Author: damazah@gmail.com

The Riverside Police Department has attributed its increase in citations for illegal fireworks to having deployed drones starting in 2025, according to the Los Angeles Times. The newspaper also listed other California cities such as Downey, Artesia, Brea, San Bernardino, Stanton, Chino, Hemet, and San Jose as deploying drones over the Fourth of July holiday. California cities may be the most aggressive in using drones to hunt down illegal fireworks so far, but there are examples elsewhere. This year, the Lewisville Police Department in Texas shared footage with CBS News of its drone responding to 19 fireworks incidents on July…

Complement component 1q (C1q), the initiator of the classical complement cascade, mediates synaptic elimination in development and disease, yet the triggers for its deposition on synapses remain unclear. Using in vivo chemogenetics, we demonstrate that …

Brett OkamotoJul 10, 2026, 10:42 AM ETCloseBrett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010. He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: “Chuck and Tito,” which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare…

By Juliet Ebirim Youth development advocate and public speaker, Idara Michael is representing Nigeria at the 39th JCI Academy, an international leadership programme currently taking place in Tokachi Obihiro, Japan. The academy, which runs from July 2 to July 11, 2026, brings together more than 170 participants from countries around the world, with Idara serving as Nigeria’s sole delegate for this year’s edition. Recognised as one of Junior Chamber International’s flagship leadership development programmes, the academy provides participants with opportunities to strengthen their leadership capacity, build global networks and exchange ideas with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. This year’s theme,…

Former Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State turned 60 on Saturday, 11 July, attracting tributes from former members of his administration, a national spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Turaki, and supporters who celebrated his life and public service. Governor Umo Eno also sent birthday wishes to his predecessor. The messages, shared on Facebook, described the former governor as a disciplined leader, mentor and statesman whose influence continues to resonate beyond his eight-year tenure. Among those who penned tributes were Mr Ememobong, a former commissioner for information who served under Mr Emmanuel, and Aniekeme Finbarr, a former media aide to the former governor. Mr…

Days after the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, said President Bola Tinubu was “doing his best” to address Nigeria’s security challenges, popular Onitsha-based cleric Chukwuemeka “Odumeje” Ohanaemere has offered a contrasting view on the role of religious leaders in holding government accountable. The founder of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, known for his outspoken sermons on politics and governance, said pastors have a biblical responsibility to rebuke bad governments rather than seek to benefit from those in power. Speaking during a recent sermon, Odumeje mentioned Mr Adeboye by name…

The Ogun State Water Corporation (OGSWC) has attributed the persistent disruption of pipe-borne water supply in parts of Abeokuta to damage inflicted on water distribution pipelines during road construction and urban renewal projects executed by the previous administration, dismissing claims that the French Development Agency (AFD)-funded Ogun Urban Water Supply Project failed to achieve its objectives. The Corporation made the clarification in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, while responding to a BusinessDay report titled “Despite N13bn Investments, Pipe-Borne Water Still Luxury in Ogun Capital,” published on 3…

Omolabake Fasogbon  As inflation continues to squeeze household incomes and weigh on purchasing decisions, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are increasingly becoming a fallback option for Nigerian consumers. BNPL, described by financial media site Investopedia as a short‑term loan that lets shoppers pay for products in structured instalments, allows immediate acquisition of goods while deferring full payment. This offer has for long provided relief to individuals on tight budgets, as mostly embraced by retailers trading in product categories such as smartphones, home appliances, electronics and luxury clothing, among others.  Amid shrinking spending power, BNPL is evolving into one of…

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield had been seeking documents from Paramount related to its takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. Rayfield also asked a state circuit court judge to delay the closing of the deal by 60 days so that his office could review the documents. But according to Deadline and Variety, he’s now dropped his civil investigative demand for the records.Obviously, Paramount is pleased with Rayfield’s decision to withdraw his request, but the AG’s office isn’t exactly satisfied with the outcome.Jenny Hansson, communications director for Rayfield, told Deadline that, “Paramount made it clear that they weren’t going to comply with…

The votes were being counted and the media had gathered for the moment that Andy Burnham, his sights on Downing Street, would be elected as the MP for Makerfield in greater Manchester. But Nick the Flying Brick, a candidate on numerous occasions for the Monster Raving Loony party, could not help but be distracted. How could it be that the candidate across the Edge Conference Centre with a silver bin on his head had managed to secure the 10 local nominations necessary to stand?The Flying Brick, real name Nick Delves, 60, who is also treasurer for the Loony party, had…