Monday 28 September 2026 · Edition of the day

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The Skeptic's Daily

The day's biggest stories, taken apart. For each one: what is actually established, what is only asserted, the questions worth asking — and a plausibility score for the central claim, given everything currently known.

Stories
3
Average plausibility
73%
How to read the score
It rates how well the core claim is evidenced — not how important the story is, nor whether it is good or bad news.
RegionAllGlobalAfricaNorth AmericaSouth AmericaAsia-PacificEuropeMiddle East
TopicAllPoliticsConflict & SecurityBusinessScienceHealth
01Conflict & SecurityAfrica

Two South African mass shootings leave at least 27 dead

Reports agree on two attacks but give different death tolls.

The Guardian reported at least 27 deaths in two shootings, citing police, while the BBC subsequently reported 28. The Guardian places one attack near Johannesburg and another near Cape Town. It describes a suspected illegal goldmining turf war in the first incident.

What holds up

  • ✓Both outlets report two mass shootings with a combined toll of at least 27.
  • ✓The Guardian attributes its casualty reporting to police.

What doesn't yet

  • ?The Guardian gives at least 27 deaths; the later BBC item gives 28, without explaining the difference.
  • ?A suspected goldmining dispute does not establish the motive, and the extracts do not establish a link between the attacks.

Ask before you share

  • →Have police issued an updated, consolidated death toll?
  • →What evidence supports the suspected motives?

Sources & original reporting

  1. [1]BBC News · Published 28 Sept 2026 · bbc.co.uk
  2. [2]The Guardian · Published 27 Sept 2026 · theguardian.com
02Conflict & SecurityAfrica

DRC politician killed after Ebola awareness broadcast, party says

The Guardian reports the death of Marie-Celestin Karondwa through an account from his party.

A representative of the DRC's ruling party says senior member Marie-Celestin Karondwa was beaten to death on Sunday. The Guardian reports that he had appeared on radio to promote measures against the spread of Ebola.

What holds up

  • ✓The Guardian names the victim and attributes the account to a party representative.
  • ✓The reported sequence places an Ebola awareness broadcast before the attack.

What doesn't yet

  • ?The account comes from the victim's party; no police or medical confirmation is included.
  • ?The sequence does not by itself establish the attackers' motives.

Ask before you share

  • →Have police independently confirmed the circumstances?
  • →Is there evidence linking the attack to the broadcast?

Sources & original reporting

  1. [1]The Guardian · Published 28 Sept 2026 · theguardian.com
03Conflict & SecurityAfrica

Somali army and local forces clash over Baidoa

Al Jazeera reports civilians unable to flee or reach hospitals.

The Somali army has clashed with local forces for control of Baidoa, Al Jazeera reports. The summary says fighting in the South West State city left civilians stranded and unable to access hospitals.

What holds up

  • ✓The report identifies Baidoa as the location of the fighting.
  • ✓It explicitly describes civilian movement and hospital access being obstructed.

What doesn't yet

  • ?No casualty figures or independent humanitarian assessment are supplied.
  • ?The local forces, immediate trigger and extent of territorial control are not specified.

Ask before you share

  • →Which forces control civilian routes and medical facilities?
  • →Can humanitarian organisations independently assess conditions?

Sources & original reporting

  1. [1]Al Jazeera · Published 28 Sept 2026 · aljazeera.com