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Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.
As technology continues to surge forward, the gaming world stands on the brink of a transformative evolution. One pivotal player in this unfolding narrative is Microsoft’s Game Pass, a subscription service that has redefined how gamers interact with their favorite titles. But what’s next for Game Pass as it traverses into the future? Artificial Intelligence Integration is one of the most anticipated advancements. This technology promises to revolutionize personalization within the Game Pass ecosystem. Imagine a service that learns your gaming preferences, offering game suggestions so attuned to your interests that they’re practically a perfect fit every time. AI could also enhance in-game experiences, making games more responsive and dynamic. Cloud Gaming Expansion is another frontier where Game Pass is making significant strides. The ability to stream high-quality games without the need for expensive hardware opens the gates to gamers who previously couldn’t afford a gaming console or high-end PC. This accessibility is not only broadening Microsoft’s audience but democratizing the gaming landscape at large. Moreover, the Metaverse Integration presents intriguing possibilities. With the metaverse buzz gaining momentum, there’s potential for Game Pass to incorporate virtual ecosystems where friends meet, interact, and play, transcending traditional gaming boundaries. As these technologies evolve, the Game Pass service is poised to remain at the forefront of the gaming industry’s evolution. The future might be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the course of gaming is changing, and Game Pass is leading the charge. What’s Next for Microsoft’s Game Pass? New Innovations and Trends Unveiled The gaming universe is continuously unfolding, and at the epicenter of this transformation is Microsoft’s Game Pass, a subscription service that’s radically altering the gaming landscape. As we look toward the horizon, several new trends and innovations promise to redefine the experience for gamers worldwide. What lies ahead for Game Pass that can revolutionize how we play and engage? Innovations in Artificial Intelligence One of the exciting developments is the integration of advanced artificial intelligence within the Game Pass environment. This evolution extends beyond mere game recommendations. Future AI capabilities could curate entire gaming experiences designed to match player skill levels and interests, providing a customized gaming journey. AI-driven dynamic difficulties, real-time game modifications, and personalized narratives are potential advancements that could elevate the player’s entertainment levels. Expansion and Accessibility through Cloud Gaming The expansion of cloud gaming remains a pivotal focus, aiming to bridge the gap between high-quality gaming and affordability. By offering a cloud-based platform, Game Pass may soon support more devices, such as smart TVs and mobile devices, allowing users to game on-the-go with seamless transitions between platforms. This flexibility could further enhance Microsoft ‘s reach and make premium gaming more inclusive. Features and Functionality of the Future Metaverse With the growing conversation around the metaverse, Game Pass is exploring ways to incorporate this digital phenomenon. Potential features include creating shared virtual worlds where players can build, explore, and interact in more immersive ways. This could mean multi-platform experiences where real-world acquaintances meet in virtual spaces, blurring the lines between reality and gameplay even further. Sustainability Initiatives Another critical facet for the future of Game Pass is sustainability. As environmental concerns gain prominence, the gaming industry, including Game Pass, is considering ways to reduce its carbon footprint. Cloud gaming involves vast data centers, and hence, green computing initiatives are on the table. Adopting energy-efficient servers and utilizing renewable energy sources are potential strategies to enhance the service’s sustainability. Pricing and Accessibility Predictions Looking ahead, pricing strategies for Game Pass might evolve to accommodate various user needs and economic conditions. Tiered subscription models could emerge, offering different levels of access or features, ranging from basic game streaming to all-inclusive gaming and metaverse interactions. This flexibility aims to attract a diverse user base by catering to budget-conscious gamers as well as those seeking comprehensive gaming solutions. In summary, Microsoft’s Game Pass is set to alter the landscape of digital gaming through AI enhancements, expanded cloud gaming, immersive metaverse experiences, and sustainable practices. As these developments continue, Game Pass is not just adapting to the future of gaming; it’s shaping it.
