NEWS

NEW MALARIA DRUG FOR BABIES APPROVED

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A major step in the fight against malaria has been made with the approval of the first treatment specifically developed for newborns and very young children. The medicine, named Coartem Baby, was recently greenlit by Swiss regulators and is expected to be rolled out across African countries in the coming weeks.

KENYA ROCKED BY DEADLY PROTESTS

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Kenya is once again grappling with widespread unrest as nationwide protests against President William Ruto's administration turned deadly. At least eight people have been confirmed dead and over 400 others injured following confrontations between demonstrators and police forces across several cities, including the capital, Nairobi.

The protests, held exactly one year after a similarly bloody wave of anti-government demonstrations in 2024, saw thousands take to the streets. Chants of “Ruto must go” echoed through urban centers as protestors waved tree branches—an emblem of peaceful resistance—despite the tense atmosphere.

In an effort to suppress media coverage, the government briefly banned live television and radio broadcasts of the events. This ban was quickly overturned by the High Court in Nairobi, allowing journalists to resume reporting from the front lines. The decision was widely praised as a necessary defense of press freedom in the face of escalating political tension.

President Ruto, speaking from a funeral in Kilifi County, implored the protestors to act responsibly. “We do not have another country to go to when things go wrong,” he stated, emphasizing national unity over dissent. However, his absence from the capital during such a critical moment did not go unnoticed. Demonstrators attempted to approach his official residence at State House, only to be repelled by heavily armed police and barricades lined with razor wire.

The Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group released a joint statement confirming the extent of the casualties. They noted that at least eight people had died, with over 80 individuals requiring specialized medical treatment. Amnesty Kenya placed the death toll even higher, at 16. Among the injured were both civilians and police officers.

The protests, fueled by dissatisfaction over issues ranging from economic hardship to education policy, have unified many across generational and social lines. One protestor, Amina Mude, voiced the sentiment shared by many: “I feel like we’re not going in the right direction, especially in education. I came out here for my kids’ future.”

Scenes from Nairobi showed tear gas drifting through the streets, shuttered businesses, and determined protestors marching past parliament. Wreaths and handwritten notes were placed along the fence outside the building, honoring those who died during last year’s unrest.

The message from the streets is clear: frustration with governance has reached a boiling point. Whether the government will respond with reforms or further crackdowns remains to be seen. What is certain is that the protestors have reignited a national conversation about justice, democracy, and accountability.

AKON'S DREAM CITY PROJECT IN SENEGAL ABANDONED

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Singer Akon's plans for a futuristic "Akon City" in Senegal have been abandoned in favor of a more realistic project, officials say. Serigne Mamadou Mboup, head of Senegal's tourism development body, Sapco, stated, "The Akon City project no longer exists." He added that Sapco and Akon have reached an agreement on a new project that Sapco will fully support.

TRUMP SAYS A DEAL HAS BEEN REACHED AFTER TALKS WITH CHINA

Photo Credit: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

A tentative has REUTERS/Kevin Lamarquebeen reached between the US and China, according to USPresident Donald Trump, aimed at easing tensions between the two nations. The proposed agreement would see China provide US companies with magnets and rare earth metals, and the US would reverse its threats regarding visas for Chinese students. Trump stated that the deal is subject to final approval from both himself and President Xi.

MALI EXTENDS RULE FOR MILITARY LEADER

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Mali’s transitional parliament has passed a controversial law granting military ruler General Assimi Goïta a new five-year presidential term. The move, widely seen as consolidating authoritarian rule, allows the mandate to be renewed indefinitely and removes the need for democratic elections in the near future.

HARVEY WEINSTEIN CONVICTED IN SPLIT VERDICT AS JURY DELIBERATIONS HIT TURBULENT TURN

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Former Hollywood titan Harvey Weinstein’s retrial reached a dramatic climax on Wednesday as a jury convicted him of a top sex crime charge while acquitting him of another, leaving a third charge still hanging in limbo. The courtroom atmosphere was electric with tension as jurors navigated emotional testimony, internal disputes, and legal theatrics that could rival any Oscar-winning screenplay.

DEMOREE HADLEY EXPOSES ROC NATION C.E O, DESIREE PEREZ IN CURRENT INTERVIEW.

In a revealing turn of events, Demoree Hadley, daughter of Roc Nation CEO Desiree

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Perez, has leveled serious accusations against her mother in a recent interview featured on BJ Investigates. The episode, which has since gone viral, offers a raw, emotional account of a family rift rooted in power, manipulation and alleged abuse.

Hadley’s allegations center on her involuntary commitment under Florida’s Baker Act and Marchman Act. She maintains that Perez, wielding her considerable influence as Roc Nation’s CEO, orchestrated the forced institutionalization. According to Hadley, this was a calculated attempt to break up her marriage and suppress her independence, “They used their money, power and influence…to tear apart me and my husband,” she stated, detailing what she described as a “conspiracy” involving multiple individuals.

NBC6’s investigation corroborates Hadley’s claims, highlighting reports from body‑cam footage and medical records. In that footage, deputies inform Hadley she is being “Baker Acted” and escort her to a crisis center even though she never exhibited suicidal ideation after drug tests returned negative.

The complaint also asserts Perez manipulated the system under false pretenses. Hadley alleges her mother filed baseless domestic violence reports against her husband, Javon Hadley, claims that were dismissed by the Miami‑Dade State Attorney’s Office, which issued an 11‑page memo calling the allegations “false and unsupported.”

Legal guidance in Hadley’s camp paints a troubling picture. Attorney Hilton Napoleon II labeled the case “clear” evidence of misconduct, calling Perez’s actions “unlawful means.” Meanwhile, Perez counters that her actions were protective in nature, asserting she feared for her daughter’s well‑being and acted under legitimate concerns.

The video garnered attention from other high‑profile figures. Rapper Nicki Minaj shared Hadley’s testimony, suggesting a pattern of Roc Nation “abusing their platform and influence” to control narratives and stifle voices.

Following her release in April, Hadley’s emotional interview outlines alleged tactics of control beyond her institutionalization: alleged smear campaigns, legal intimidation, and media manipulation. She warns that if left unchallenged, such influence could be used against others seeking autonomy from powerful figures.

WORLD BANK LIFTS LOAN BAN ON UGANDA DUE TO GAY RIGHTS

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The World Bank is lifting its ban on lending to Uganda, which was imposed following the passage of a severe anti-LGBTQ law in 2023. This legislation allows for the death penalty for specific same-sex acts. Human rights organizations in Uganda say that since the law’s introduction, many people have been evicted, attacked, or detained due to their sexuality. But the World Bank says it is confident that new mitigation measures will allow it to roll out funding in such a way that does not harm or discriminate against LGBTQ people.