Welcome to the August 2025 roundup on Apple Tree Daily News. This page pulls together the most talked‑about stories that shaped the month, so you can catch up in minutes instead of scrolling through endless feeds. Whether you care about politics, tech gadgets, or the latest scores, we’ve got a quick snapshot for you.
Julius Malema convicted of illegal gun use – The Economic Freedom Fighters leader was found guilty and now faces up to 15 years in prison. The verdict could also strip him of his parliamentary seat, shaking up South Africa’s political landscape.
Federal shutdown kicks off on Oct. 1 – A showdown between President Trump and Democrats forced the U.S. government to shut down, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay. The standoff highlighted deep divisions over health‑care funding.
SASSA warns against grant fraud – South Africans were reminded that social grant applications are free. Fraudsters targeting the biometric system have been scamming thousands, so the agency urged citizens to report any payment demands.
UN unveils the Sevilla Commitment – At the Global Finance Summit, world leaders announced a $4 trillion plan to close the Sustainable Development Goals financing gap. Critics say the pledge lacks enforcement, especially with the U.S. pulling back.
All Blacks dominate France – New Zealand’s rugby giants put on a first‑half masterclass in the Lipovitan‑D Series, leaving the French side chasing a massive deficit. The win set the tone for what could be a memorable test match.
On the gadget front, Xiaomi launched the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro in China. Both tablets sport an 11.2‑inch 3.2K display, 144 Hz refresh rate, and Snapdragon 8 series processors. The Pro model can be configured up to 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage – a solid option for power users.
In tennis, 22‑year‑old Carlos Alcaraz blasted past Novak Djokovic to book a US Open final spot. The win cements Alcaraz as the sport’s new face and sets up a showdown with Jannik Sinner.
Football fans saw Lyon edge Utrecht 1‑0 in the Europa League thanks to Tanner Tessman’s long‑range rocket. The goal not only earned three points but also sparked talk of a U.S. national team call‑up for the American midfielder.
Meanwhile, the Club World Cup buzzed with a rumor that Palmeiras and Fluminense fans celebrated Al‑Hilal’s qualification. Though unverified, the story shows how Brazilian supporters keep tabs on global tournaments.
For gadget hunters, August brought deep discounts on the iPhone 16. Carriers like AT&T and Verizon offered sizable trade‑in credits, while Amazon and Best Buy pushed unlocked deals with extra perks. If you’re looking to upgrade, now’s a good time to compare offers.
Finally, Netflix kicked off filming season 2 of “3 Body Problem” in Budapest and confirmed a third season. With record‑breaking viewership for season 1, fans can expect more of Liu Cixin’s sci‑fi epic by late 2026.
That’s the gist of August 2025. Keep coming back to Apple Tree Daily News for fresh updates, and feel free to dive into any of the stories above for a deeper look.
The 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.
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