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Showing posts from January, 2024

United Airlines to lose money over Boeing groundings

United Airlines is the biggest operator of Boeing 737 Max 9 airplanes.

Bailiff referrals rise by 20% over council debts

A BBC investigation finds Birmingham council tops the list with a 500% increase between 2022 and 2023.

West Ham hope to snap up Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips on loan deal

City demand £7m loan fee for England midfielder West Ham looking for compromise on price West Ham are pushing to complete a loan deal for Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips and are hopeful of signing the midfielder this week. David Moyes has long been an admirer of Phillips and there is growing confidence that an agreement will be reached to take the City outcast to the London Stadium. However an agreement has not been reached and the deal depends on City’s budging on their demands. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/22/west-ham-hope-to-snap-up-manchester-citys-kalvin-phillips-on-loan-deal

Start-ups frustrated by HMRC's 'slowness and lack of communication'

Delays and a lack of communication from the tax authority are holding back new businesses, a group says.

Loyal Reading fans take a stand as fears grow for crisis club’s future

Travelling supporters vent their anger and frustration against owner Dai Yongge during League One defeat at Wigan “I’m Reading ‘til I die,” came the chant at kick-off from the away end, although many fear that the club will be the first to require a lengthy eulogy if Dai Yongge continues his ­lamentable ownership. The Royals are in crisis and 90 minutes of football at least brings some normality to the supporters from Berkshire who made the trek up to Wigan, even if the match ended in a 1-0 defeat. Wigan fans know the pain of poor ownership, starting the season with an eight-point deduction after previous owners Phoenix Ltd failed to pay wages on time on five separate occasions in a season that concluded with relegation from the Championship alongside Reading. The Latics were served with a winding up petition in June relating to an unpaid tax bill and placed under a transfer embargo but a takeover from local billionaire Mike Danson has put Wigan back on firm ground after paying off o

Brighton and Manchester City quick to catch on to global emerging talent

The two Premier League clubs hoped that signing gifted young players from South America does not become a trend among their rivals For scouts from most Premier League clubs, the Under-17 World Cup at the end of last year was an opportunity to see some of the best young players on the planet in the flesh for the first time. But for a select few such as Brighton and Manchester City, who have been quick to take advantage of football’s increasingly global pool of emerging talent, the tournament in Indonesia was more about crossing fingers and hoping their secrets remained under wraps. “Whenever a player travels to an international tournament, their clubs understand that there will be a lot of foreign clubs watching them live and that always pushes up the interest,” says Matías Lipman, who works as an intermediary for South American players. “They give them a lot of visibility and the local clubs know it.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/foo

Slovenia edge United States in friendly as 24 make international debuts

GradiÅ¡ar scores as Slovenia beat United States 1-0 in friendly Twenty-four players make international debuts in match Nejc GradiÅ¡ar scored in the 26th minute of his international debut following an American giveaway, and Slovenia extended the United States’ winless streak against European opponents to six with a 1-0 victory in a friendly on Saturday in San Antonio between nations missing top players. Twenty-four players made international debuts, including 13 Slovenians. Seven of the 11 American debutants were starters, tying the Americans’ most since modern records began in 1990. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/20/usmnt-slovenia-friendly-match-report

Red Sea 'scary' for ships' crews, says captain

The captain of a vessel in the Red Sea shares his concerns about the Houthi attacks on shipping.

US stocks surge to record high as market rebounds

Investors have been cheered by hopes that the US central bank's campaign of raising interest rates is over.