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — PGA Tour rookie Patrick Fishburn played bogey-free for an 8-under 64 for his first lead after any round. Joel Dahmen was 10 shots behind and had a bigger cause for celebration Friday in the RSM Classic. Dahmen made a 5-foot par putt on his final hole for a 2-under 68 in tough conditions brought on by the wind and cold, allowing him to make the cut on the number and get two more days to secure his PGA Tour card for next year. He is No. 124 in the FedEx Cup. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Welcome to this special inaugural issue! This column covers good governance and sustainability initiatives in the Philippines. Rest assured, my dear friends, this shall not be an academic exposition but rather a true to life discussion on current situations surrounding a topic that has transcended into the DNA of the country’s top corporations and key stakeholders representing government, capital markets and civil society. The series shall ultimately proclaim that sound strategic governance and sustainability practices are critical factors for long-term growth for organizations. Consider this endeavor as a piece of the global phenomenon upon the turn of the century, catapulted by the inevitable Asian Crisis of 1997 and the infamous Enron corporate scandal — the primary case for corporate governance abuses. To answer the call, previous Secretary of Finance, Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao founded the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) and the Institute for Solidarity (ISA), which recently celebrated their 25th year anniversary. The ICD, in particular, has been at the forefront of advocating improved corporate governance practices in the Philippines, providing training, research and resources for directors and executives. Thankfully, incoming ICD chairperson Benedicta-Du Baladad and president Senen Matoto shall continue to advocate for governance reforms that promote good governance practices towards economic prosperity and social responsibility. Together with the ISA, which focuses on public governance and working toward creating a more inclusive and transparent government, these organizations have collaborated on the Dream Philippines 2046 project, a roadmap for the country’s governance and sustainability initiatives. In the global context, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) maintains its universal role and serves as a critical framework for addressing good governance and sustainability priorities. The 17 SDGs continue to be a backbone for sustainability reports as required for publicly-listed corporations and with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman Emil Aquino and SEC Commissioner Javey Francisco actively involved in the regulatory perspective on good governance, the Philippines has done its share in aligning governance regulations with the SDGs as well as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and a handful of stakeholders in the global sustainability world, fondly called the alphabet soup of acronyms — all ensuring that corporate growth and sustainability, social welfare and corporate growth. They are walking the talk and have been central in the mix of things. Thankfully, the Philippine economy continues to grow (really) and we have finally met the United Nation’s upper-middle gross national income level of $4,086 after posting a record high of $4,230 last 3Q2024. We will continue to grow and Dream Philippines 2046 (Estanislao) will be a reality, hopefully sooner rather than later. For as long as the majority of Filipinos remain morally upright and we maintain our self-respect as a people capable of nationwide growth and greater service to our fellowmen, the Philippines shall have a climate conducive to economic stability and maintain its faith towards political maturity. Yes, we need faith and action to make this work... and it will! Kudos to those involved in merging good governance practices in this never-ending journey towards various stakeholders aside from the SEC and Philippine Stock Exchange. These include the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Insurance Commission, Governance Commission for GOCCs, Philippine Council for NGO Certification, among others. Various prominent advocates of governance reform from the private sector have played critical roles in shaping the discourse on corporate and public governance in the Philippines and shall be discussed further in this weekly series. Wonderful that the country’s top audit and advisory firms are deeply entrenched in the bandwagon as well. I recall Accenture’s ex-CEO Lito Tayag in the 1980s, a trailblazer in the governance of the Information Technology space when digitalization was at its infancy stage in the strategy decision-making arena back then. Well, all of the country’s top audit firms now have distinct advisory services and are the fastest-growing departments. From KPMG R.G. Manabat, PwC Isla Lipana, P&A Grant Thornton to SGV, they are all in. As a senior advisor in Reyes Tacandong & Co., I envision RT&Co as spearheading the country’s premiere Strategic Governance and Sustainability advisory group. All in the spirit of good corporate governance! Until next week... (Dr. Carlos Jose P. Gatmaitan is an independent director, fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors, senior advisor of Reyes Tacandong & Co., and faculty at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. Please share your thoughts and comments at corgov.associates@gmail.com.)I'M A Celebrity fans have branded the latest episode as the 'most emotional ever' and a 'hard watch'. Typically, the celebrities' emotions run high after spending three weeks in the Australian jungle. Viewers were left in tears during Friday's (December 6) episode as the stars shared emotional reunions with their loved ones. One person wrote on X: "I actually think this is the most emotional reunion episode ever, between them getting to see their kids and Oti's husband wow." Another added: "These families, they should be proud of them, aka this year's cast. "They have worked so hard and seeing them reunite, even for a second..." GK Barry shrieked when she found her mum Loretta sitting by the creek. The social media star declared: "I've missed you guys so much!" Meanwhile, Loretta told her daughter that everyone sent their love and she was doing "so well". She also described fellow campmate Reverend Richard Coles as a "calming influence" on GK. Referring to one of the duo's more memorable chats, Loretta joked: "Did you really have to talk about scissoring? "Everyone knows about that now!" A shocked Richard said as he reunited with his brother Will: "We've met in some funny places, haven't we? "But this is really the funniest of them all!" Will continued as he told Richard that his partner, Dickie, sent his love. While Richard opened up about his experience: "The people are great, we've had a really, really good time and everything that's worked, has worked because we've all come together." McFly's Danny Jones found his wife Georgia and excited son Cooper waiting for him. Cooper said: "I'm really excited to see my dad!" While Georgia added: "He's been doing amazing, he said he wanted to make you proud didn't he and show you how to be brave. "We think he's achieved that." Danny took the opportunity to wish Georgia a happy birthday, thrilled he could spend some time with her. A visibly emotional Danny later said: "That was the best surprise I think I've ever had in my life, just the best feeling." Elsewhere, a shocked Oti Mabuse stopped in her tracks as she found husband Marius. To mark their ten year anniversary, Marius had bought Oti a new ring - which she couldn't wait to try on. She responded: "This is exactly what I needed to spur me on until the end." As the couple parted ways, Oti said: "I love you." Coronation Street's Alan Halsall was treated to a visit from his older brother Stephen. With his daughter on his mind, one of the actor's first questions was: "How's Sienna?" To which Stephen replied: "Everyone's proud of you, Sienna's especially, she's watching every night." When it came time to say goodbye, Alan gave his brother a long final hug. He added: "Obviously give everyone my love but make sure you speak to Sienna and just tell her I miss her." Coleen Rooney walked out of the Bush Telegraph to find her mother Colette and sons Kai and Cass waiting for her in camp. i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth." Upon hugging his mum, cheeky Kai remarked: "She stinks!" Afterwards, the media personality wasted no time giving her loved ones a tour of camp - including the dunny and her bed. In an emotional goodbye, Coleen told her sons it was only a couple more days - and then the countdown to Christmas . I'm A Celebrity continues on ITV1 and ITVX.
