma — one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer — which develops in the cells responsible for producing skin pigment.
She believes her regular use of sunbeds played a major role in her diagnosis.
During an interview, she said:
“I’d just been diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma – an aggressive type of skin cancer – and told my love of tanning was to blame.
“It was a huge shock. I honestly had no idea they were dangerous.
You see warnings on cigarette packets, and photos of people with lung cancer, but you never see a picture of a person with skin cancer in a tanning shop.
“It’s not just a lack of warning about the health risks.
“Now, a BBC investigation has found tanning companies spreading dangerous misinformation on social media about how sunbeds can actually be good for you; falsely claiming, for example, that doctors prescribe sun beds for issues like seasonal depression and skin disorders.
I don’t want anyone to be convinced that sunbeds can be beneficial to our mental or physical health.
“This is highly damaging misinformation, and it’s terrifying. I wish I hadn’t experienced the very real dangers of sunbeds first hand; but, as I learned that day with the nurse, I have.
And I paid the price.
“I didn’t even think of myself as an excessive user. I might have gone two or three times a week before a holiday or night out. But then I wouldn’t go again for months.
“That’s still a form of sunbed abuse,’ the nurse told me. She likened it to binge drinking – avoiding booze all week and then getting drunk on a Saturday night.
“I was only 16 when I went on a sunbed for the first time. Everyone I knew did it – my mum, aunts, cousins and friends.
“My mum was going to the tanning shop and asked if I wanted to go with her. I had a three-minute tan that first time and afterwards I felt great – like I was glowing.
I found out later that it’s actually illegal for tanning shops, beauty salons and other commercial premises in the UK to allow anyone under 18 to use a sunbed, but no one ever asked my age.
“But I was hooked. I started tanning regularly. I’m very pale, with a lot of moles, so I felt like it gave my skin a base colour.
Everyone around me was doing it.
“On the weekends, my friends and I would make a trip to our local salon. I rarely went alone – it was more of a social thing. If somebody else was going, I’d tag along.
“I left school at 16 and went into hairdressing so there was a big focus on beauty. You got your hair done, you got your nails done and you got a tan.
“I grew up in Belfast, which is one of the UK’s sunbed hotspots – according to charity Melanoma Focus, 37% of adults in Belfast use sunbeds. It’s just the done thing.
“By the time I turned 20 I fell pregnant with my daughter Connie, now four, and during my pregnancy I didn’t go near sunbeds. To me it felt like smoking or drinking while pregnant – it was just something I didn’t think it was right to do.
“But after giving birth I went back to the tanning shops. It felt like a wee treat and a bit of me time.
“In the chaos of being a first-time mum, I found it was also a lot quicker than getting my nails or hair done – it was easier to fit in around childcare.
“Then, in the summer of 2022 I noticed a black mole growing on my right cheek.
“I’m a fairly moley person so at first I wasn’t too worried, but then it started looking different to my other moles – it kept scabbing over, dropping off, then growing again. This went on for a couple of months.
“I sent photos to my GP. They weren’t worried either but they referred me to a dermatologist just to be on the safe side.
“In September 2022 I had the mole removed at a dermatology clinic and sent away to be biopsied. It would take six weeks to get my results, and during that time I didn’t really think about it. There hadn’t been any red flags yet.
“Finally, the clinic called me and invited me to go in for my results.
It was awkward to arrange childcare, so I asked them why I couldn’t get them over the phone.
“They told me I needed to go in person and to bring someone with me. That’s when I first realised.
“Driving to the clinic, I started to feel anxious. The phone call had unsettled me, something didn’t feel right.
“At first, they said it looked like Stage 2 Melanoma and referred me to the Ulster Hospital, in Belfast, to have a larger section of tissue on my face – where the mole had been – removed.
“They couldn’t tell me what my face would look like afterwards or how big the scar would be, but by that time my priority was staying alive.
“I knew things were more serious than I’d first thought.
“I had the surgery in February 2023 and also woke up with a scar on my neck where an associated lymph node had been removed – to test to see if the cancer had spread.
“Waiting for the next set of results to find out if it had spread into my lymph nodes – six weeks felt like six years.
“I was crying a lot, although of course I tried to hide my upset from Connie. I just told her mummy was poorly and needed to go to hospital to get better.
