In a tragic wildlife incident, more than 80 buffaloes lost their lives after stampeding and drowning in the Chobe River, according to Namibia’s environment and tourism department. The calamity unfolded when the buffaloes, being pursued by lions from neighboring Botswana, plunged off a steep cliff into the river on the Namibian side of the border. This is not an isolated event; similar incidents have claimed the lives of hundreds of buffaloes in the past. Notably, around 400 buffaloes died in 2018 under comparable circumstances in the same river, which flows through Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park, a hotspot for elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. Mbeha Tadeus, an official from Namibia’s Kabulabula Conservancy, explained that buffaloes often flee into Namibia when chased by lions, leading to chaotic stampedes. Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, a spokesperson for Namibia’s Environment, Forestry and Tourism Ministry, confirmed the buffaloes originated from Botswana but could not specify if they were from Chobe National Park. The carcasses are being distributed to local communities, as seen in a video shared by Namibia’s public broadcaster, NBC, which reported the incident occurred around 05:00 local time (07:00 GMT).
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What makes Canada so good and will they cause World Cup upset?
The Women’s Rugby World Cup final on Saturday, 27 September 2025, promises to be a thrilling showdown as Canada challenges England at Twickenham. Despite England’s status as the world’s number one team and an unbeaten streak of 32 matches, Canada has emerged as a formidable contender, ranked second globally and undefeated this year. Their impressive journey to the final includes a dominant 34-19 victory over defending champions New Zealand in the semi-finals, where they led 24-7 at halftime. Canada’s recent performances suggest they are far from underdogs, having showcased exceptional speed, agility, and tactical prowess. Their quick ruck speeds, second-most clean breaks, and high number of offloads and runs highlight their dynamic playing style. Former players and analysts, including Maggie Alphonsi and Lesley McKenzie, have praised Canada’s ability to disrupt opponents and maintain momentum. Despite financial challenges and a semi-professional setup, Canada’s team has rallied with crowdfunding efforts and strategic planning. With key players like Sophie de Goede and Alex Tessier gaining experience in England’s Premiership Women’s Rugby league, Canada is poised to make history. As the nation rallies behind them, this final could mark a turning point for women’s rugby in Canada and inspire future generations.
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Fact-checking claims Trump made about autism
US President Donald Trump has sparked significant backlash from health experts following his assertion of a link between the widely used painkiller Tylenol (paracetamol in some countries) and autism. Speaking alongside Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, Trump suggested that doctors would soon be advised against recommending the drug to pregnant women. This claim has been met with strong opposition from medical professionals. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists labeled the announcement ‘unsettling’ and lacking ‘reliable data,’ while the UK’s National Autism Society called it ‘dangerous, anti-science, and irresponsible.’
During a White House press conference, Trump cited statistics indicating a rise in autism diagnoses in the US, claiming the rate had increased from ‘one in 10,000’ 18 years ago to ‘one in 31’ by 2025. While the latter figure is accurate according to 2022 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of increase was significantly less dramatic than Trump suggested. Experts attribute the rise in autism diagnoses primarily to improved diagnostic methods and greater awareness.
Trump also claimed that California has a ‘more severe problem’ with autism, citing CDC data showing one in 12 eight-year-old boys in the state had autism. However, the CDC noted that California’s proactive screening initiatives likely contributed to higher identification rates. Additionally, Trump suggested that the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine should be administered separately rather than as a combined shot, a claim that experts fear could lead to reduced vaccination rates and the resurgence of preventable diseases.
The president’s comments echoed long-debunked theories linking vaccines to autism, which originated from a discredited 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield. Multiple studies, including a 2019 Danish study involving over 650,000 children, have found no such link. Trump also cited the Amish community as having ‘virtually no autism,’ attributing this to low Tylenol use. However, limited research on autism in the Amish population makes this claim unsubstantiated.
Trump’s remarks have reignited concerns about the spread of misinformation and its potential impact on public health. Health experts urge the public to rely on evidence-based medical advice rather than unverified claims.
