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 Fire breaks out on Brooklyn Bridge during July Fourth fireworks show, no injuries reported    A fire broke out on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York during the city’s July Fourth fireworks celebration, briefly sending flames and smoke into the air before firefighters extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported. Fire officials said two fire engines responded to the scene and crews were seen working to put out the fire shortly before 10 p.m. The bridge had been closed to traffic for the event at the time. Authorities said minor fires can occur during fireworks displays and are part of the reason safety measures keep spectators at a distance. The fireworks show was moved earlier in the evening due to the threat of severe weather that disrupted Independence Day celebrations across parts of the East Coast. In Washington, D.C., storms forced an evacuation of crowds gathered on the National Mall, with other events in the region delayed or canceled.

 Iran holds mass funeral for supreme leader amid anti-US chants, calls for revenge and high-level official appearances     Iran’s top officials and relatives of the newly installed supreme leader appeared publicly Sunday at funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a large display of unity and defiance as the country continues tense negotiations with the United States over ending the war. Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” calling for retaliation over the Feb. 28 attack that killed the 86-year-old leader along with other senior officials and ignited the conflict. Some hard-line voices also demanded the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump. The new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared in the public ceremonies, which are taking place over several days. He is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being injured in the strike that killed his father. At the height of the con...

Trump allies push new plan to block pregnant foreign women after Supreme Court ruling on birthright citizenship case    After the Supreme Court struck down a Trump-era effort to restrict birthright citizenship, allies of President Donald Trump and MAGA figures quickly shifted focus to a new proposal aimed at preventing pregnant foreign women from entering the United States, setting up a fresh immigration and citizenship debate. The ruling on Tuesday found an executive order unconstitutional that sought to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to noncitizen parents. In the aftermath, conservative commentators and Trump allies floated the idea of restricting entry for pregnant foreign nationals, arguing it would address what they describe as “birth tourism” and related citizenship concerns. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said Trump remains committed to protecting “natural-born American citizenship,” adding that he has directed Congress to pursue legislative act...

Iga Swiatek’s Wimbledon title defense ends with third-round upset loss to Alexandra Eala, who makes history for the Philippines  Iga Swiatek’s Wimbledon title defense came to an end in the third round on Saturday, falling 7-6 (9), 6-2 to 21-year-old Alexandra Eala, who delivered a breakthrough performance to extend her historic run for the Philippines. Eala became the first Filipino player, male or female, to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam singles tournament, marking a major milestone in her career and for Philippine tennis. Swiatek entered Wimbledon as the defending champion after winning her first title at the All England Club a year earlier with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 victory over Amanda Anisimova in the final.

 One dead, three injured after lightning strikes group of beachgoers on Fort Myers Beach, Florida  A person was killed, and three others were injured Friday after lightning struck a group of beachgoers in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, officials said. Emergency crews responded to the 6500 block of Estero Boulevard after reports that four people had been struck during a thunderstorm. When responders arrived, they found one person unresponsive while bystanders were already performing CPR and using an AED. Despite lifesaving efforts, that individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The other three victims were taken to local hospitals for further evaluation. Their conditions were not immediately released. Authorities urged beachgoers and residents to pay close attention to rapidly changing weather conditions, especially during storms that can produce sudden lightning strikes. Officials warned people to avoid open water, seek sturdy shelter immediately if lightning is seen or thunder...

 Security guard pulled alive from collapsed basement after days trapped following Venezuela earthquakes Rescuers pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from the rubble of a collapsed basement early Thursday, bringing a dramatic close to a days-long rescue effort following twin earthquakes that devastated parts of Venezuela earlier this month. Hernán Alberto Gil Flores had been trapped since June 24 beneath the debris of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in La Guaira. Search crews made initial contact with him over the weekend and worked continuously to reach his position in an unstable underground space. As the rescue unfolded, teams from multiple countries coordinated efforts to stabilize the structure, tunnel through debris, and maintain communication with Gil Flores. He was eventually brought out on a stretcher, wearing an oxygen mask and covered with an orange tarp, as responders and onlookers applauded and cheered. Members of international rescue teams embraced in r...

 Masked group with Confederate flags marches in Washington, DC on July 4    Masked men, some carrying Confederate flags, marched through Washington, D.C. on the Fourth of July, chanting “reclaim America, reclaim America” as they moved through areas near Union Station, according to video from the scene. Footage shows the group moving in formation while repeatedly calling for the removal of immigrants. Some participants were seen carrying flags featuring symbols associated with Patriot Front, a group described by the Anti-Defamation League as a white supremacist organization. Additional video posted on social media appears to show the group marching near a Washington Metro station and traveling on the transit system while wearing masks and coordinated gear. A separate image taken by a photographer shows individuals in face coverings and matching attire consistent with Patriot Front branding riding the Metro.

 Canadian boy dies of rabies after bat lands on his face during sleep     An 11-year-old Canadian boy died from rabies after a bat landed on his face while he slept during a 2024 family trip to a cottage in northern Ontario, according to a medical case report. Doctors say the boy awoke when the bat made contact with his nose and mouth. His father removed the animal and released it outdoors. Because there were no obvious bite marks or signs of injury, the family did not seek immediate medical care. About a week later, the child began developing numbness and tingling on the right side of his face, followed by facial swelling and loss of appetite. He was first evaluated at an urgent care clinic, where he was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and prescribed antiviral medication, but his symptoms continued to worsen. He was later taken to an emergency department, where doctors noted sensory loss on one side of his face, gum ulcers, and abnormal lab results. Given the reported b...

 Toke Makinwa Sparks Debate: Why Nigerian Men Only Offer Money in Relationships Popular Nollywood actress and media personality, Toke Makinwa, has ignited a fresh wave of conversation online after challenging the stereotype that modern Nigerian women are inherently materialistic. Speaking on a recent episode of the MENtality podcast, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Makinwa argued that the dynamics of modern romance are heavily influenced by what men bring to the table. The Transactional Nature of Romance Addressing the age-old debate on dating and financial expectations, Makinwa pointed out that relationships have always had a transactional element, dating back to ancient times. Rather than blaming women for this reality, she places the responsibility squarely on men, suggesting they have set the standard themselves. From time immemorial, a relationship between a man and a woman has always been transactional, right from the Garden of Eden, right from our parents’ days, Makinwa explain...

 U.S Government to Closely Monitor Nigeria's 2027 Elections, Says Representative Riley Moore The United States government will tightly monitor the execution and results of Nigeria's upcoming 2027 general elections, according to U.S. Congressman Riley Moore. The lawmaker indicated that President Donald Trump's administration intends to keep a watchful eye on West Africa's largest democracy to ensure electoral integrity. Speaking in an interview with NoireTV, Moore explained that Washington is deeply invested in the democratic trajectory of Nigeria. When questioned about the U.S. government's role in ensuring a credible election, Moore asserted that both he and the administration would be paying very close attention to how the transition unfolds. Legislative Pressure and Security Assistance Restrictions Moore's comments coincide with escalating legislative actions in Washington targeting Nigeria's domestic policies. The congressman, who previously participated...

 Egypt rules out 'popular normalisation' with Israel if no 'just peace' Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said there will be "no popular normalisation" with Israel unless a just peace is achieved that ends the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Sisi's remarks came during a Saturday speech at the inauguration ceremony for the State Strategic Command headquarters in Egypt's New Administrative Capital east of Cairo, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. "There will be no lasting peace, no true stability, and no popular normalisation except with a just peace that ends the occupation, puts an end to injustice and aggression, restores rights to their rightful owners, and provides security for all," the president said, Anadolu Agency reported. A just peace would provide the peoples of the region with "an opportunity to live in stability and...

 FG DOES NOT OPERATE A SHADOW BUDGET: 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 The Federal Government has noted recent public commentary alleging that approximately two percent of GDP amounting to over ₦8 trillion was spent outside the approved budget based on references to the IMF Representative in Nigeria and the Fund's 2026 Article IV Consultation Report.  These claims are incorrect and risk misleading the public regarding the government's financial management. For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government does not operate a "shadow budget" or expend public funds outside the constitutional and statutory framework established for public finance. Under Sections 80 - 83 and 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), public funds may only be withdrawn and expended in accordance with the Constitution and laws enacted by the National Assembly. Accordingly, Fed...

 Penélope Cruz says she is still learning about husband Javier Bardem after 15 years of marriage Penélope Cruz has spoken about her long-term relationship with Javier Bardem, saying she still feels she is learning about her husband after more than 15 years of marriage. The actress, 52, discussed her marriage while promoting her new film The Invite in a recent PEOPLE in 10 interview, where she reflected on how relationships continue to evolve over time. “I feel like I'm still learning, you know? And I am with somebody that I've known for 33 years,” she said. Cruz added that even in long relationships, people continue to discover new things about each other. “I really know that person, but it's like, is there a day where you really get to know yourself? No. So the same with your partner,” she said. Cruz and Bardem, 57, first met in 1992 while filming the Spanish dark comedy Jamón Jamón. Bardem later recalled in an interview with GQ that there was early chemistry between them,...

 Fuel shortages spread across Russia as Ukrainian strikes target energy infrastructure Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy and logistics infrastructure are contributing to fuel shortages across parts of Russia, with officials acknowledging supply challenges as the conflict continues. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently confirmed that the country is experiencing gas shortages, while reports indicate that fuel restrictions are now in place in dozens of Russian regions following repeated strikes on refineries and fuel facilities. According to reports, Ukraine has intensified attacks on oil refineries, fuel logistics sites, military factories and other infrastructure as part of its campaign against Russian military supply chains.  President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said he had approved a 40-day drone campaign aimed at increasing pressure on Russia. The reported disruptions have led to long queues at some petrol stations, with videos circulating online showing confrontatio...

 Kebbi Hisbah raids hotel, arrests 25 over immoral acts Operatives of the Kebbi Hisbah Board, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, have arrested 25 youths in Argungu town for alleged involvement in immoral acts. The Director of Shariah of the Board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, July 4, 2026. “On July 3, the Kebbi Hisbah Board carried out a raid at a hotel in Argungu and successfully apprehended 25 suspects allegedly involved in immoral activities,” he said.   “Those arrested include 12 males and 13 females. “The operation is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to combat social vices, promote moral values, and maintain peace and decency across Kebbi.” Kamba added that the board would conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with the law, and anyone found culpable would face the appropriate legal process. More photos below. 

 IGP DISU VISITS ENUGU, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SCIENCE-DRIVEN POLICING, CHARGES OFFICERS ON PROFESSIONALISM The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to advancing intelligence-led, technology-driven, and evidence-based policing during a working visit to Enugu State. As part of the visit, the IGP participated in the commissioning of the Centre for DNA Forensics, Criminal Investigation and Biotechnology (DeFOCI), where he described the facility as a strategic national asset that will strengthen criminal investigations, enhance the administration of justice, and support the adoption of scientific methods in modern policing. The IGP commended the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Godfrey Okoye University, the DNA Learning Center, and all partners whose collaboration led to the establishment of the Centre. He noted that the facility would provide valuable opportunities for foren...

 Nigerian-British grandma arrested with 13kg cocaine concealed in plantain peels  - As NDLEA intercepts Malaysia-bound cocaine shipments hidden in walls of Orijin bitters cartons, arrests PhD student mastermind; nabs 75-year-old grandpa in Plateau, recovers large tramadol consignments in vehicle fuel tanks A 67-year-old Nigerian-British grandma Mrs. Mary Yetunde Barek have been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following the discovery of 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed in peels of plantain which appeared as real plantains and packed among other food items in her luggage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos. The suspect who works as a caregiver in the United Kingdomn was arrested at the departure hall of terminal 2 of the Lagos airport while attempting to board a Virgin Atlantic airline flight to London on Sunday 28th June 2026. A thorough search of her bags resulted in the discovery of 31 big wraps of cocai...

 Pope Leo jabs Trump in 250th birthday message to Americans During America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, Pope Leo XIV used the occasion to remind President Donald Trump of the nation’s immigrant roots. In a letter released Friday, the first American-born pope praised the founding ideals of liberty and democracy but stressed that defending human life also means welcoming and protecting migrants.  He emphasized that newcomers seeking freedom and opportunity have always shaped the country’s character, making compassion toward them both a moral duty and a recognition of human dignity. The pope’s remarks come as Trump continues to prioritize immigration crackdowns in his second term, highlighting a growing divide between the Vatican and the White House.  Leo criticized policies that expel migrants without addressing the violence and conflict that force them to flee, arguing that simply “washing our hands of the problem” is not a Christian response.  His stance has dra...

 Kathie Lee Gifford talks about 50-year friendship with Kris Jenner after meeting at Bible study Kathie Lee Gifford is reflecting on her decades-long friendship with Kris Jenner and her surprising role in helping launch Keeping Up with the Kardashians. The former morning-show host recalls meeting Jenner in their early 20s at a Bible study and remaining close ever since.  In the early 2000s, when Gifford was offered a reality show about her own family, she declined but suggested producers focus on Jenner’s household instead, noting the constant stream of celebrities at her home.  That advice eventually led to the creation of the hit E! series, which ran for 14 years before transitioning to Hulu as The Kardashians. Their bond has come full circle, with Jenner recently serving as executive producer on Gifford’s upcoming documentary. In the film, Gifford candidly revisits both her triumphs and struggles, including the sweatshop labor scandal tied to her Walmart clothing line ...

 Gwyneth Paltrow navigating roadblocks amid new career path: 'She's never faced this kind of friction' Gwyneth Paltrow’s return to Hollywood has proven more complicated than she anticipated. While the Oscar-winning actress has stepped back in front of the camera, she is also eager to establish herself as a producer, developing television and streaming projects.  According to insiders, however, the transition has not been as smooth as she hoped, with her limited producing experience and ongoing role as CEO of Goop making the balancing act particularly difficult. Paltrow has looked to peers like Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, who have successfully expanded into producing acclaimed series, as models for her own career path. Yet even with her husband Brad Falchuk’s extensive television background, she has discovered that firsthand experience is irreplaceable.  One project, Strangers, a book-to-miniseries adaptation, initially seemed promising but has faced significant c...

 Paul McCartney Performs Beatles Classic at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Wedding Reception Paul McCartney performed the Beatles' hit "I Want to Hold Your Hand" during Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding reception at Madison Square Garden, according to a source who spoke to PEOPLE. The performance took place after the wedding ceremony, when guests moved into the reception area. According to the source, Swift's mother, Andrea Swift, welcomed guests into the reception room, where a stage had been prepared for the evening's performances. The source also said Stevie Nicks performed during the reception. Representatives for Swift, McCartney and Nicks did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment. McCartney and Swift have publicly expressed admiration for each other's work over the years. The pair appeared together on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in 2020. In June, Swift shared McCartney's announcement about his album The Boys of...

 Selena Gomez Wears Crystal Oscar de la Renta Gown to Taylor Swift's Wedding Selena Gomez wore a crystal-embellished Oscar de la Renta gown as she attended Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York. The actress and singer, 33, arrived at the ceremony in a gold dress featuring spaghetti straps, crystal detailing and a fringed hem. She paired the outfit with champagne-coloured pumps and wore her hair in a softly curled bob. Gomez was among the guests who attended the couple's wedding on Friday, July 3. She also attended the rehearsal dinner the previous evening, wearing another Oscar de la Renta design. The strapless black dress featured floral appliqué detailing, which she paired with a sleek chignon hairstyle. For the rehearsal dinner, Gomez accessorised with diamond drop earrings and a matching ring by Fernando Jorge, along with a bezel-set ring from Grown Brilliance. Gomez and Swift have been friends for nearly two decades after first me...

" Don’t forget to keep the sabbath day holy 🤍🤍🤍 Happy Sunday to all Bimbs Lovers worldwide 🥰 #bimboademoyetv #BimboAdemoyeMovies #bimboademoye". More photos below. 

 APC Faces Backlash Over Substitution of National Assembly Primary Winners Ahead of 2027 Elections The All Progressives Congress (APC) has come under heavy criticism following its decision to alter the list of candidates who emerged from its National Assembly primaries, raising fresh concerns about internal democracy and the credibility of the party’s candidate selection process ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mocked the APC for substituting the names of some primary winners with others, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) described the move as reckless, and the Labour Party (LP) condemned it as undemocratic. The APC, however, told the opposition to mind its own business and focus on the crises rocking their respective parties, insisting that the changes reflected fairness and the wishes of its members. Last week, the APC directed its state chapters to release the list of candidates for the 2027 elections and issued Independent National E...

 Music Promoter Sam Larry Hospitalised After Road Accident on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Nigerian music promoter and socialite Sam Larry has been hospitalised following a road accident along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road in Lagos State. The crash reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday when the vehicle conveying Sam Larry collided with a trailer, resulting in extensive damage to his vehicle. Tragically, the accident claimed the life of Sam Larry’s bouncer, who died at the scene, according to reports. Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed the badly damaged vehicle, particularly at the front end, underscoring the severity of the impact. The incident drew public attention after popular comedian and master of ceremonies Mario Wazobia took to Instagram to call for prayers for Sam Larry’s recovery. In one post, he simply wrote, “Pray for Sam Larry,” while another update stated that the music promoter had been rushed to the hospital. As of the time of this ...

 Outrage as DJ Chicken Faces Intense Backlash Over Disturbing Threat to Seyi Tinubu in Viral .  The Spark of Controversy Controversial Nigerian street entertainer and disc jockey, Ademola Abiodun, popularly known as DJ Chicken, has once again found himself at the center of a raging storm. This time, his antics have crossed a line for many, sparking widespread outrage across social media platforms after he directed a disturbing threat at Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu. In the now-deleted video, which originally aired during an Instagram live session, DJ Chicken was spotted donning traditional garb, complete with a white shawl and beaded necklaces. Amidst his usual chaotic energy, his commentary took a dark turn as he boldly asserted that President Tinubu would not secure a second term, before issuing an unsettling and direct threat targeted at the president's son, Seyi. Outrage and Calls for Arrest The video spread like wildfire across platforms like X (formerly ...