California GOP Seeks Court Block on Newsom’s Redistricting Election
California’s redistricting battle has escalated after state Republicans filed an emergency petition to block a special election on Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan.

Trump Removes Fed Governor Lisa Cook in Unprecedented Move
President Donald Trump has announced the immediate removal of Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, escalating his ongoing battle with the central bank.

Five Journalists Among 20 Killed in Gaza Hospital Strike
At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed in an Israeli double strike on Nasser hospital in southern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Three Sisters Among Migrant Victims in Deadly Mediterranean Boat Tragedy
Three sisters aged nine, eleven, and seventeen drowned after a migrant boat capsized in the central Mediterranean on Saturday, according to German rescue charity RESQSHIP.

Eswatini Faces Court Challenge Over Secret US Deportee Agreement
Lawyers and rights activists in Eswatini have taken the government to court over a secret deal with the United States to accept deportees from other countries, arguing the agreement was unlawful and lacked transparency.

Nigeria Extradites Chinese Gang Leader in Interpol-Led Operation
Nigeria has extradited a Chinese gang leader wanted for violent crimes in his home country after a coordinated international police operation involving Interpol.
News
NDLEA Arrests Widow in Fake Pregnancy Cocaine Trafficking Case
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 50-year-old widow, Mrs.

Nigerian Air Force Kills 35 Terrorists in Strikes Near Cameroon Border
The Nigerian Air Force says it has killed at least 35 terrorists in a series of air strikes conducted near the border with Cameroon.

Former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel Dies After Road Accident
Former Laikipia North Member of Parliament Mathew Lempurkel has died, a week after suffering severe injuries in a tragic road accident.

EFCC Declares Atiku’s Son-in-Law Abdullahi Haske Wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdullahi Bashir Haske, son-in-law to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

Gachagua to Reappear at Kasarani After Skipping Kamukunji Rally
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua will make his first public appearance since returning from the United States at Kasarani Stadium during the Harambee Stars’ quarter-final match against Madagascar.

US Begins Review of 55 Million Valid Visa Holders for Violations
The United States government has confirmed that it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid US visas, a move that could lead to revocations and even deportations for those found in violation of immigration rules.

Musk, X Agree to Settlement With Fired Twitter Staff
Elon Musk and his social media company X have reached a tentative settlement with thousands of former Twitter employees who sued the firm for $500 million in unpaid severance benefits.

Stockton Trucker Accused in Fatal Crash Extradited Back to Florida
A truck driver from Stockton, California, who is accused of causing a deadly crash, has been extradited back to Florida as his case continues to gain national attention.

Sudanese Army Rejects Claims of Bombing WFP Aid Convoy in Darfur
The Sudanese army has firmly rejected allegations from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that it bombed a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy delivering humanitarian aid in Darfur.

Judge Rejects Request to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Records
A federal judge in New York has denied an effort by the Trump administration to unseal grand jury testimony related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, ruling that the government did not provide sufficient justification for breaking with long-standing secrecy rules.
Global News
Ukraine Drone Strike Ignites Fire at Russian Nuclear Power Plant
A Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian nuclear power plant sparked a massive fire, intensifying tensions in the ongoing conflict.

California Supreme Court Allows Newsom’s Redistricting Plan
The California Supreme Court has declined to block Democrats from moving forward with Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan, clearing the way for the legislature to vote on it Thursday.

Republican States Send National Guard Troops to Washington DC
Three Republican-led states will send National Guard troops to Washington, DC, adding to the forces President Donald Trump has already deployed in the capital.

Japan’s Military Shift Strengthens Security Role in Northeast Asia
Japan has rapidly transformed its defence policy in recent years, moving away from its post-war pacifist stance under Article 9 of the constitution to embrace a proactive security strategy.

Trump to Meet Putin in Alaska Amid Push for Ukraine Ceasefire
President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, August 15, in what could be a pivotal moment in efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Israel Approves Military Plan to Occupy Gaza City
Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, signaling a new phase in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Red Crescent Worker Killed in Israeli Strike on Gaza Office
A strike on the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) headquarters in Khan Younis, Gaza, has killed one staff member and injured three others, prompting strong condemnation from the humanitarian group.

Nicaragua Backs Russia’s Annexation of Four Ukrainian Regions
Nicaragua has officially recognized Russia’s annexation of four regions in Ukraine, becoming one of the few countries to publicly endorse Moscow’s controversial move.

Russian Airstrike on Ukraine Prison Kills 17, Injures Dozens
A deadly Russian airstrike on a prison in southeastern Ukraine has killed 17 inmates and left 42 others injured, according to Ukrainian officials.
Politics
Kemi Badenoch Speaks Out on Racist Abuse Since Tory Leadership Win
Kemi Badenoch, the first Black woman to lead the UK Conservative Party, says she has faced relentless racist attacks since her election.

