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Du Plessis Submits Adesanya to Retain UFC Middleweight Title

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PERTH, Australia  — South African fighter Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title against former champion Israel Adesanya, winning by submission in the fourth round at UFC 305 on Saturday night.

Du Plessis, 30, secured victory with a rear-naked choke after rocking Adesanya with a right hook. The win marks his first title defense since claiming the belt from Sean Strickland in January.

“To share this octagon with a legend… this man has done so much for this sport,” Du Plessis said post-fight, addressing the heated pre-fight buildup. “I’m really sorry it came across that I disrespected he was from Africa – it was never my intention. Tonight Africa won regardless.”

Adesanya, born in Nigeria but fighting out of New Zealand, was competing for the first time in 11 months. The former two-time champion had taken a break citing mental and physical fatigue after five title bouts in 16 months.

The fight began with both athletes finding success in the opening round. Adesanya landed a notable right hook to the body, while Du Plessis responded with leg kicks. The South African champion utilized his wrestling in the second round, taking Adesanya down three times.

Momentum shifted in the third round as Adesanya’s repeated body shots appeared to affect Du Plessis’ breathing. However, the champion rallied in the fourth, landing two significant hooks before finishing the fight on the ground.

Following the contest, both fighters showed mutual respect, embracing and shaking hands. Adesanya raised Du Plessis’ hand in a gesture of sportsmanship.

“I was fighting one of, if not the greatest striker ever in this division,” Du Plessis said. “I needed that takedown. At this level it’s hard to keep people down and this man is the king of getting back up.”

Despite the loss, Adesanya vowed to continue his career. “I’m disappointed in myself but at the same time I’m proud. This is the best I’ve ever felt, the best I’ve ever looked,” he said. “I know you all want to see me down and want to see me lose but watch this – I’m not leaving.”

In other UFC 305 action, Scotland-born Australian Casey O’Neill defeated Brazil’s Luana Santos by unanimous decision. O’Neill, 26, celebrated her victory by mimicking Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn’s routine from the recent Paris Olympics.

The event was held at the RAC Arena in Perth, with Du Plessis being walked out by South African rugby stars Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, fresh from their national team’s victory over Australia the previous day.

In related news, Georgian bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili was reportedly involved in an altercation with a heckler at an event in Las Vegas on Friday. Dvalishvili is scheduled to challenge Sean O’Malley for the bantamweight title at UFC 306 next month.

Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union Postpones Planned Strike for Two Weeks

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Kenya’s largest aviation workers’ union has postponed a planned strike for two weeks to allow for negotiations with the government over a proposed deal with India’s Adani Airport Holdings to develop the country’s main airport.

The strike, originally scheduled to begin Monday, was called off Sunday by the union’s secretary general, Moss Ndiema. “The Union has decided to postpone the strike notice, since we are going into discussions,” Ndiema said, adding that talks would involve the state-run airports authority and the transport ministry.

The union opposes the proposed agreement with Adani Airport Holdings, announced last month, claiming it would lead to job losses and the influx of non-Kenyan workers. “If the meeting fails to reach any agreement, the union will issue fresh strike notice for its members,” Ndiema warned.

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi serves as a major regional aviation hub, and a strike would significantly disrupt air traffic across East Africa.

Kenya’s government has insisted that the airport is not for sale and that no final decision has been made regarding the proposed public-private partnership with Adani. The Kenya Airports Authority stated that Adani’s proposal includes plans to add a second runway and upgrade the passenger terminal if approved.

According to government officials, the airport currently operates beyond its capacity of 7.5 million passengers annually and requires urgent improvements estimated to cost $2 billion.

The Adani Group, an Indian multinational conglomerate, has been expanding its presence in the aviation sector globally. The proposed deal in Kenya would mark a significant entry into the African market for the company.

The postponement of the strike provides a temporary reprieve for travelers and the aviation industry, which has been recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the underlying issues remain unresolved, with the union’s concerns about job security and foreign involvement in a critical national asset still to be addressed.

The Kenyan government faces the challenge of balancing the need for infrastructure development with the interests of its workforce and concerns about national sovereignty in strategic sectors.

As negotiations begin, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if a compromise can be reached that addresses the union’s concerns while allowing for the much-needed expansion and modernization of Kenya’s primary international gateway.

The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s aviation sector, its workforce, and the country’s position as a regional transportation hub.