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Eswatini says it has repatriated US deportee to Jamaica
Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, has come under scrutiny following the deportation of a Jamaican man under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies. Orville Isaac Etoria, 62, who had lived in the U.S. for decades as a lawful permanent resident, was deported to Eswatini in July alongside four other individuals from Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and Yemen. The U.S. government labeled them as ‘depraved monsters.’ After being held in solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison in Mbabane, Etoria was voluntarily repatriated to Jamaica over the weekend and was warmly received by his family. However, his treatment has drawn condemnation from the Legal Aid Society of New York, which highlighted his reintegration into American society after serving a 25-year prison sentence for murder. Activists in Eswatini have denounced the deportation deal as ‘unconstitutional,’ staging protests outside the U.S. embassy. Rights groups have initiated legal action, arguing that the government lacked parliamentary approval for the agreement. Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small, landlocked nation bordered by South Africa and Mozambique, ruled by King Mswati III since 1986. The case underscores the controversial nature of Trump’s mass deportation policies, which often sent individuals to countries with no personal ties.
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All is not lost for China in US TikTok deal
In a significant development in the ongoing US-China tech rivalry, Beijing has signaled its approval for American investors to take over TikTok’s operations in the United States. This move marks a rare thaw in the tense standoff between the two global powers, following a pivotal phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 19, where the TikTok issue was reportedly a central topic.
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Russia’s involvement in drone sightings cannot be ruled out, Danish PM says
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has labeled the drone incursion that disrupted Copenhagen Airport on Monday night as “the most severe attack on Danish infrastructure so far.” The incident, which forced the closure of Kastrup Airport for several hours, was described as an attempt to “disrupt, create unrest, and test the limits” of Denmark’s defenses. Frederiksen drew parallels between this event and recent Russian drone incursions in Poland, Romania, and Estonia, suggesting a broader pattern of destabilization. While Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations as “unfounded,” Danish intelligence warned of a “high threat of sabotage.” Flemming Drejer, director of operations at Denmark’s intelligence service PET, noted that the motive may have been to “stress us out and see how we react.” Around 20,000 passengers were affected by the airport closure, which resumed operations after midnight. Danish police described the drone operators as a “capable actor” but have yet to identify their origin. In Norway, Oslo Airport also faced a temporary closure due to suspected drone activity, with 14 flights diverted. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store condemned Russia’s repeated airspace violations in 2025, emphasizing that such actions are “not acceptable.” The incidents have heightened tensions in Europe, with NATO bolstering its eastern flank by deploying troops and fighter jets from member states, including the UK, France, Germany, and Denmark. The alliance has also warned of a “wider pattern of increasingly irresponsible Russian behavior” following recent incursions into Poland, Romania, and Estonia. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, NATO members like Poland and Sweden have vowed to shoot down any unauthorized objects in their airspace, underscoring the growing security challenges in the region.
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Malawi ex-president takes clear lead in vote-count, results show
In a dramatic turn of events, Malawi’s former President Peter Mutharika, 85, has surged ahead in the country’s presidential race, securing approximately 66% of the valid votes counted so far. His closest rival, incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, trails with around 24% of the votes. Provisional results from two-thirds of the districts indicate that Mutharika has even managed to win in areas traditionally considered Chakwera strongholds, including the capital, Lilongwe, and Nkhotakota. However, Chakwera’s camp remains optimistic, asserting that once results from remaining districts are announced, his vote share could increase, potentially forcing a run-off. A candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright, and Malawians are eagerly awaiting the final results from last Tuesday’s election, which the Malawi Electoral Commission has until the end of Wednesday to announce. Two of the 12 districts yet to declare results have a significant number of registered voters, and Chakwera’s team believes he will perform well in these areas, particularly in rural regions around Lilongwe and Dedza. Meanwhile, results from two other districts, where Mutharika is expected to dominate, have been withheld by the electoral commission for accuracy checks. The commission has emphasized its commitment to transparency, accuracy, and credibility, particularly in light of the constitutional court’s annulment of Mutharika’s 2019 victory due to irregularities. Chakwera won the subsequent re-run by a wide margin, but his presidency has been marred by a deepening economic crisis, characterized by high inflation, food and fuel shortages, and frequent power cuts. On Friday, Chakwera’s party alleged ‘irregularities’ and ‘serious anomalies’ in the election process and has called for a ‘physical audit’ of the results, though it has not specified the nature of these irregularities. In a related development, police have arrested eight data entry clerks accused of attempting to manipulate election results. The stakes are high in Malawi’s elections, as the country grapples with a severe cost-of-living crisis.
