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UNDER THE BRIDGE is a new Hulu crime series with eight 45-minute episodes. The core murder case is based on true events, but part of the series is mystery. Isn’t all crime series, really?! What I’m getting at is this: Don’t look up this case if you want to see the mystery unfold.

The series stars wonderful actors with the main characters being adults or teenagers. Riley Keough is essentially the narrator, who opens the series, while Lily Gladstone portrays a police officer working the case. The miniseries premieres with the two first episodes.

Not only is Under the Bridge based on a true story from 1997, but it also takes place there. In other words, this was before smartphones (even before the simple cellphone was widely used) and at the height of grunge and rap. Including all the drama and personality traits people built around this.

I was a teenager in the 90s, so I remember it quite well still. In this Hulu crime mystery series, we get the true story of how fourteen-year-old Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta) goes out to party with friends and then never returns home.

It’s based on a book by Rebecca Godfrey, and in this series, we get the story through the eyes of Godfrey (Riley Keough) and a local police officer (Lily Gladstone). We’re brought into a hidden world of the girls accused of the murder.

It’s important to note that this all happened at a time when people (especially men) couldn’t imagine that girls would get violent. Only boys in gangs fought and had conflicts with other gangs, not girls. We arrive when the police and media are forced to recognize that the world is much darker!

Obviously, getting the casting of Rebecca Godfrey right is very important, but then again, all characters are important to get right. Just one weak performance and it starts falling apart. Fortunately, this Hulu series is full of wonderful casting all around.

And many characters are fundamentally irritating people busy protecting themselves, so we need actors who can allow us to see the cracks in their polished surface as the mystery unravels.

With always brilliant Riley Keough (The Lodge, The Devil All the Time) in the lead as Rebecca Godfrey and the wonderful Lily Gladstone as Officer Cam Bentland, we’re off to a great start. Especially as we can feel the tension and chemistry from their first scene together.

Their characters knew each other as teenagers, but haven’t met in ten years. While I liked Lily Gladstone in Flowers of the Killer Moon – I mean, how could you not?! – the character in Under the Bridge is a lot deeper and darker to me. A great portrayal with so many nuances!

As some of the key younger characters, we get Vritika Gupta, Chloe Guidry (The Park), Javon “Wanna” Walton (Samaritan), Izzy G. (AJ and the Queen), and Aiyana Goodfellow (Invasion). As the parents of the victim, Reena, we have Ezra Faroque Khan and the amazing Archie Panjabi (Hijack).

Watch Under the Bridge on Hulu now!

The new Hulu crime miniseries is based on the true-crime book “Under the Bridge” by the late Rebecca Godfrey. It was adapted for the screen by Quinn Shephard. While Quinn Shephard is known by many as an actor, she also wrote and directed Not Okay (2022) and a few short films already.

The murder victim in the series is Reena Virk, and another book that is credited as having inspired the Hulu series is “Reena: A Father’s Story” by her father Manjit Virk. Geeta Vasant Patel, directed and served as an executive producer on the first episode.

Star Riley Keough executive produced with Gina Gammell (via their company Felix Culpa). Other executive producers are Samir Mehta, Liz Tigelaar and Stacey Silverman (Best Day Ever), Shephard, Godfrey, and Tara Duncan.

Directors on the remaining episodes include Nimisha Mukerji (The Imperfects), Kevin Phillips (Super Dark Times), Dinh Thai (Death and Other Details), and the series creator Quinn Shephard.

The series premieres with its two first episodes, which are then followed by one weekly episode. The eighth and final episode will be released on May 29, 2024, so we’ll be following this case for quite some time.

Under the Bridge debuts on Hulu on April 17, 2024.

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Governor  Adeleke Assents to Bill Creating New Logo for Osun State, Says Osun is Witnessing Rebirth


●House Speaker, Adewale Egbedun Applauds New Logo.


Governor Ademola Adeleke has assented to a bill adopting a new logo for Osun state, describing the new symbol as a signal of new rebirth for Osun state.


“I am elated to sign this new Logo into law as a signal of rebirth of our dear State. The new logo is significant because it rhymes and meaningfully represents our historic anthem, our values and tradition.


“ The new logo is also an educational resource material for our younger generation as it contains symbols of our landmarks, strengths, resources and history. The logo is also a tool to market the state at home and abroad.



