Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
Uganda – Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, has died in a Kenyan hospital after suffering burns on 80% of her body in an attack by her partner. She passed away from organ failure at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics a month ago, finishing 44th. Her partner, Dickson Ndiema, reportedly doused her in gasoline and set her on fire during a land dispute. Ndiema, who also suffered burns, is being treated at the same hospital.
Venezuela – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has declared that Christmas will start three months early, with celebrations beginning on 1 October. Venezuela has been experiencing protests following Maduro’s controversial re-election in July. Despite the unrest and arrests of critics, Maduro focused on announcing the early holiday during his weekly TV show. The Venezuelan Episcopal Conference criticised the decision, stating that Christmas begins on 25 December and should not be used for political purposes.
US – Tributes have flooded in following the death of US rapper Rich Homie Quan, whose passing was confirmed by authorities in Atlanta, Georgia. The 30-something artist, born Dequantes Devontay Lamar, rose to fame in the mid-2010s with hits like “Type of Way” and “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)”. The cause of his death remains unknown, with an autopsy scheduled. Rich Homie Quan, who once aspired to be a baseball player, turned to music after serving time in jail in 2011.
New York – The Palace, a trendy nightclub in Soho, New York, is banning phone use to encourage socialising and privacy on the dance floor. Starting Thursday, guests will have to lock their phones in pouches, which can only be unlocked when leaving the club. Owner Ben Robertshaw said the move aims to help people live in the moment, as guests are often more focused on documenting events than enjoying them. The club, known for hosting DJs like Diplo and Kelis, hopes the policy will create a more immersive experience.
Pictured above: Rebecca Cheptegei.
Source: X
