Bishop David Oyedepo, the influential founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, recently addressed the public regarding his financial standing and ownership of four private jets, firmly asserting that no church funds were used in their acquisition.
In his remarks, Oyedepo shed light on the topic of wealth acquisition, emphasizing that individuals can achieve financial prosperity through legitimate means without succumbing to unethical methods.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the prominent cleric revealed that while it took him a while to purchase his first brand-new car, his aerial endeavors commenced much sooner.
Oyedepo explains how he acquired his planes
Commenting on his substantial assets, Bishop Oyedepo remarked, “It took me time to drive the first new car, but it didn’t take me time to start flying.”
Further clarifying his stance, he added, “I’ve never taken a dime from this church to buy any of my planes, and I have 4 planes. I use anyone I like if one is faulty.”
Oyedepo also urged people to pursue legitimate means of building wealth, warning against relying on activities he described as destructive shortcuts.
Bishop Oyedepo speaks on wealth creation
The Living Faith Church founder further cautioned his audience against drug-related activities and betting as supposed routes to financial success.
He said, “You don’t have to do drugs or NaijaBet. Wealth gotten by vanity shall diminish.”
His comments have drawn attention because of his disclosure about owning four planes and his explanation that church funds were not used to purchase them.
The remarks have also renewed discussions about wealth, entrepreneurship and the sources of income of prominent Nigerian religious figures.
Watch the video below…
“It took me time to drive the first new car, but it didn’t take me time to start flying. I’ve never taken a dime from this church to buy any of my planes, and I have 4 planes. I use anyone I like if one is faulty. You don’t have to do drugs or NaijaBet. Wealth gotten by vanity… pic.twitter.com/EINbaWVatQ
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) August 19, 2026
Australia and Thailand Unite in Crackdown on Criminal Networks
In a significant move to fortify their partnership, the leaders of Australia and Thailand have pledged to intensify collaborative efforts against transnational crime, while simultaneously promising to enhance both defense and trade relations.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul embarked on his inaugural visit to Australia since assuming office in late 2025. On Wednesday, he held talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.
During their discussions, both leaders consented to strengthen their joint commitments in combating transnational crime. They have instructed their respective law enforcement bodies to proactively “disrupt increasingly sophisticated global criminal networks,” as highlighted in a joint communiqué released after the meeting.
In addition to these efforts, both nations decided to upgrade their security cooperation, agreeing on a biannual meeting schedule for their defense ministers to further enhance strategic collaboration.
Offering a boon to Australia’s energy security, Prime Minister Albanese revealed that Thailand had extended a “generous offer” to supply jet fuel. This offer comes at a crucial time when global energy markets are reeling from supply-chain disturbances stemming from the ongoing US-led conflict with Iran.
“Building on the strong economic ties is a top priority for my government,” he told reporters.
“Times of uncertainty call for greater global cooperation between partners who are reliable and dependable, and friends.”
In 2027, Australia and Thailand will mark 75 years since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.
Anutin said: “I’m confident that our strategic partnership will remain an enduring foundation for Thailand and Australia … and bring our countries and peoples even closer together.”
“I extend my sincere appreciation once again to my dear Prime Minister Albanese and the Australian people for their warm hospitality.”
The bid to crack down on transnational crime comes after Thailand tries to alleviate its reputation for being a hotspot for grey money — illicit capital that crosses borders.
The nation is an international hub for online scam work which fleeces millions of dollars from Australians each year.
Vulnerable Thai locals are often imprisoned by criminal syndicates on the outskirts of Bangkok to run the centres.
The Australian Federal Police was involved in a 2025 investigation that led to the arrest of five Australians, as well as United Kingdom, Canadian and South African nationals, operating a scam Bangkok “boiler room”.
That announcement also came hours after Thai police confirmed the cause of death of a Thai woman allegedly murdered by an Australian man in June.
The Thai teenager, Tunchanok Donhomla, was allegedly suffocated, according to a police autopsy report seen by the ABC.
Thai police told ABC News that, on the basis of evidence collected, they now believed the investigation was reaching its completion.
Australian National University associate professor Greg Raymond said that while Thailand was not a key priority for Australia, the visit came at an opportune time to strengthen the relationship.
“This is a country wanting to diversify its trade. Australia is seen as a desirable partner that’s not the United States and not China. It helps create other options for trade,” he said.
