In a tragic incident near Kajiado, Kenya, 14-year-old Peace Mwende lost her life to a lion attack, a stark reminder of the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the region. The incident occurred less than a kilometer from the author’s home, where lions are frequently spotted, even in residential areas. Nairobi’s unique proximity to Nairobi National Park has long been a source of pride, but rapid urbanization and shrinking wildlife habitats are intensifying the challenges. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) faces a dual mandate: protecting endangered species like lions, whose population has dwindled to just over 2,000, and ensuring the safety of residents who share their space with these predators. KWS has implemented measures such as feeding interventions during lean seasons, but the encroachment of residential and industrial developments on traditional migratory corridors threatens the delicate balance. Non-government initiatives offer small incentives to landowners to keep their properties unfenced, but the question remains: will these efforts suffice? The lack of public awareness on how to coexist with predators exacerbates the issue. The author recounts personal experiences, including a close encounter with a lioness during a safari and a harrowing incident where a neighbor was killed by a lion. While KWS has taken steps to mitigate risks, such as shooting lions involved in fatal attacks, the shrinking habitat and diminishing prey availability for lions suggest that conflicts will only escalate. The author, a seasoned journalist, reflects on the duality of living amidst such a unique yet perilous environment, expressing both grief for the lives lost and hope for sustainable solutions that preserve Nairobi’s remarkable wilderness.
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World’s first resort hospital opens in gambling hub Macau
Macau, long celebrated as the world’s premier gambling destination, is now setting its sights on becoming a global leader in healthcare tourism. In a groundbreaking move, the city’s Studio City, a Hollywood-themed casino and entertainment resort owned by Hong Kong-based Melco Resorts and Entertainment, has launched its first-ever resort hospital. This innovative facility, opened in collaboration with Hong Kong’s iRad Hospital, specializes in health screenings, advanced MRI scans, and cosmetic procedures, offering a seamless blend of luxury medical services and leisure. Lawrence Ho, CEO of Melco Resorts, emphasized that this project is designed to promote medical tourism, generate employment, and integrate healthcare with entertainment under one roof. The initiative aligns with Macau’s broader economic diversification strategy, which seeks to reduce the city’s reliance on gaming and expand into sectors like healthcare, technology, and events. With nearly 40 million annual visitors, Macau presents a unique opportunity to emerge as a top destination for medical tourism, according to iRad’s honorary chairman, Dennis Tam. The global medical tourism industry, valued at tens of billions of dollars, is poised for significant growth, with Asia leading the charge. Countries like South Korea and Singapore have already established themselves as hubs for cosmetic surgeries and advanced medical treatments, while Turkey attracts millions for procedures such as transplants and dentistry. Macau’s latest venture marks a pivotal step in its transformation into a multifaceted tourism powerhouse.
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At least 24 killed as paraglider drops bombs at Myanmar Buddhist festival
A devastating paramotor attack during the Thadingyut festival in Chaung U township, central Myanmar, has resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people and left 47 others wounded, according to a spokesperson from the exiled National Unity Government. The incident occurred on Monday evening as approximately 100 individuals gathered to celebrate the Buddhist-rooted national holiday, which also served as a candlelight vigil protesting the policies of the ruling junta. A local official from the anti-junta People’s Defence Force reported that a motor-powered paraglider dropped two bombs on the crowd, causing widespread destruction and chaos. Witnesses described the scene as horrific, with bodies torn apart and identification of the deceased proving difficult. Amnesty International condemned the attack, labeling it part of a ‘disturbing trend’ of using paramotors to target communities. The junta’s increasing reliance on such methods is attributed to international sanctions limiting access to conventional military equipment. The attack has prompted calls for urgent protection of civilians and increased pressure on the junta from regional bodies like ASEAN. The vigil also highlighted broader grievances, including opposition to military conscription and the upcoming December elections, which critics argue will not be free or fair. The conflict in Myanmar, ongoing since the 2021 military coup, has claimed over 5,000 civilian lives, according to UN estimates.
