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Lawyer Dispels Myth: Why Attorneys Aren’t Buried Face Down

Veteran lawyer Stella Justice Nnennaya is setting the record straight on some entrenched yet unfounded myths surrounding the burial practices of Nigerian lawyers. She asserts that these misconceptions, which have persisted for years, lack any legal or factual foundation.

Through a widely-discussed Facebook post, Nnennaya clarifies that no aspect of Nigerian law, tradition, or Bar Association regulations dictates any special burial rites for those in the legal profession. Her objective is to dismantle these fabrications and illuminate the truth.

Lawyer dismisses common burial myths

One prevalent myth she addresses is the belief that lawyers are buried face down. This notion, rooted in the unfounded claim that legal practitioners tell too many lies, is simply untrue, according to Nnennaya.

Additionally, Nnennaya challenges another popular myth that suggests lawyers are interred in their professional attire—specifically, their wigs and gowns—or accompanied by law books as part of a so-called legal tradition.

In refuting these enduring myths, she remarked: “Two of the biggest lies ever told about lawyers are:”

1. That lawyers are buried face down because they told too many lies.

2. That lawyers are buried in their wigs and gowns.

Both are false.

Lawyers are buried like every other human being.

There is no law in Nigeria, no rule of the Nigerian Bar Association, and no legal tradition that requires lawyers to be buried face down, in wigs and gowns, or with law books.”

Burial depends on family, religion and culture

The lawyer stressed that funeral arrangements for legal practitioners are no different from those of other people.

She explained that burial decisions are determined by the wishes of the deceased, family members, religious beliefs, and cultural practices rather than the person’s profession.

She further stated: “A lawyer’s burial is determined by the wishes of the deceased, the family, religion, and culture, not by the legal profession.”

Lawyers do not tell lies for a living

Stella Justice also challenged the common perception that lawyers are trained to lie in court.

She explained that the legal profession is built on presenting facts, interpreting the law, protecting clients’ legal rights, and ensuring that everyone receives a fair hearing before the court.

According to her: “The job of a lawyer is not to tell lies.

A lawyer is trained to present the facts and the law, defend a client’s legal rights, and ensure that everyone gets a fair hearing in court.

So, if anyone tells you that lawyers are buried face down because they lie for a living, don’t believe it.

It’s simply a long-standing myth with no truth behind it.”

She concluded by asking followers whether they had grown up believing the story, inviting them to share their experiences in the comment section.

Hope on the Horizon: Rain Predicted to Quench Fire-Ravaged French Landscapes

LEGE-CAP FERRET – A shift in the weather pattern offers a glimmer of hope for the drought-stricken southwest of France. A promising mix of higher humidity, cooler temperatures, and anticipated rainfall on Thursday could potentially bring some relief to areas fighting widespread wildfires. These blazes have scorched a region equivalent to four times the size of Paris over the past few weeks.

As moisture moves inland from the Atlantic coast, Meteo France, the national weather service, predicts light rain in Lege-Cap Ferret. This town, nestled on a peninsula, has been at the forefront of the area ravaged by the relentless wildfires.

Authorities noted a “rather calm” night, as the inferno has not expanded beyond its current 42,000 hectares (approximately 162 square miles). Despite the slight reprieve, fire crews remain on full alert with over 2,200 firefighters supported by more than 20 aircraft.

Rain graced Bordeaux, situated to the east, early on Thursday. However, the downpour came short of the amount needed to significantly impact the hardest-hit regions, where dry sandy terrain and thick pine brush continue to fuel the flames.

Despite the daunting conditions, Sophie Brocas, the prefect of the Gironde region, expressed a cautious optimism that the drop in temperature might offer some much-needed assistance in combating the fierce fires.

“If that’s confirmed, we could foresee a return to a more normal life for residents, but also for businesses that need to work,” she told reporters late Wednesday.

Humidity reached 80% overnight but was expected to drop by midday, authorities said. Some rainfall was expected along the coast that “could reach the fire zone,” Gironde officials said in a morning note.

Temperatures that peaked around 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) a day earlier were set to drop Thursday, topping out at 27 C (80 F) along the coast. An “orange” heat wave alert — the second-highest level after “red” — was lifted shortly before dawn.

The fires in the Bordeaux wine-growing, forested and tourism-heavy region are among the blazes that have swept across pockets of southern Europe in recent weeks, including Spain and Greece.

On Thursday, firefighters were tackling multiple forest fires in four of Turkey’s western provinces, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.

Blazes in touristic Mugla and Antalya and elsewhere raged overnight as hot weather and strong winds gripped the region. Residents were evacuated as teams with firefighting planes and helicopters battled the fires.