Australia has substantial existing trade deals with Thailand, exporting about $1 billion of natural gas and more than $700 million in petroleum annually.
In return, Australia buys roughly $6.5 billion worth of new cars from the nation each year.
But those deals are eclipsed by China, with which Thailand had a US$46.22 billion ($65 billion) trade deficit in the first half of 2026.
The Southeast Asian nation is now in talks to lessen the deficit through increased self-sufficiency and reliance on alternative nations.
Harriet Hageman Clinches Victory in Wyoming GOP Senate Primary with Trump’s Endorsement
Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) has just inched closer to becoming Wyoming’s next senator following a decisive victory in Tuesday’s Republican primary. Garnering support from former President Donald Trump, Hageman secured a commanding 63 percent of the vote.
Hageman first rose to prominence in 2022 after she ousted Liz Cheney to earn her place in the U.S. House of Representatives. She has since gained national recognition for her staunch opposition to federal overreach, particularly concerning Wyoming’s water and property rights.
In the primary, Hageman bested four challengers: Jill Edwards, John Holtz, Sam Mead, and Jimmy Skovgard.
Trump’s endorsement came swiftly after Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) declared at the end of last year that she wouldn’t seek reelection, leaving the seat open.
“I am well-acquainted with Harriet, and she is a TOTAL WINNER! Harriet has consistently delivered for Wyoming, and she will continue to do so in the United States Senate,” Trump expressed on Truth Social in December 2025.
Hageman’s 2022 campaign against Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) led to record turnout in that year’s primary, whereby she defeated Cheney by 37 points. She told – News Cheney lost because she remained focused on President Trump rather than issues important to Wyoming voters, including inflation, illegal immigration, and energy.
Wyoming has not elected a Democrat senator since 1970.
Ohio Recycling Facility Explosions: Tragedy Strikes With Two Dead, Multiple Injured
In a tragic incident that unfolded early Tuesday morning, two individuals lost their lives and several suffered injuries following a series of explosions at an industrial recycling plant in Toledo, Ohio. The powerful blasts ignited a significant blaze, sending ominous plumes of dense, black smoke drifting across the region, according to local authorities.
The explosions rocked Brent Industries just before the clock struck 5 a.m., coinciding with a shift transition, as reported by Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong through The Associated Press. The timing compounded the chaos as workers were either arriving or leaving the facility.
In the hours that followed, firefighters, battling both flames and debris, discovered the lifeless bodies of one male and one female employee inside the wrecked structure. While the tragedy claimed these lives, it left two to three other employees with minor injuries, highlighting the harrowing ordeal they experienced.
Footage from the disaster-stricken site revealed fierce flames consuming sections of the facility as emergency responders worked diligently to control the situation, their efforts framed by the roaring fire.
The explosions, which occurred just before 5 a.m. during a shift change at Brent Industries, added to the chaos as personnel were transitioning shifts. (WTVG via AP)
Aerial images showed extensive destruction, with nearly all of the roof gone and several walls blown out, according to The Associated Press.
Armstrong said crews initially faced hazardous materials, runoff and the threat of additional explosions as they searched for victims and accounted for employees.
Environmental officials said air monitoring detected no hazardous threat.
Demetrius Langston, who was about half a mile away, said he felt the force of the blasts.
Firefighters later found the bodies of a male and female employee inside the heavily damaged building. (WTVG via AP)
“The shock waves came down the block,” he said. “Then we all heard it again. Boom! You could feel it.”
The fire continued burning into Tuesday afternoon, and officials said there were no preliminary indications of what caused the explosions.
Authorities urged residents who could see or smell smoke to stay away from the area and keep their windows and doors closed.
Brent Industries, based in Alabama, provides textile reconditioning and industrial recycling services and uses mineral spirits in its cleaning process, according to The Associated Press.
The fire continued burning into Tuesday afternoon, and officials said there were no preliminary indications of what caused the explosions. (WTVG via AP)
Fire officials said tanks containing the petroleum-based solvent were at the Toledo facility, though their role in Tuesday’s explosions remains unknown.
The company has a history of deadly accidents and safety violations, The Associated Press reported.
A 2015 explosion at its Alabama plant killed one worker after mineral spirit vapors ignited inside a washing machine. OSHA later cited the company for six violations and fined it $27,000.
Brent Industries could not immediately be reached by News Media for comment.