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Chad cuts ties with wildlife charity linked to Prince Harry
The Chadian government has officially terminated its 15-year agreement with African Parks, a prominent conservation organization that counts Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, among its board members. The decision comes amid allegations that the charity failed to effectively combat poaching in two of Chad’s key protected areas: the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem, which includes Zakouma and Siniaka-Minia national parks. The government also accused African Parks of displaying an ‘arrogant and disrespectful attitude’ and insufficient cooperation with local authorities. In response, the charity stated it has initiated discussions with the environment ministry to understand the government’s stance and explore future conservation efforts. This development marks another setback for Prince Harry’s philanthropic endeavors, following his recent resignation from Sentebale, a charity he founded to support children orphaned by AIDS in Botswana and Lesotho. African Parks, established in 2000, manages over 20 million hectares of protected areas across 12 countries, aiming to ensure ecological, social, and financial sustainability. The organization has faced criticism in the past, including allegations of employee misconduct in the Republic of Congo and a refusal to publish an independent report on the matter. Despite its high-profile donors, including the European Union and heirs to the Walmart and Buffett fortunes, the charity now faces scrutiny over its effectiveness and governance.
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Gaza ceasefire talks enter 2nd day in Egypt as Hamas demands permanent end to war
The second day of indirect ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, commenced on Tuesday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. According to an Egyptian source, the discussions focused on critical issues such as a hostage-prisoner exchange, humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and the future governance of the Gaza Strip. Hamas reiterated its demand for US and Israeli guarantees of a permanent cessation of hostilities, which remains the primary obstacle in the talks. The negotiations are based on the 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which Hamas has conditionally accepted. The first phase of the plan includes an immediate ceasefire and the release of all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased. Israel estimates that 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 still alive. Hamas stated that it would only begin collecting hostages once Israel’s military operations cease, citing safety concerns for its operatives. Additionally, Hamas insisted on the release of prominent Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti as part of the prisoner exchange. Regarding Gaza’s future governance, Hamas rejected the deployment of foreign forces but expressed openness to Arab forces coordinating with the Palestinian Authority. The group also opposed the appointment of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to lead post-war governance. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 67,000 Palestinian deaths reported.
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‘One of the greatest things’ – Nigeria’s art innovators on display in London
The Tate Modern in London is currently hosting a groundbreaking exhibition titled *Nigerian Modernism*, a comprehensive showcase of over 50 Nigerian artists spanning from 1910 to the 1990s. This ambitious project highlights the evolution of Nigerian art, blending traditional techniques such as bronze casting, mural painting, and wood carving with European influences. Among the featured artists is the renowned 93-year-old painter and sculptor Bruce Onobrakpeya, who describes the exhibition as ‘one of the greatest things to have happened, not only to my art, but to Nigerian artwork.’
The exhibition offers a vivid journey through Nigeria’s history, from its colonial past to independence and the turbulent years of the Biafran War. Works from the influential Nsukka Art School, founded by students and professors at the University of Nigeria, reflect the nation’s struggles and triumphs. Artists like Muraina Oyelami and Ben Enwonwu contribute pieces that range from naturalistic depictions of real-life events to abstract explorations of identity and modernity.
Curator Osei Bonsu emphasizes the collective spirit of the exhibition, noting that the artists share a common goal of ‘fashioning radical visions of what modern art could be.’ The collection includes diverse mediums, from watercolors and photography to political cartoons and intricate thorn carvings, representing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and its global diaspora.
For Onobrakpeya, the exhibition is more than a retrospective; it is a source of inspiration and hope. ‘It gives us strength, and we’re going to work harder to produce something even greater than this,’ he says. *Nigerian Modernism* runs at the Tate Modern until May 10 next year, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore a movement that has long been underrepresented on the global stage.
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Dolly Parton’s sister asks fans to pray for singer over ‘health challenges’
Country music icon Dolly Parton has postponed her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency due to undisclosed health issues, prompting her sister, Freida Parton, to call for global prayers. The 79-year-old legend, known for timeless hits like ‘Jolene’ and ‘I Will Always Love You,’ was set to perform six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in December. However, she announced the delay, rescheduling the concerts to September 2025, citing the need for ‘a few procedures’ to address ongoing health challenges. Freida Parton took to Facebook to rally fans, stating, ‘I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been led to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me.’ She expressed confidence in Dolly’s resilience, writing, ‘She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine.’ This setback follows a challenging year for the singer, who recently withdrew from a Dollywood event due to a kidney stone diagnosis and mourned the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, after nearly six decades of marriage. Despite these trials, Dolly remains a beloved figure in the music world, with her Las Vegas residency marking her first return to the Strip since the 1990s. Fans worldwide continue to send their support and well-wishes as she focuses on her recovery.