Fábio Carvalho fires Hull into top six with victory at Sunderland

Hull climbed into the Championship playoff places as Fábio Carvalho’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light to earn their first victory this year. Carvalho struck with 19 minutes remaining to settle a dour game on Wearside, volleying the ball home from the edge of the area via a deflection off Trai Hume. Sunderland’s supporters jeered their head coach, Michael Beale, in the closing stages of the game, with the former Rangers and QPR manager having suffered three defeats in a row in all competitions. Beale restored the Ukrainian striker Nazariy Rusyn to Sunderland’s starting lineup, but the home side struggled to create chances against a well-organised Hull side. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/19/fabio-carvalho-fires-hull-into-top-six-with-victory-at-sunderland

Rachel Daly praises Aston Villa’s grit after scoring WSL winner at Leicester

Aston Villa’s match-winner, Rachel Daly, paid tribute to her team’s grit as they bounced back from their FA Cup disappointment to win at Leicester on their return to Women’s Super League action. The England striker’s 16th-minute goal secured a 1-0 win at the Pirelli Stadium, but Villa had the full-back Sarah Mayling to thank for a late goalline clearance on a night when the keeper Daphne van Domselaar also shone. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/20/rachel-daly-praises-aston-villas-grit-after-scoring-wsl-winner-at-leicester

Griezmann sparkles as Atlético Madrid enjoy Copa del Rey revenge against Real

Atlético Madrid 4-2 Real Madrid after extra-time Griezmann pounces with sensational goal against city rivals There is a phrase in Spain: second parts were never any good . Sequels, they say, invariably fail to live up to the original, but this time it did. Like The Godfather Part II, the second episode of the Madrid Trilogy, that run of three derbies in three weeks and three different competitions, was even better than the first, however implausible that had appeared. When these great rivals met six days ago, there were eight goals, 120 minutes of fun finally won 5-3 by Real; now, on a wet night back in their home city where they’re supposed to be, there were another 120 minutes, far wilder than those, six goals, and revenge. This time, Atlético Madrid struck back. They were 1-0 and 2-1 up, through Samu Lino and Antoine Griezmann. Twice Atlético led and twice they found Real Madrid, the adversary that just refuses to die, coming back at them, all those fears and that trauma return

Energy standing charges review prompts huge response

Ofgem said 20,000 people had been in touch about the daily fees before consultation closes later on Friday.

Clubs wait for Kalvin Phillips’ £7m loan fee to drop before making offers

Manchester City’s demand for half a season seen as excessive West Ham may renew interest after previous bid in 2022 Clubs hoping to sign Kalvin Phillips are waiting for Manchester City to drop their demands for a £7m loan fee. Crystal Palace, Newcastle and West Ham are tracking the midfielder, while there is also interest from Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Juventus. Phillips has struggled since joining City from Leeds 18 months ago and is under pressure to secure a move this month . The 28-year-old has not started a Premier League game this season and needs to play regularly to ensure he is part of England’s Euro 2024 squad. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/17/kalvin-phillips-7m-loan-fee-manchester-city

Sheryl Sandberg to step down from Meta board

The ex-COO of Facebook is credited with turning the company into a profit powerhouse.

Unseen images of code breaking computer that helped win WW2

Intelligence agency GCHQ say pictures of Colossus a reminder of the UK ingenuity that helped defeat Hitler.

Jordan Henderson set to complete Ajax move after agreeing Al-Ettifaq exit

Midfielder ironing out details of deal to join Dutch giants 33-year-old finds way out of Saudi Arabia nightmare Jordan Henderson is set to travel to Amsterdam before the weekend to complete his move to Ajax having reached an agreement to leave Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq. All parties are currently ironing out the final details of the contract that will see the England midfielder join the Dutch giants, who are fifth in the Eredivisie having endured, by their standards, a disastrous season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/17/jordan-henderson-set-to-complete-ajax-move-after-agreeing-al-ettifaq-exit

What now for Everton after second Premier League charge?

Already hit with a 10-point deduction for breaking PSR rules the club did not hide their dismay at prospect of another fight According to the Premier League it is because they, and Nottingham Forest, “have each confirmed that they are in breach of the league’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR). This is as a result of sustaining losses above the permitted thresholds for the assessment period ending season 2022-23.” Technically, the Premier League statement is correct but Everton would dispute they have confirmed any breach. Rather, they had no alternative but to submit accounts for the 2022-23 financial year in December that follow new Premier League guidelines. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/15/what-now-for-everton-second-premier-league-charge

Diddy and drinks giant Diageo settle dispute over tequila

A joint statement on Tuesday confirmed Diddy had withdrawn all of his allegations against Diageo.

