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The Most Popular Cocktails of February
This aromatic and refreshing low-ABV cocktail is ideal for watching sports or a movie, says creator Toby Cecchini, who offers it off-menu at The Long Island Bar. It can be modified to personal taste, and a standard highball will make it feel more like a “real drink,” but a “big, big glass” is key, as well as using minimal ice. The idea is to sip and top off with more soda water as needed. Read More →
Source:Punch
February 28, 2026 04:02 UTC
Fintiri joins APC as Atiku's son shuns defection
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s son, Adamu Atiku, has refused to follow Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, to the All Progressives Congress. Fintiri on Friday dumped the Peoples Democratic Party and defected to the APC alongside 22 of the 24 commissioners serving in his cabinet. “If you recall, one of Atiku’s sons, Abba, joined the APC last month. So, Adamu cannot now also join the APC, abandoning their father in the African Democratic Congress.”It will raise questions about the political capacity of the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. “Maksha is also a strong supporter of the former Vice President, so I believe he has loyalty to his political leader and decided to stay back,” the source said.
Source:Punch
February 28, 2026 03:57 UTC
Pro-INEC protest rocks Abuja amid Electoral Act row
The Senate, however, dismissed the agitation and advised the opposition figures to channel their grievances through the legislative process at the National Assembly. Addressing journalists at the protest ground, National President of AGLA, Collins Onogu, said the gathering was not to condemn but to commend the electoral umpire. He said, “We have gathered peacefully today at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission to lend our voices not in condemnation-but in commendation. Under the Electoral Act 2022, political parties could nominate candidates through direct primaries involving all registered members, indirect primaries conducted by delegates, or consensus arrangements reached by party leaders. The commission fixed Saturday, January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, as opposed to its previous schedule, which slated the presidential and National Assembly polls for February 20, 2027, with governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for March 6, 2027.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 23:08 UTC
Nigeria Power Outage: Gas Shortage Cuts Output to 4,300MW
Nigeria’s prolonged power outages, affecting homes and businesses across the country, are primarily due to inadequate gas supply to thermal power plants, the Nigerian Independent System Operator announced on Friday. The system operator attributed the sustained drop in electricity generation to severe fuel constraints affecting the national grid. The situation has persisted due to ongoing constraints in gas supply, worsening the power shortfall. “The available gas supply represents less than 43 per cent of the required volume, resulting in constrained generation output. The shortfall implies that more than half of the gas needed to power thermal plants daily is unavailable, severely limiting electricity dispatch nationwide.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 21:25 UTC
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I Flew to Japan to See Punch, the Viral Baby Snow Monkey—Here's How to Visit
I was headed to Japan for the World Baseball Classic, but on my very first morning in Tokyo, I made a detour to neighboring Chiba Prefecture to visit Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo in Ichikawa, Japan. Instead, a small monkey darted between rocks, trailing older members of the troop. It took me a few minutes to realize that the baby was blending seamlessly into the group was Punch himself. For nearly an hour, I watched him stick close to older monkeys, mirroring their movements and cautiously navigating his place within the group. There was something unexpectedly joyful about beginning a Japan trip with a visit to a viral sensation.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 20:40 UTC
What happens when you Google 'Punch the Monkey'
The phrase “Punch the Monkey” took on new meaning as people searched for updates and shared reactions across platforms. In response to the sheer volume of interest and the flood of heart and care emojis connected to the story, Google added a simple interactive tribute: when you enter the phrase into its search bar, hearts rain down across the results page, often punctuated by small monkey‑themed icons.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 13:41 UTC
Capri Sun’s Moon Punch makes return ahead of blood moon
In honor of NASA’s planned return to lunar voyages through Artemis II and a rare “blood moon” occurrence on March 3, Capri Sun is bringing back its Moon Punch flavored drink. The drink will be packaged in a limited-edition pouch that features a bold, reddish hue inspired by the blood moon. The Kraft Heinz brand is giving away 10,000 pouches in honor of the 10-day Artemis II flyby mission to consumers who upload a photo of the moon at moon-punch.com. With the moon likely to draw even more attention this year with the Artemis II flyby and the last blood moon (a lunar eclipse in which the moon appears red) until 2028, the brand saw another chance to capitalize on the conversations. “After the overwhelming response to Moon Punch last year, our fans made one thing abundantly clear: they wanted it back,” said Kristina Hannant, director of marketing at Capri Sun, in a statement.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 13:25 UTC
WHO tests simulation tool to improve outbreak response
WHO tests a strategy game to improve outbreak response speed | WHO websiteThe World Health Organisation is testing an innovative approach to strengthening outbreak preparedness through an interactive simulation designed to improve the speed of outbreak detection, notification and response. The initiative centres on the “7-1-7 Strategy Game,” which is built around the outbreak performance benchmark known as the 7-1-7 target. It was titled, “WHO tests a strategy game to improve outbreak response speed.”Simply put, PUNCH Online reports that the 7-1-7 Strategy Game is a new tool being tested by the World Health Organisation to help countries improve how quickly they detect and respond to disease outbreaks. The game turns this target into a team-based simulation where participants practice making fast, coordinated decisions during outbreak scenarios. It was developed with the Center for Advanced Preparedness and Threat Response Simulation and the 7-1-7 Alliance, and is being tested before wider use in countries to help strengthen outbreak preparedness systems.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 12:18 UTC