A day earlier, authorities in neighboring Greece said three firefighters had died on the island on Crete, as the wildfire emergency stretched from the Atlantic coast to the eastern Mediterranean.

At the peak of the evacuations, a third of a million people were driven from homes and vacation sites in France and Spain.

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Manchester United’s Rising Stars: A New Generation of Talent Ignites Hope

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As Manchester United embarks on their pre-season journey, several promising talents from the club’s academy are seizing the moment. However, only a select few will secure a spot in the first-team squad as the Premier League season kicks off.

Currently, United are considering loan opportunities for most of their Under-21 players who showcased their skills in the friendly matches against Wrexham and Rosenborg. This strategy aims to nurture their growth, except for a few noteworthy exceptions such as Shea Lacey, Jack and Tyler Fletcher, and the emerging star, JJ Gabriel.

For some young players who’ve lingered on the first-team’s edge for a while, this week brought clarity as the club reached decisions regarding their futures, which might include permanent moves.

Specifically discussing Vitek and Amass, United is open to selling them or arranging another loan that includes an option to buy. Until any deals are finalized, these players will continue to be part of the first-team setup, enhancing their skills at Carrington.

Czech goalkeeper Vitek, who has clocked in more playing time than any of his peers in the matches against Wrexham and Rosenborg, is drawing attention from Middlesbrough and several other Championship clubs, following an impressive loan spell at Bristol City last season.

Michael Carrick has given a lot of game time to his young academy stars in pre-season

Michael Carrick has given a lot of game time to his young academy stars in pre-season 

A host of United youngsters got a runout in Norway, including Shea Lacey (front left), Harry Amass (centre) and 15-year-old JJ Gabriel (back right)

A host of United youngsters got a runout in Norway, including Shea Lacey (front left), Harry Amass (centre) and 15-year-old JJ Gabriel (back right)

Amass played in both games and got a goal and an assist against Rosenborg. He is valued at around £6million after spending last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich.

With United still in the market for a third central midfielder after paying a combined £85m to sign Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, Gore and Collyer are believed to have been told that their best hope of regular football next season will be with the Under 21s.

Hull City retain an interest in re-signing Collyer following his loan there last season, and Gore is available again after a successful loan spell at Rotherham.

There is no shortage of other United youngsters looking to impress in the remaining four pre-season games against Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds and AC Milan, even though opportunities may be harder to come by as United’s World Cup stars return to action.

The club are famed for their youth system, and a feature of United’s first two pre-season games has been how well the academy players seized their opportunity in Helsinki and Trondheim.

Lacey scored United’s opening goal over Rosenborg on Friday after he was named in the starting line-up, and Jaydan Kamason starred with two assists when Michael Carrick brought on the kids in the second half and they stretched the lead to 5-0.

United's first-team stars will be looking over their shoulder with so much talent waiting in the wings

United’s first-team stars will be looking over their shoulder with so much talent waiting in the wings

In the first game against Wrexham, the academy side played more fluent football than the seniors who went 1-0 down before half-time, but United couldn’t find the equaliser their performance deserved.

Lacey will be looking to kick on after making his first-team breakthrough last season along with the Fletcher twins, and Gabriel is edging ever closer to a debut. Jim Thwaites is also understood to be particularly highly-rated by Carrick and his coaching staff even though he hasn’t played yet. 

Here Daily Mail Sport takes a look at the exciting youngsters knocking on the first-team door.

SHEA LACEY

The only outfield player from the academy to make the starting line-up against Rosenborg, Lacey justified his inclusion with a well-taken goal just after the half-hour mark to set United on their way to a comprehensive victory.

The 19-year-old from Liverpool is predominantly a right winger but demonstrated his versatility in Trondheim by playing in the No 10 role and drifting wide to link up play.

Lacey’s star quality was underlined when Thomas Tuchel called him up to train with the England senior squad in October, and he made his first two appearances for United before being sent off on his Old Trafford debut against Brighton in the FA Cup.

He re-appeared at Brighton in the Premier League on the final day of the season, though, and we will undoubtedly be seeing more of him this term.

Lacey made four first-team appearances last season, including three in the Premier League

Lacey made four first-team appearances last season, including three in the Premier League

Lacey saw red on his Old Trafford debut in the FA Cup against Brighton for throwing the ball away in a show of dissent

Lacey saw red on his Old Trafford debut in the FA Cup against Brighton for throwing the ball away in a show of dissent

JACK FLETCHER

The older of the Fletcher twins – who joined United from Manchester City for a joint fee of around £1.25m three years ago – Jack was named in the starting line-up for the Wrexham game and performed well in the No 10 role before Carrick made wholesale changes at half-time.