McDonald's Corp. stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the day
Economist Patrick Asuming Critiques Election Promises, Urges Focus on Economic RealityMAPUTO, Mozambique. (AP) — At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique’s capital on Christmas Day after a rebellion, the country's police chief said, as widespread post-election riots and violence are roiling the country. Police chief Bernardino Rafael said 33 prisoners died and 15 others were injured during a confrontation with the security forces. The prisoners fled during violent protests that have seen police cars, stations and infrastructure destroyed after the country’s Constitutional Council confirmed the ruling Frelimo party as the winner of the Oct. 9 elections. The escape from the Maputo Central Prison, located 14 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of the capital, started around midday on Wednesday after “agitation” by a “group of subversive protesters” nearby, Rafael said. Some of the prisoners at the facility snatched weapons from the guards and started freeing other detainees. “A curious fact is that in that prison we had 29 convicted terrorists, who they released. We are worried, as a country, as Mozambicans, as members of the defense and security forces,” said Rafael. “They (protesters) were making noise, demanding that they be able to remove the prisoners who are there serving their sentences”, said Rafael, adding that the protests led to the collapse of a wall, allowing the prisoners to flee. He called on the escaped prisoners to surrender to authorities and for the population to be informed about the fugitives. Videos circulating on social media show the moment inmates left the prison, while other recordings reveal captures made by military personnel and prison guards. Many prisoners tried to hide in homes, but some were unsuccessful and ended up being detained again. In one video, a prisoner still with handcuffs on his right wrist says he was held n the disciplinary section of the prison and was released by other inmates.A not-sweet Week 16 for us, specially against the spread (with the Vikings’ 3-point win the push). We missed our Upset of the Week, missed on Fins-Niners and got unlucky on Jalen Hurts’ injury. The good stuff? One point off an Exacto perfect score on Lions-Bears, and had Dallas with the points over Tampa. With two weeks left our .675 mark outright is very solid but we’re now down to five games over .500 against the betting line. Finish strong! [Note: Our Christmas Day picks were Chiefs (14-1, -2 1/2) over @Steelers (10-5), 24-18, and Ravens (10-5, -5 1/2) over @Texans (9-6), 27-20. Our Thursday night pick was Seahawks (8-7, -3 1/2) over @Bears (4-11), 23-16.] ——— Week 16: 10-6, .625 overall; 6-9-1, .406 vs. spread. Season: 162-78, 675 overall; 120-115-5, .511 vs. spread. ——— GREG COTE’S NFL WEEK 17 PICKS GAME OF THE WEEK FALCONS (8-7) at COMMANDERS (10-5) Line: WAS by 4 1/2. Cote’s pick: WAS, 27-24. TV: 8:20 p.m. Sunday, NBC/Peacock. [Playoff impact: WAS clinches playoffs with a win and loss by TB. ATL clinches division with a win and a loss by TB.] Green Bay-Minnesota had much backing from the Game of the Week committee, but this Sunday prime-time duel won by a nose on playoff bearing. Washington is the only one of nine 10-win teams to not yet clinch a postseason spot but tries again here as Atlanta seeks to qualify as well by winning its division. Commanders pass defense will make it tough on Michael Penix Jr. in a way the Giants did not last week in his first NFL start. But Bijan Robinson will own big turf vs. Comms beatable run-D to keep game inside the bet-line. UPSET OF THE WEEK PACKERS (11-4) at VIKINGS (13-2) Line: GB by 1. Cote’s pick: MIN, 27-24. TV: 4:25 p.m. Sunday, Fox. [Playoff impact: Both are playoff-clinched, so stakes here are relatively low.] “AAWWK!” carols the Upset Bird. “Not much of an upsaawwk!” Yeah, I know. Near-pick-’em games aren’t true upsets, but few Week 17 games had Big U potential that drew us in, and so a 13-2 team as a home ‘dog (by any amount) qualifies, if only technically. Vikes beat Pack, 31-29, early in season but led 28-0 before a wild Gee Bees comeback. Minny’s elite run defense will goad Jordan Love into a couple of turnovers as Purples score first season sweep of Green Bay since 2017. “Appreciate the use of the word ‘goad’,” notes U-Bird as a random aside. “Vikings are 7-1 at home, by the way. By the waawwk!” THE REST OF WEEK 17: Christmas Day picks were Chiefs (14-1, -2 1/2) over @Steelers (10-5), 24-18, and Ravens (10-5, -5 1/2) over @Texans (9-6), 27-20: We were a perfect 2-0/2-0. Thursday night pick was Seahawks (8-7, -3 1/2) over @Bears (4-11), 23-16. Chargers (9-6, -4 1/2) over @Patriots (3-12), 24-13: [Playoff impact: LAC clinch playoffs with win or losses by MIA and IND. NE is long out of it.] Dolphins fans will be in unusual spot: Cheering for the Patriots to win. NE hasn’t quit, as Buffalo learned last week. But Chargers, with stakes and a rest/prep edge after playing last Thursday, should handle Pats in this first of three Saturday games. @Bengals (7-8, -3 1/2) over Broncos (9-6), 27-23: [Playoff impact: DEN clinches playoffs with win. CIN is alive but must win and get help.] If Chargers win earlier Saturday, Miami would be eliminated from playoff contention with a Denver win in this middle of three Saturday tilts. Been a season-long climb