Reuters

Malawi’s Main Opposition Endorses Former President Mutharika for 2025 Election

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Malawi’s main opposition party, the Democratic Progress Party (DPP), on Sunday endorsed former President Peter Mutharika as its candidate for the country’s 2025 presidential election.

Mutharika, 84, who served as Malawi’s president from 2014 to 2020, accepted the nomination at the party’s national convention in Blantyre, the country’s commercial capital. In his acceptance speech, he pledged to address Malawi’s economic challenges, including anemic growth and foreign currency shortages that have led to fuel and medicine scarcities.

“We come from a background of winning from the opposition. We will do the same next year. We are coming to fix the economy,” Mutharika told party delegates.

The former president, a law professor by profession, will face incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party in the election scheduled for September 16, 2025. Chakwera, 69, will be seeking a second term.

During his previous tenure, Mutharika oversaw infrastructure improvements and a slowdown in inflation. However, his administration faced accusations of corruption and cronyism, which he denies.

Mutharika’s opponent, President Chakwera, came to power in 2020 promising to tackle corruption and accelerate economic growth. Critics argue that Chakwera has fallen short of these promises, with Malawi’s economy remaining fragile.

In a move that could significantly alter the political landscape, Mutharika announced his intention to form an opposition alliance including the United Transformation Movement (UTM). The UTM, founded by the late Vice President Saulos Chilima who died in a plane crash in June, was instrumental in Chakwera’s 2020 victory over Mutharika.

Following Chilima’s death, the UTM announced plans to withdraw from the ruling alliance. However, the party has not yet confirmed an alliance with Mutharika’s DPP. A UTM spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment on the potential coalition.

The proposed alliance, if realized, could dramatically reshape the 2025 electoral race. It would bring together two significant opposition forces against the incumbent Chakwera administration.

Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, faces significant economic challenges. The next administration will need to address issues such as foreign currency shortages, fuel scarcity, and the need for sustainable economic growth.

As the campaign period approaches, both Mutharika and Chakwera are expected to intensify their efforts to win over Malawian voters. The outcome of this election could have far-reaching implications for Malawi’s economic and political future.

Reuters

Sudan Paramilitary Fighters Kill 85 in Central Village Attack, Residents Say

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Fighters from Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed at least 85 people, including women and children, in an attack on a central Sudanese village, local authorities and residents reported Saturday.

The assault on Galgani in Sennar province, which began in late July, escalated last week when RSF fighters “indiscriminately opened fire on the village’s unarmed residents,” according to Sudan’s Foreign Ministry. More than 150 villagers were wounded in the attack.

Residents described a hours-long onslaught that began Thursday when hundreds of RSF fighters stormed the village in pickup trucks armed with automatic rifles and heavy weapons. The attack followed an earlier, smaller incursion that villagers had repelled.

A health care worker at the local medical center, speaking on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, told The Associated Press that as of Friday, the center had received at least 80 bodies, including 24 women and minors.

Mohamed Tajal-Amin, a villager, reported seeing seven bodies in the street on Friday, including six men and one woman. “The Janjaweed are in the street and people are not able to recover their dead and bury them,” he said, using a term for Arab militias associated with atrocities in Darfur.

The RSF has faced repeated accusations of massacres, rapes, and other gross violations across Sudan since fighting between the paramilitary group and the Sudanese military erupted in April 2023.

This attack comes as U.S.-led efforts to resume peace talks between the military and the RSF continue in Switzerland. The Sudanese military has boycotted these talks, while the RSF sent a delegation to Geneva but has not participated in meetings.

U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello posted on social media platform X on Friday, “The RSF remains here ready for talks to start; SAF needs to decide to come,” referring to Sudan’s Armed Forces.

The conflict has created a dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan. More than 10.7 million people have been displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration. Over 2 million have fled to neighboring countries. Famine was confirmed last month in a camp for displaced people in Darfur.

The United Nations and international rights groups have characterized atrocities committed during the conflict as war crimes and crimes against humanity, citing mass rape and ethnically motivated killings.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the violence in Sudan shows no signs of abating. The attack on Galgani underscores the ongoing threat to civilian populations and the challenges facing international mediators in their attempts to bring an end to the 18-month-long conflict.

RSF spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment on the Galgani attack.

Over 1,400 Protesters Jailed in Nigeria Following #EndBadGovernance Demonstrations

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ABUJA, Nigeria  — More than 1,400 individuals have been arrested and charged across 11 Nigerian states following the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, according to a survey conducted by local media. Many of these detainees are reportedly being held without bail or legal representation, raising concerns about due process.

