July 2024 Highlights – What You Missed on African News Rehearsal
July was packed with breaking headlines, from tense Middle‑East drama to surprising moves in African politics and a slew of sports action. We pulled together the most talked‑about stories so you can get up to speed without scrolling through dozens of posts.
Top Political & Conflict Stories
The month opened with shocking news that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, an event that raised fresh tensions between Israel and Iran. Both sides threw accusations at each other, and the story dominated global coverage for days.
Back on the continent, Kenya saw a new face in the Attorney General’s office when Dorcas Oduor was nominated by President William Ruto. Her appointment sparked heated debate about qualifications and political loyalty, adding another layer to Kenya’s already lively political scene.
Across the Atlantic, former U.S. President Donald Trump survived an alleged assassination attempt at a rally in Beaver County. The SWAT team’s after‑action report highlighted serious communication failures with the Secret Service, leading to calls for reform and the resignation of the agency’s director.
Sports, Entertainment & More
If you love football, July gave you plenty. Manchester City faced AC Milan in a pre‑season friendly at Yankee Stadium, streamed live on City+. Celtic pulled off a stunning 4‑3 win over City in another warm‑up match, showing they can challenge the big clubs. In South Africa, UFH’s Ketoaimseclipse took on Sundowns Alice in a high‑energy showdown that kept fans on edge. Meanwhile, rugby fans witnessed a nail‑biting test where Ireland edged out South Africa 25‑24, making the series even.
On the Olympic front, Paris 2024’s skateboarding events promised fireworks. The USA, Japan and Australia emerged as gold‑medal favorites, with stars like Yuto Horigome, Nyjah Huston and Keegan Palmer ready to drop big tricks.
Women’s football got a boost when Chelsea announced the signing of England defender Lucy Bronze from Barcelona. Her move is seen as a major win for the Women’s Super League and adds star power to the club. Baseball, basketball and other sports weren’t left out. Lionel Messi’s ankle injury kept him out of Inter Miami’s key clash with Chicago Fire, while his recovery timeline remains uncertain ahead of the Leagues Cup title defence.
Beyond sport, July also covered human interest pieces. Mbaitu FM radio legend Mercy Mawia passed away at 42, leaving a lasting impression on listeners across Tanzania. In Nigeria, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe pushed for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu’s release, highlighting ongoing regional tensions.
Energy and climate topics made headlines too. The UK grappled with its energy trilemma – balancing security, affordability and sustainability while cutting Russian gas dependence and boosting renewables. Overall, July on African News Rehearsal was a whirlwind of conflict updates, political shifts, sports thrills and human stories. Stay tuned for August as we continue to bring you the latest from across Africa and beyond.
- July
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2024 - 5
Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Assassinated in Tehran Amid Ongoing Conflict
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran early Wednesday, with Hamas and Iran blaming Israel for the targeted airstrike. The assassination follows Hamas's cross-border attacks on October 7 and has intensified the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the deadliest Arab-Israeli conflict in history.
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2024 - 5
Who is Dorcas Oduor, the Newly Nominated Attorney General of Kenya?
Dorcas Oduor has been nominated as the new Attorney General of Kenya by President William Ruto, replacing the outgoing Attorney General amidst controversy. Her qualifications and background are not yet fully disclosed. The nomination takes place during a period of political debates and tensions.
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2024 - 5
Communication Breakdown: Inside the Beaver County SWAT's Account of Trump Assassination Attempt
The details surrounding a shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a July rally in Butler Township have been revealed by the Beaver County SWAT team. Criticizing a failure in communication with the Secret Service, the incident resulted in Trump's injury, one death, and multiple injuries, and led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
Read More- July
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2024 - 5
How to Watch Manchester City vs AC Milan: TV Channel, Live Stream, and UK Time for Pre-Season Friendly
Manchester City will take on AC Milan in a pre-season friendly at Yankee Stadium, New York. The match starts at 11pm BST and will be broadcast on City+, available to subscribers via live stream. This fixture follows City's narrow loss to Celtic, as Pep Guardiola's squad prepares for the upcoming Premier League season. AC Milan, under new manager Paulo Fonseca, seeks to improve after last season’s disappointing Serie A finish.