Bolton announce fan has died after suspected cardiac arrest at match

Iain Purslow was treated at stadium before going to hospital Tributes for 71-year-old planned for upcoming FA Cup replay The Bolton supporter who suffered a suspected cardiac arrest in Saturday’s abandoned League One clash with Cheltenham has died, the Lancashire club have announced. The referee Sunny Singh Gill took the players off the field just after 3.30pm as medical staff went to help the supporter, and the match was officially abandoned 30 minutes later. Bolton have now revealed that the 71-year-old Iain Purslow, a lifelong Wanderers fan, was treated at the stadium before he was taken to a hospital where he died. A statement posted to the club’s official website read: “Bolton Wanderers are deeply saddened to confirm that the supporter taken ill at yesterday afternoon’s home fixture against Cheltenham Town has passed away. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/14/bolton-announce-fan-has-died-after-suspected-cardiac-a

Wage growth slows again as job market stalls

Pay growth in the three months to November eased to 6.6% on average, but is still higher than inflation.

Israeli footballer returns home after Turkish arrest over hostage message

Sagiv Jehezkel released from police custody in Antalya Antalyaspor player wore ‘100 days’ bandage on wrist Turkish authorities released the Israeli football player Sagiv Jehezkel from police custody before he returned to his home country on Monday. “Sagiv Jehezkel, the Israeli footballer of Antalyaspor, left our country at 5:15 p.m. [1415 GMT],” the Turkish interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, stated on social media platform X. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/15/israeli-footballer-sagiv-jehezkel-returning-home-after-turkish-arrest-over-gaza-war-message-football

Israeli footballer reportedly arrested after displaying Gaza war message during match in Turkey

Sagiv Jehezkel has been accused of ‘incitement to hatred’ by Turkey’s justice minister An Israeli footballer who displayed a message referring to the Israel-Hamas war during a match in Turkey has been arrested, according to reports in Turkish media. Earlier on Sunday, the country’s justice minister announced an investigation into Sagiv Jehezkel over the incident for suspected “incitement to hate”, after his club, Antalyaspor, sacked him over the matter. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/14/turkish-prosecutors-investigate-israeli-footballers-gaza-gesture

AI to hit 40% of jobs and worsen inequality, IMF says

Policymakers should address the "troubling trend", says the organisation's managing director Kristalina Georgieva.

Guglielmo Vicario: ‘I was prepared to sign for Tottenham in my own blood’

The Italian talks about his journey from nightclubbing in Serie D to being one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League It is not the typical admission of a top footballer, at least not in public. But then Guglielmo Vicario has not exactly followed a conventional path. When the Tottenham goalkeeper was at the beginning of his career, aged 18, in his first season at senior level, he says that Friday nights tended to mean one thing – nightclubbing. They were the days when Vicario, who has taken the Premier League by storm since his £16.4m move from Empoli last June , was fighting for recognition – and Serie D survival – with Fontanafredda, a club in Italy’s north-east corner, which had never previously played so high. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/13/guglielmo-vicario-i-was-prepared-to-sign-for-tottenham-in-my-own-blood

Fujitsu Japan remains tight-lipped on the Post Office scandal

In Fujitsu's home market, hardly anyone had heard of the Horizon scandal until this week.

