Archive: 2025 / 08

Kieran Lockhart, Aug, 31 2025

QPR’s Under-21s host Charlton at the TSG Training Centre in a key Professional Development League test. Selection intrigue surrounds Charlton with Kelman potentially facing his former club, while Leaburn and Campbell are also in the mix. The sides drew 2-2 in their last meeting. Expect a sharp, development-first contest with both clubs pushing academy talent toward senior football.

Kieran Lockhart, Aug, 31 2025

Three Scottish brothers rowed from Peru to Australia in 139 days, setting a new Pacific crossing record and becoming the first team to make that route. Battling storms, injuries, and dwindling food, they beat the previous mark by more than 20 days. Their custom-built boat was named in memory of their sister. They’ve raised over £800,000 for clean water projects and are pushing for £1 million.

Kieran Lockhart, Aug, 30 2025

Ben Shelton retired mid-match for the first time in his career during the US Open third round, pulling out against Adrian Mannarino with a left-shoulder issue after nearly three hours. He was leading when the pain hit and tried to continue after a medical timeout, but his father and coach Bryan signaled to stop. Mannarino advanced, joking he won "from the toilets." Shelton stayed upbeat about his season.

Kieran Lockhart, Aug, 30 2025

With Rafael Leão, Christian Pulisic, Álex Jiménez and Ardon Jashari out, Massimiliano Allegri heads to Lecce juggling an injury-hit Milan and a need for their first win after losing to Cremonese. Santiago Giménez is set to lead a 3-5-2 with Luka Modrić guiding midfield. The trip to Via del Mare tests tactics, depth, and nerves—plus the unusual subplot of teenager Francesco Camarda facing his parent club.

Kieran Lockhart, Aug, 29 2025

The Pokémon Company confirmed Mega Hawlucha for Pokémon Legends: Z-A in a stylish "fight night" cinematic that pits it against Machamp. The Gen VI fighter returns with a gold luchador look, tougher defense, and a counterpunch game plan built around Flying Press. It joins Mega Dragonite and Mega Victreebel ahead of the October 16 release.

Kieran Lockhart, Aug, 28 2025

Bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson has released Picture Imperfect, an adult sequel to The Illustrated Mum. The novel follows Dolphin Westward at 33 as she juggles caring for her chaotic mother, new relationships, and an offer to start fresh with her sister. Early reviews praise Wilson’s empathy and honesty, and a Waterstones Exclusive Edition hardback is out now via Penguin Books UK.

Kieran Lockhart, Aug, 28 2025

Jacqueline Wilson revisits her 1990s Girls series with Think Again, following Ellie, Nadine, and Magda into their forties. A prominent UK review questions the book’s voice, saying the dialogue feels breezy and the characters blur together. Wilson aims to update old attitudes on body image, sexuality, and power dynamics, but this return to beloved characters has sparked debate over what growing up on the page should look like.

Kieran Lockhart, Aug, 27 2025

Starbucks has signed a strategic deal with Sun Hospitality & Entertainment Group to open more outlets across Vietnam’s top hotel, resort, and theme park destinations. The agreement, sealed on August 23, 2025, includes co-branded products, joint marketing, and Coffee Festivals. The move positions Starbucks in high-traffic tourist sites while boosting guest services across Sun Group’s portfolio.

Kieran Lockhart, Aug, 27 2025

The Home Office and the Bell Hotel’s owners will ask the Court of Appeal to overturn an injunction that ordered asylum seekers to be moved out of a hotel in Epping. The council says the hotel breached planning rules by changing use without permission. The case has sparked protests and may trigger similar legal actions elsewhere, putting pressure on an asylum system already housing 30,000 people in hotels.

Kieran Lockhart, Aug, 26 2025

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected Donald Trump’s call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” warning that any U.S. military action would cause “irreparable harm” to America. The remarks followed Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and Trump’s claim of U.S. air dominance over Iran. With U.S. warplanes heading to the region and both sides trading threats, fears of a broader war are mounting.