Stop Harassment Over Explicit Video: Essential Advice Here
DEAR ABBY: Several years ago, I began receiving distressing phone calls from an unknown man who claimed to have explicit videos of me. I have no idea where such footage could possibly have come from. In an attempt to put an end to the harassment, I changed my phone number; however, the man managed to obtain my new contact information and continued the disturbing calls.
Over time, the incessant phone calls ceased, and I’ve been free from them for many years. However, I recently received a Facebook friend request from a suspicious account lacking any profile details. This person then messaged me, referencing a video and bombarding me with inappropriate sexual remarks. In response, I took the drastic step of deleting all my social media accounts.
My concern is this: What if there actually exists a video of which I am unaware? How should I proceed if such a video is leaked to the public? — SCARED AND EMBARRASSED
DEAR SCARED AND EMBARRASSED: The experiences you’ve described constitute harassment and potential extortion. It’s crucial for you to report these incidents to law enforcement authorities. I believe the existence of a video is highly unlikely and suspect this could be part of a broader scam.
Nevertheless, if a video does exist and is released, I suggest maintaining your dignity and responding confidently to inquiries. You can acknowledge that, like many adults worldwide, you have a personal life. This approach will also help in identifying who created such content, providing you with more evidence to present to the authorities.
DEAR ABBY: I am 70. My sister is 68, and her husband is 80. He has kidney failure and needs 24/7 care. Our mother is 98. She lives independently in a condo and is mentally fully functional, but she can’t cook or do housekeeping anymore. (She has cleaning help.)
My sister and I take turns making Mom warm meals, and my sister also does some light housekeeping. It takes one to two hours. My sister does this three times a week while her husband is at dialysis at a nearby facility. She also has my mother’s medical and financial powers of attorney and prefers to be the one to take care of things.
I am in fairly good health but have some medical issues that may eventually make it difficult (or even impossible) to travel. This fall, I plan to go to Europe for three weeks. I would like to have someone come in to help my mom three times a week while I am gone. I would introduce this person ahead of time so that Mom could get to know them and I could show them what needs to be done.
Unfortunately, Mom doesn’t want anyone other than my sister and me to care for her. My sister’s plate is already more than full, so I don’t want to add to it. Is it unreasonable of me to expect my mother to accept outside help? — PERPLEXED IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR PERPLEXED: Your plan is not unreasonable, but it’s common for someone your mother’s age to resist change. Remind her that the clock is ticking on your travel opportunities, and emphasize that the arrangement is only temporary. Tell her you will call to check in while you’re away, and promise to bring back lots of photos and stories to share with her when you resume your normal caregiving routine.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Hayden Panettiere’s 20-Year Struggle After Zebra Incident
Hayden Panettiere tragically passed away at 36 due to a suspected overdose, following years of suffering from injuries sustained in a harrowing zebra accident.
The beloved actress, famous for her role in “Heroes,” was only 14 when she embarked on an adventure filming “Racing Stripes” in South Africa, a film that tells the tale of a zebra aspiring to compete in the Kentucky Derby.
With minimal horseback riding experience—having only mounted a horse once or twice before—Panettiere dedicated six weeks to mastering the art of riding as a jockey for the role.
Incredibly, she tackled all the high-octane stunts herself, racing alongside Thoroughbred horses at breakneck speeds, as she proudly recounted in an interview during that time.
However, a tragic turn of events occurred as she was thrown from the zebra, leading to a concussion, severe whiplash, and damage to two neck vertebrae, as she disclosed in her memoir “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” published earlier this year.
‘Over 20 years later, these injuries still bother me,’ she wrote in the memoir as she described how she would seek opioids whenever the injury flared back up.
‘The accident became much more than something that happened to Hayden on a movie set as a teenager,’ a source familiar with her struggles told Radar Online.
Another insider also noted that ‘Hayden’s addiction had many complicated elements and nobody should reduce it to one event.
Hayden Panettiere performed her own stunts in the 2005 film Racing Stripes, in which her character trains a zebra to race against horses
Panettiere had suffered years of pain in the aftermath. She is pictured using crutches in May, when she and her boyfriend Brian Hickerson traveled through Los Angeles International Airport
‘But the physical pain was real; she connected increased opioid use to her neck injury flaring up and it was something she was still dealing with decades after the accident.
‘It was what really prompted her downward spiral into drugs and depression.’
The former child star, known for her roles on the hit NBC series Heroes and the musical drama Nashville, had previously opened up about her struggles with addiction, which began when she was just 15 years old.