Ten Hag wants ‘hungry players’ to fire Manchester United up the table

‘You need players with personalities,’ says manager United trail leaders by 14 points before hosting Tottenham Manchester United need players who will “fight for the badge”, according to Erik ten Hag, as they try to climb the table. Ten Hag’s side sit 14 points behind the leaders, Liverpool, after 20 matches and welcome fifth-placed Tottenham to Old Trafford on Sunday. “If you want to perform you need hungry players,” Ten Hag said. “You need players with personalities and who are hungry to fight for the badge and fight for this club. And they need to do this in a team. It’s not about discipline. It’s about normal behaviour. That is what you can expect from a top professional.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/13/ten-hag-wants-hungry-players-to-fire-manchester-united-up-the-table

Cult of Ange lives on in north London but is he all that different? | Ewan Murray

Straight-talking Australian has hit ground running with Spurs although he is showing frustration at some lines of questions Had Ange Postecoglou not been hired by Celtic, a broader audience may never have witnessed his epic spat with Craig Foster from 2006. Postecoglou, then a national youth coach with Australia, took serious exception to Foster’s line of questioning during a live television debate. “I don’t sit in glass houses, mate,” was among his assertions. Postecoglou implored the former Australia midfielder to come and watch a training session. “I don’t care what you think about me personally,” he insisted. It’s YouTube gold , Ali v Frazier in verbal terms. It was also manna from heaven for Celtic supporters. Here was a hitherto unknown manager who, clearly, would take no nonsense upon his arrival from Yokohama Marinos in 2021. Fans insisted a supposedly hostile Scottish media would be reduced to head-spinning wrecks by Postecoglou. There began the UK version of the Cult of Ang

Sven-Göran Eriksson reveals he has cancer and ‘at best’ about a year to live

Former England manager will ‘fight it as long as possible’ He says he is determined to ‘see the positive sides of things’ The former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson has revealed he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and in a “best-case” scenario has about a year left to live. Eriksson, who managed England for five years before leaving after the 2006 World Cup, stood down from his most recent role as the sporting director at the Swedish club Karlstad 11 months ago due to health issues. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/11/sven-goran-eriksson-cancer-at-best-about-a-year-to-live

A startling penalty, anti-Brexit and pro-gardening: Eric Dier has had his moments | Max Rushden

Plenty have doubted the Spurs and England centre-back but plenty of elite managers kept picking him For almost a decade we have all – to various degrees – been trying to work out how good Eric Dier is. Since his Tottenham debut, in August 2014, through an array of elite managers for club and country, scoring that penalty in 2018, hurling himself into that tackle, launching into the stands to defend his brother , tweeting against Brexit and having now sealed an unlikely move to Bayern Munich , there has always been a question mark. I’m not sure there’s a footballer I’ve willed to succeed more, willed more to prove the doubters wrong. As someone who is also often accused of stealing a living, perhaps it’s just natural empathy, my footballing embodiment. But there he is, my favourite Eric since Bananaman. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/11/startling-penalty-anti-brexit-pro-gardening-eric-dier-has-had-his-moments

Post Office may face £100m tax bill over victim payouts - experts

It may have underpaid more than £100m in tax while overpaying its senior executives, according to experts.

Chelsea’s Carabao Cup blow and a Premier League preview – Football Weekly Extra

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning , Simon Burnton and Jonathan Fadugba discuss the first legs of the League Cup semis as Liverpool fight back against Fulham, transfer news and the ‘winter break’ Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts , Soundcloud , Audioboom , Mixcloud , Acast and Stitcher , and join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter and email . On the podcast today: Middlesbrough beat Chelsea 1-0 in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final. Will they get a positive result at Stamford Bridge and how much of a disaster is it for Mauricio Pochettino if they go out? Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2024/jan/11/football-weekly-extra-podcast-chelsea-middlesbrough-carabao-cup-premier-league-transfer-window

HelloFresh fined over millions of spam texts and emails

The food delivery firm sent 79 million emails and a million texts during a seven-month campaign.