Read More- July
28
2024 - 5
Olympic Skateboarding Showdown: USA, Japan, and Australia Lead the Race for Gold Medals in Paris 2024
The 2024 Paris Olympics promise intense skateboard competitions with the USA, Japan, and Australia as leading contenders. The men’s street event is particularly fierce, featuring all three medalists from Tokyo. Athletes like Yuto Horigome, Nyjah Huston, and Keegan Palmer are key names to watch. Japan's deep talent pool in women's street and the return of prominent figures like Sky Brown adds to the excitement.
Read More- July
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2024 - 5
Epic Showdown: UFH’s Ketoaimseclipse Takes on Sundowns Alice in a Thrilling Blockbuster Match
In a highly anticipated clash, the University of Fort Hare’s team, Ketoaimseclipse, went head-to-head with Sundowns Alice. The match was filled with excitement and high tension, drawing significant attention from fans and players alike. While the article focuses on the buildup and atmosphere, it captures the essence of a thrilling sporting event.
Read More- July
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2024 - 5
Nepal Plane Crash: Families Seek Answers Amid Unanswered Questions and Official Silence
Families of the victims of a plane crash in Nepal, which killed 18 people, demand answers regarding the cause of the disaster. They seek to understand the technical issues the plane faced, the reason for the number of passengers, and why maintenance was scheduled in Pokhara. Officials promise a report in 45 days, while the crash highlights Nepal's poor aviation safety record.
Read More- July
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2024 - 5
Celtic's Stunning 4-3 Victory Over Manchester City Shakes Up Preseason
In a thrilling preseason match, Celtic triumphed over Manchester City with a stunning 4-3 victory. After a scintillating team effort from Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn, City equalized through Oscar Bobb. Celtic then secured their lead with two more goals, which they managed to hold onto despite City's late attempts to turn the game around.
Read More- July
23
2024 - 5
Mercy Mawia, Renowned Radio Presenter at Mbaitu FM, Passes Away at 42
Mercy Mawia, affectionately known to her listeners as Kamuwetangi, has sadly passed away. The beloved Mbaitu FM radio presenter died while receiving treatment for a brief illness. Her family has confirmed the news but is yet to disclose the exact cause of death. Mawia’s vibrant on-air persona and deep connection with her audience have left an indelible mark on the radio community.
Read More- July
23
2024 - 5
Martha Karua Criticizes President Ruto for Stance on Protests in Kenya
Azimio principal Martha Karua condemned President William Ruto's comments on the protests in Kenya. Ruto vowed to address criminal elements in the demonstrations, which Karua viewed as unwarranted bravado. The protests, named #OccupyEverywhere, call for government accountability and better leadership. Despite Ruto's claims of foreign funding, NGOs have denied involvement.
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2024 - 5
Inter Miami's Key Clash with Chicago Fire Marred by Lionel Messi's Absence Due to Ankle Injury
Inter Miami will face off against Chicago Fire without their star player Lionel Messi, who is sidelined by an ankle injury. The Argentine forward suffered the injury in a recent Copa America game. While Miami leads the Eastern Conference standings, Chicago Fire aims to capitalize on Messi's absence. The game promises high stakes as both teams strive to secure vital points.
Read More- July
21
2024 - 5
Manchester United Eyes Talented 16-Year-Old Arsenal Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin
Manchester United is reportedly pursuing 16-year-old Arsenal prodigy Chido Obi-Martin, who recently visited their training facilities. Following the expiry of his schoolboy contract with Arsenal, Obi-Martin decided to part ways with the club. Known for his impressive goal-scoring records at youth levels and versatility on the international stage, Obi-Martin has Manchester United in early-stage transfer discussions with Arsenal.
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