The protests, which took place from August 1 to August 10, were organized by youth groups to draw attention to economic hardships and hunger in the country. While demonstrations remained largely peaceful in some areas, including Abuja and Lagos, violence erupted in several northern states, leading to property damage and loss of life.

Police reports from various states indicate:

– Kano State recorded the highest number of arrests at 832, with 600 individuals charged to court without bail.

– Sokoto State reported 110 arrests, many of whom remain in correctional facilities.

– Borno State saw 97 arrests, including individuals accused of flying Russian flags.

– Other states with significant arrests include Katsina (90), Bauchi (60), Plateau (51), Yobe (51), Kaduna (50), Nasarawa (40), Niger (23), and Zamfara (19).

Charges against the protesters vary by state but generally include criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson. In some cases, such as in Plateau State, suspects were charged with failing to comply with government orders.

Legal representation for the detained protesters appears to be limited. In Katsina State, lawyers from the Lawyers for Rule of Law and Human Rights group reported securing bail for 30 out of 64 protesters they represented. However, in many other states, there is no evidence of legal representation during arraignments.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which had previously committed to providing legal aid to arrested protesters, has not been visibly present in many of the courts where arraignments took place.

Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, Chairman of the NBA Human Rights Institute, stated that while branches were mandated to provide assistance, most cases are ongoing and data has not been collated at the central NBA level.

Some arrests have drawn particular attention, including those accused of flying Russian flags in states like Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina. These individuals, including a foreign national, have reportedly been transferred to Abuja for further investigation on charges of sedition.

The mass arrests and subsequent legal proceedings have raised questions about the handling of protesters and the potential for overcrowding in Nigeria’s prison system. With many cases adjourned for weeks or months, concerns are growing about prolonged pre-trial detention.

As the legal process unfolds, human rights organizations and legal experts are calling for transparency, due process, and adherence to constitutional rights for all detained individuals.

The aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance protests continues to unfold, with potential long-term implications for civil liberties and the right to peaceful assembly in Nigeria.

Credit: Vanguardngr.com

OnlyFans Star Erects Giant Billboard on Side of Road to Attract Customers

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A Louisiana woman looking to attract new customers to her OnlyFans account erected a huge billboard on the side of the road – and doesn’t give a hoot what people think.

Meighan Baker, user name ‘ArielleMyles88,’ has an idea for the billboard that started as a joke – but since it went up on July 29 viewership has sky-rocketed.

The billboard located in Central City near the Caesars Superdome features the caption ‘Only Fans @ArielleMyles88’ with a modest photo of Baker-  in sharp contrast to the seductive and racy photos – splashed all over her account.

According to Baker, business is better than ever. She told NOLA her fanbase has grown from 90 to 200 members and her income has increased 200 percent, so far. 

‘As long as you put the work in, the money is there,’ she said.

Now, the dancer turned digital creator, is looking to cash in more and considering erecting more billboards in other parts of New Orleans, despite what the naysayers think.

Those in New Orleans and the sex industry seem to be most supportive but those who aren’t so keen, she said, are from her hometown of Baton Rogue.

One woman praised Baker in video.

‘Now, to that woman who got that billboard across, from the Smoothie King Center and the Mercedes-Benz Superdog with her face up there, girl …kudos to you baby because it takes that “I don’t give a f*** a**” person,’ she hollered.

Baker, who worked as a dancer in the French Quarter in 2021 turned to OnlyFans to make ends meet, when business slowed.

Her dancing gigs are not as often, she explained, as she mostly focuses on her OnlyFans and the other businesses she shares with her business partner/boyfriend Steven Gremillion, and her family.

Baker is the mother to a 13-year-old daughter, and Gremillion has three children of his own – two daughters and a son.

The duo have created several platforms together including a number of YouTube channels, seven Facebook accounts, five Instagram accounts, and six different TikTok accounts, as per the news outlet.

They also use OFTV, a video platform only available to OnlyFans creators – where the couple shares fishing content. 

According to Baker the sexual content is only a small percentage of what they offer their viewers.

Gremillion has been so busy with their other businesses that he left his job to focus solely on these ventures, and able to not only support his family but spoil them at times too.

‘I couldn’t make the amount of money in a lifetime that some of the people on OnlyFans were making, he said. ‘[Our kids] could have anything they’ve ever asked for,” Gremillion said.

Baker’s inspiration to create the billboard came from two different sources.

