At least 30 injured as car rams into crowd in Los Angeles

No fewer than 30 people sustained injuries when a car ploughed into a crowd in Los Angeles early Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Seven individuals are reported to be in critical condition, while six others are in serious condition. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood.

Authorities say the vehicle, reportedly driven by someone who may have lost consciousness, veered off the road, hit a taco cart, and crashed into a group of people gathered outside a nightclub.

“A call came in around 2 a.m. about a traffic accident,” said LAFD spokesperson Adam VanGerpen. “Somebody had lost consciousness inside the vehicle, drove into a taco cart, and then ultimately ran into a large number of people who were outside a club in East Hollywood.”

There were also reports that one of the victims had sustained a gunshot wound, though officials could not confirm if the person was the driver.

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The incident occurred near The Vermont Hollywood, a known entertainment venue where an event had just ended. Eyewitness footage circulating online showed a silver car mounted on the sidewalk and several injured individuals lying on the ground.

Emergency response was swift, with 124 fire personnel deployed to the scene. Several victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Authorities say the situation is currently stable, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and whether foul play is involved.

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron placed on leave after viral Coldplay Concert incident

Andy Byron, the Chief Executive Officer of tech company Astronomer, has been placed on leave following a viral video incident involving a couple at a Coldplay concert that sparked widespread speculation and public scrutiny.

The company confirmed that co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy has assumed the role of interim CEO pending further developments. A formal investigation into the matter has been launched.

The controversy erupted after a video circulated online showing a man and woman, whose identities remain unconfirmed, being spotlighted on the “kiss cam” during Coldplay’s performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. As the couple attempted to hide their faces, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin made a light-hearted comment, suggesting, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

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The moment quickly gained traction on social media, prompting a wave of speculation about the individuals involved. In response to the attention, the company issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to professional conduct and accountability at all leadership levels. It stated that the investigation would clarify all relevant issues surrounding the incident.

Further developments during the concert included Martin appearing to express concern about the fallout from his on-stage joke, telling the audience, “I hope we didn’t do something bad.”

Although the company has not confirmed the identities of those in the video, it clarified that other employees were not involved and dismissed reports suggesting otherwise. Sources close to the company indicated that internal deliberations and negotiations over Byron’s exit package contributed to delays in the public response.

Astronomer’s board emphasized that more details would be disclosed as the investigation progresses.

Presidency fires back at ADC over Buhari’s state funeral remarks

The Nigerian Presidency has fired back at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for condemning the state burial accorded to former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the opposition party’s remarks as “dishonest, opportunistic, and politically desperate.”

In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, dismissed ADC’s comments as baseless and designed to gain political relevance.

“The latest outburst from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding former President Buhari’s state burial is nothing but an opportunistic exercise in manufactured outrage. It’s a laughable tantrum by a poorly amalgamated political contraption desperately clutching at straws for relevance it will never attain,” Dare said.

The ADC had earlier accused the Tinubu-led administration of politicising Buhari’s burial, a claim the Presidency firmly rejected. According to Dare, it is the ADC, not the government, that is trying to exploit Buhari’s death for political mileage.

“They have chosen to dance on his grave for relevance,” he stated, referencing what he described as the ADC’s “shameless” attempt to score points from a solemn national event.

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He also criticised the presence of political figures like Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai at Buhari’s funeral in Daura, claiming their arrival was “choreographed” to stir political sentiments.

Buhari’s Burial Was Dignified – Presidency

The statement emphasized that Buhari was accorded a dignified and honourable state burial, which drew attention from world leaders and millions of Nigerians. It dismissed the ADC’s critique as “sanctimonious whining.”

“World leaders showed up, millions tuned in, and even ADC promoters pranced around Daura like eager real estate agents,” Dare added.

Highlighting achievements under President Tinubu, Dare noted: A stabilised naira, increased oil output, revitalised state finances via improved FAAC allocations, the launch of the student loan scheme.

“These are not press statements. These are results, tangible, measurable, and ongoing,” he said, stressing that the government is focused on the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dare concluded by questioning the ADC’s political relevance, calling it a party plagued by internal divisions and legal troubles, and urged Nigerians to ignore what he described as the “noise from a party gasping for attention.”

Osun senator Francis Fadahunsi dumps PDP 

Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal crisis and unresolved legal disputes within the party.

In a resignation letter dated June 12, and addressed to the PDP Chairman in Ward 4, Obokun Local Government Area, the lawmaker said he could no longer continue in the party due to “irreparable and irreconcilable differences” that worsened after the 2023 general elections.

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“I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect, due to the irreparable, irreconcilable differences and protracted legal battles that have bedevilled the party at the national level after the 2023 general elections,” Fadahunsi stated in the letter made public in Osogbo on Saturday.

He added that the decision came after consultations with his political associates, family, and friends, urging the party leadership to accept his resignation in good faith.

When contacted, the senator’s legislative aide, Mr. Femi Fadipe, confirmed the resignation and said Senator Fadahunsi had made efforts to keep the party together but without success.

“He did his best to keep the party going, but there was no headway,” Fadipe said, noting that the senator and his supporters will announce their next political move soon.

Fadahunsi’s exit adds to the growing list of high-profile defections plaguing the PDP amid internal divisions and leadership wrangling following its loss in the last general elections.

Prime suspect in murder of two AAUA students is dead – Police

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the death of Oladele Femi, the prime suspect in the gruesome murder of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

Femi, popularly known as “Tallex”, was the landlord of one of the victims, John Abba, who went missing alongside his female friend, Eloho Okah, on June 20, 2025.

Police spokesperson DSP Olushola Ayanlade, speaking to journalists on Saturday, said the suspect died in hospital after battling a strange illness.

“Yes, he is dead. He had been under medical supervision since his arrest and had been in and out of hospital. He passed away yesterday,” Ayanlade confirmed.

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Before his death, Femi had reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting his role in the disappearance and murder of the two students. The decomposing remains of Okah have since been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate Abba’s body.

Further investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects, identified as Kola and Michael, who allegedly withdrew ₦800,000 from the late Abba’s bank account during his captivity.

The police also recovered a Lexus RX 350 SUV, which belonged to Abba, from one of the suspects. The vehicle and bank transactions became critical leads that tied the suspects to the case.

Femi and his accomplices reportedly lured and murdered the victims before burying their bodies in a shallow grave on the property.

While the death of the primary suspect may complicate further prosecution, police authorities say the investigation is still active, and efforts to recover Abba’s remains and bring all accomplices to justice are ongoing.

The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage among students and residents in Akungba, who are calling for tighter security and justice for the slain undergraduates.

Man steals aeroplane in Canada, 22 Years after mysterious Boeing 727 disappearance in Angola

In a rare and bold incident that stunned aviation authorities, a man in Canada stole a small aircraft from Victoria International Airport and flew it without authorization—22 years after a similar but far more mysterious aviation theft shocked the world.

According to CNN, the man, whose identity has not been revealed, stole a Cessna 172—a small aircraft typically used for flight training—and flew it about 40 miles north to Vancouver International Airport, one of Canada’s busiest. The incident forced air traffic controllers to temporarily restrict movements in the airspace.

Audio from the control tower captured the urgency of the situation as the stolen plane approached:

“We do have an aircraft that has been stolen and is in the vicinity of the airport,” one controller told pilots. “Just in case anything starts heading towards you, you have the ability to move at your discretion.”

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Though the thief reportedly lacked flying experience and circled the airport for some time, he managed to land the aircraft safely. Police officers were already waiting and arrested him immediately upon landing. He was the only person on board.

A Haunting Parallel: Angola’s Missing Boeing 727
This latest incident echoes a mystifying case from 2003, when two men stole a Boeing 727 from Luanda International Airport in Angola. The aircraft, which had previously been operated by American Airlines, was parked and unused after plans to convert it were abandoned.

On May 25, 2003, an American pilot and a mechanic boarded the plane, fueled it with 14,000 gallons, and took off without clearance. Despite global efforts to trace the plane, it disappeared without a trace. Neither the aircraft nor the men on board have ever been found.

The event remains one of the great aviation mysteries of modern history.

Aviation Security Under Scrutiny
While the recent Canadian theft ended without casualties or damage, it has raised fresh questions about the vulnerability of aircraft at secured airports and the ease with which unauthorized individuals can gain access.

Though the two incidents are decades apart and differ in scale, both highlight ongoing concerns about airport security, flight school aircraft management, and how breaches still occur despite modern surveillance and control systems.

10 Countries that welcome entrepreneurs with startup Visas

In an increasingly globalized economy, many countries are opening their doors to foreign entrepreneurs with bold, innovative business ideas. Whether you’re a tech founder, a creative startup visionary, or an investor looking to scale internationally, several nations now offer special entrepreneur or startup visas to attract global talent.

These visa programs often provide a path not just to launch your business, but also to secure residency—and in some cases, even citizenship. While the requirements vary, most emphasize innovation, job creation, and the potential for economic impact.

Here are 10 countries offering entrepreneur-friendly visa options for those ready to take their business global:

1. Canada

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is designed for innovative entrepreneurs who can create jobs and compete globally. To qualify, applicants must secure backing from a designated organisation (like a venture capital fund or business incubator), meet language proficiency standards, and demonstrate financial stability. Successful candidates receive permanent residency right from the start.

2. United Kingdom

The UK’s Innovator Founder Visa, which replaced the Start-Up and Innovator visas, targets entrepreneurs with scalable, original business ideas endorsed by an approved organisation. No upfront investment is required, but applicants must prove the idea is viable and innovative. The visa can lead to permanent residency after 3 years.

3. United States

While the U.S. lacks a formal startup visa, the International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) program allows foreign startup founders to live and work in the U.S. temporarily. To qualify, founders must secure significant investment or government grants and demonstrate potential for job creation. It’s not a direct route to a green card, but it can be a valuable stepping stone.

4. Portugal

Portugal’s Startup Visa targets non-EU entrepreneurs who want to launch innovative tech-based ventures. Applicants must join a certified incubator and show plans for job creation and business scalability. The visa leads to residency and has a path to citizenship after 5 years.

5. Singapore

Singapore offers the EntrePass for foreign entrepreneurs launching venture-backed or innovative businesses, especially in tech, sustainability, and biotech. Backing from a government-recognised incubator or VC is essential. The visa is renewable, and successful applicants can later apply for permanent residency.

6. Australia

Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) includes a stream for startup entrepreneurs. Applicants must have a viable business plan and access to adequate funding. The visa can eventually lead to permanent residency under Subclass 888.

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7. Germany

Germany doesn’t offer a dedicated startup visa, but its Self-Employment Visa allows entrepreneurs to build businesses that provide clear economic benefits. A strong business plan is key. After three years of success, applicants can qualify for permanent residency.

8. Spain

Spain’s Startup Visa, part of its Entrepreneur Law, is available to non-EU founders with innovative business ideas. Approval from Spain’s trade and investment office is required, and the idea must be of high economic interest. It offers residency with a path to long-term stay and citizenship.

9. Ireland

Ireland’s Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is aimed at non-EU founders with high-potential startups, especially in tech, healthcare, and life sciences. Entrepreneurs must show at least €50,000 in funding and present a scalable business plan. The visa grants 2 years of residency, renewable and leading to permanent residency.

10. France

France’s French Tech Visa for Founders supports foreign entrepreneurs backed by a recognised incubator or accelerator. It provides a 4-year renewable residence permit, offers a fast-track process, and allows family members to join. It’s part of France’s larger push to become a startup and innovation hub.

Embassy Alert: Why your U.S. Visa expiry date doesn’t mean it’s time to leave

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued an important clarification for Nigerian travellers: the expiry date on a U.S. visa does not determine how long a visitor can stay in the country.

The advisory, shared on the embassy’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on July 17, aims to address a common misunderstanding that has led many international visitors to unintentionally overstay their approved time in the U.S.

According to the embassy, a U.S. visa only allows a traveller to approach a port of entry and request admission—it does not guarantee entry or specify how long a person can remain in the country. That decision is made solely by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the point of entry.

“Reminder! The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date,” the embassy stated. “To see how long you can stay, check your I-94 (admit until date) at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.”

What This Means for Nigerian Travellers

Many travellers mistakenly believe that they can stay in the U.S. until the expiration date printed on their visa—but this is incorrect and can lead to serious immigration consequences, including future visa denials or travel bans.

Instead, visitors should refer to their I-94 record, which is generated when they arrive in the U.S. This form shows the “Admit Until Date”—the actual date by which the visitor must leave the country.

Travellers can check their I-94 status and departure deadline online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

The embassy emphasized that staying beyond the “Admit Until Date” could count as a visa overstay, which is a violation of U.S. immigration laws and may affect future travel or visa renewal prospects.

This advisory is part of the U.S. mission’s ongoing public awareness campaign aimed at educating Nigerian citizens on proper travel procedures and preventing avoidable immigration violations.

Tulsi Gabbard accuses Obama administration of trying to undermine Trump in 2016 Election

Former presidential candidate and current Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has ignited political controversy after alleging that top officials in the Obama administration orchestrated a deliberate effort in 2016 to sabotage then-candidate Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

In a newly released intelligence report on Friday, Gabbard claimed there was a “treasonous conspiracy” within the Obama-era intelligence leadership aimed at shaping public perception around Russian election interference to discredit Trump and tilt the outcome in favor of Hillary Clinton.

The report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), is the latest in a series of attempts under the Trump-aligned faction of government to question the now eight-year-old intelligence consensus that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. election to aid Donald Trump.

Gabbard’s report argues that the Obama administration may have pressured intelligence agencies to skew assessments by conflating Russia’s cyber intrusions into election systems with its broader influence operations on social media and document leaks. The implication: that officials distorted the narrative to strengthen claims of Trump’s alleged collusion with Moscow.

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However, top Democrats have strongly dismissed Gabbard’s findings. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, branded the treason accusations as “baseless.” Similarly, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the report confused distinct categories of Russian activity—cyber hacking vs. psychological influence—and misrepresented previously verified conclusions.

“This is one more example of the Director of National Intelligence trying to cook the books,” Warner said. “We’re talking about apples and oranges.”

Multiple intelligence assessments, including a bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report, have supported the original 2016 finding that Russia sought to interfere in the election by damaging Hillary Clinton’s candidacy and boosting Trump’s.

The new report includes emails suggesting that then-President Barack Obama asked for a detailed intelligence review before leaving office. While some Republicans argue that this move was politically motivated, Obama-era officials say the intention was to preserve transparency before the Trump administration could potentially bury the findings.

Notably, the report acknowledges that Russia did not attempt to change actual vote tallies, but it questions why an article clarifying that point was withheld from the President’s Daily Brief at the time.

As the debate continues, the intelligence community has reiterated in its most recent reviews—under Gabbard’s leadership—that Russia continues to engage in disinformation campaigns aimed at weakening democratic systems and public trust in elections.

Whether Gabbard’s claims will lead to further investigation remains to be seen. But the political fallout from reopening the 2016 election controversy is already fueling renewed tensions between Democrats and Republicans as the 2024 race looms.

Dylan Dreyer announces separation from husband Brian Fichera after 12 Years of marriage

NBC Today Show meteorologist and third-hour co-anchor Dylan Dreyer has officially confirmed her separation from husband Brian Fichera after 12 years of marriage.

Dreyer, 43, shared the news with fans via Instagram on July 18, expressing gratitude for the ongoing support she has received from viewers over the years. “For many years, I have shared my family with you all — the highs and lows, the ups and downs, and all of the blessings and beautiful memories in between,” she wrote. “I am incredibly grateful for the support and love you’ve given me through it all. For that reason, I want to share with you that a few months ago, Brian and I made the decision to separate.”

The longtime couple, who married in 2012, are parents to three children: Calvin (8), Oliver (5), and Rusty (3). They originally met while working at WHDH, a local NBC affiliate in Boston — Dreyer as a meteorologist and Fichera as an in-studio technician.

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Despite the separation, the pair remain on good terms and committed to co-parenting their children with mutual respect. “We began as friends, and we will remain the closest of friends,” Dreyer continued in her message. “Most importantly, we will continue to co-parent our three wonderful boys together with nothing but love and respect for one another.”

A source close to the family also confirmed to PEOPLE magazine that Dreyer and Fichera “remain best friends” and are prioritizing their children throughout the transition.

In recent weeks, the family has continued to spend time together, including celebrating the Fourth of July and attending the Macy’s fireworks event, which Dreyer hosts for NBC. Fichera also accompanied her to the American Century Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, where he served as her caddy — a reflection of their shared love of golf.

“Golf is the thing we do together,” Dreyer previously told Today.com in 2023. “We have a couple of drinks, we laugh.”

Fichera, now a producer and freelance cameraman for NBC News, once gifted Dreyer her first set of golf clubs during the early stages of their relationship — a gesture that marked the beginning of many shared memories.

Though their romantic relationship has come to an end, both Dreyer and Fichera have made it clear that their commitment to family and friendship remains strong.