He and Tyler play in central midfield, but they are expected to stay at United this season despite the club’s £85m investment in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and plans to sign a third midfielder.

Jack is seen as a more creative player and tends to operate further forward, although the England youth international can also be used as a right winger or full back.

The 19-year-old made three first-team appearances last season and will be aiming to add more this term.

Jack Fletcher tends to operate further forward in midfield but can also be used as a right winger or full back

Jack Fletcher tends to operate further forward in midfield but can also be used as a right winger or full back

TYLER FLETCHER

He didn’t start against Wrexham but at least had the distinction of captaining United’s younger XI in the second half in Helsinki, before coming on as a substitute along with his brother when Carrick made changes after an hour against Rosenborg.

This could be a big season for Tyler after he made his senior international debut for Scotland in a friendly against Bolivia last month and then got a late call-up for the World Cup following an injury to Billy Gilmour.

Like Lacey, he played for United at Brighton on the last day of the season in May, and those two are understood to be at the front of the queue for first-team opportunities this year.

Tyler Fletcher had the distinction of captaining United’s younger XI in the second half in Helsinki against Wrexham

Tyler Fletcher had the distinction of captaining United’s younger XI in the second half in Helsinki against Wrexham

JJ GABRIEL

The most eagerly anticipated appearance in pre-season is likely to be made by the young man who doesn’t turn 16 until October.

Gabriel was included in United’s squad for the first time for the trip to Norway last week, but was one of only three players from the 25-man party not to get on the pitch.

It’s only a matter of time before the player dubbed Kid Messi gets his chance, after Premier League rules prevented United from naming him in their squad last season because he was only 14 when it began.

Gabriel still made an impression, though, as he was called up to first-team training in the autumn and starred for the Under 18s with 29 goals in 32 appearances to win the Under 18s Premier League player of the season award. Expect to hear a lot more about this boy.

JJ Gabriel has only just turned 15 but could be in line for a Premier League debut this season

JJ Gabriel has only just turned 15 but could be in line for a Premier League debut this season

JAYDAN KAMASON

The England youth international was United’s standout performer in the second half against Rosenborg, getting forward down the right flank to set up goals for Harry Amass and Ethan Williams.

Kamason struggled with injuries last season but is hoping to have more luck this term, and has certainly made a promising start in pre-season.

The 19-year-old is prepared to go out on loan to further his development, but has his sights locked firmly on a career at Old Trafford.

‘If I need a few loans or whatever, we’ll have to see, but I’m trying to get to that top level – and that’s Manchester United. You have to be ambitious,’ he said after the game in Trondheim.

Jaydan Kamason struggled with injuries last season but is hoping to have more luck this term, and has certainly made a promising start in pre-season

Jaydan Kamason struggled with injuries last season but is hoping to have more luck this term, and has certainly made a promising start in pre-season

JIM THWAITES

Although he has been left on the bench for both pre-season games so far, Thwaites is said to be particularly highly regarded among the current crop of Under 21s.

A gifted midfielder and dead-ball specialist, the 18-year-old has seized his opportunity to train with the senior squad since Ruben Amorim first invited him in, and was rewarded by Carrick for his performance during the training camp in Dublin in April with a place on the bench at Chelsea.

With United strengthening in midfield, they have to make a decision about whether to keep Thwaites or send him out on loan after a planned move in January was scuppered by injury.

Jim Thwaites is a dead-ball specialist and is particularly highly regarded among the current crop of Under 21s

Jim Thwaites is a dead-ball specialist and is particularly highly regarded among the current crop of Under 21s

JACOB DEVANEY

Devaney has come off the bench to play in central defence in both pre-season games despite preferring a midfield role, and got on the scoresheet against Rosenborg with United’s third goal from a corner shortly after replacing Ayden Heaven.

The 19-year-old excelled as a midfielder on loan at St Mirren during a difficult season for the Scottish club, and is ready to head out again if it boosts his hopes of playing for United.

Jacob Devaney struck for United in their 5-0 pre-season friendly win over Rosenborg in Norway last week

Jacob Devaney struck for United in their 5-0 pre-season friendly win over Rosenborg in Norway last week

‘The main aim for me is to play for Manchester United week in, week out,’ said the Republic of Ireland Under 21s international in Trondheim. 

‘Obviously, I want to play first-team football. So whether that is at United, learning from the best for the next year, or if I have to go on loan again and gain more valuable experience, that’s what I’ll do.’

PS: Not all the young players knocking on the first-team door at United this season will have come through the club’s academy.

There is great excitement around teenage winger Tynan Thompson who has moved to Old Trafford from Tottenham in a deal worth £4m plus £4m in add-ons.