“It is my honour and privilege to introduce the new logo as the symbol of our state. This announcement will herald a new life of prosperity, abundance and sustainability for our people and admirers.


Also, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Adewale Egbedun described the new logo as “ meaningful and representative of our people, our heritage and potentials.


“I congratulate Mr Governor and the entire people of Osun state on this historic occasion. For us at the State Assembly, we will continue to robustly support the many laudable initiatives of the executive arm of government”, the House Speaker noted.


The new law provides some details of the new logo as follows:

 

STATE SYMBOLS/ICONS:

 

The Circle- The circle replacing the shield symbolised perfection and wholeness.

 

Y - Though not clearly depicted through the placement of the water, earth, and mountains, in the circle. It represents the three Senatorial districts in Osun State united as one hence the lack of delineation between all three elements.

 

Osun River: is represented, connected to a Waterfall; Osun state being “State of the Living Spring”, the River situated on the upper part of the Y supplies water to the fertile Brown Agricultural soil of the land on the left. It also wets the Mountains on the right of the Y. The Waterfall also supplies water that nourishes the Leaves and the Cocoa seeds, which also houses the fishes. In essence this represents the source of life and nourishment in Osun State.

 

Brown Agricultural Soil- This represents fertility and is a source of food. It is located on the left side of the Y.

 

Mountains- Osun State is renowned for its hills and mountains, hence the distinct representation. It is located on the right side of the Y. Mountains in various contexts represent tourism, hospitality, and spirituality. It is a symbol to draw strength.

 

Ori Olokun- The Ori Olokun stands for the common origin of the Yoruba race and a great symbol of Osun State especially for Royalty.

 

The rays of light (Imole in Yoruba)- This represents one of the state symbols as it is depicted in the State Anthem. It symbolizes clarity, enlightenment, hope and guidance, often representing knowledge, truth and understanding. Its placement at the top clearly represents its importance in the state as its rays touch every element/symbol of the state thereby bringing light (progress, success and clarity) to it.

 

1991- the year the state was established.

 

NATURAL RESOURCES:

 

Cocoa leaves / Fruits/Tree / Cocoa Beans- at the base of the coat of arms symbolizes agriculture and the natural resources of the land from food crops to logging to cash crops.

 

Leaves - (in form of a garland)- These are universally used at the installation of Obas and Chiefs in Yoruba land including Osun State to signify longevity and triumph.

 

Gold - this is one of the precious stones found in Osun State and it is available in commercial quantities and a great source of revenue for the state.

 

Fishes – this is one of the natural resources available in Osun State and a source of livelihood for Osun State indigenes.

 

COLOURS:

Gold - signifies royalty, nobility of the Osun race.

Ruby Red- also associated with nobility.

Orange - symbolizes the hospitable nature of Osun State people.

Yellow - symbolizes the happy nature of Osun State people.
3
Entertainments / Naira abuse: Court grants Cubana Chief Priest N10m bail
« Last post by Miss Ifeoluwa on April 17, 2024, 11:33:18 AM »


The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State has granted businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, N10 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The celebrity bar man had earlier pleaded not guilty to tampering and abusing the naira during his trial.

Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts of spraying and tampering with Naira notes during a social event at Eko hotel in Lagos.


When the case was called on Wednesday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution while Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, announced appearance for the defendant.

The defence counsel then first informed the court of a preliminary objection challenging the courts jurisdiction as well as a bail application filed on behalf of the defendant.

He informed the court that the prosecution was not opposed to same.

After the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In moving the bail application of the defendant, his counsel urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

He told the court that the defendant was admitted by the prosecution following his health condition, adding that due to his weight, the defendant suffers palpitation.

Besides, he told the court that the offence with which the defendant is charged is a misdemeanor and that the prescribed punishment ranges from a fine of N50,000 or an imprisonment term of six months.

He urged the court to grant bail on very liberal terms to the defendant as he is a first offender with no past criminal records.

His counsel also informed the court that the defendant is an employer of labour with over 1000 employees on his payroll, who are dependent on their jobs.

He, consequently, urged the court to grant his application as moved.

In response, the prosecutor said she will leave the issue of bail to the discretion of the court.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, preparatory to his arraignment today (Wednesday) before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Cubana Chief Priest will be arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts bordering on abuse of naira, by allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.

The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Tuesday.