What viral monkey Punch teaches us about gentle parenting
Attachment parenting has led to the closely related “gentle parenting” movement, which, believes that when children misbehave, they should be corrected with calm explanations and cuddles rather than raised voices or punishment. On the other hand, gentle parenting gets stick if people see children misbehaving in public and believe they are going completely undisciplined. Ockwell-Smith says gentle parenting was being maligned unfairly. Michelle McHale, who founded Attachment Parenting UK, which runs courses for parents, said the term gentle parenting can be misleading. “People misunderstand it as permissive parenting.”Ockwell Smith adds: “You will find gentle parents throughout civilisation.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 11:23 UTC
Gen Z perspectives: Blind boxes, Roblox's new thrift store & Punch the monkey
This week, we talked about blind box regulations, The Salvation Army’s leap into Roblox, and Punch the Monkey’s virality. Don't miss: Gen Z perspectives: Our favourite CNY campaigns and huat’s the deal with mahjong sets1. SG looks to regulate blind boxes sales, but maybe brands should learn to self-regulate insteadSingapore is moving to regulate the sale of blind boxes, but marketers may have an opportunity to lead with self-regulation as mystery collectibles sweep across Asia. Despite the charm of blind boxes, brands must wrestle with how to engage consumers responsibly - without exploiting the psychological triggers behind their appeal. In fact, the problem has seen the Singapore government try to introduce regulations for the sale of blind boxes.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 11:06 UTC
Baby Monkey Punch’s Plush Toy Is Viral – Resale Price Is More Than 30K
Last Updated: February 27, 2026, 08:00 IST1 / 9 The viral monkey punch has taken the internet by storm, captivating people worldwide. The seven-month-old macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, along with his beloved orangutan plush toy, has won hearts across the globe. (Image: Instagram)2 / 9 Since several heartwarming videos and photos of the duo went viral on social media, the plush toy has sold out in multiple countries. (Image: Instagram)ADVERTISEMENT3 / 9 The viral baby monkey Punch's plush toy has become such a hot commodity that people are reselling it on e-commerce platforms like eBay and others. (Image: Instagram)ADVERTISEMENT7 / 9 The emotional connection sparked a worldwide demand for the Djungelskog orangutan plush.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 10:26 UTC
Al-Ahli to tempt Onuachu with huge payraise
Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli are plotting a move for Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu and are prepared to triple his wages in a bid to lure him away from Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The 31-year-old has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 17 goals and registering one assist in just 20 appearances to cement his status as Trabzonspor’s most indispensable player. His output has been directly responsible for nearly half of the club’s league goals, firing them into contention for European qualification next season. While the Nigerian is tied down at Trabzon until 2028, the Saudi giants are willing to test his resolve financially. Onuachu currently earns approximately €48,000 per week, and Al-Ahli are said to be ready to offer him €144,000 per week — more than three times his current salary.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 09:21 UTC
APC, PDP chieftains in Abia back Otti for 2027
Some members of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State have defected to the Labour Party and unanimously endorsed Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for a second term in office. The new LP members include the member representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Lewis Obianyi; former Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Paul Taribo of the APC; former commissioner and former Ukwa East Transition Committee Chairman, and former ASPM/ISS GM, Hon. On their request for the recovery of Abia Palm, he said his government had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an international company involved in palm production and palm produce.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 06:25 UTC
FCCPC Probes Nigerian Airlines for Fare Fixing Allegations
It noted that the differences observed in ticket prices appeared to reflect airlines’ discretionary pricing decisions rather than external cost pressures. “The forensic exercise benefited from data collated by the commission from airlines operating local routes in the country. The report compares domestic airline pricing from the December 2025 festive period with post-peak January 2026 fare levels. “Following the ongoing review of domestic airlines, the Commission will also examine the pricing behaviour of foreign carriers operating in Nigeria. The development comes amid broader regulatory efforts to strengthen consumer protection and ensure fair market practices across critical sectors of the economy.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 06:13 UTC
US-based ex-NNPC official jailed 87 months for bribery
A former official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo, has been sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment in the United States following his conviction for accepting a $2.1 million bribe from a Swiss oil company while serving at the state-owned oil firm. “A Los Angeles-area lawyer was sentenced today to 87 months in federal prison for receiving a $2.1 million bribe while serving as an officer of Nigeria’s state-owned oil company in connection with negotiating favourable drilling rights for a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned oil company,” the statement read. Okoronkwo also allegedly omitted the $2.1 million from his 2015 federal income tax return, giving rise to the tax evasion charge. In June 2022, he obstructed justice by falsely telling federal investigators that the funds were client monies rather than income used for property purchases. Following the scandal, Okoronkwo was dismissed from NNPC (now NNPCL), and the State Bar of California suspended his law licence in January 2026.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2026 05:23 UTC