“The results showed the melanoma had spread to my lymph nodes so it was upgraded to Stage 3 and I was referred to Belfast City Hospital’s Cancer Centre for MRI and CT scans to check it hadn’t spread anywhere else, which thankfully it hadn’t.
“That’s when it really began to sink in that I had cancer. People think if they get a bad mole it will just be removed and that’s that, but melanoma means cancer.
My family and friends were a huge support, and also helped keep Connie occupied and entertained.
“This month, I’ve come to the end of a year of targeted immunotherapy treatment, and I’m now cancer-free.
“But it isn’t over – I’ll now have five years of monitoring scans every six months, to make sure the cancer doesn’t come back.
“They will also do mole-mapping – it’s where I have to stand in my underwear and every single mole on my body is measured and photographed. They can then track any changes every time they check my moles.
“My mum and other family members have stopped using sunbeds now. A lot of my friends have stopped too, but not all – people still think it won’t happen to them.
“That’s what I thought until it happened to me.
It’s not just sunbeds – getting sunburnt is another risk factor for developing skin cancer, and I remember getting burnt on family holidays as a child.
“One year, as a 10-year-old, in Egypt was particularly bad – I remember my shoulders were so blistered that my mum applied Greek yoghurt from the hotel bar to cool our skin.
“We always think our sunburns are just something we need to quickly recover from, and never consider the long-term effects.
Being scared of her daughter that would not see her while she grows up, she added: “And now, my biggest fear now is not being around to see Connie grow up.
“I’m a mum and she needs me. I’ve seen other people my age, with the same diagnosis, tragically pass away.
“This is very real and skin cancer needs to be taken more seriously – as do the claims that some unscrupulous companies are putting in front of impressionable teenagers.
“If I could travel back in time I’d tell my younger self that having a tan is just not worth it, and I would tell everyone else to look at everything you have – and not be tempted to play Russian roulette with your life.”
The Nigerian leader left the country on August 30 and initially travelled to London, United Kingdom, where he spent the first part of his holiday.
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Tinubu has now moved to Paris as his vacation continues.
The Presidency shared videos from the President’s latest trip on Saturday morning, showing his arrival in the French capital.
See video below……..
President Tinubu Arrives in Paris as Three-Week Vacation Continues pic.twitter.com/sCFIXzEpPs
— Iamelizabeth (@elizabethblogng) September 13, 2026
General news
Your Network Is the Worst! — Donald Trump Clashes With ABC Journalist Over Question About America’s $40 Trillion Debt
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The exchange took place on September 10 after Trump arrived in Dallas, Texas, to attend a Republican convention. Scott questioned the president about the proposed payments and how they would fit into the country’s huge national debt.
Scott asked:
Trump rejected the suggestion that the proposed payments were designed to encourage Americans to vote for Republican candidates.
“I didn’t do it for turning out the vote, I did it as a reward for people having to put up with five years and four years of a horrible situation caused by Biden,” Trump replied. “You look at the border, you look at the crime…. It’s almost a reward for the people having to put up with Biden’s policies.”
Scott attempted to ask a follow-up question, saying, “But you also offered checks through—”, but Trump interrupted her.
“Not you. Not you!” Trump said. “Hey, not you.”
He then criticised ABC, telling the reporter, “Your network … you’re the worst.”
The tense exchange came after Trump announced a proposal under which every adult American would receive a $5,000 payment if Republicans maintain control of both the House and Senate following the November midterm elections.
Trump has described the proposed payment as a reward for Americans rather than an incentive for them to vote for Republican candidates.
The proposal remains a campaign pledge and, based on the information available in the report, has not been established as an authorised or funded federal programme.
Trump has previously had tense exchanges with journalists, including Rachel Scott. Other reported confrontations have involved CNN reporters Kristen Holmes and Kaitlan Collins, as well as Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey.
See video below…….
General news
Man Arrested and Charged After Being Caught Having S£x With a Fish, Confesses to Sl££ping With a Pregnant Dog Years Earlier
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The arrest occurred after a local resident, Bobby Anong, reviewed security camera footage and alerted law enforcement.
According to police reports, security footage captured from September 7, 2026, showed Boonlert entering a private outdoor fish pond in the Thung Song Hong district. Pond owner Bobby Anong discovered the intruder, confronted him, and reported the incident to local authorities after the suspect fled the scene on a bicycle.
Investigating officers located and apprehended Boonlert on September 10 near the Chiang Kong Lak Si area. Following his arrest, police confirmed that the suspect confessed to the actions and disclosed a history of similar offenses.
