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Harris Bows Out, California Race Blows Open

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Kamala Harris, the former vice president and the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential nominee, announced on Wednesday that she will not run for governor of California.

Her decision ends months of intense speculation and reshapes the race to lead the nation’s most populous and reliably Democratic state.

“For now, my leadership, and public service, will not be in elected office,” Harris stated, following her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Though she left open the possibility of future political involvement, she made it clear that she won’t be joining the 2026 race to succeed California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Harris, 60, who previously served as California’s attorney general and later as a U.S. senator, had been widely viewed as the frontrunner had she chosen to enter the gubernatorial contest.

Her statement acknowledged that she had seriously weighed the decision.

“After deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for governor in this election,” she said.

Though she has stepped away from the immediate political arena, Harris emphasized that her commitment to public service continues.

“I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly,” she said.

She added that she plans to share more about her future ambitions in the months ahead.

Harris’s withdrawal leaves the governor’s race wide open.

Early polls had shown her with a commanding lead, and her indecision effectively froze the field.

Now, with Harris out, California Democrats are preparing for a competitive primary in a state where Democratic leadership has long been dominant but where frustration within the party is rising.

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The 2024 election loss has sparked a reckoning within Democratic circles.

Many party members, particularly younger voters, have become increasingly frustrated with the party establishment.

They are reportedly demanding more energetic leadership and a tougher stance against what they see as Donald Trump’s authoritarian tendencies.

Reflecting this shift in tone, Harris noted, “We must recognize that our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis.”

She urged fellow Democrats to embrace “new methods and fresh thinking,” while remaining grounded in the party’s core values.

Despite her deep roots in California politics, Harris had shown little enthusiasm for running the state government from Sacramento.

A gubernatorial campaign would have required her to confront tough questions about her role in the party’s recent electoral defeat.

Some Democratic voices had already begun pushing for generational change at the top.

With Harris stepping aside, the race to replace Governor Newsom has come into sharper focus.

Leading Democratic candidates now include Xavier Becerra, former California attorney general and Biden’s health and human services secretary.

Others are Antonio Villaraigosa, former mayor of Los Angeles; Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, a longtime Harris ally; and former Congresswoman Katie Porter.

The Republican side of the race features Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator.

Hilton is also a one-time adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

Ric Grenell, a prominent Trump ally and former ambassador, is also rumored to be considering a bid.

Several of Harris’s potential opponents praised her service in light of her decision.

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Villaraigosa lauded her leadership and said her withdrawal “reflects her continued commitment to serving at the highest levels of government.”

He added that California needs a “proven problem solver” to address major challenges like the affordability crisis.

Becerra called Harris’s move an “important turning point” that would change the dynamics of the race without altering what’s at stake.

“California needs a governor who will treat the cost of living crisis like the emergency it is,” he said, and who will oppose “the chaos and corruption of the Trump White House.”

Governor Gavin Newsom, who rose through California politics alongside Harris, also praised her.

“Kamala Harris has courageously served our state and country for her entire career,” he said.

With Harris opting out, the contest to govern California now enters a new phase.

It is one that could reshape the political future of the state and the broader Democratic Party.

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Trump Orders Review of 55 Million US Visa Holders in Mega Crackdown

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The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.

In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”

Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.

If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.

Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.

Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.

The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.

Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.

Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.

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“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.

The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.

“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.

Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.

“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.

The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.

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2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians – Baba-Ahmed

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Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.

“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.

Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.

“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.

When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.

“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.

I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.

The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.

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Tinubu Secures Fresh $238m Loan from Japan

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.

The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.

President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.

“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.

Details of the JICA Loan Project

The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.

Key components of the project include:

Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines

Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines

Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations

Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses

According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.

“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.

This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.

Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.

He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.

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The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.

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News

‘Gate of Hell’ Will Open on Gaza’– Israeli Defence Issues Finally Warning to Hamas

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Hamas militants kill Israeli male hostage, injured two female hostages in Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.

Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.

He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.

“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.

He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.

His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.

The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.

Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.

The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.

Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.

The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.

Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.

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International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.

Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.

The United Nations considers these figures credible.

The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.

Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.

With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.

The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.

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Health

NAFDAC Raises Alarm as Fake Cowbell Milk Floods Nigerian Markets

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.

Fake cowbell milk.

NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.

The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.

Picture of Fake cowbell milk.

Picture of Fake cowbell milk.

The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.

Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk

NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.

Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.

Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:

  • Foodborne illnesses
  • Allergic reactions
  • Organ damage
  • Long-term health complications
  • In extreme cases, death

Counterfeit Product Details

  1. Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
  2. Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
  3. Production Date: 04/2025
  4. Expiry Date: 12/2028

Picture of original cowbell milk.

NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning

The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.

Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.

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Reports can be made through:

The nearest NAFDAC office

Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322

Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng

NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.

The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.

This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.

Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.

Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.

By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products

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