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Scientist’s off-grid hike interrupted by news of Nobel Prize win
In a remarkable twist of fate, Dr. Fred Ramsdell, a prominent US immunologist, discovered he had won the Nobel Prize in Medicine while on a remote hiking trip in Montana’s grizzly bear territory. The news reached him not through a direct call from the Nobel Committee but via a flood of text messages to his wife, Laura O’Neill, who was accompanying him on the adventure. Dr. Ramsdell, who had his phone on airplane mode, initially dismissed the announcement, only to be convinced by the overwhelming evidence of over 200 congratulatory messages. The award recognizes his groundbreaking research, conducted alongside two other scientists, into how the immune system combats infections. The trio will share a prize fund of 11 million Swedish kronor (£870,000). After receiving the messages, the couple drove to a nearby town to secure a phone signal, allowing Dr. Ramsdell to finally connect with the Nobel Committee nearly 20 hours after their initial attempts. Dr. Thomas Perlmann, Secretary-General of the Nobel Assembly, described this as the most challenging winner contact since 2016. Dr. Ramsdell’s lab, Sonoma Biotherapeutics, humorously noted that he was “living his best life” off-grid during the ordeal. This incident adds to the Nobel Prize’s history of quirky winner announcements, including economist Paul Milgrom’s missed call in 2020 and novelist Doris Lessing’s blunt reaction in 2007.
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Chinese construction firms changed the way they operate in Africa
Over the past two decades, Chinese construction companies have been a dominant force in Africa’s infrastructure development, largely fueled by substantial financial backing from Chinese banks. Between 2000 and 2019, Chinese lenders committed nearly $50 billion to African transport projects, primarily through development finance institutions. However, since 2019, this funding has significantly dwindled, with only $6 billion allocated to infrastructure projects. Despite this decline, Chinese companies continue to flourish across the continent, maintaining their market leadership in countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, and Kenya. A recent study sheds light on the strategies that have enabled these firms to sustain and expand their presence in Africa. The research, conducted through extensive fieldwork in China, Kenya, and Ghana, identifies three key drivers of their success. First, Chinese companies leverage their ties to the Chinese state to establish and maintain their market presence, particularly in projects aligned with African development agendas. Second, they build trust-based relationships with other companies, governments, and international organizations, enabling them to secure cross-border projects. Third, they cultivate everyday relations with local politicians, officials, and business elites, embedding themselves deeply in local political and business environments. The study emphasizes that while state support is crucial for market entry, it is the firms’ ability to adapt and shift between these strategies that ensures their survival and expansion. This flexibility allows them to compete effectively in international tenders, partner with other multinationals, and adapt to local conditions. The findings also challenge the perception that Chinese companies are mere extensions of China’s foreign policy, highlighting their increasingly independent and competitive behavior. For African governments, this shift presents both opportunities and responsibilities in shaping the role of Chinese firms in their economies. The next phase of Africa-China infrastructural engagement will likely be driven by operational contexts, diverse alliances, and a competitive global market rather than large Chinese loan packages.
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‘I sleep with a gas mask on’ – Life next to Portland protest angering Trump
The South Waterfront neighborhood of Portland has become a battleground, with nightly clashes between federal agents and protesters opposing immigration arrests. Brennah Hammar, a 57-year-old resident of Gray’s Landing, describes her street as a ‘war zone,’ where tear gas infiltrates her apartment complex, located across from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. The unrest, centered on a single city block, has drawn national attention, with President Donald Trump proposing to deploy the National Guard to protect federal officers and buildings. However, a federal judge has temporarily halted this plan, citing concerns over constitutional overreach. Trump’s hyperbolic claims that ‘Portland is burning to the ground’ have been widely mocked by the city’s residents. Meanwhile, the community remains divided, with some blaming Antifa for the violence and others pointing fingers at federal agents. The Cottonwood School, adjacent to the ICE building, relocated in August after munitions were repeatedly found in its playground. Amidst the chaos, residents like Cindy Colgrove carry weapons for self-defense, while others, like Mai Tai Boyd, question the necessity of deploying combat-trained troops. Despite the turmoil, life continues in other parts of Portland, with events like the Portland Marathon proceeding without incident. Most residents blame Trump for the unrest, recalling his controversial decision to send National Guard troops during 2020 protests. As industrial air scrubbers work to cleanse the air of tear gas, Hammar, a Portland native, finds herself reluctantly supporting Trump’s plan to send in the National Guard, feeling abandoned by the city and determined to protect her rights.