Police Colonel Yutthasil Karin, superintendent of the Thung Song Hong Police Station, stated that the suspect faces multiple criminal counts.
“He faces charges including trespassing, property damage, acts causing public disgrace and animal cruelty. The owner has also confirmed that they wish to pursue legal action.”
During police questioning, Boonlert claimed he was under the influence of narcotics during the incident. Explaining his actions to investigators, he stated:
“I have done similar things with other fish in the past, but koi were tougher and less painful.”
“Years ago, I also did something similar with a pregnant dog, and I was arrested by Bang Khen district police. I have even used dolls that I found in rubbish piles.”
The pond owner noted that he had recently adjusted his security cameras after several of his long-term koi fish died under suspicious circumstances, exhibiting unexplained physical injuries.
“I’m grateful to the police for catching him. I was worried because he uses drugs and carries a knife, so he could hurt someone, especially women or children. What makes it even more frightening is that he was bold enough to sexually abuse a fish.”
Following the arrest, the homeowner confirmed plans to install protective fencing around the property to secure the area. The suspect remains in police custody pending formal judicial proceedings.
Juliana Ávila Saouda reportedly collapsed while running the 13-mile, or 21-kilometre, race after suffering a heart attack during the event.
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According to Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez, Juliana suffered three cardiac arrests and was resuscitated three times as efforts were made to save her life.
More than 3,000 people reportedly took part in the sporting event.
Before her tragic death, Juliana had graduated from the Anglo Colombian School in 2024 and was studying biomedical engineering at the University of the Andes in Bogotá. She was also studying financial administration as part of her degree.
Juliana was known to be a keen runner and had previously completed the Allianz 15K race in Bogotá as well as the Women’s Race in Madrid.
Mayor Gutiérrez, who said he knew Juliana personally, revealed that he had been in contact with her family and was praying for her following her collapse.
He said: “Juliana, 20 years old, had three cardiac arrests.
“I was in contact with her family, praying for her.
“It was a very complex situation.”
“It saddens me greatly that in such a beautiful event she had a serious health problem: three heart attacks and three resuscitations.
“She was well treated at the General Hospital.
“Sadly she is no longer with us.”
The incident occurred on September 9 in Batumi, Georgia, as the aircraft was taking off for Ordu-Giresun Airport in northern Turkey.
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According to reports, the plane developed an engine problem while in the air, prompting the crew to contact the control tower at Rize-Artvin Airport as they attempted to make an emergency landing.
However, the aircraft was unable to reach the runway and was eventually forced to ditch in the Black Sea, reportedly around four nautical miles from the coast.
Following the emergency alert, the Turkish Coast Guard launched a rescue operation. A vessel, two boats and a diving team were reportedly deployed to the area to assist those involved in the incident.
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Bronwen James, 30, was convicted at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday, September 9, after being found guilty of three counts of sexual activity with the teenage pupil during her time at Bitterne Park School in Southampton, Hampshire.
According to evidence presented during the proceedings, their relationship later moved beyond social media. James reportedly drove the teenager to Weston Shore in Southampton, where the two kissed inside her car.
The teenager later went to James’ home, where they watched television before going into her bedroom, where they had sex.
James had previously pleaded guilty to several offences involving other pupils. These included four counts of engaging in sexual activity and one count of sexual communication with another schoolgirl.
She also admitted two charges of sexual activity, one count of sexual communication and making an indecent photograph of a child involving a second schoolgirl.
During the trial, prosecutor Edward Culver told the court that another student had shown a teacher text messages that James and the teenage boy had allegedly exchanged.
He told the trial: “They suggested a s£xually-charged relationship; he was named as ‘number 8’ in the messages as a cover, him being the eighth man she had slept with. Her photo was visible on the phone screen.”
Mr Culver further described James’ conduct, saying: “She acted not only in an unprofessional and overfamiliar way, but failed to recognise any boundaries, exploiting her position to engage in sexual activity with one of her young students.”
The court also heard about the teenager’s account during a police interview. He said he had been “groomed” by James.
He claimed she would “slip him vapes” in his coursework and said she wanted him to call her “miss” when they were alone.
Bethany Adams, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “James manipulated her victims with calculated precision, exploiting her position of authority to isolate them and normalise the abuse.
“This was not a lapse in judgment; it was a sustained pattern of predatory behaviour against children in her care.”