Barcelona cruise past Osasuna to set up Spanish Super Cup showdown with Real

Spanish Super Cup semi-final: Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna Lewandowski 59, Yamal 90+3 Xavi Hernández had said that one would be enough but, in the end, at last, it was two. A Robert Lewandowski strike and another from Lamine Yamal on 92 minutes gave Barcelona a win by more than a single goal for the first time in 21 matches, the longest run in their history, to progress to the final of the Spanish Super Cup. There, in Saudi Arabia on Sunday night, Real Madrid await, as they did last year. “It’s been a long time, it’s true” midfielder Frenkie de Jong said when it was finally over, “but it doesn’t matter: it was about winning.” Opponents Osasuna, meanwhile, head back to Spain. This may be a minor competition to most but for a club without a trophy it mattered, however much they would have preferred to have fought for it back home. They have a 5,000km journey ahead of them, time enough to lament an opportunity lost. Or, they felt, taken away, David García complaining about what he called a

Sports minister seeks action over ‘dangerous’ Joey Barton comments

Stuart Andrew promises to intervene with social media Government monitoring FA’s review into death of Maddy Cusack The UK sports minister has condemned Joey Barton ’s comments about women’s football commentators as “dangerous” and has promised to intervene with social media platforms. Barton’s misogynistic attacks against women have included calling the ITV pundits Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward “the Fred and Rose West of football”, accusing unnamed commentators of violating marriages and “what you got from pillow talk” to get ahead, and saying women “aren’t qualified” to talk about the game. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/09/uk-sports-minister-seeks-action-over-dangerous-joey-barton-comments

Hayden Hackney gives Middlesbrough Carabao Cup advantage over Chelsea

Chelsea fans probably did not expect their expensively assembled team to be tortured by a right-winger who cost Middlesbrough a nominal fee when he made the step up from Tooting and Mitcham five years ago. Yet Isaiah Jones is a special talent who, quite apart from destabilising Levi Colwill, created the goal scored by the impressive Hayden Hackney that left the Riverside celebrating like it was 2004. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/09/middlesbrough-chelsea-carabao-cup-semi-final-first-leg-match-report

Pochettino unable to build Chelsea team from an incoherent mess | John Brewin

Blue-sky thinking has informed player recruitment at Stamford Bridge, leaving the manager short of trusted lieutenants For Chelsea, the club that blew a billion, the Carabao Cup has appreciated to a value beyond its usual worth. A winner’s pot of just £100,000 and a Europa Conference League playoff spot are part of an underwhelming package but even Chelsea’s current ownership must recognise there is more to football than mere money. Beating Newcastle in the quarter‑final had been celebrated in a fashion rarely viewed in Chelsea’s post-Abramovich times. Perhaps something could be rescued from a second successive wreck of a season, though for that to happen, another second-leg rescue mission at Stamford Bridge is now required. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/09/pochettino-unable-to-build-chelsea-team-from-an-incoherent-mess

Where will all the electric cars be charged?

Lampposts and mobile charging machines are being touted as the answer to charging electric cars.

Fearless Mainoo embraces pressure of playing for Manchester United

Teenage midfielder’s seamless transition despite team’s troubles offers hope with cool head in FA Cup win at Wigan Erik ten Hag warned that playing for Manchester United is not for everyone – it is a poisoned chalice because of the added pressure. Hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent have failed to cope over the past decade but their very own Kobbie Mainoo is embracing it. It was Ten Hag’s first visit to a Football League club since arriving at United. There are more unwelcoming stadiums than the DW Stadium, although few could claim to be as cold. Often the issue that creates United’s inconsistency revolves around the mentality of the team, as they struggle to put a run of victories together. A trip to a mid-table third-tier team desperate to rattle a very fragile team was not the most enticing encounter for a side in constant transition. It was a night for cool heads, something the temperature aided. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguard

Shoppers and retailers set for 'challenging' 2024, says BRC

The British Retail Consortium says shoppers will still be squeezed by higher living costs this year.

Student loan costs to balloon £10bn a year - IFS report

The Institute of Fiscal Studies says higher interest rates have increased costs of financing the system.

Apple pays out over claims it deliberately slowed down iPhones

The tech giant is compensating US customers and faces similar allegations in the UK.