Thompson will be part of the senior group at Carrington, but the 18-year-old hasn’t trained with them yet and it’s too early to tell if he will feature in pre-season as United’s World Cup contingent continue to report back.

Las Vegas Police Respond to Jared Leto Sexual Assault Allegations

The Las Vegas police have responded to sexual assault allegations made against Oscar-winning actor Jared Leto, which surfaced in a newly released BBC documentary.

According to a BBC investigation published on Wednesday, July 29, Leto, 54, has been accused of sexual assault and various other sexual misconduct acts. Among the allegations is a claim by a woman identified as Isabel, who asserts that the assault occurred in 2002 when she was just 17, and Leto was in his 30s.

Isabel alleged that the said incident took place in a “dingy, gross motel” located in Las Vegas.

Addressing the situation, a spokesperson for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated to TMZ on Wednesday that such an allegation had never been reported to their local law enforcement offices.

Jared-Leto-GettyImages-2239241481

Jared Leto has publicly denied the charges following the BBC’s investigation that claimed he was involved in sexual misconduct. “I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life,” Leto, 54, insisted in a statement shared with Us on Wednesday, July 29. “These claims are absolutely and categorically false.” Just a few hours earlier, four women had come forward with accusations against Leto…

“There have been no sexual assault reports filed against this individual in LVMPD’s jurisdiction,” the spokesperson said.

In the BBC documentary, Isabel claimed that once inside Leto’s Vegas motel room, he beckoned her into the bathroom, where he was showering.

“I don’t think there [were] many words exchanged and he opened the shower curtain and started kissing me,” she said.

Isabel claimed that Leto then used her hand to masturbate himself. She said she pulled away from the Thirty Seconds to Mars musician and left the room shortly after.

Jared-Leto-GettyImages-2207755139

Jared Leto has been accused of “sexual impropriety” by multiple women. AirMail published a lengthy exposé on Saturday, June 7, alleging that Leto, 53, had acted inappropriately with younger women for many years. (The Oscar winner denied all of the accusations in a statement to the publication. Us Weekly has reached out for comment.) “It’s […]

“Most of my life I had viewed this event as I was a stupid girl… and so this bad thing happened,” she said in the documentary.

Leto denied all of the accusations made against him in the BBC documentary, telling Us in a statement on Wednesday, “I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life. These claims are absolutely and categorically false.”

Another woman, identified by the BBC as former model Alex, claimed that she was invited to a party at a London hotel following a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert in 2013. She alleged that once she arrived, “I see that it’s just him,” and that Leto threatened her with sexual assault.

Alex, who said she was 19 at the time, was worried about having no cash and her phone battery dying. She claimed she asked Leto if he had a phone charger or money to help her to get home, but he allegedly said no. She said she then asked if she could sleep on the chaise longue in Leto’s room and that he responded that she would wake up with a “d*** in her ass” if she did.

Another woman claimed she had sex with Leto in California when she was 17, which would legally be considered statutory rape, and a fourth accused Leto of grooming her when she was 16.

Leto denies all of the allegations.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Hate-Driven Attack: Man Jailed for Targeting Jewish Headquarters in New York

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A dramatic turn in the legal saga unfolded when, on Wednesday, a man faced the consequences of his actions. After deliberately crashing his car into the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters back in January, he received a sentence of six months and one week in jail, specifically for damaging a side-entry door of the prominent establishment.

The man at the center of this incident, 36-year-old Dan Sohail from New Jersey, learned his fate in a Brooklyn federal court. In addition to his prison sentence, he was handed a hefty bill, required to pay $20,000 as restitution. Having already served six months, Sohail is expected to regain his freedom shortly, in roughly a week’s time.

Sohail had been formally accused of deliberately targeting a religious institution, admitting his guilt this past May. His actions placed him in the legal crosshairs under charges that underscored the gravity of such offenses.

Though prosecutors pushed for a longer stint behind bars, recommending a 14-month sentence to send a strong message against rising antisemitic hate incidents, the presiding judge opted for a lighter punishment. Prosecutors had hoped an extended sentence might deter similar future attacks on Jewish establishments, reflecting the ongoing concerns about increasing hate crimes targeting these communities.

Chabad Lubavitch HQ

Dan Sohail was sentenced to six months and a week behind bars for ramming his car into the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

On Jan. 28, Sohail repeatedly rammed his vehicle into the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters. He moved protective barriers, gestured for congregants to get out of the way and drove his car into the building’s side entrance five times, knocking the door off its hinges and destroying his car’s front bumper.

While the doors were damaged, no injuries were reported.

Judge Eric N. Vitaliano said he was “somewhat saddened” that the Justice Department wanted him to be influenced at sentencing by the public’s mistaken initial impression that the attack was a hate crime.