from an 0-3 start for Cincy, but Joe Burrow-to-Ja’Marr Chase has been deadly as any combo in NFL. Riding that hot duo at home. @Rams (9-6, -6 1/2) over Cardinals (7-8), 31-17: [Playoff impact: LAR would win division with win and SEA loss. ARI is out.] Arizona clobbered the Rams, 41-10, in September and is a danger in a division spoiler role this time, but we’re feeling payback here in the prime-time cap to Saturday’s tripleheader. Matthew Stafford has led L.A. to four straight wins and the Rams’ D as allowed only 15 total points in past two. @Bills (12-3, -8 1/2) over Jets (4-11), 37-13: [Playoff impact: BUF has clinched division and cannot win No. 1 seed so has little to play for. NYJ is way done.] Kansas City’s Christmas Day win earned the No. 1 seed and bye, so might Buffs limit key starters’ time on field? I’d sooner bet that, after only beating the Jets 23-20 in October and just getting by Pats 24-21 last week, Josh Allen’s Bills (7-0 at home) will be out to generate momentum heading into playoffs. Raiders (3-12, -1) over @Saints (5-10), 19-17: [Playoff impact: None. Both are out.] N’Awlins getting QB Derek Carr back from hand injury to face his ex-team would spice an otherwise bland matchup, but it was looking on Thursday like Spencer Rattler again. Vegas has been bad on road but is still playing hard and the offense cooks a bit better with Aidan O’Connell. So lean there in a near-pick-’em game. Colts (7-8, -7 1/2) over @Giants (2-13), 27-16: [Playoff impact: IND is alive but cannot clinch here. NYG were eliminated in the Cretaceous Period.] A Colts loss here would benefit Miami — if Broncos or Chargers lose Saturday to keep Fins’ hopes alive. Giants have lost 10 straight, only covering the spread once, and are NFL’s only winless home team (0-8) in nightmare year for Brian Daboll. Indy QB Anthony Richardson is banged up but Jonathan Taylor will lope for miles on NYG’s awful run-D. Dolphins (7-8, -6 1/2) over @Browns (3-12), 24-16: [Playoff impact: To stay alive, MIA must have DEN or LAC lose on Saturday and then beat the Browns. CLE of course is way eliminated.] Miami will know before kickoff if their game in the cold of Cleveland is must-win or meaningless. Denver and the L.A. Chargers both play Saturday and at least one needs to lose. If both win the Fins are finished no matter their result on the shore of Lake Erie. Miami won these teams’ last meeting in 2022 but lost its most recent trip to Cleveland in ‘19. The Dolphins are only 2-5 on the road and Tua Tagovailoa’s track record in cold weather is dismal. Sunday’s afternoon-into-evening clime in Cleve is forecast for high 40s but with a likelihood of rain — dismal in my book. Still like Miami, especially with Browns’ QB straits. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) and the demoted Jameis Winston (shoulder) both are hobbled, though DTR is expected to start. Browns have scored 17 points or fewer in 11 of their 12 losses. Now top targets Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku also are both are iffy to play, while Fins hope to have Jaylen Waddle back. @Eagles (12-3, -7 1/2) over Cowboys (7-8), 23-17: [Playoff impact: PHI has clinched playoffs and can win division with win here and loss by WAS. DAL is out.] These NFC East rivals both entered season with sky-high hopes. One of them has lived up. Tough pick here, though, because Birds QB Jalen Hurts (concussion) was very iffy as of Thursday and backup Kenny Pickett (ribs) also was limited. Behind door No. 3: One Tanner McKee. Meanwhile Cowboys are good fit for spoilers, as Tampa learned last week, and Cooper Rush has played well lately. Hunch Philly finds a way, but lean ‘Boys on the cover. @Buccaneers (8-7, -8) over Panthers (4-11), 27-23: [Playoff impact: TB is alive for division title but cannot clinch here. CAR is way done.] Bucs have beaten Cats four in a row and eight of past nine but needed OT to sneak by on Dec. 1. Atlanta owns tiebreaker edge in NFC South, so could be division title-or-bust for Tampa. Carolina has been competitive second half of season, but this is must-win home test Baker Mayfield’s Bucs. Titans (3-12, -1) over @Jaguars (3-12), 17-14: [Playoff impact: Ha! You’re kidding, right?] With teams this level of bad, games are typically lost by mistakes more than won with great plays. So this is a telling trend I’m saddling up: Tennessee’s defense has collected seven takeaways in past three games. Jacksonville’s offense has sloppied to a minus-seven turnover margin in its past four games. Lions (13-2, -3 1/2) over @49ers (6-9), 30-20: [Playoff impact: DET clinches playoffs’ No. 1 NFC seed and bye with a win and a MIN loss. SF is eliminated.] This NFC championship game rematch was supposed to be a great one for Monday night. But one team failed to hold up its end. Detroit has NFL’s only perfect road record (7-0) and should maintain that. Niners are dangerous as spoilers and could capitalize on Lions’ defensive injuries, but Jared Goff and this Motown offense (now with heaver doses of Jahmyr Gibbs) outscore just about everybody in its path. [Note: Betting lines courtesy ESPNBet as of mid-afternoon Thursday.] ©2024 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich: Certain penalties can illustrate ‘lack of discipline’Ludhiana: A Tuesday-night wedding party near the city turned violent when a 70-year-old man angered at being stopped from firing his gun in celebration