At the time, she claimed she started taking ‘happy pills’ in an effort to make her seem more ‘peppy’ during interviews.
Her addiction then became worse while she was battling postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter Kaya in 2014.
Panettiere has said that in the days after giving birth, she felt ‘nothing’ when looking at her young daughter – prompting her to turn to drinking.
She said: ‘I turned to wine, which ultimately ended up leading to an alcohol dependency. It was how I would get through each day.’
Panettiere has long spoken out about her drug and alcohol addiction. She said it became worse after the birth of her daughter, Kaya, in 2014
Although she underwent treatment, Panettiere felt the ‘root cause’ of her drinking, the depression, was not addressed.
‘I wish more people had known what it was at the time. Maybe I wouldn’t have waited so long to get help,’ she said.
She ultimately underwent an eight-month stint at a rehab facility in 2020, revealing in her memoir how a doctor told her she would be dead within five years if she did not stop drinking.
It was during that rehab stint that she said she stopped ‘running from myself’ and started to face her hardships.
‘If you stay in rehab more than a few weeks, you have lots of time to be bored,’ the actress wrote in her New York Times bestselling memoir.
‘When you’re sitting with your feelings, stone cold sober, there’s little room for denial.
‘But in those long, empty spaces, you start to grow.’
Still, she noted in a 2022 interview that ‘it’s an everyday battle’ to remain sober.
Panettiere underwent an eight-month rehab stint in 2020, and said she had remained sober ever since. She is pictured at the premiere of Scream VI in March 2023
The Heroes star is pictured with her one-time co-star, the late Michelle Trachtenberg, in 2011
Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene of an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday.
Authorities have not yet released a cause of death, but in audio of a 911 call made at 1.51pm Sunday, a female dispatcher described the actress as suffering a ‘cardiac arrest.’
A few moments later, a male dispatcher could be heard saying that Panettiere had suffered a suspected overdose at the home.
The actress, who was due to turn 37 this Friday, was pronounced dead at the scene at 2.32pm, just over 40 minutes after the first 911 call was made. Her ex, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, were in the apartment when she died, according to a police report released on Tuesday.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has since completed the star’s autopsy, with the coroner telling the Daily Mail that ‘no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.’
Further investigations will now take place to establish her cause of death, with chief deputy coroner Shelton England telling the Daily Mail that it was too early to discuss the drug overdose theory.
Back-to-Back Tire Blows Leave FAA Probing Landing Incidents at Major US Airport
In a developing story from the aviation world, the Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation following reports of two commercial planes suffering blown tires merely hours apart at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Monday. This follows a troubling trend of tire-related incidents that have recently plagued passenger flights at Chicago airports.
According to an FAA statement provided to News Media, the crew of American Airlines Flight 386 reported experiencing two blown tires upon safely landing at O’Hare around 2 p.m. on Monday.
Originating from New York’s LaGuardia Airport, the Boeing 737-800 required passengers to disembark using stairs before being transported to the terminal via buses, as detailed by the FAA.
American Airlines categorized the incident as a “tire issue” in a statement to News Media, noting that first responders were on standby to meet the aircraft purely as a precautionary measure.
Travelers were seen checking their flight schedules on an information screen at O’Hare Airport in Chicago on December 23, 2025. (Photo by Nam Y. Huh/AP)
“American Airlines flight 386 experienced a tire issue after landing safely at Chicago (ORD). Per procedure, first responders met the aircraft out of an abundance of caution, and customers were transported safely to the terminal by bus,” the statement read.
“The aircraft has been taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team. We thank our team members for their professionalism, and we apologize to our customers for their experience.”
The FAA said its information was preliminary and subject to change and that it will investigate the incident.
Just over three hours later, the crew of United Airlines Flight 739 reported a blown tire after landing safely at O’Hare around 5:15 p.m., according to the FAA.
The Airbus A320 was traveling from Omaha, Nebraska, to Chicago with 121 passengers and five crew members aboard, United Airlines confirmed to News Media.
United Airlines Flight 739 reported a blown tire after landing safely at O’Hare, according to the FAA. (iStock)
“After arriving at Chicago O’Hare, United flight 739 sustained tire damage. Customers deplaned via airstairs and buses took them back to the terminal,” a spokesperson for the airline said.
United said there were no reported injuries.