Oyewale revealed, “Yes, the Cubana Chief Priest is in our custody, and he’ll be arraigned in court tomorrow (Wednesday).”

Meanwhile, in a suit filed on April 4, 2024, by the EFFC’s prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) and seven other lawyers representing the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, it was alleged that Pascal Okechukwu, on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, by spraying same for two hours, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.

In the charge marked FHC/L/ 246/2024, obtained by The PUNCH, the commission also alleged that sometime in 2020, during a social event in Lagos, Cubana Chief Priest tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, by spraying the same for two hours.
5
Business / Rice price decreases by 19% in Abuja despite rising inflation
« Last post by Miss Ifeoluwa on April 17, 2024, 08:22:45 AM »


Price of a 50-kilogram bag of rice (locally parboiled) has decreased by 19 per cent to N68,000 from N84,000 in February.

This is despite rising food inflation.

DAILY POST surveys at Dutse and Kubwa (village) markets in Abuja showed that the prices of a 50kg bag of rice, such as Big Bull and Optimum, had a marginal drop in April compared to the previous month.


However, foreign rice such as Mama Gold and Royal Stallion are sold at N90,000 per 50kg bag.

A trader in the Dutse market, Amaka Ubani, said that the price of rice dropped marginally to N68,000, from between N72,000 to N84,000 per 50kg of local rice.

“Well, at the moment, there is nowhere rice is sold at N60,000 per 50kg bag, but N68,000 from around N72,000 to 84,000 it was sold in March. Although customers are still complaining that it is still on the high side.

“Foreign rice like Royal Stallion and Mama Gold are not available in the market because they are expensive and mostly rebagged”, she added.

Similarly, Betty Retail shop in Kubwa market confirmed that it sells Big Bull rice at N68,000 per bag.

Other shops visited by the DAILY POST put their prices between N68,000 and N72,000 for a giant Big Bull and other varieties.

The development comes despite the soaring price of food which rose to 40.01 per cent in March.

Consequently, Nigerians continued to worry about why Naira’s continued gain in the foreign exchange market did not impact the prices of goods and services.

However, Dr Ayo Teriba, the Chief Executive of Economic Associates, explained that the impact of Naira appreciation may be felt in three to six months.
6


Chief Keef & Mike WiLL Made-It Release ‘DAMN SHORTY’ Video Feat. Sexyy Red - Watch

Chicago OG Chief Keef and Mike WiLL Made-It put out their Dirty Nachos album a month ago and it seems like fans have been bumping and enjoying it. You can stream it here.

One of the two features on there is Sexyy Red on ‘DAMN SHORTY’ and this afternoon, the trio have linked back up to put out a music video for it. Directed by NSTY.


7
Music Videos / Lupe Fiasco Releases New Song ‘Indio’ - Listen To Mp3
« Last post by Mr. Babatunde on April 17, 2024, 03:09:46 AM »


Lupe Fiasco’s name has been in the headlines for the comments he made about Kendrick Lamar not being a top tier lyricist and while most assume that comes out of bitterness, those that follow Lupe a bit more closely will know that that’s just him expressing his opinion and he gives credit where he believes it’s due too.

He dropped a song called ‘LLC‘ a week ago and has performed at Coachella, where he once again said that he’s down to battle anyone. since but tonight, he puts out another song called ‘Indio’. You can hear it below.

In case you missed it, Lupe announced during the weekend’s Coachella set that his new album Samurai will be out in the summer. It’s one fans have been waiting for for a long time.

8
SpyLoaded News / FG Begins Disbursement Of N200bn Palliative Loans
« Last post by Miss Ifeoluwa on April 16, 2024, 03:06:43 PM »


The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has commenced the distribution of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to verified applicants following a rigorous selection process.

The government, through the Bank of Industry, had said it would be disbursing three categories of funding totalling N200bn to support manufacturers and businesses across the country.

In a progress report posted on the trade minister’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Doris Aniete stated that an unspecified number of beneficiaries have received their grants, adding that by Friday, April 19, another significant disbursement will be made to a substantial number of verified applicants.

She said, “We are pleased to inform you that the disbursement process for the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme has officially commenced. Some beneficiaries have already received their grants, marking the beginning of our phased disbursement strategy.”