Dorival Júnior set to be named Brazil head coach after leaving São Paulo

61-year-old Brazilian to take job after sacking of interim Diniz Carlo Ancelotti turned down the role to stay at Real Madrid Dorival Júnior has resigned as head coach of São Paulo to take charge of Brazil’s national team, the club said in a statement on Sunday. Dorival, 61, was the preferred choice after the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) failed to recruit Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, who chose to extend his contract with Real Madrid after months of speculation linking him with the Seleção job. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/07/dorival-junior-set-to-be-named-brazil-head-coach-after-leaving-sao-paulo

US budget: Spending deal reached as shutdown deadline looms

President Biden says the agreement "clears the way" for Congress to avoid a government shutdown.

Jürgen Klopp focuses on rhythm as Liverpool begin intense run of fixtures

FA Cup tie against Arsenal is first of five games in 25 days and players in weakened squad will need to be managed carefully Liverpool travel to Arsenal on Sunday to begin their battle on four fronts going into the second half of the season. The FA Cup tie at the Emirates is the first of five games in 25 days but that could rise to six or seven if a replay is required – something no one wants as modern football does its best to eat itself – and Liverpool reach the fourth round. They sit atop the Premier League, the trophy they most want to win, after 20 matches. It will be the focus for the remaining months of the season. Naturally, Liverpool want to win the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League, too, but the sustainability of challenging in four competitions is problematic. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/06/jurgen-klopp-focuses-on-rhythm-as-liverpool-begin-intense-run-of-fixtures

Flights cancelled as regulator grounds Boeing 737 Max 9s over blowout

The US aviation regulator grounds 737 Max 9s to conduct urgent checks after the incident in Oregon.

FAA grounds 171 Boeing planes after mid-air blowout on Alaska Airlines jet

It comes after part of the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 fell off, forcing an emergency landing.

Arteta demands Arsenal fans make the Emirates more hostile for opposition

Manager keen for intimidating environment after faltering form Zinchenko a doubt for third round FA Cup tie against Liverpool Mikel Arteta has demanded Arsenal fans ramp up the hostility for visitors to the Emirates over the second half of this season, starting with an FA Cup third round tie against Liverpool on Sunday that takes on added significance because of faltering league form. The atmosphere at Arsenal’s home was hailed as a contributing factor to their performances in 2022-23, which was characterised by a series of intense and relentless displays. It has sagged in recent months, though, and was noticeably flat in last week’s 2-0 reverse to West Ham . Arsenal need a lift after three top-flight defeats in five and Arteta wants opponents to feel ground down by the stadium’s energy. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/05/arteta-demands-arsenal-fans-make-the-emirates-more-hostile-for-opposition

Spurs defender Eric Dier agrees terms with Bayern Munich to close in on move

Ange Postecoglou angry at questions over Dier’s absence ‘Don’t question my integrity, he’s injured’ Eric Dier is close to a dream January move to Bayern Munich, with an agreement in place over his personal terms. Tottenham maintain there has been no direct contact between them and the Bundesliga champions; they would want a fee if Dier was to move now. But the wheels are turning on a deal for the centre-half, who is out of favour under Ange Postecoglou and out of contract at the end of the season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/05/tottenham-eric-dier-bayern-munich-football

Alaska Airlines plane lands in Portland after losing window

An investigation is under way into what caused the incident on the plane carrying 177 people in Oregon.

Japan earthquake: The tiny firm that alerts millions about disasters

Influenced by a post apocalyptic show, NERV - with just 13 employees - is relied on by millions.

Post Office scandal: Met Police investigate 'potential fraud offences'

It comes as 50 new potential victims of the scandal have contacted lawyers after the airing of a related TV drama.

Spice Girls to feature on commemorative set of stamps for 30th anniversary

It is the first time Royal Mail has dedicated an entire stamp issue to a female pop group.