Prosecutors said ahead of sentencing that 80 of 146 hate crime incidents across New York City since the start of the year were based on crimes targeting Jewish people and institutions.

Hasidic Jewish community gather outside of the Chabad Lubavitch HQ

Judge Eric N. Vitaliano said he was “somewhat saddened” to see that the DOJ attempted to influence him by a mistaken initial belief among the public that the attack was a hate crime. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

But Vitaliano said the government’s push for a stricter sentence as a deterrent to future attacks was in part based on the incident initially being labeled as an “I-hate-the-Jews crime, or, worse, an act-of-terrorism crime.”

The judge cited a psychiatric report and said Sohail’s mental health challenges “played an important role” in his sentencing.

“This is a sad tale,” Vitaliano said.

Sohail’s lawyer, Mia Eisner-Grynberg, said he had been trying to win acceptance at the Jewish institution as he struggled with psychological issues.

Chabad Lubavitch world headquarters

Dan Sohail was charged with intentionally damaging religious property, pleading guilty in May. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Eisner-Grynberg told the judge in court papers before sentencing that Sohail was battling depression and post-traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic childhood when he carried out the attack, even as he “desperately sought belonging and understanding through his exploration of Judaism.”

She said Sohail attended the Chabad he later attacked, finding rabbinical students there “warm and welcoming.”

Sohail “danced with them” and followed their recommendation to visit Israel, but he became erratic and extremely anxious after returning to the U.S., “begging” members of Chabad to help him, Eisner-Grynberg said.

Ramming the car into the building was “an irrational cry for help,” she said.

TSA Uncovers Grapefruit-Sized Civil War Cannonballs at Checkpoint

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An ordinary baggage check took a surprising turn at an Alabama airport when TSA officers stumbled upon stolen historical treasures hidden within a passenger’s luggage, causing quite a stir.

These historical items emerged during the screening of a traveler’s checked suitcase at Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA), situated approximately 45 miles from Mobile, Alabama, on July 18.

According to a story on the TSA website, dated July 24, lead TSA officer Justin Dupree identified the artifacts as five cannonballs from the Civil War era.

Dupree, upon examining the bag, noticed a mysterious large opaque image on his X-ray monitor, which initially made him think of a medicine ball.

The discovery revealed five cannonballs, each varying in size, carefully wrapped in paper towels.

The larger ones were “about the size of grapefruits,” Dupree said.

“My first thought was, ‘I couldn’t see a fuse and need to get some help quick,’” Dupree said, according to the TSA.

“I couldn’t see the entire item but was scared I might have been holding a live explosive.”

He quickly alerted his supervisor, Richard Cash, a supervisory TSA officer.

Dupree, who’s been a TSA officer for about four years, said he had “never seen anything quite this unique.”

“I’ve seen inert grenades and training munitions but never an Indiana Jones-esque stolen artifact-type situation,” Dupree said.

Cash analyzed the X-ray image and agreed with Dupree that the cannonballs could pose a danger.

Regional TSA explosives specialists were notified, and local police and deputies with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the airport.

“It was my first time dealing with a potentially live explosive.”

Cash told TSA officials that he “had never seen anything like this.”

“It was my first time dealing with a potentially live explosive, and it’s actually only the second incident we’ve had since JKA opened in May 2025,” he said.

The cannonballs were prohibited from the aircraft because they were classified as artillery munitions, and officers could not immediately determine whether they were inert, Cash said.

“With assistance from the [explosives expert] and law enforcement, and because we were unable to initially determine they were inert, they could have been dangerous to the aircraft,” he said.

Officials later found that the cannonballs had been stolen from Fort Morgan, a historic fort in Gasque, Alabama.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital a juvenile stole them from a storage area within the fort.

The cannonballs “were being transported in the juvenile’s grandmother’s checked bag,” officials said.

“Fort Morgan personnel were able to confirm the items as their property due to paint markings they apply to artifacts,” the office added.

“The grandmother stated that she did not know they were stolen. Fort Morgan’s director chose to not press charges, so there was no further action from us.”

In a statement, TSA Alabama Federal Security Director Tara Corse said she was “very proud of the great catch and teamwork by Officers Dupree and Cash.”

“Even if inert and not active, travelers should avoid bringing weapons of any kind, including replicas, to the airport. They can cause security alerts, flight delays and safety concerns,” said Corse.

Fox News Digital reached out to the TSA for further information and comment.

Bride-to-be Arrested for Arson at Mormon Church Ahead of Wedding Day

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In a startling turn of events, a bride-to-be found herself in handcuffs after reportedly igniting a fire in a Mormon church in Utah, using a tampon as the alleged tool, merely a day before her wedding was scheduled to take place.