shot a guest in the arms and forehead. The suspect, Jagdish Singh, was arrested at the scene and police, later, confiscated his licensed .32-calibre pistol. The incident occurred during a traditional pre-wedding event of ‘Jago’ at Kot Gangu Rai village. Mandeep Singh, 38, a cousin of the groom, suffered injuries when Jagdish first flung a glass at him and then fired three shots from his rooftop. A bullet grazed Mandeep’s forehead, while two struck his left arm. The bystanders moved Mandeep to a private hospital in Doraha, where he remains in stable condition. Sub-inspector Jaspal Singh, investigating officer of this case, confirmed that the accused had been drinking before firing some celebratory gunshots at the event, which is illegal. The SI claimed that: “When Mandeep asked him to stop firing, Jagdish left the function, went to his rooftop, and began hurling abuses. He then attacked Mandeep, escalating the incident to a life-threatening level.” Police noted that a longstanding land dispute between Jagdish and the groom’s family might have contributed to the tension. Despite this bitterness, the family had invited Jagdish to the wedding. He has been charged with attempt to murder and violating the Arms Act, and his firearm has been seized. The case highlights the dangers of celebratory gunfire , a practice that remains common in parts of the country despite repeated warnings from authorities. The consequences of being casual with firearms are fatal at times. We also published the following articles recently Man arrested for celebratory firing In Chhapra, a man was arrested for celebratory firing after a video circulated on social media. Police seized his licensed gun and cartridges. Separately, in Manjhi, villagers attacked police and freed three arrested criminals. Two villagers were subsequently arrested for obstructing justice. Police are searching for the remaining suspects. Man arrested for celebratory firing In Chhapra, a man was arrested for celebratory firing after a video circulated on social media. He confessed and his licensed gun and cartridges were seized. Separately, in Manjhi, villagers attacked police and freed three arrested criminals. Two villagers were subsequently arrested for obstructing justice. Police are searching for the remaining suspects. Video of cops celebratory firing in Satna baraat goes viral, probe ordered A Madhya Pradesh head constable is under investigation after a video surfaced showing him firing a gun at a wedding celebration. The incident allegedly occurred in Rewa district on November 26th during his brother-in-law's marriage procession. Satna district police officials have ordered a probe into the viral video, with disciplinary action pending the investigation's outcome. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .An FA Cup third-round tie against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur is just about as big as it gets for Tamworth FC, who currently play in the National League — the fifth tier of English football. But the town itself used to be a big deal. In the 8th and 9th centuries, it was the Anglo-Saxon capital of the kingdom of Mercia, the largest kingdom on the island until the Norman invasion of the 11th century. And the motte and bailey castle has stood overlooking the town ever since the Normans arrived. Advertisement Since then, the market town, situated less than 20 miles north east of Birmingham, in the county of Staffordshire, has rarely been in the news. Sir Robert Peel, the founder of the modern police force, was the local MP. The infamous three-wheeled Reliant Robin car was manufactured on the outskirts of the town centre, while the nation’s first indoor ski centre, the Snowdome, was built there in 1994. Later in the 1990s, two Sandyback pigs — the breed Tamworth is famous for producing — went on the run after escaping the abattoir and were dubbed ‘Butch and Sundance’ by the national press. They were recaptured but given a reprieve from the bacon slicer. But occasionally, the relative obscurity has been punctuated by the local football club. The Lambs, a nickname derived from the pub that used to stand on the corner of their ground in the centre of the town (yes, you can see the SnowDome from there), have been set deep in English football’s non-league system for most of their existence. As recently as 2023, they were playing in the seventh-tier Southern Premier League Central, before back-to-back promotions saw them return to the National League Premier for the first time in a decade this summer. But occasionally, thanks mainly to the FA Cup, they have garnered national attention. They held Championship side Stoke City to a goalless draw in 2006, before falling to defeat in a third-round penalty shootout. They then lost at home to Norwich City in front of a live national television audience a year later. Then in 2012, there was a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton , where the Lambs lost by a respectable score line of 2-0. But those occasions will be small fry compared to being drawn at home to Spurs in January’s third round. It will be the biggest game in the club’s history. Advertisement The Tamworth players, who are still part-time in a league that is mostly fully professional are led by captain Jas Singh, a building surveyor by trade, but also the goalkeeper who saved two penalties in a shootout victory at Burton Albion