The FAA said it will also investigate the United incident and cautioned that its information was preliminary and subject to change.
The incidents add to a recent series of tire problems involving commercial flights in Chicago.
Less than a week earlier, another United Airlines plane reported blown tires and aborted a takeoff at O’Hare.
Earlier this month, Southwest Airlines Flight 1243 blew a tire after landing at Chicago Midway International Airport at about 6:45 a.m. on Aug. 3, according to the FAA.
The Southwest Boeing 737 had departed from Southwest Florida International Airport. The FAA also opened an investigation into that incident.
No injuries were reported in the Midway incident.
Monday’s incidents occurred during a busy summer travel season at O’Hare. The FAA said earlier this year that more than 3,080 flights were planned at the airport on peak days during the summer 2026 travel season, a 14.9% increase from the previous summer’s peak-day schedule.
The agency subsequently imposed limits on scheduled operations at O’Hare in an effort to reduce delays and manage operational constraints at the airport.
Travelers at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
News Media also reached out to the Chicago Department of Aviation for additional information about Monday’s incidents and any impact on airport operations.
Tragic Highway Accident: Ohio Mom Bridget Reagan Dies as Tree Falls on SUV
Tragedy struck over the weekend in Ohio when a mother of three lost her life after her SUV was crushed by a falling tree, authorities have confirmed.
The victim, identified as 35-year-old Bridget E. Reagan from Minerva, was driving her 2023 Jeep Wagoneer westbound on US Route 30 near Paris Township at approximately 5:24 p.m. on Saturday. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), a tree from an adjacent wooded area suddenly plummeted onto her vehicle.
The impact proved fatal, and Reagan was declared dead at the scene, as per the OSHP report.
Investigators are probing potential causes, including saturated ground or a decaying tree, though Lieutenant Johnnie Maier of the Ohio State Highway Patrol expressed that it currently appears to be a tragic act of God, as he explained to WEWS.
“While this was truly a random event that could have affected anyone, it’s particularly heart-wrenching that it happened to a young lady with a family,” Lt. Maier commented to the network.
Reagan was a small-business owner and well-known member of the Minerva community, where she owned Chic Haven, a clothing and home décor boutique.
Reagan’s sudden death prompted an outpouring of grief from family, friends, fellow business owners and members of the tight-knit Minerva community.
The Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce offered its “deepest and most heartfelt condolences” to Reagan’s family, friends and loved ones, describing her as a valued member of the local business community who brought “an incredible amount of energy, warmth, and joy” to those around her.
“Her presence touched so many people, and the impact she made throughout our community will not be forgotten,” the chamber said, adding that the loss “will be felt for a very long time.”
Reagan also used her platform to give back. In a Facebook post last year, she asked friends to mark her birthday by donating to SAVE22 Veterans, an Ohio nonprofit focused on supporting veterans and raising awareness about veteran suicide.
“I’ve chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope you’ll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me,” Reagan wrote at the time.
Chic Haven Boutique confirmed Reagan’s death in an emotional Facebook post signed by her sister, Kelly.
“There are no words that could ever truly express the heartbreak and emptiness we are feeling,” the post said.
“Bridget poured so much love, time, passion, and pieces of herself into this business, but even more importantly, she touched the lives of so many people along the way,” the post continued.
The family said they would work to preserve what Reagan built.
“We will do our best to honor her memory and the legacy she created,” the post said.
A GoFundMe created by Reagan’s sister is raising money for funeral and memorial expenses and to support her three children.
“Bridget was a loving mother to three young children, and they were the center of her world,” the fundraiser said.
“She was also a deeply loved daughter, sister, and friend,” the fundraiser continued, saying Reagan’s death “has left an enormous space in the lives of so many people who cared about her.”
Friends and customers also flooded social media with tributes, remembering Reagan as a kind and supportive friend who made time for others and embraced families in the community.
One mourner recalled that Reagan was never too busy to offer a new mother advice or a listening ear, while another said she welcomed their family “with open arms.” Others remembered her as “such a light in our little community” and said she had “the kindest heart.”
One local business is now using Reagan’s memory to help support her family. Gardner Candle Co. announced a memorial candle made in a fragrance Reagan particularly loved, with 100% of the profits going to her family.
“Some people leave a light behind that can never be dimmed. Bridget Reagan was one of those beautiful souls,” the company wrote, saying Reagan had supported the owner’s candle business and often partnered with her on local events.