“By Friday, 19th April 2024, a significant disbursement will be made to a substantial number of verified applicants. It is essential to understand that disbursements are ongoing, and not all applicants will receive their grants on this initial date. However, rest assured that all verified applicants will eventually receive their grants in subsequent phases.”

This is coming more than eight months after President Bola Tinubu announced the grant for manufacturers and small businesses and two weeks after applicants were directed to submit their National Identification Numbers as part of the requirements to obtain the grant earmarked to cushion the effect that recent economic reforms have had on businesses in the country.

In the address, the president said he was determined to strengthen the manufacturing sector, increase its capacity to expand, and create good-paying jobs.

“We are going to spend N75bn between July 2023 and March 2024. Our objective is to fund 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start sustainable economic growth, accelerate structural transformation, and improve productivity.

‘’Each of the 75 manufacturing enterprises will be able to access N1bn credit at 9 per cent per annum with a maximum of 60 months repayment for long-term loans and 12 months for working capital,” Tinubu said.

The programme, riddled with multiple delays and a complex registration process, had received several criticisms from prospective beneficiaries.

The President of the Association of Small Business Owners, Femi Egbesola, had decried the slow pace of data collation by the supervising agencies, alleging that genuine businesses were being deliberately discouraged from accessing the loans.
9


The Secretary to the Osun State Government, who doubles as the Chairman of the Osun State Asset Recovery Committee, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye said the committee would adhere strictly to the rule of law while carrying out its mandate.

Igbalaye disclosed while addressing newsmen at a press conference held at the Exco’s Lounge of the Governors office on Tuesday.

The SSG said due diligence will remain a priority if the committee.

He further stressed that the press conference was called to have a clear picture of the situation, stating that Osun people should not see development as a means to which hunt the past administration.

“It was imperative for the committee to go through due process after the inauguration. Government properties like vehicles, buildings which were illegally possessed must be returned to the Osun state Government immediately”

The Osun State SSG while speaking reiterated critical observations by the Task force in a meeting held on Teusday, 5th March, 2024.

“At its meeting held on Tuesday, 5th March, 2024, the Task Force observed as follows:

i. That due diligence should be done with a view to ascertaining vehicles / assets that were lawfully permissible to be taken home from those illegally taken away;

ii. That the Executive Governor had the prerogative power to allow any political appointee go home with his/her official vehicle, having served for at least a period of two (2) years and payment of some amount of money into the coffers of the government, and if the vehicle was less than four (4) years old, the appointee would pay 10% of the residual value of such official vehicle;

iii. That the approval granted by the immediate past Executive Governor for the release and eventual ownership of the official vehicles (kia cars) allocated to members of the immediate past Osun State Executive Council followed due process; and

iv. That the letter of permission written by the immediate past Head of Service, directing political appointees of the immediate past administration to go home with the official vehicles allocated to them was, however, illegal.”

“Consequently, all government assets/ vehicles that are hitherto in the possession of the political appointees of the immediate past administration, which are not captured in the express provisions of the paragraphs ii and iii above, are deemed to have been illegally carted away, and such must be returned to the Osun State Government immediately.”

Responding to questions of ease and means of of recovery, the SSG maintained that the task force consists of legal and security representatives who are mandated to make sure that operations are carried out in respect to the rule of law.

“We have legal and security representatives. They are on this committe to make sure that the rule of law takes preeminence”, he concluded.

The SSG assured everyone that as another meeting is due in a few days, the public will be kept abreast of developments as events continues to unfold.
10
Tech / Elon Musk introduces charges for posts by new X users
« Last post by Miss Ifeoluwa on April 16, 2024, 02:46:15 PM »


Elon Musk, the owner of microblogging platform, X, has disclosed plans to charge new users for posting on the platform.

Musk said charging new users is the most effective strategy to combat the proliferation of bots on the platform.

He made the remark in response to questions on the new X’s policy for newly created accounts,


Musk further disclosed that new users would be granted free posting privileges after a three-month period.

According to Musk: “Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots.

“Current AI (and troll farms) can pass “are you a bot” with ease. The onslaught of fake accounts also uses up the available namespace, so many good handles are taken as a result.”

Musk had introduced a $1 per year charge for new users of the platform in New Zealand and the Philippines on October 17, 2023.

The charge was introduced to allow users from both countries have access to essential features such as tweeting, retweeting, liking posts, and replying to posts.

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