that booked Tamworth’s place in the third round, will be facing a whole new challenge against Spurs. But so will the away side. It is extremely unlikely that Ange Postecoglou, Son Heung-min , £60million striker Dominic Solanke or World Cup winner Cristian Romero will have ever experienced anything like what awaits them on their visit to The Lamb. For starters, it has an artificial pitch set on a slope. When it was grass, the slope from the Cross Street entrance in the top corner down to the Castle End in the opposite corner was even more pronounced, but when the club installed the all-weather surface so they could generate more revenue through the week, they did remove some of the slope... but not all. The ground only holds 4,000, and while there are usually over 1,000 now for home games, there used to be a hardcore of just 600, but they always make a noise. The dugouts are directly in front of The Shed, named because it was built with corrugated iron, with wooden sleepers used to build the terrace. This is where the most vociferous fans congregate, not just to get behind their team, but also to get in the ear of the visiting coach just a few feet away. Former Leicester City , Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers midfielder Robbie Savage was given a particularly hostile reception when he took his Macclesfield Town side to Tamworth in the fourth qualifying round. The dressing rooms are old portacabins built behind the clubhouse. Only in recent years has a roof been built above to protect the players from the elements. The national media will also be in unfamiliar territory. Instead of the palatial press benches of the Premier League, the press bench holds about eight to 10 seats. For the Norwich game, a scaffolded temporary press bench had to be built high up over a corner of the ground that could only be accessed by a rickety ladder. Advertisement On the pitch, the Spurs players will have to contend with a direct style of play under manager Andy Peak, including the howitzer long throw of midfielder Tom Tonks, who looks to launch the ball into the penalty area from anywhere inside the opposition half. His long throw led directly to Tamworth’s winner in the first round when they dumped out League One side Huddersfield Town 1-0. Against a packed partisan crowd inside an open, windswept ground on an artificial sloping pitch — probably on live national television — it will not be for the faint-hearted. Postecoglu and the Tottenham players, you have been warned. (Top photo: Harriet Massey/Getty Images)
TikTok's future in the U.S. appeared uncertain on Friday after a federal appeals court rejected a legal challenge to a law that requires the social media platform to cut ties with its China-based parent company or be banned by mid-January. A panel of three judges on The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled unanimously that the law withstood constitutional scrutiny, rebuffing arguments from the two companies that the statute violated their rights and the rights of TikTok users in the U.S. The government has said it wants ByteDance to divest its stakes in TikTok. But if it doesn't and the platform goes away, it would have a seismic impact on the lives of content creators who rely on the platform for income as well as users who use it for entertainment and connection. Here are some details on the ruling and what could happen next: What does the ruling say? In their lawsuit, TikTok and ByteDance, which is also a plaintiff in the case, had challenged the law on various fronts, arguing in part that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and was an unconstitutional bill of attainder that unfairly targeted the two companies. But the court sided with attorneys for the Justice Department who said that the government was attempting to address national security concerns and the way in which it chose to do so did not violate the constitution. The Justice Department has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say that Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok's U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread, or suppress, information. However, the U.S. hasn't publicly provided examples of that happening. The appeals court ruling, written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg, said the law was “carefully crafted to deal only with control by a foreign adversary." The judges also rejected the claim that the statute was an unlawful bill of attainder or a taking of property in violation of the Fifth Amendment. Furthermore, Ginsburg wrote the law did not violate the First Amendment because the government is not looking to “suppress content or require a certain mix of content” on TikTok. What happens next? TikTok and ByteDance are expected to appeal the case to the Supreme Court, but it's unclear whether the court will take up the case. TikTok indicated in a statement on Friday the two companies are preparing to take their case to high court, saying the Supreme Court has “an established historical record of protecting Americans’ right to free speech." "We expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue,” a company spokesperson said. Alan Morrison, a professor at The George Washington University Law School, said he expects the Supreme Court to take up the case because of the novelty of the issues raised in the lawsuit. If that happens, attorneys for the two companies still have to convince the court to grant them an emergency stay that will prevent the government from enforcing the Jan. 19 divestiture deadline stipulated in the law, Morrison said. Such a move could drag out the process until the Justices make a ruling. Tiffany Cianci, a TikTok content creator who has supported the platform, said she was not shocked about the outcome of the court's ruling on Friday because lower courts typically defer to the executive branch on these types of cases. She believes the company will have a stronger case at the Supreme Court. “I believe that the next stages are more likely to produce a victory for TikTokers and for TikTok as a whole,” Cianci said. What about Trump? Another wild card is President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term but said during the recent presidential campaign that he is now against such action . The Trump transition team has not offered details on how Trump plans to carry out his pledge to “save TikTok." But spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement last month that he plans to “deliver” on his campaign promises. After Trump takes office on Jan. 20th, it would fall on his Justice Department to enforce the law and punish any potential violators. Penalties would apply to any app stores that would violate a prohibition on TikTok and to internet hosting services which would be barred from supporting it. Some have speculated that Trump could ask his Justice Department to abstain from enforcing the law. But tech companies like Apple and Google, which offer TikTok's app on their app stores, would then have to trust that the administration would not come after them for any violations. Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said enforcement discretion — or executive orders — can not override existing law, leaving Trump with “limited room for unilateral action." There are other things Trump could potentially do. It's possible he could invoke provisions of the law that allow the president to determine whether a sale or a similar transaction frees TikTok from “foreign adversary” control. Another option is to urge Congress to repeal the law. But that too would require support from congressional Republicans who have overwhelmingly supported the prospect of getting TikTok out of the hands of a Chinese company. In a statement issued Friday, Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, said he was “optimistic that President Trump will facilitate an American takeover of TikTok” and allow its continued use in the United States. Is anyone trying to buy TikTok? ByteDance has said it won't sell TikTok . And even if it wanted to, a sale of the proprietary algorithm that powers TikTok is likely to get blocked under Chinese export controls that the country issued in 2020. That means if TikTok is sold without the algorithm, its likely that the buyer would only purchase a shell of the platform that doesn't contain the technology that made the app a cultural powerhouse. Still, some investors, including Trump’s former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in buying it. This week, a spokesperson for McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative, which aims to protect online privacy, said participants in their bid have made informal commitments of more than $20 billion in capital. The spokesperson did not disclose the identity of the participants. Haleluya Hadero, The Associated Press
But alongside his stark warning of the threats facing Britain and its allies, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said there would be only a “remote chance” Russia would directly attack or invade the UK if the two countries were at war. The Chief of the Defence Staff laid out the landscape of British defence in a wide-ranging speech, after a minister warned the Army would be wiped out in as little as six months if forced to fight a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict. The admiral cast doubt on the possibility as he gave a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) defence think tank in London. He told the audience Britain needed to be “clear-eyed in our assessment” of the threats it faces, adding: “That includes recognising that there is only a remote chance of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia on the United Kingdom, and that’s the same for the whole of Nato.” Moscow “knows the response will be overwhelming”, he added, but warned the nuclear deterrent needed to be “kept strong and strengthened”. Sir Tony added: “We are at the dawn of a third nuclear age, which is altogether more complex. It is defined by multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before.” The first nuclear age was the Cold War, while the second was “governed by disarmament efforts and counter proliferation”, the armed forces chief said. He listed the “wild threats of tactical nuclear use” by Russia, China building up its weapon stocks, Iran’s failure to co-operate with a nuclear deal, and North Korea’s “erratic behaviour” among the threats faced by the West. But Sir Tony said the UK’s nuclear arsenal is “the one part of our inventory of which Russia is most aware and has more impact on (President Vladimir) Putin than anything else”. Successive British governments had invested “substantial sums of money” in renewing nuclear submarines and warheads because of this, he