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Harris ruled out of Australia’s World Cup defence
In a significant setback for Australia’s cricket team, star all-rounder Grace Harris has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup due to a calf injury. The 32-year-old sustained the injury during the third one-day international against India on Saturday, a match that saw Australia clinch a 43-run victory. Harris, renowned for her explosive batting and record-breaking performances, will be replaced by Heather Graham, a 28-year-old all-rounder with limited international experience. Harris’s absence is a major blow to Australia as they prepare to defend their title, starting with a match against New Zealand on October 1. Despite her struggles in the longer white-ball format, Harris remains one of the most feared batters globally, evidenced by her stellar performance in this summer’s Women’s Hundred, where she boasted the highest strike rate and hit the most sixes. Graham, who has only one ODI cap from a 2019 match against Sri Lanka, now faces the challenge of filling Harris’s shoes on the world stage.
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European recognition of Palestinian state shows US still only power that counts
In a landmark move, France and Britain have officially recognized the state of Palestine at the United Nations, marking a pivotal moment in the century-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This unprecedented decision, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and supported by Saudi Arabia, underscores the growing belief among European powers that the conflict has reached a critical juncture requiring bold diplomatic action. Macron, addressing the UN conference in New York, emphasized that “right must prevail over might,” condemning both Israel and Hamas for the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza. The initiative aims to sustain the two-state solution, seen as the only viable path to a fair and shared future for Israelis and Palestinians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the alternative—a one-state solution—would result in Israeli domination and the subjugation of Palestinians, a scenario he deemed unjustifiable. Israel, however, views the conference and the recognition of Palestine by several nations as a reward for Hamas following its October 2023 attack and hostage-taking. Israeli ministers are considering annexing parts of the occupied West Bank, effectively nullifying the possibility of a Palestinian state. The Trump administration has rejected the European approach, further deepening the rift between Washington and its European allies. Despite the lack of U.S. support, European leaders argue that their strategy offers a diplomatic alternative to the ongoing violence, which has claimed countless lives and left Gaza in ruins. The conference, also led by Saudi Arabia and backed by the Arab League, seeks to exert pressure on Hamas to disarm and relinquish its leadership role, while keeping the door open for normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, the absence of coordinated efforts among key nations and the Trump administration’s opposition highlight the challenges ahead. Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer invoked their countries’ colonial legacies in the Middle East, acknowledging the historical recognition of Israel and now advocating for the equal right of Palestinians to statehood. While Palestinians welcome the European recognition, they remain aware that true statehood hinges on the support of the United States, the global superpower of today.
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Three West African countries to quit International Criminal Court
In a bold and coordinated move, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced their immediate withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), denouncing it as a ‘tool of neo-colonialist repression.’ The three military-led nations issued a joint statement, declaring their refusal to recognize the authority of the Hague-based court, which operates under the auspices of the United Nations. The leaders of these countries criticized the ICC for its alleged inability to effectively address and prosecute severe crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and acts of aggression. They emphasized their intention to establish ‘indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice.’ This decision aligns with longstanding accusations from African leaders, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, who have criticized the ICC for its perceived anti-African bias. Since its establishment in 2002, the ICC has initiated 33 cases, with all but one involving African nations. The withdrawal process will officially take effect one year after the UN is notified. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all under military rule following coups between 2020 and 2023, form the Confederation of Sahel States. Their armies have faced allegations of committing crimes against civilians amid escalating violence against jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Earlier this year, the three countries simultaneously exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), rejecting its demands to restore democratic governance. Over recent years, Russia has deepened its ties with these nations, which have grown increasingly isolated from the West, particularly former colonial power France. Notably, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023 over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.