James has been remanded in custody and is expected to return to Winchester Crown Court on Monday, when a date for her sentencing will be determined
General news
I’m Sorry I Was Unable to Make It to the End – Adult Star Lulu LoveBottom Dies After Being Hurt by Someone he Trusted
Drake was reportedly found dead at his apartment in Los Angeles on Monday, September 7, after law enforcement and emergency responders were called to the location.
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A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department said a medical call involving an adult male prompted the dispatch of an engine and rescue units. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and was not taken to a hospital.
The Los Angeles Police Department is reportedly handling the death investigation.
His final post read:
“I love you and I’m sorry I was unable to make it to the end. GOODBYE FOREVER. Love, LuLu.”
A close friend of Drake also reportedly confirmed that he had died.
According to reports, Drake had been open about his struggles and emotions before his death, with his final message suggesting that he had been deeply hurt by someone close to him.
See below………
General news
We Hope That the Corpse Will Be Recovered So We Can Give Him a Befitting Burial – Father Mourns as His 13-Year-Old Son Is Swept Away by Flood in Abuja
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The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, September 9, as the teenager was reportedly on his way to school with his father, Jamil Maikasuwa.
Narrating the incident, Maikasuwa told Daily Trust that he had picked up his son on his motorcycle and was taking him to school when they reached a double-cell culvert.
Maikasuwa said he immediately pushed the motorcycle aside and attempted to save his son, but the strong current swept the teenager away.
He said:
“Upon discovering that the flood water was coming on high speed, I applied brake but my son, out of fear, jumped from the bike and suddenly fell into the flood water. And immediately when I discovered he jumped down from the bike, I quickly pushed the bike aside and tried to grab his hand in order to save him but unfortunately, the flood water swept him away,”
Maikasuwa, who serves as the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the council on Domestic Affairs, said his son’s body had not been recovered at the time of the report.
He disclosed that fishermen and divers had been mobilised to search for the teenager.
According to him, some residents living close to the riverbank claimed they had seen what appeared to be the boy’s body floating in the water with his school bag still strapped to his back.
He said:
“Actually, my son’s corpse is yet to be recovered, even though some residents whose houses are close to the river bank said they discovered the corpse with his school bag strapped to his back floating. We hope that the corpse will be recovered so we can give him a befitting burial,”
General news
No Need for School for You, Just Go and Marry – People React as Liberian Girl Happily Shows Off Her F9 Parallel WAEC Result
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In a screenshot of the result shared online, Blessing appeared to have failed her science-related subjects as well as other courses listed on the result.
Sharing the screenshot, Blessing wrote:
“Lord, I’m forever grateful call me unstoppable blessing till October 17”
The post has since circulated on social media, with people reacting to her positive attitude despite the disappointing examination result.
General news
Italian Catholic Priest Dumps Priesthood and Marries Kenyan Woman After Falling in Love Following Years of Celibacy
An Italian Catholic priest, Father Sandro Ferretto, has reportedly left the priesthood and married a Kenyan woman after years of living a celibate life as a Catholic priest.
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Ferretto previously served as a Catholic parish priest in Kasiela and Mochongoi in Baringo County, Kenya, where he carried out missionary work and became familiar with the local community.
It was during his time in the region that he reportedly met Sharon Jepng’ok, a Tugen woman and daughter of former councillor John Wendot.
The former priest has now married Sharon in a traditional wedding ceremony held at Seretion Village in Kasiela, Baringo South.
The marriage marks a major change in Ferretto’s life after spending years serving as a Catholic priest, a role that required him to observe celibacy.
See videos below………
For years, Father Sandro stood at the altar in the Kasiela region of Mochongoi, leading Mass and upholding the Roman Catholic Church's absolute vow of celibacy. However, the Italian-born cleric made a profound life shift when he stepped down from his pastoral duties to embrace a… pic.twitter.com/E4wT9bPhLp
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) September 7, 2026
Former Catholic priest Father Sandro, also known as Sandro Ferretto, has left the priesthood and married his partner, Sharon Jepngok, a Tugen woman from Baringo South.
— Ⓝⓖ'ⓞⓡⓞⓡⓘⓔⓣ🐐🇰🇪 (@baroswahjr) September 7, 2026
The Italian born former cleric previously served as a parish priest in the Kasiela and Mochongoi region of… pic.twitter.com/EU7tI5a6Cy