The first was when she learned of an OnlyFans collaborator fired from her nursing home position after her company found out. According to Baker, she is making in the triple-digits a month.

The second was when she saw a ‘welcome’ digital billboard in June of Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels that gave her the idea to go big.

She worked with with an ad agency who just required that the picture she used not be too steamy.

Despite the mixed reviews, she has developed a thick skin.

Copied: Daily MailOnline

King Charles Removes Prince Andrew’s Security Team at Windsor Mansion, May Vacate 30-Bedroom Mansion Worth £30m

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LONDON  — King Charles III has discontinued the private security team for his brother, Prince Andrew, at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, according to palace sources familiar with the matter.

This move is seen by some as the latest in a series of attempts to persuade the Duke of York to vacate the 30-room, £30 million property.

The monarch had been funding private guards at the mansion since 2022, when Andrew’s armed police protection, costing an estimated £3 million annually, was removed following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Sources indicate the private security team, consisting of ten individuals, will cease operations at the Royal Lodge this autumn.

A palace insider, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic, told The Sun on Sunday, “Everyone is speculating this means the Duke will have to leave the Royal Lodge because what other reason could there be to take his security away?” The source added, “It isn’t a secret that the King wants him out.”

Prince Andrew, who remains largely removed from public royal duties due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has reportedly resisted previous attempts to relocate.

Earlier this year, he declined an offer to move to nearby Frogmore Cottage, formerly occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The Duke of York signed a 75-year lease with the Crown Estate when he moved to Royal Lodge in 2003, making an initial payment of £1 million.

According to lease documents seen by The Times, Andrew is responsible for the property’s maintenance, including repainting the exterior every five years and redecorating the interior every seven years.

Reports suggest that King Charles may be interested in generating commercial revenue from the property.

However, previous speculation that the mansion was earmarked for the Prince and Princess of Wales has been dismissed, with the couple reportedly content at their current residence, Adelaide Cottage.

The Royal Lodge, situated on 98 acres in Windsor Great Park, has a rich history within the royal family. It was used by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) as a private country house, even after their ascension to the throne in 1936.

The property includes a swimming pool, tennis court, and the Royal Chapel of All Saints, where Princess Beatrice, Andrew’s daughter, married in 2020.

Prince Andrew has reportedly invested nearly £7 million in renovations and repairs to the property since moving in.

The ongoing dispute over his residency at Royal Lodge comes amid broader changes in the royal family’s property portfolio and security arrangements under King Charles’s reign.

Buckingham Palace has not officially commented on the matter when contacted by the press.

Jeremy Madix, Brother of TV Star, Arrested for Marijuana Possession

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ORLANDO, Fla.  — Jeremy Madix, brother of “Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix, was arrested Tuesday on charges of felony trafficking in cannabis, according to court documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The arrest stems from an incident on February 16 at Orlando International Airport, where Customs and Border Protection agents reportedly discovered over 100 pounds of marijuana in luggage belonging to Madix and an associate, Jonah Ahad.

According to the court documents, Madix and Ahad were scheduled to board a flight to Frankfurt, Germany, when their luggage was searched at a security checkpoint. Agents allegedly found 64 bags of marijuana weighing approximately 76 pounds in two suitcases belonging to Madix. An additional 31 bags weighing 37 pounds were reportedly discovered in Ahad’s suitcase.

The Orlando Police Department reports that both men declined to answer questions without attorneys present when detectives attempted to question them at the time of the discovery.

Despite the February incident, arrests were not made immediately. Ahad was taken into custody in May, while Madix was arrested this past Tuesday. Both face charges of felony trafficking in cannabis.

Jeremy Madix has previously appeared on the reality TV show “Vanderpump Rules” alongside his sister Ariana.

The Orlando Police Department has not provided information on why arrests were delayed following the initial discovery in February. The investigation is ongoing.

Experts Warn Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lovers Can Steal Your Cash

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NEW YORK  — Cybersecurity experts are raising alarms about the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and virtual romantic partners, warning that these technologies could be exploited by cybercriminals for financial fraud and data theft.

Jamie Akhtar, Co-Founder and CEO of CyberSmart, told reporters that while AI technology for creating virtual partners is improving, it also presents new opportunities for malicious actors.

“Deepfake technology has come on leaps and bounds in the past few years,” Akhtar said. “The problem is that this technology can be used for malicious ends.”