Judge Rules Trump Appointee Alina Habba Illegally Serving as US Attorney
A federal judge ruled Thursday that Alina Habba has been unlawfully serving as acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey, saying the Trump administration improperly bypassed normal procedures to keep her in the role.

ODM to Hold County Delegates Elections Nationwide on August 25
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has set August 25, 2025, as the date for its county delegates’ elections.

Wetang’ula Urges Rift Valley to Support Ruto for Second Term
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on Rift Valley residents to rally behind President William Ruto for a second term in office, saying every president in Kenya has historically served two terms.

Gachagua Ends US Tour Early to Focus on Key By-Elections
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ended his United States tour ahead of schedule to return home and lead his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in preparations for crucial by-elections.

UDA Schedules September 20 Nominations Ahead of By-Elections
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will conduct its party nominations for upcoming by-elections on September 20, 2025, covering vacant positions in the National Assembly, Senate, and various County Assembly wards.

UK Envoy Neil Wigan Bids Farewell, Praises Kenya’s Potential
UK High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan has announced his departure, expressing deep admiration for the country’s people, culture, and future.

Ruto Reshuffles Leadership in CA and Athi Water Boards
President William Ruto has revoked the appointment of Mary Wambui Mungai as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Communications Authority (CA) Board, replacing her with Charles Kamau Karondo.

U.S. Doubles Reward to $50M for Arrest of Nicolás Maduro
The United States has increased its reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million.

Sifuna Warns He’ll Leave ODM if It Supports Ruto in 2027
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has threatened to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if the party chooses to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Business
Kenya to Relocate National Archives From Nairobi CBD for Safety
For decades, the Kenya National Archives has stood at the heart of Nairobi, serving both as a heritage hub and one of the city’s most familiar landmarks.

Cracker Barrel Stock Plunges Nearly $200M After Logo Redesign
Cracker Barrel lost almost $200 million in market value Thursday after its stock price plunged following the release of a redesigned company logo.

KCB Group Declares Record Interim and First Special Dividend
KCB Group PLC has announced a strong half-year performance for 2025, posting a net profit of Ksh 32.3 billion, an 8% increase from Ksh 29.9 billion in the same period last year.

China Races Ahead of US in Central Asia’s Minerals Push
The United States is voicing strong interest in Central Asia’s critical minerals, but China is taking more decisive steps to secure them.

Fuel and Food Price Hikes Push Kenya’s Inflation to 4.1%
Kenya’s inflation rate rose to 4.1 percent in July 2025, largely due to the rising costs of fuel and food.

High Court Confirms Legal Sale of Simbamanyo Properties in Loan Row
The High Court in Kampala has ruled that the sale of Simbamanyo Estates’ two prime properties was lawful, ending a lengthy legal battle over a $10 million loan dispute involving Equity Bank and the estate of the late Peter Kamya.

China’s COSCO Eyes Stake in $23B Panama Ports Deal Shift
China’s state-owned shipping giant COSCO is pushing to join a major $23 billion deal to acquire port assets owned by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, including key terminals on both sides of the Panama Canal.

US and EU Reach Major Trade Deal with 15% Tariff Agreement
The United States and the European Union have reached a major trade agreement, ending months of tense negotiations between two of the world’s largest economic powers.
Sports
Teenager Ngumoha Scores Historic 100th-Minute Winner for Liverpool
Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha made Premier League history with a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Liverpool beat Newcastle United 3-2 at St.

Injury Forces Omanyala Out of Diamond League Finals in Zurich
Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala has confirmed he will not compete in the 2025 Diamond League finals in Zurich, Switzerland, due to injury.

AC Milan Ends Victor Boniface Transfer After Medical Failure
AC Milan has cancelled its planned move for Nigerian striker Victor Boniface after the player reportedly failed medical tests.

Tanzania Denies Claims Kenyans Bought All Tickets for Morocco Match
Tanzania has dismissed claims that Kenyan fans purchased all tickets for the CHAN 2024 quarter-final against Morocco, assuring supporters that there are plenty of seats available at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Serena Williams Speaks Out on Body Positivity and Weight-Loss Talk
Serena Williams has spoken about body image, weight-loss discussions, and the importance of raising her daughters with confidence in themselves at any size.

Police Warn of Traffic Snarls on Thika Road Ahead of CHAN Clash
Motorists using the Thika Superhighway on Friday, August 22, should brace for heavy traffic disruptions as police set up roadblocks ahead of the Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 quarter-final against Madagascar at Kasarani Stadium.

