We've pulled together the biggest stories that landed on Apple Tree Daily News in September 2025. From South African grant scams to a UN pledge worth trillions, the month was packed with alerts, breakthroughs, and pure excitement. Below you’ll find a quick‑read guide that saves you time and keeps you in the know.
South Africa’s SASSA warned citizens that social grant applications are free, urging people to report anyone demanding payment. Over 19 million beneficiaries face fraudsters trying to exploit the biometric verification system, so double‑check any request for money.
At the Global Finance Summit, UN leaders and Spain’s prime minister rolled out the Sevilla Commitment. The plan promises to close a $4 trillion financing gap for Sustainable Development Goals, though critics say enforcement is weak and the US is pulling back.
In Nigeria, civil society groups pushed a 37‑point reform agenda for the electoral system. The agenda targets the 2022 Electoral Act, calling for simultaneous voting, shorter campaigns, and electronic results to boost confidence before the next poll.
Arizona voters watched a special election where Adelita Grijalva is set to succeed her late father in the 7th district. The race could tip the balance of power in the House, making it a focal point for national donors.
Rugby fans were treated to an All Blacks masterclass against France in the Lipovitan‑D Series. New Zealand built a comfortable lead in the first half, turning the match into a showcase of speed and power.
AEW Dynamite delivered title defenses, a new Women’s World Tag Team Championship announcement, and a surprise streak‑vs‑title clash set for the anniversary special. Hangman Adam Page walked out with the World title, while Kris Statlander defended the Women’s belt.
In tennis, 22‑year‑old Carlos Alcaraz blew past Novak Djokovic in straight sets to reach the US Open final. The win cements Alcaraz as the sport’s new front‑man, and he now faces Jannik Sinner for a title that could define a generation.
Tech enthusiasts got a glimpse of Xiaomi’s Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro. Both tablets feature an 11.2‑inch 3.2K display, 144 Hz refresh, and Snapdragon‑powered performance. The Pro model tops out at 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, making it a strong contender for mobile productivity.
Entertainment news saw Netflix start filming Season 2 of "3 Body Problem" in Budapest and confirm a third season. Strong viewership numbers from the first season drove the back‑to‑back shoot, with a late‑2026 premiere on the horizon.
Finally, the Ballon d’Or ceremony crowned PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé as the 2025 male winner, while Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal took second place. The gala also highlighted coaching awards and a “Play of the Year” segment.
That’s the pulse of September 2025 on Apple Tree Daily News. Whether you’re tracking fraud alerts, global finance pledges, or the latest sports thrills, we’ve got the concise updates you need. Bookmark this page to revisit the highlights or jump straight to a story that matters to you.
SASSA warns South Africans that social grant applications are free, urging citizens to report anyone demanding payment. Over 19 million beneficiaries are targeted by fraudsters exploiting the biometric verification system.
Read MoreUN leaders and Spain's prime minister unveiled the Sevilla Commitment at FFD4, pledging to close a $4 trillion SDG financing gap, but critics warn of weak enforcement and a US withdrawal.
Read MoreNew Zealand's All Blacks delivered a dazzling first‑half performance against France in the 2025 Lipovitan‑D July Series, turning the game into a showcase of speed, power and skill. The French side struggled to keep up as the visitors built a comfortable lead, setting the tone for a memorable test match.
Read MoreOn September 24, 2025, AEW Dynamite aired from Pittsburgh with multiple title bouts, including Kris Statlander’s first Women’s World Championship defense and Hangman Adam Page’s World title win. Tony Khan used the show to confirm the creation of Women’s World Tag Team Champions. Tag team gold changed hands as Brodido held onto their belts, while surprise moments kept fans talking. The episode also set up a streak‑versus‑title clash for next week’s anniversary special.
Read MoreXiaomi has rolled out two new tablets—the Pad 8 and the Pad 8 Pro—in China, both sporting a premium 11.2‑inch 3.2K LCD panel with a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate and Dolby Vision. The Pad 8 runs on Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, while the Pro version is powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite and can be configured up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. A 9,200mAh battery fuels up to 10.5 hours of video, with fast‑charging options of 45W and 67W respectively. Enhanced cameras, quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, and a full‑metal unibody complete the package. Both run Xiaomi HyperOS 3, delivering PC‑level multitasking and AI‑driven productivity tools.
Read MoreFormer Falcon DeAngelo Hall breaks down the team's 1-2 start, warning they need to cut turnovers and spark the offense. He calls the Week 3 loss to the Panthers a surprise and says panic over quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is premature. Hall also shares his thoughts on player motivation and bets on a Bills‑Ravens Super Bowl showdown.
Read MoreOlympique Lyon edged FC Utrecht 1-0 at the Stadion Galgenwaard on September 25, 2025, thanks to a thunderous long‑range strike from American midfielder Tanner Tessman. The winner, described as a "rocket," gave the French side three points in their Europa League campaign debut. Utrecht were left to rue missed chances, while Lyon now sit comfortably atop their group. Tessman's goal also fuels talk of a USMNT call‑up. Both clubs will look to build on the experience as the group stage unfolds.
Read MoreAt Flushing Meadows, 22‑year‑old Carlos Alcaraz overwhelmed 38‑year‑old Novak Djokovic in straight sets to book his place in the 2025 US Open final. The Spaniard's relentless power and stamina left the Serbian legend gasping after the second set. The win marks Djokovic's fourth straight Grand Slam semifinal loss this year and cements Alcaraz's status as the sport’s new face. He now prepares to meet Jannik Sinner in a final that could define the next era of men’s tennis.
Read MoreStakeholders across Nigeria are demanding a sweeping overhaul of the electoral system before any new polls. A citizens' memorandum outlines 37 reforms targeting the 2022 Electoral Act, while lawmakers push bills for simultaneous voting, shorter campaigns and electronic results. The death of former Chief Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais has revived calls to act on his 2008 report. A looming INEC leadership change adds urgency to the push for a credible, independent commission.
Read MoreAP projections put Adelita Grijalva on track to win Arizona's CD7 special election after the death of her father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva. The race draws attention for its tight Democratic primary, the district's progressive bent, and its potential impact on the balance of power in the House. Local demographics and national fundraising trends add layers to the contest.
Read MoreThe South African Social Security Agency has set the August 2025 Social Relief of Distress grant payment window for 24‑30 August, keeping the amount at R370. Beneficiaries are urged to verify bank details on the official portal. The grant remains a lifeline amid rising living costs, with funds available through banks, cash points and other channels.
Read MoreThe 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony took place on 22 September at Paris' Théâtre du Châtelet, kicking off at 9 PM local time. PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé clinched the men's award after a season with 21 league goals and eight Champions League strikes. Runner‑up was Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal and the event also featured Play of the Year and coaching awards. TV channels and streaming options for the night are listed below.
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