Kenya Minute.
Saturday, 13 June 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 13 June 2026
Nairobi—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Kenyan press · Place

United States

Also known as: U.S. · United States for the World Cup · the United States · United States Armed Forces · United States Forces · U.S. government · U.S · US government

2026-04-242026-06-13

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. The Standard

    With Britain having exited the European Union and the United States increasingly focused on domestic priorities, Paris is positioning itself as Europe’s key diplomatic and financial bridge to Africa.

    Ruto's big financial bet could redefine Africa's economic future
  3. The Standard

    Audio By Vocalize Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has been dropped from officiating at the World Cup after being barred from entering the United States, world football's governing body FIFA said on Monday.A FIFA spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Artan, who was re

    Somali referee axed from World Cup after being denied entry to US
  4. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeUS President Donald Trump watches a game against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026 in New York City. [AFP] The United States issued an updated list on Monday of Chinese companies that it believes a

    Pentagon says Alibaba, Baidu and other tech firms aiding China's military
  5. The Standard

    For example, teenage births in the United States have been falling since the early 1990s, long before the dawn of the smartphone.Neither study examines how governments might utilise their findings.

    Killing the mood: How smartphones are reducing birth rate
  6. The Standard

    first post on the RedNote app showed him drawing a little red book from his referee's front pocket in a play on the platform's Chinese name.Another showed him at an airport in China as he prepared to depart for the footballing extravaganza in Mexico, Canada and the United States

    Ma Ning: 'Card Master' referee representing success-starved China fans at World Cup
  7. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeFormer Harambee Starlets defender Terry Ouko is set to represent Kenya on football’s biggest stage after securing a senior operational role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    Ex-Harambee Starlets defender Terry Ouko lands key FIFA World Cup role
  8. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeSomalia has defended its referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals.

    Somalia backs referee's 'integrity', pledges 'unwavering support'
  9. Citizen Digital

    With matches scheduled across the United States and Mexico, US authorities have required the team to undergo a 21-day isolation period before entering the country.

    DR Congo to play final World Cup warm up in France
  10. Citizen Digital

    Photo/Courtesy Audio By Vocalize Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, was denied entry to the United States, a sports ministry official told AFP on Monday.

    Somali referee denied entry to US for World Cup
  11. Citizen Digital

    "These sanctions must be lifted immediately." The United States has been heaping pressure on Cuba, claiming the country's communist regime threatens the security of Americans.

    UN rights chief urges US to lift tough Cuba sanctions

Today

  1. Pochettino credits collective effort in USA's 4-1 World Cup win

    US coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the entire squad after the co-hosts defeated Paraguay 4-1 on Friday in Los Angeles, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice and Gio Reyna adding another, saying the victory was a collective team performance rather than individual brilliance.

    5 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  2. Brazil face Morocco in World Cup group-stage standout

    Five-time World Cup winners Brazil play surprise 2022 semi-finalists Morocco on Saturday in one of the standout group-stage matchups at the expanded 48-team tournament.

    9 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  3. Elon Musk becomes world's first trillionaire as SpaceX IPO debuts

    Elon Musk reached a net worth of $1.11 trillion after SpaceX's record-breaking Nasdaq debut, with the company valued at $2.2 trillion and shares opening at $150 each, raising $75 billion in its initial public offering.

    11 hours ago · Capital News

  4. 2026 World Cup kicks off in US with low fan enthusiasm

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup is drawing minimal excitement in the United States, with fans citing high ticket prices (exceeding $1,000 for the opening match), visa denials, and locals' preference for basketball as reasons for poor turnout. The US co-host nation's opening match against Paraguay drew sparse attendance, and President Trump declined to attend.

    11 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  5. US surveillance authority expires amid World Cup security concerns

    Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which permitted US spy agencies to collect foreign communications without a warrant, expired Saturday as Congress failed to pass a short-term extension. The lapse occurs as the United States co-hosts the World Cup with Canada and Mexico, amid ongoing deadlock over President Trump's intelligence leadership.

    12 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  6. AI chatbots predict 2026 World Cup winners ahead of tournament

    Generative AI chatbots including ChatGPT, Claude, and others are being used to forecast the 2026 FIFA World Cup outcomes, with different systems predicting Spain, France, and Argentina as victors. The trend marks the first World Cup with widely available AI systems making predictions, a departure from Paul the Octopus, who gained fame for divining World Cup winners in 2010.

    14 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  7. US beats Paraguay 4-1 in 2026 World Cup opener

    The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in the 2026 World Cup's first match on US soil, held in Los Angeles, with goals from Folarin Balogun (2), Gio Reyna, and an own goal giving the co-hosts a dominant start to the tournament.

    14 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  8. US deports Iranian pro-democracy activist to Central African Republic

    The United States deported an Iranian pro-democracy activist to Central African Republic on a flight from Louisiana, according to her lawyer. The lawyer described the transfer as "super dangerous," saying the activist has no connection to the country and will be left without status, connection, or support network.

    16 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  9. Trump says Iran's public version differs from written deal

    US President Donald Trump said Friday that Tehran's stated version of a deal on stopping the war is not what was agreed to, with the White House insisting Tehran would dismantle its nuclear program. The two sides released starkly different accounts of the proposed agreement, with Tehran insisting on its right to enrich uranium and maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz.

    18 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  10. US and Iran closer to Middle East war-ending deal

    Iran's Foreign Minister said the United States and Iran have "never been closer" to a deal on ending the war in the Middle East, urging media to avoid speculation about the accord's details pending finalization.

    21 hours ago · Citizen Digital

Yesterday

  1. Ethiopian distance runner Tsegay banned four months for doping

    The Athletics Integrity Unit banned two-time world champion Gudaf Tsegay for four months (June 1 to September 30) after she tested positive for a metabolite of Letrozole in an out-of-competition test in early December and failed to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption before the test.