added. The admiral described the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on Ukraine’s border alongside Russian forces as the year’s “most extraordinary development”. He also signalled further deployments were possible, speaking of “tens of thousands more to follow as part of a new security pact with Russia”. Defence minister Alistair Carns earlier said a rate of casualties similar to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would lead to the army being “expended” within six to 12 months. He said it illustrated the need to “generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis”. In comments reported by Sky News, Mr Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel, said Russia was suffering losses of around 1,500 soldiers killed or injured a day. “In a war of scale – not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine – our Army for example, on the current casualty rates, would be expended – as part of a broader multinational coalition – in six months to a year,” Mr Carns said in a speech at Rusi. He added: “That doesn’t mean we need a bigger Army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis.” Official figures show the Army had 109,245 personnel on October 1, including 25,814 volunteer reservists. Mr Carns, the minister for veterans and people, said the UK needed to “catch up with Nato allies” to place greater emphasis on the reserves. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Defence Secretary John Healey had previously spoken about “the state of the armed forces that were inherited from the previous government”. The spokesman said: “It’s why the Budget invested billions of pounds into defence, it’s why we’re undertaking a strategic defence review to ensure that we have the capabilities and the investment needed to defend this country.”Ravens now in the AFC North driver's seat after 3 convincing wins in 11-day stretch
Title: Doctors Director: Sahir Raza Cast: Sharad Kelkar, Harleen Sethi, Aamir Ali, Viraf Patell, Vivaan Shah Where: Streaming on Jio Cinema Rating: 3.5 Stars This series peels back the surgical mask to reveal the messy, beating heart beneath the clinical white coats. This 10-episode medical drama strides into the ER on day one, eschewing orientation for adrenaline as its rookie residents- are thrust into chaos. The stage is set at the Elizabeth Blackwell Medical Centre, a prestigious hospital that's as much a battlefield of egos, ethics, and emotions as it is a beacon of healing. At its core is Dr. Nitiya Vasu (Harleen Sethi), a woman on a mission not of medicine but of vengeance. Blaming her mentor, the revered neurosurgeon Dr. Ishaan Ahuja (Sharad Kelkar), for her brother’s derailed medical career, Nitiya’s vendetta promises fireworks. Yet, as she locks horns with Ishaan amidst the relentless pace of the hospital, her convictions waver, and the carefully stitched-up boundaries between hatred and understanding begin to fray. The expected revenge arc morphs into an emotionally nuanced narrative that stitches together themes of ambition, love, and redemption. The series deftly toggles between the cacophony of emergency wards and the quieter corridors of personal lives. Through its characters, it poses timeless questions about the cost of choices. Lines like, “It’s not the crisis that defines you but your choices,” aren’t just dialogue—they're the series’ ethos. The exploration of Euthanasia, Huntington’s disease, and the relentless grip of cancer injects a dose of hard-hitting reality, proving that the stakes aren’t confined to the operating room. A post shared by The Free Press Journal (@freepressjournal) Visually, “Doctors” boasts state-of-the-art special effects as polished as the surgical instruments it depicts. Every frame gleams with precision, immersing viewers in a hyper-realistic medical world. But for all its technological wizardry, the show never loses sight of its humanity. The doctors aren’t deified saviours but flawed mortals fighting their own battles. Harleen Sethi and Sharad Kelkar anchor the narrative with performances that feel lived-in. Sethi captures Nitiya’s simmering intensity and gradual unravelling, while Kelkar lends Ishaan a layered gravitas that transcends the archetype of the infallible mentor. Yet, it is the supporting cast that often steals the show. Faezeh Jalali as the quirky and fiercely competent Dr. Sabeeha Bannerwala, Viraf Patel as the enigmatic Dr. Abhijat Gupta, and Max Fernandes as the pragmatic Dean, Dr. Nakul Puri, leave indelible marks. Teena Singh’s portrayal of Ishaan’s fiancée, Dr. Lekha Singh, introduces unexpected twists that enrich the narrative. Among the junior doctors, Niharka Lyra Dutt as Dr. Keyuri, Abhishek Khan as Dr. Ridhun, Vvansh S. Sethi as Dr. Neil, Vivaan Shah as Dr. Roy, and Sarah Hashmi as Dr. Nahida stand out, their arcs are deftly woven into the tapestry of hospital life. They deliver performances that ensure the residents’ camaraderie and conflicts feel authentic and engaging. While the series occasionally veers into melodrama and overly dramatic moments, these are minor incisions in an otherwise well-executed narrative. The final episode- with its cliffhanger, ensures viewers are left with their minds racing with possibilities for the next season. Overall, the series reminds us that even in the sterile halls of a hospital, the human spirit—messy, flawed, and beautiful—reigns supreme.