The woman at the center of this incident, 25-year-old Lenita ‘Tessa’ Joy Moreno from Wyoming, has been accused of setting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Kaysville ablaze just hours before her nuptials. This act of arson resulted in damages exceeding $108,000, as reported by KUTV News.

Upon investigation, fire experts concluded that the flames were intentionally ignited beneath a chair using unconventional materials, notably, a tampon, which added a bizarre twist to the arson case.

Surveillance cameras in the vicinity momentarily captured Moreno allegedly pilfering two to three lighters from a nearby hardware store, tucking them away in her shirt and shoe before leaving the premises.

According to a probable cause statement provided to KUTV, authorities suspect that Lenita sparked the fire while the church was still occupied by five other individuals, a detail that compounds the gravity of the incident.

‘Lenita did not obtain a marriage license for her own wedding that was to occur the following day after the fire but had lied stating she had.’ 

On Monday, Moreno was arrested and charged with aggravated arson, retail theft and providing false information to a peace officer.

Her arrest came more than two weeks after police and fire crews rushed to the Kaysville Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 198 West Center Street following reports of a fire shortly after 10pm on July 10.

Lenita 'Tessa' Joy Moreno, 25, of Wyoming, is accused of setting fire to an LDS church in Kaysville, Utah, on July 10 - just one day before her wedding ceremony was set to take place inside

Lenita ‘Tessa’ Joy Moreno, 25, of Wyoming, is accused of setting fire to an LDS church in Kaysville, Utah, on July 10 – just one day before her wedding ceremony was set to take place inside

Fire investigators determined the blaze had been deliberately set beneath a chair inside the building using unusual items, 'including what appeared to be a tampon' according to KUTV News

Fire investigators determined the blaze had been deliberately set beneath a chair inside the building using unusual items, ‘including what appeared to be a tampon’ according to KUTV News

Inside, family members told police they had been setting up for the next day’s ceremony and were preparing to leave when the fire alarm suddenly went off, according to a police booking affidavit obtained by KUTV and KSL News.

They said that after spotting flames in the Relief Society room, one person attempted to douse the blaze with water from wedding decorations while another used a fire extinguisher.

During the initial investigation, authorities determined the fire had been deliberately set beneath a chair that was stacked against the wall. 

‘Under one of the chairs appeared to be items that were out of the ordinary, including what appeared to be a tampon with the applicator on the floor,’ the affidavit read, according to KSL.

The groom told investigators that he and his fiancée had been inside the Relief Society room just minutes before the fire alarm went off. 

Police also noted that the woman initially identified herself as Tessa Moran, but was later confirmed to be Moreno, KSL reports.

‘The cost of building repair to date is just over $108,000,’ the affidavit said.

In the days following the fire, investigators interviewed those who were present at the scene, including the unidentified groom, who said he and Moreno had gone to Ace Hardware and Chevron that night to purchase drinks and decor hooks. 

On Monday, Moreno was arrested and charged with aggravated arson, retail theft and providing false information to a peace officer

On Monday, Moreno was arrested and charged with aggravated arson, retail theft and providing false information to a peace officer

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by KUTV, Moreno lit the fire while 'five others were still inside' and 'did not obtain a marriage license for her own wedding that was to occur the following day after the fire but had lied stating she had'

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by KUTV, Moreno lit the fire while ‘five others were still inside’ and ‘did not obtain a marriage license for her own wedding that was to occur the following day after the fire but had lied stating she had’

Employees at Ace Hardware confirmed the visit, and surveillance footage soon showed Moreno walking toward the lighters, secretly snatching an unknown number of them and hiding them on her.

According to the documents, Moreno’s fiancé was not nearby when she allegedly grabbed the lighters. The couple ultimately left Ace Hardware after paying only for the hooks.

During a police interview, Moreno admitted to stealing when confronted about the incident, but refused to tell investigators what specific items she had walked out with, the affidavit said.

When questioned about having a lighter, she allegedly told police she did not carry one and would have no reason to because she does not smoke. 

‘Lenita is from out of state and through the investigation has been found to continually be deceptive and take drastic steps to hide her lies,’ the affidavit said, according to KSL.

The bride-to-be was booked into the Davis County Jail on multiple charges, where she remains held without bail. 

The investigation involved Kaysville police and fire officials, the fire marshal’s office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to Kaysville police and fire officials for comment. 

Ex-Police Officer Extradited to U.S. to Face Charges in Wife’s Murder and Child Molestation Cases

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A former Charleston Police Officer, who evaded capture for years after being accused of his wife’s murder, has been extradited back to the United States following his arrest in China.

Dan Hiers Jr., who gained notoriety when he was listed among the U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted in 2005, was detained on July 22 by U.S. Marshals in Shanghai. This development was confirmed by an official statement from the agency.

The 53-year-old is facing serious charges, including a warrant from Dorchester County for criminal sexual conduct with a minor and another for murder from Goose Creek.

Hiers’ last known sighting was on March 15, 2005, coinciding with the tragic discovery of his wife, 24-year-old Ludimila Hiers, in their Goose Creek, South Carolina residence. Authorities reported that she had been shot in the back of the head while she slept.

Previously a Charleston Police Department officer, Hiers was suspended in 2004 after accusations emerged regarding his involvement in sexual misconduct with a minor in Dorchester County. That same year, the North Charleston Police arrested him for lewd acts against a child under 16, though he was subsequently released on bond.

Hiers was expected to surrender to authorities on March 15, 2005, to face additional charges, but the U.S. Marshal’s Service said he failed to meet his attorney at the sheriff’s office and went on the run.

“He was contacted about coming to the sheriff’s office to turn himself in. It’s very common practice, particularly already under charges, as he was at the time,” retired Dorchester County Sheriff Ray Nash explained to WCBD. “My understanding is that he did not show up for that meeting. And so officers went out to his residence to try to locate him on the street. That’s when they found the situation involving his wife.”

The case quickly garnered media attention, with Hiers’ case being featured numerous times on  America’s Most Wanted and The Hunt with John Walsh.

“This hit the headlines very quickly, as I remember,” Nash told the outlet. “It was very traumatic for the community.”

For years, investigators tried to find Hiers. According to the U.S. Marshal Service’s Most Wanted poster, Hiers had 11 years of experience as a police officer and was proficient in police tactics and procedures. 

“He is also trained in martial arts and maintains a high level of physical fitness,” they said. “Hiers has stated that he will not go to prison, is possibly suicidal, and may forced an armed confrontation.” 

In 2018, he was captured in China after a woman recognized him as her former English teacher, according to WCSC and Bluffton Today.

It would take years, however, until he would be transported back to the United States. 

“Dan Hiers was in a position of public trust, but he betrayed that trust in the worst possible way,” Director of the U.S. Marshal Service Gadyaces S. Serralta remarked in the release. “Placing him on our 15 Most Wanted list made his capture a priority for this agency. His return to South Carolina is both significant and rewarding, and we thank our domestic and international partners for their tireless persistence in bringing this fugitive to justice.” 

Director of the Diplomatic Security Service Nicolas Collura thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and Chinese law enforcement authorities for ensuring “Dan Hiers finally answers for his crimes.” 

“Our special agents overseas work tirelessly every day, tracking fugitives who believe distance and time will protect them,” he added. “Their dedication, alongside our partners, proves that no fugitive is beyond the reach of American justice.”

In a post on Instagram celebrating the case milestone, authorities said they were able to return Hiers to the U.S. after “a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service.”

It’s expected that Hiers will be returned to South Carolina to face the charges against him. It’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney.

Border Agents Seize $20 Million Cocaine Stash Concealed Under Truck Floorboards in Major Bust

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In a notable drug bust, federal agents discovered over 1,000 pounds of cocaine stashed under the floorboards of a commercial vehicle arriving from Mexico. This operation stands as one of Southern California’s most significant narcotics seizures this year.

The Department of Justice revealed that the substantial haul of cocaine was concealed inside the floorboards of a flatbed trailer and commercial truck intercepted at the Calexico Port of Entry, which bridges California and Mexico. Officials estimate the street worth of the confiscated cocaine at more than $20 million.

This seizure represents the second-largest cocaine bust within the Southern District of California for the current year, as stated by federal prosecutors.

FEDS SEIZE $6.4M WORTH OF COCAINE ABOARD OIL TANKER AT PORT OF LOS ANGELES, ARREST SUSPECTED CARTEL SMUGGLER

More than 1,000 pounds of cocaine

Federal authorities seized more than 1,000 pounds of cocaine, valued at more than $20 million, during an inspection at the Calexico Port of Entry in California. (Department of Justice)

Jose Manuel Lopez, 44, a Mexican national and the truck’s sole occupant, was arrested and charged with importing cocaine into the United States.

If convicted, Lopez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life.

In court filings seeking to keep Lopez in custody, prosecutors described the seizure as “a tremendous amount of drugs, even by the standards of this district.”

