September 2025 – What You Missed on Everard Read Daily News
September was a busy month. We covered everything from new tech gadgets to dramatic sports moments and some serious business news. Below is a quick run‑through of the stories that got the most clicks, so you can catch up fast.
Tech, Energy and Business Movers
KPLC rolled out secret codes for Kenya’s new digital prepaid meters, promising a free update before August and new USSD tools to help customers track electricity bills. The move aims to simplify payments and cut down on illegal meter tampering.
In the gadget world, Xiaomi unveiled the 17 series, the first phones built on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 3nm chip. With a massive 7,300 mAh battery and a rear secondary display, the lineup is positioned as a direct challenge to Apple’s premium models.
On the corporate side, Telkom South Africa’s market value halved over six years, slipping from about R37.2 billion in 2019 to R19.4 billion today. Analysts point to the 2008 sale of its Vodacom stake as a lingering regret that still hurts the telco’s valuation.
Sports Highlights Across the Globe
Arsenal turned a 1‑0 deficit into a 2‑1 win over Newcastle thanks to a late Gabriel Magalhães strike, tightening the Premier League title race. In the same league, Wolves hosted Leeds United in a must‑win clash, both teams desperate for points at the bottom of the table.
Crystal Palace shocked Liverpool by winning their first Community Shield after a tense penalty shoot‑out at Wembley. The victory builds on Palace’s recent cup success and offers a morale boost for the new season.
In Ligue 1, Lyon edged Lille 2‑1, with a penalty from Alexandre Lacazette and a late goal by Rayan Cherki securing a grip on European‑qualification spots.
Across the Atlantic, Diego Nunez’s early impact for Al‑Hilal helped the Saudi side beat Al‑Okhdoud 3‑1, while Sara Brits’s 42‑run blitz lifted South Africa’s women’s T20 team back to the top of the World Cup standings.
England’s women’s league saw Arsenal splash £1 million on Olivia Smith, who opened her debut with a thunderous equaliser and helped the team rally to a 4‑1 win.
Back in the UK, Chelsea survived a Carabao Cup scare, turning a half‑time deficit into a 2‑1 win over Lincoln City thanks to late goals from Tyreek George and new signing Facundo Buonanotte.
Meanwhile, Sergio Busquets announced he’ll retire after the 2025 MLS season with Inter Miami, ending an 18‑year run that included world titles with Barcelona and Spain.
For gamers, Forza Horizon 6 was confirmed for a 2026 release, finally heading to Japan after a leaked Instagram post sparked a fan frenzy.
Politics, Culture and Human Interest
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu urged African youth at a Gambia university event to lead the charge for peaceful elections, warning against misinformation and calling for active civic engagement.
In South Africa, a high court ordered Kenny Kunene to apologise to Julius Malema after labeling the EFF leader a “cockroach,” igniting fresh debate on hate speech and free expression.
On the personal side, the mystery around Mandla Mthembu – Khanyi Mbau’s ex‑husband who vanished after a high‑profile divorce – still deepens, with family members reporting no contact for years.
Photography fans got a reminder that superzoom lenses are back in fashion. Modern designs now offer better stabilization and sharpness, making a single lens a practical choice for travel, portraits, and wildlife.
All these stories and more filled September’s archive. Whether you’re tracking the latest tech launch, cheering on a sports comeback, or staying informed on business trends, Everard Read Daily News has the details you need. Dive into each article for full coverage and keep yourself updated as the month rolls into October.
KPLC Rolls Out Secret Codes for Kenya’s New Digital Prepaid Meters
KPLC’s rollout of digital prepaid meters in Kenya introduces secret codes for different brands, a free update process before August, and new USSD tools to help users manage electricity payments.
View moreArunma Oteh Praises Femi Otedola’s Memoir for Brutal Honesty on Nigerian Entrepreneurship
Arunma Oteh hails Femi Otedola’s memoir for exposing his decision to step down as CEO, sparking a frank discussion on entrepreneurship, politics, and leadership in Nigeria.