    23 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  2. Kenya, US confirm July 2026 health partnership rollout on track

    Kenya and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening health sector cooperation, with key milestones on track for a July 1, 2026 implementation deadline under their joint health partnership framework. The progress review emerged during a meeting between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and a US delegation led by US Chargé d'Affaires Susan Burns.

    12 June 2026 · Capital News

  3. Ecuador cuts beer prices during World Cup 2026

    President Daniel Noboa announced the removal of the Special Consumption Tax on beer and wine during the World Cup, reducing beer prices by more than 20 percent. The measure comes as Ecuador prepares for its World Cup appearance against Ivory Coast.

    12 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  4. Iran's World Cup squad trains ahead of tournament

    Iran's footballers held a public training session in Tijuana on Thursday ahead of the World Cup, their first glimpse to journalists since arriving for the tournament. The squad moved their camp to Tijuana from Arizona, and only a dozen of 26 players were visible during the fifteen-minute session, with striker Mehdi Taremi absent.

    12 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  5. DR Congo coach hopes for strong showing at 2026 World Cup

    DR Congo's coach Sebastien Desabre said he hopes his team will deliver a "good showing" at the World Cup after being allowed entry to the United States on Thursday, following a 21-day quarantine period. The team has qualified for their first World Cup since 1974 and Desabre expressed hope to bring pleasure to their compatriots.

    12 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  6. Trump claims imminent Iran settlement; Tehran officials deny agreement

    President Trump announced the United States had reached a settlement with Iran and said a signing ceremony could occur in Europe within days, but Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Foreign Ministry publicly rejected the claim, describing reports of a deal as false and warning of a "crushing response" to U.S. military actions.

    12 June 2026 · Capital News

  7. Trump cancels Iran strikes, signals possible deal

    U.S. President Donald Trump announced he was calling off planned strikes on Iran and flagged the signing of a possible deal with Tehran after top-level talks, saying discussions and final points had been approved by all parties involved including the United States and Israel.

    12 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  8. US sanctions Cuba's state-owned oil company CUPET

    The United States designated Cuba's state-owned oil and gas company Union Cuba-Petroleo (CUPET) for sanctions, barring US-associated companies and individuals from financial transactions with it. The move intensifies pressure on Cuba's energy sector amid an oil blockade that has crippled the country and, according to Cuba's government, is preventing the UN from distributing humanitarian aid.

    12 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  9. South Korean ex-president sentenced to 30 years for military drones

    A South Korean court sentenced ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison for sending military drones into North Korea, ruling he intended to provoke Pyongyang to justify his martial law declaration in 2024. The drone flights sparked anger in North Korea, which accused the South of dropping propaganda leaflets.

    12 June 2026 · The Standard

  10. Nigeria kills over 13,000 terrorists in past year, Tinubu says

    President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria has killed more than 13,000 "terrorists" in the past year, claiming the death toll from the country's jihadist insurgency is down 81 percent since he took power in 2023. He also reported that over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.

    12 June 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 11 June

  1. French city imposes curfew for under-16s during World Cup

    Toulouse authorities announced a curfew from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am for unaccompanied minors under 16 in the city center during "high-risk" World Cup matches, including those involving France, Morocco, Tunisia, and the Netherlands, following unrest during Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League celebration.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. 2026 World Cup kicks off with record revenue but visa and ticket challenges

    The World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, launched Thursday with Mexico taking on South Africa, featuring 48 teams and projected to generate $13 billion in total revenue. The tournament has faced criticism over high ticket prices and visa issues affecting a top referee, Iranian team officials, and fans seeking entry to the United States.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Somali referee denied US entry appointed to UEFA Super Cup

    Omar Artan, a Somali referee who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup, has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praised Artan as an excellent and experienced referee who has proven himself at the highest level of African football competition.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  4. Trump vows imminent strikes on Iran, seizure of oil infrastructure

    U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States would strike Iran "very hard" and promised to seize Kharg Island and other Iranian oil infrastructure, including taking control of the country's oil and gas markets.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  5. New York temporarily renames streets after Henry, Pele for World Cup

    New York City has temporarily renamed streets after Thierry Henry and Pele ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins Thursday and will culminate in a final at MetLife Stadium next month. The ceremony at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan unveiled "Thierry Henry Way," according to city officials.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  6. Kenya divided over planned Ebola quarantine facility

    Kenya's government, backed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, says the country is prepared to host an Ebola quarantine facility announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in late May; doctors' unions and a majority of Kenyans oppose the plan, with street protests resulting in at least one death and a High Court injunction filed.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  7. Haiti's World Cup return inspires amid domestic turmoil

    Haiti qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974 and will face Scotland in Boston on Saturday. Ranked 83rd globally and grouped with Brazil and Morocco, the team hopes to make an impact and bring pride to their country amid ongoing challenges.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  8. South Korea deploys AI dolls to support isolated elderly

    In ageing South Korea, elderly people living alone are using AI-powered healthcare dolls that offer companionship by greeting them, singing, reminding them to take medication, and providing emotional support. One 78-year-old woman reported preferring the doll to human contact after depression and isolation following surgery.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  9. US and Iran exchange strikes as peace talks stall

    The United States launched fresh attacks against Iran on Thursday, prompting Tehran to retaliate, marking the second straight day of tit-for-tat strikes amid a three-month war. US President Donald Trump accused Iran of dragging out negotiations and said it will "have to pay the price," while the strikes sent oil prices rising.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  10. Pope says life should be played as team, ahead of World Cup

    Addressing World Cup fans in Barcelona, Pope Leo XIV said life, like football, should be "played as a team" and that people must learn to run together; he added that individual stars who never pass the ball prevent others from entering the game.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

United States — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute