Archive: 2025 / 09

On May 24, 2025, Real Madrid wrapped up the 2024-25 La Liga season with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé scored both goals from penalties, while Luka Modrić and Carlo Ancelotti said goodbye in an emotional final match. The win kept Los Blancos unbeaten against the Basque side and highlighted the French forward’s instant impact. The fixture drew over 73,000 fans and was broadcast worldwide.

Samantha Cameron’s fashion brand Cefinn is closing after eight years, citing Brexit friction, mounting losses, inflation, and the collapse of Matches Fashion. The label, launched in 2017 for professional women, struggled to reach profitability. Its final winter range will be the last, with London stores staying open temporarily to sell remaining stock. The closure underscores the pressure on UK fashion independents.

Warner Bros. unveiled the first trailer for Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, with a U.S. release set for February 13, 2026. The moody preview teases a fierce, destructive bond between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff across the Yorkshire moors. The film features Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell, and is produced with MRC and LuckyChap.

Leaked set photos of Margot Robbie in a white bridal gown for Emerald Fennell's 'Wuthering Heights' sparked backlash over casting and historical accuracy. Fans questioned the dress and the film's period choices, while production continues toward a February 2026 release. Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw opposite Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, with LuckyChap producing.

Two Edinburgh Fringe venues pulled Graham Linehan’s one-off comedy night after complaints about his views on transgender issues. Organisers Comedy Unleashed said they secured a third, secret location and would tell ticket holders at the last minute. Claims the show took place outside the Scottish Parliament could not be confirmed. The row reignites a wider debate on free expression and inclusivity at festivals.

CDC Director Susan Monarez was fired after less than a month on the job following a clash with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine guidance and agency independence. The move, tied to disputes over a revamped advisory panel and a proposed letter to states, set off broader confusion over COVID vaccine access. Pharmacies paused services in some states while governors and city officials scrambled to clear bottlenecks.

The Conservatives have chosen local councillor Faye Purbrick for the Somerton and Frome by-election on 20 July, triggered by David Warburton’s resignation after misconduct allegations. With a 2019 majority of 19,213 now on the line, the race will test Rishi Sunak’s party alongside two other by-elections the same day. Purbrick’s local record will be central as the Tories try to steady a once-safe seat.

The Royal Navy’s Type 26 programme is building eight City-class frigates designed for quiet anti-submarine warfare, flexible missions, and future upgrades. Built by BAE Systems on the Clyde, the ships feature CODLOG propulsion, Sea Ceptor missiles, a 127mm gun, a large flight deck, and a modular mission bay. The first ships are in advanced build, with exports to Australia and Canada.

Joe Gomez’s late heroics against Arsenal may double as a farewell, with AC Milan pushing to sign him for around £10–15m. Liverpool will only sell if they land Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, with a bid around £40m being prepared. Gomez prefers Serie A, while Palace want a replacement lined up before approving any exit for their captain. It’s a tight, domino-style deadline day.