August delivered big moments across sport, tech and politics. From the Paris Paralympics selling more than 2.1 million tickets to a surprise after-hours slide in Nvidia shares, our coverage captured the headlines that mattered to readers across Africa and beyond.
Sport dominated much of the month. The Paris 2024 Paralympics drew record interest, pushing organizers to manage huge demand and think about keeping fans engaged after the Games. Olympic drama stayed hot too — a gravity-defying dunk over LeBron James and Novak Djokovic winning his first Olympic singles gold were moments people still talk about.
Club football and transfers made big waves: Chelsea landed Pedro Neto and added Aaron Anselmino to strengthen midfield depth, while transfer rumours around Dominic Solanke kept fans debating squad plans. For Fantasy Premier League players, injury updates and manager comments — like Savinho’s recovery and Pep on Lewis — offered useful planning cues.
On tech and markets, Nvidia beat sales forecasts but slipped 7% in after-hours trading after investors learned about Blackwell chip production delays. That story matters because it shows how production details can swing markets even when headline numbers look strong.
Politics and governance featured sharp debates. ActionSA pushed back against hiring foreign nationals for Johannesburg Metro Police roles, highlighting tensions about language needs versus citizen employment. In Kenya, the PSC moved to cap salary advances for civil servants to protect take-home pay. Nigeria saw fresh university governing council appointments from President Tinubu, and Nairobi’s minister promised to revive progressive urban planning measures.
August also tracked cultural fare and personal stories: we reported the deaths of film icons Alain Delon and Gena Rowlands, and cleared up a persistent mix-up — Janet Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson are not related. Celebrations and social moments landed too, with Raksha Bandhan wishes and shareable messages for siblings, and the Jordan royal family announcing the birth of their first daughter.
Elsewhere, global unrest and policy shifts made headlines: protests in Bangladesh over job quotas highlighted youth unemployment pressures. Surf forecasting for the Tahiti Olympic surfing window explained how weather science shapes competition timing. And a Nairobi urban development plan promised more community-led infrastructure choices.
Want the full articles? Browse the August 2024 archive to read each story in depth. Use tags to filter by sport, tech, politics or culture, or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly roundups and alerts about major updates.
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The Paris 2024 Paralympics are on pace to achieve historic ticket sales, with over 2.1 million tickets sold. Organizers are working to accommodate the high demand, especially at popular venues. Despite the positive outlook, there is a focus on maintaining audience engagement beyond the Games.
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Despite Nvidia surpassing sales and profit forecasts with a notable 122% increase in Q2 sales, the company's stock declined by 7% in after-hours trading. This drop is linked to insufficient details on delays in Blackwell chip production. Nvidia's slight beat in Q3 revenue guidance, robust demand, and broader market trends impacting technology and automotive sectors also play a role.
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ActionSA has strongly opposed Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero's suggestion to hire documented foreign nationals in the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD). Morero aimed to address language barriers in combating crime, but his proposal faced significant resistance. ActionSA and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi stressed the need for South African citizens in law enforcement roles.
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Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are embarking on a statewide bus tour in Georgia in a bid to rally support ahead of the general election. Focused on engaging with the Black community and diverse electorates, their campaign seeks to build on the Democratic momentum. Scheduled events include a rally in Savannah and various fundraising efforts spanning multiple states.
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Kenya's Public Service Commission plans to cap salary advances to shield civil servants' payslips from excessive deductions, ensuring a stable income and reducing financial stress. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve public sector employees' financial well-being and economic stability.
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This article delves into vital updates and insights for Fantasy Premier League managers, detailing Savinho's injury recovery, Pep Guardiola's assessment of Lewis's recent performance, and the challenges faced by Eze in recent matches. The information aims to guide FPL managers in making better team decisions.
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Raksha Bandhan 2024, celebrated on August 19, cherishes the heartfelt bond of siblings. This article provides an array of rakhi wishes, quotes, images, WhatsApp, and Facebook status updates to share, making the day special. It highlights the significance of this traditional festival in strengthening family ties and offers tips to personalize the celebration.
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French cinema legend Alain Delon died at 88 on August 18, 2024. The iconic actor's versatile roles, from 'Rocco and His Brothers' to 'Le Samouraï,' have left an indelible mark on international cinema. While his career faced controversies, his influence on film, fashion, and culture remains enduring. Tributes pour in from around the world, celebrating his impactful legacy.
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Acclaimed actress Gena Rowlands, revered for her roles in 'The Notebook', 'A Woman Under the Influence', and 'Another Woman', has died at 94. With a career stretching over nearly seven decades, Rowlands left an indelible mark on the film industry, earning numerous awards and an honorary Oscar in 2015. Her battle with Alzheimer's disease and contributions to independent cinema solidify her legacy.
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Despite sharing a common last name, Janet Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson are not related. This clarification dives into their distinct family backgrounds, clearing up common misconceptions fueled by the coincidence of their surnames. The article further explores how common surnames among African Americans can lead to such misunderstandings.
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The Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Services, Badi, plans to reinstate progressive urban development and infrastructure provisions. These measures, previously halted, aim to promote sustainable and equitable urban planning. Badi emphasizes community involvement, transparency, and accountability in shaping the city's future.
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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed recent discussions surrounding Vinicius Jr.'s potential move to Saudi Arabia, reasserting the club's focus on the upcoming season. Ancelotti underscored Vinicius's importance and his dedication to the team. Additionally, he highlighted Kylian Mbappe's seamless integration into the squad, praising his work ethic. Ancelotti stressed the importance of a united and determined squad.
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