Experts highlight two primary concerns. Cybercriminals could potentially use emotionally manipulative AI to extort money or trick users into downloading malicious software. Akhtar cited a recent incident where a finance worker at a multinational firm was deceived into paying $25 million to criminals using deepfake technology to impersonate a company executive.

Additionally, even legitimate AI chatbots may pose privacy risks. Chris Hauk, Consumer Privacy Advocate at Pixel Privacy, warned that these applications often collect extensive user data and may share information with third parties.

“Many of these apps do not make it clear as to what data is shared with third parties, nor are they clear about the AI they use,” Hauk explained. He added that as users become more comfortable with AI chatbots, they might reveal more personal information, increasing their vulnerability to data breaches or identity theft.

The experts advise users to exercise caution when interacting with AI chatbots. They recommend using only official, well-known, and well-reviewed chatbot applications and avoiding downloads from third-party app stores or suspicious websites.

Users should limit sharing personal information, even with popular AI platforms like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, and be aware that chatbots can potentially leak shared information.

Experts emphasize treating AI chatbots with the same caution as interacting with strangers online and never agreeing to send money or share financial information with an AI chatbot.

As AI technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, cybersecurity experts anticipate an increase in AI-based attacks targeting individuals and businesses. They emphasize the need for increased awareness and caution among users of AI chatbot technologies.

The growing popularity of AI chatbots and virtual partners underscores the importance of developing robust security measures and clear privacy policies for these technologies. As the field evolves, ongoing research and regulation will be crucial in addressing these emerging cybersecurity challenges.

Bianca Censori Burst of Tattered Clothes in Driver’s Seat

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Those close to Bianca and her husband Kanye West have expressed concerns about their behavior and claimed the rapper is controlling his wife.

BIANCA Censori has donned possibly her most daring ensemble yet in a new photo of her posing in the driver’s seat of her car.

The model’s sister Angelina posted the ultra-sexy snap to her Instagram Stories early Saturday morning.

In it, Bianca, 29, put her incredible figure on display wearing nothing but nude panties and a tattered top that didn’t cover much of her breasts.

The fabric wrapped around her arms, only partially concealing her chest and showing some major sideboob.

Her seat belt crossed over her chest as she leaned forward to rest her arm on the steering wheel.

Kanye West’s wife wore minimal makeup and had her short brunette hair slicked back as she gazed directly at the camera.

SCANDALOUS OUTFITS

Bianca has proven she isn’t shy about showing off her body on social media and in public, as she regularly wears sultry outfits.

The Yeezy architect’s nearly-naked looks have caused quite a stir online, as many critics have complained that her wardrobe is inappropriate.

Bianca has appeared to ignore the chatter, although she might not be able to much longer since Kanye’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian, 42, has demanded a meeting with her to discuss her behavior.

Earlier this week, The U.S. Sun exclusively reported that Kim is increasingly worried about her and Kanye’s children being around Bianca with her revealing ensembles.

im’s concerns stem from Kanye, 47, and Bianca often being photographed traipsing around the world together and the Aussie native rarely looking covered up.

A source told The U.S. Sun that Kim feared that “it’s no longer a healthy environment” for her four children to be in and wants to sit down with Kanye and Bianca to discuss some “ground rules.”

Kim and Kanye are parents to daughters North, 11, and Chicago, six, and sons Saint, nine, and Psalm, five.

This isn’t the first time Kim has raised concerns over Bianca’s outfits; however, she’s empathized with the star as she feels Kanye is the “puppeteer” behind her behavior.

An insider recently told Ok! Magazine that Kanye is “forcing” Bianca to dress the way she does, and given the Donda rapper had a significant influence over Kim’s looks when they were married, the Skims founder “has compassion” for her children’s stepmother.

The source also claimed that Bianca is stuck in a “toxic marriage” with Kanye, who has been the center of countless scandals in recent years.

There’s no doubt that Bianca has undergone a drastic physical transformation since first getting together with Kanye.

Fans were shocked when they learned the pair had tied the knot in January 2023 – just two months after Kanye finalized his divorce from Kim.

Before that, Kanye was linked to several other women, of whom he’s also been accused of running the show in their relationships.

Fans have pleaded with Bianca to distance herself from Kanye, including her family.

In March, Bianca’s father urged Kanye to fly to Australia to have a conversation about his daughter’s controversial relationship with the rap star.

However, an insider told The Daily Mail that Kanye was “hesitant” to make the trip, and it never happened.

Copied: the-sun.com


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