View moreArsenal snatch late winner from Gabriel Magalhães to beat Newcastle 2-1
Arsenal rallied from a 1‑0 deficit to beat Newcastle 2‑1 at St. James' Park, thanks to a late Gabriel Magalhães winner, tightening their Premier League title race.
View moreCrystal Palace Stun Liverpool in Penalty Shootout to Claim First Community Shield
Crystal Palace captured their first FA Community Shield after a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Wembley. The match swung back and forth, with both teams scoring early through new signings. A tense penalty shootout saw goalkeeper Dean Henderson make two crucial saves, and Justin Devenny net the decisive spot‑kick. The win builds on Palace's recent FA Cup triumph and signals a strong start to their season.
View moreLyon edge Lille 2-1 to tighten grip on European qualification
In a nail‑biting Ligue 1 clash, Lyon turned a 1‑0 deficit into a 2‑1 win over Lille. Bafodé Diakité scored after 60 seconds, but Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty and Rayan Cherki’s late strike swung the match. The three points push Lyon to 48 points, one ahead of Lille, and sharpen the battle for a top‑six European spot.
View moreSergio Busquets Announces Retirement at End of 2025 MLS Season
Spanish midfield maestro Sergio Busquets will hang up his boots after the 2025 MLS season. The 37‑year‑old spent 18 years at Barcelona, earned multiple trophies, and helped Spain win a World Cup and two Euros. He’s now finishing his career with Inter Miami and may eye a coaching role.
View moreXiaomi 17 Series Unveiled with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: A Direct Challenge to Apple
Xiaomi launched its 17 lineup on September 25, 2025, the first phones to house Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 built on a 3nm process. The trio – 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max – packs a rear secondary display, a 7,300 mAh battery and a performance edge that rivals Apple's A19 Pro. CEO Lei Jun pledged RMB 200 billion for tech development, signaling a bold push into premium markets.
View moreDarwin Nunez Helps Al‑Hilal to 3‑1 Win Over Al‑Okhdoud in Saudi Pro League
Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez featured in Al‑Hilal's 3‑1 victory over bottom‑placed Al‑Okhdoud on Sept 25, 2025. The €53 million signing has already scored twice and is fitting into Simone Inzaghi’s system. Marcos Leonardo netted a brace, Theo Hernández added another. The win lifts Al‑Hilal to eight points, while Al‑Okhdoud stay winless.
View moreSouth Africa crush Bangladesh to retake T20 World Cup lead
South Africa reclaimed the top spot in the Women's T20 World Cup after a seven‑wicket win over Bangladesh in Dubai. Tazmin Brits’ 42‑run knock earned her Player of the Match honors. Captain Laura Wolvaardt praised the bowlers but said the chase could have been quicker. Bangladesh’s captain Nigar Sultana Joty admitted batting woes but stayed optimistic about her young side. Sunday’s fixtures feature England‑Scotland and India‑Australia.
View morePeaceful Elections: INEC Chairman Calls on African Youth to Lead the Charge
During a keynote at The Gambia's Civil Service University, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu urged young Africans to become the frontline defenders of credible, peaceful elections. He highlighted youth’s dual role as voters and election staff, warned against misinformation, and called for responsible civic engagement across the continent.
View moreTelkom South Africa’s Market Value Halves Over Six Years
Telkom South Africa’s market cap fell from roughly R37.2 billion in 2019 to R19.4 billion in 2025, a loss of about R18 billion. The slump follows earlier crashes after 2007, with the biggest hit coming in 2008‑2009. Analysts point to the 2008 sale of its Vodacom stake as the company’s biggest regret. The story highlights how past strategic moves still shape today’s telecom landscape.
View moreForza Horizon 6 confirmed for 2026, finally heading to Japan
Microsoft’s open‑world racer Forza Horizon 6 is officially slated for a 2026 launch, with the Horizon Festival moving to Japan. The leak came from an Instagram post that vanished before the Tokyo Game Show reveal. Xbox and PC will get the game first, while a PlayStation 5 version follows later. Fans have long campaigned for a Japanese setting, and the new title promises fresh scenery and cars.
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