La Liga: Gündogan’s last-gasp penalty lifts Barcelona but Athletic in pursuit

Barça battle back in feisty win at Las Palmas Athletic Bilbao beat Sevilla 2-0 to go fourth Ilkay Gündogan’s stoppage-time penalty earned Barcelona a 2-1 comeback win at Las Palmas in an ill-tempered La Liga match on Thursday. Las Palmas opened the scoring in the 12th minute when former Barcelona midfielder Sandro Ramírez set up the former Barça forward Munir El Haddadi to fire home from close range and the hosts dominated the first half. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/04/la-liga-gundogans-last-gasp-penalty-lifts-barcelona-but-athletic-in-pursuit

SpaceX accused of unlawfully firing staff critical of Elon Musk

A US labour agency says the employees sent an open letter to SpaceX executives, detailing workplace concerns.

A restless Gen Z is reshaping the Chinese Dream

Millions of young Chinese face an uncertain future in the world's second-largest economy.

Red Sea attacks could push up prices, UK firms warn

Business leaders say attacks on shipping vessels could cause delays and price rises for UK shoppers.

Football Daily | Wayne Rooney and Birmingham City: a costly mistake for both parties

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! So farewell then, Wayne Rooney. After fewer than three months in the job, Birmingham City have bundled their big-name managerial hire through the Door Marked ‘Roo One’ . He won just two of his 15 games in charge, and the writing was plastered across the wall in giant neon letters after the Blues were given a 3-0 chasing at Elland Road on Monday. When Rooney was brought in to replace John Eustace, Birmingham were above Leeds in the table and dreaming of promotion. Now, they are 20 points behind them, and just six above third-from-bottom Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls had two points when Rooney arrived at St Andrew’s on 11 October, but made the bold decision two days later to appoint Danny Röhl, a coach who seemingly knows a bit of what he’s doing. Sacking a perfectly competent manager to bring in a big name with a dubious track record who is then sacked mere months later? I doubted him, but Tom Brady has all the qualities essential to

Cambridge University trademarks spark rows with firms

Firms are spending thousands registering trademarks after University of Cambridge opposition.

Will hotter heat pumps win over homeowners?

Could a new generation of heat pumps overcome British fears that they can't heat a home.

Eddie Howe must find way to combat January blues after dire Anfield defeat | Jamie Jackson

With Newcastle having won once in eight, their manager is under pressure ahead of three potentially pivotal fixtures The rain fell incessantly over Anfield as Liverpool and Newcastle staged a madcap contest that ended with Eddie Howe staring at January being the cruellest month for his job prospects. This was a 4-2 shellacking from Jürgen Klopp’s side that might have been 8-2. It was dire for Howe as it stretches Newcastle’s run to only one win in eight games. Put another way: the football project of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has lost seven of the past eight and their next three scheduled outings before February arrives appear as treacherous as this trip to Anfield. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/01/eddie-howe-must-find-way-to-combat-january-blues-after-dire-anfield-defeat

Disney's earliest Mickey and Minnie Mouse enter public domain as US copyright expires

Disney's copyright on the earliest version of the cartoon characters expires in the US on 1 January.

Household energy price rise of 5% comes into force

A higher cap for the next three months adds £94 to the typical annual domestic energy bill.

Eddie Howe walks tightrope at Newcastle with ominous January fixture list ahead | Jonathan Wilson

The Magpies manager needs results but his side face Liverpool, City and Villa in the league – and Sunderland in the FA Cup When results go awry, football clubs tend to have only one response. Sometimes the act is undertaken with a sense of ruthlessness, sometimes relief, sometimes with the dutiful sombreness of somebody taking a faithful labrador to the vet for the final time, but always there is a feeling of necessity. “I’m sorry, Nigel/Antonio/Steve, but there’s no other way.” Inevitably, though, the result is the same: whatever is going wrong at the club, however good a job has been done before, the manager is the one who takes the blame. That is just the nature of the modern game. Managers may just about be given time to work their way through a dip, but nobody ever sees the other side of a slough. Which should concern Eddie Howe. Newcastle are in a dip at the moment, the Christmas defeats by Luton and Nottingham Forest meaning they have lost eight of their last 12 games. They a