Arsenal Edge Manchester United in Old Trafford Opener
Arsenal kicked off their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, securing an important away victory to begin the season.

Kenya and Morocco Secure CHAN Quarter-Final Spots
Kenya reached the African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals on their debut after a tense 1-0 win over Zambia in Nairobi.

FIFA Chief Condemns Racist Abuse of Bournemouth’s Semenyo
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has condemned the racist abuse suffered by AFC Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo during their Premier League opener against Liverpool at Anfield.

Carragher Rips into Liverpool’s Defence Despite 4-2 Bournemouth Win
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has strongly criticised the Reds’ defensive display despite their 4-2 win over Bournemouth.
Technology
Sony Raises PlayStation Prices in U.S. Amid Trump Tariffs
Sony has announced a price increase for PlayStation 5 consoles in the United States, citing higher costs linked to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump and what it described as a “challenging economic environment.” The company revealed on Wednesday that the standard PlayStation 5 will now cost $550, while the “Digital Edition” will be priced at $500.

Tesla Ordered to Pay $200M Over Fatal Autopilot Crash in 2019
A jury in Miami has ordered Tesla to pay $200 million in punitive damages in a wrongful death case involving its Autopilot system.
Health
First U.S. Human Case of Travel-Linked Screwworm Confirmed by HHS
The U.S. has confirmed its first human case of New World Screwworm infestation linked to international travel, health officials announced.

Africa CDC Reports Drop in Mpox Cases, Warns of New Outbreaks
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reported a major 58 per cent drop in mpox cases across the continent between epidemiological week 19 and week 30 of 2025.

CS Duale Suspends 40 Hospitals Over SHA Insurance Fraud
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has suspended 40 hospitals and 12 health officials over allegations of defrauding the Social Health Authority (SHA) system.

RFK Jr. Cancels $500M in mRNA Vaccine Projects Over Safety Concerns
The U.S. government is canceling $500 million worth of vaccine development projects that use mRNA technology, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F.

Nigerian Nurses Suspend Strike After Talks With Government
The nationwide warning strike by Nigerian nurses and midwives has been suspended following a closed-door meeting with government officials.

Mpox Outbreak: 314 Cases and 5 Deaths Reported in 22 Counties
The Ministry of Health has confirmed 314 Mpox cases and five related deaths across 22 counties in Kenya so far.

WHO Labels Hepatitis D a Cancer Risk, Urges Global Action
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Hepatitis D as a cancer-causing virus, warning that it significantly increases the risk of liver cancer in people already infected with Hepatitis B.

Dei BioPharma Earns U.S. Patents for Game-Changing Therapies
In a major step forward for global healthcare, Uganda’s Dei BioPharma has secured two U.S. patents for breakthrough therapies aimed at making cancer and immune treatments more affordable and accessible.
Entertainment
Lil Nas X Pleads Not Guilty After Los Angeles Naked Arrest
Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X has pleaded not guilty to four felony charges following a bizarre early-morning arrest in Los Angeles.

Court Halts Deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia Amid Legal Battle
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a native of El Salvador, has been taken into U.S.

Emily in Paris Assistant Director Diego Borella Dies at 47 in Venice
A member of the production team for the Netflix hit series Emily in Paris has died suddenly while filming in Venice for the show’s fifth season.

Parole Denied for Erik Menendez 36 Years After Parents’ Murders
Erik Menendez has been denied parole more than three decades after he and his brother Lyle killed their parents inside the family’s Beverly Hills mansion.

Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi Welcome Their First Baby Girl
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi have announced the arrival of their first child, a baby girl, marking a new chapter in their young marriage.

Pope Leo Declares August 22 a Day of Prayer for Peace
Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics worldwide to dedicate August 22 to prayer and fasting, urging the faithful to seek peace in conflict-ridden regions and to embrace what he described as a “disarmed and disarming peace.” The Pope made the appeal during his weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, where he once again turned his attention to the ongoing wars affecting many parts of the world.

Aubrey Plaza Speaks on Grief After Husband Jeff Baena’s Death
Actor Aubrey Plaza has spoken publicly for the first time about the loss of her husband, writer and director Jeff Baena, who died by suicide in January at the age of 47.

BBNaija S10: Zita Wins HoH, Puts Housemates Up for Eviction
Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate Zita has taken control of the house after winning the Head of House (HoH) challenge on Monday, replacing Doris who had only secured the title a day earlier.

Terence Stamp, ‘Superman’ Villain and Acclaimed Actor, Dies at 87
British actor Terence Stamp, best known for playing the villainous General Zod in the Superman films, has died at the age of 87.

Paul Afoko Pays Tribute to Late Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III
Awentami Paul Afoko has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, whose passing on August 11, 2025, has plunged Ghana into mourning.