SINALOA CARTEL BOSS ‘EL MAYO’ SENTENCED TO LIFE, ORDERED TO PAY $15B IN DRUG TRAFFICKING PROFITS

Wooden floorboards of a commercial trailer

Authorities removed the wooden floorboards of a commercial trailer after discovering more than 1,000 pounds of cocaine hidden underneath, prosecutors said. (Department of Justice)

The only larger cocaine seizure in the Southern District of California this year came in May, when authorities uncovered more than a ton of cocaine worth an estimated $45 million linked to an alleged cross-border drug tunnel.

Officials said the trailer was carrying 269 bundles of rebar when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, working alongside Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, detected anomalies during an X-ray inspection.

hundreds of packages of cocaine

Federal investigators uncovered hundreds of packages of cocaine hidden beneath the floorboards of a commercial trailer at the Calexico Port of Entry, prosecutors said. (Department of Justice)

After a narcotics detection dog alerted officers the trailer, they unloaded the rebar and removed the wooden floorboards, where they discovered 366 packages of cocaine weighing more than 1,000 pounds, or approximately 454 kilograms, prosecutors said.

Lopez pleaded not guilty during his initial appearance in federal court Tuesday. A detention hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3.

Cam Schlittler’s Impressive Yankees Debut Undermined by Critical Seventh-Inning Setback

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CHICAGO — Wednesday evening nearly belonged to Cam Schlittler, who was dazzling on the mound, making most of his outing appear untouchable.

However, despite such a promising start, the Yankees’ right-hander found himself grappling with disappointment as his stellar performance unraveled, culminating in a heart-wrenching 6-5 defeat against the White Sox in a 12-inning marathon at Rate Field.

Schlittler’s dominance was apparent early on, with just a single baserunner reaching safely due to a broken-bat hit in the fourth inning. Heading into the seventh inning with the Yankees enjoying a comfortable 4-0 lead, Schlittler issued a walk to Munetaka Murakami on a full count. His ensuing 98 mph sinker unfortunately plunked Miguel Vargas on the hands. An out later, Andrew Benintendi delivered a well-placed double down the right-field line, driving in the White Sox’s first run and signaling the end of Schlittler’s commanding night.

Reflecting on the game, Schlittler expressed his frustration over the walk, the first he had given up in three starts. “The walk there is frustrating,” he admitted. “I aimed for the inside against Vargas and hit him instead. They didn’t exactly earn it; I just handed it to them. It’s frustrating, but sometimes that’s just baseball,” he concluded with a rueful smile.

Schlittler, who impressively fanned eight batters while showcasing a sharper, more aggressive curveball, also lamented his pitch choice against Benintendi. This led to a discussion with Gerrit Cole in the dugout, reflecting on how crucial decisions and details can alter the course of a game.

“Shook [off] a pitch to Benintendi, didn’t execute it,” Schlittler said. “Probably had more wiggle room with the pitch Wells called. That’s on me.”

Cam Schlittler throws a pitch during the third inning of the Yankees' 6-5, 12-inning loss to the White Sox on July 29, 2026 in Chicago.

Cam Schlittler throws a pitch during the third inning of the Yankees’ 6-5, 12-inning loss to the White Sox on July 29, 2026 in Chicago. Getty Images


In the last few years, Aaron Boone has pounded the table for the Yankees to acquire certain players, including David Bednar and Alex Verdugo, both of whom ended up on his roster.

As another trade deadline nears, the Yankees manager is making his opinion known to the front office again with a few names in mind.

“Oh yeah,” he said with a grin, of course unwilling to disclose what those names were.

But Boone is keeping in touch with general manager Brian Cashman and his lieutenants, offering an occasional “thought bubble” as the Yankees try to wade through the uncertainty of which teams are selling and which players are actually available ahead of Monday’s deadline.

“At the end of the day, the front office has been working hard at this for certainly weeks, but it’s even years in the making where you’re evaluating other organizations, evaluating your own organization so you’re prepared to move when something potentially comes up,” Boone said. “They’re all down there [in Tampa] ready to do their thing and if something presents itself, then you strike.”


The daily Giancarlo Stanton non-update: He continues to run, according to Boone, but still not on the bases.

“He just needs to get to a level intensity-wise with the running,” Boone said. “You don’t need to keep asking. He’s running. When it gets really close, close to being in a game or something, we’ll let you know. It’s not there yet.”


Carlos Rodón was set to throw about 30 pitches across two simulated innings Wednesday at Double-A Somerset as he builds toward a rehab assignment and potentially rejoining the Yankees in mid- to late August.


The Yankees announced the Old-Timers’ Day roster for the annual game on Aug. 8.

The first-timers scheduled to attend are Dellin Betances, Todd Frazier, Adam Ottavino and David Weathers.

Notably absent were Derek Jeter, who only attended the event in 2023 when a game was not played (he has said he will not play in it), and Brett Gardner, who has not been around the organization at all since he played his last game for it in 2021.