NRL 'hoping Sua Fa'alogo leaves' Melbourne Storm in new fallout to Ryan Papenhuyzen decision
It was once among the most promising ways to funnel climate finance to vulnerable communities and nature conservation. The , each equal to a tonne of CO that has been reduced or removed from the atmosphere, was meant to target quick, cost-effective wins on climate and biodiversity. In 2022, demand soared as companies made environmental commitments using offsets, with the market surpassing $2bn (£1.6bn) while experiencing exponential growth. But the excitement did not last. Two years later, many carbon markets organisations are clinging on for survival, with several firms losing millions of dollars a year and cutting jobs. Scandals about , for a $100m fraud, and a from offsets went has caused their market value to . Predictions that standing rainforests and other carbon-rich ecosystems would become multibillion-dollar assets have not yet come to pass. But at Cop29 over the past two weeks, governments have given the sector fresh hope by signing off rules that will create an international carbon trading system for countries to meet their Paris commitments. In Azerbaijan on Saturday evening, governments agreed to rules on how countries can create, trade and register emission reductions and removals as carbon credits after years of deadlock on article 6 of the Paris agreement. It paves the way for top emitters such as Germany and Japan to buy cheap removals and reductions from decarbonisation schemes in developing countries such as renewable energy schemes, rainforest protection or tree-planting, counting them towards their own targets. Trading could begin as soon as 2025 once technical bodies have agreed on the finer details. If it works well, the market would fund the low-hanging fruit of climate mitigation while making sure emissions are capped in line with the Paris agreement. There is particularly strong interest in carbon removal, with many large tech firms buying credits and trying to scale up the market. After several false starts, negotiators and observers this is the last chance to get it right. “International carbon markets have crashed twice in two decades. This was due to an erosion of credibility. At Baku, the operationalisation of international carbon trading under Paris can prevent a third meltdown that could be fatal,” said Axel Michaelowa, a carbon markets expert at the University of Zurich. “They are a powerful tool to accelerate the diffusion of low-carbon technology around the world. The Paris carbon market is now ready to roll out in 2025. It can accelerate mitigation and thus help close the gaping emissions gap that separates us from achieving the 1.5C target,” he said. Big concerns about carbon markets remain. In the run-up to Cop28 in Dubai last year, it emerged that vast tracts of African forest had been sold off in a series of huge carbon offsetting deals to a little-known UAE firm overseen by a member of Dubai’s royal family, prompting fears of a “new scramble for Africa” over the continent’s carbon resources. The potential size and impact of any country-level market is also unclear. Norway under the Paris carbon market, signing agreements in Baku with Benin, Jordan, Senegal and Zambia, but there are questions over how many other developed countries will make purchases despite predictions it could soar into a multibillion-dollar market. Then, there is the issue of environmental integrity, which has repeatedly undermined faith in carbon credits, including the previous UN carbon trading system. published during the first week of Cop29 found that less than 16% of carbon credits issued represent real emissions reductions, meaning that the vast majority are hot air. Moments after governments approved the Paris carbon trading system, observers warned that the rules were not strict enough to avoid similar issues. Dr Lambert Schneider, one of the co-authors and a senior researcher at the Oeko-Institut, said these problems would undermine the Paris agreement if they spilled into the official UN system. “The available evidence suggests that many carbon credits are not backed by any actual emission reductions. If these quality issues continue under article 6, this could undermine our efforts to achieve our climate targets. It is critical that we fix the integrity issue of the market,” he said. “We currently see proposals on the table that would credit the natural absorption of carbon dioxide by forests. But these removals occur anyways and not because of any human intervention. If these credits are used by buyers to emit more, this would result in more carbon added up to the atmosphere. And the potential for issuing such credits is very large,” he said. There have been efforts to clean up standards in the sector, which could form part of the UN market. Verra, the leading carbon credit standard which was the subject of into their rainforest offsets that found they were mostly worthless, is introducing a new system for generating the carbon credits. Mandy Rambharos, the non-profit’s CEO, said they were determined to get it right and move on from recent issues. “We’ve invested in millions of dollars for no guarantee of any return [in the new rainforest carbon credit methodology]. It’s all done at risk,” she said. “We need to take accountability for some things that went wrong. But I’m saying as well, it’s not just Verra. “The idea to grow the carbon market is to get climate financing to the right places. A London taxpayer is not going to give thousands of dollars to developing countries to reduce the emissions, especially if you’re not sure about those developing countries’ commitment. We’re all in the same bucket, whether it’s Mali, Saudi Arabia or China; that’s where the idea of where carbon markets came about,” she added. This month, a carbon credit integrity initiative – the ICVCM – approved three rainforest methodologies as high quality, including Verra’s new rules, meaning that buyers can trust that the credits represent real emission reductions. But those involved with the process have raised concerns about their approval. The Guardian understands that many experts did not think the methodologies met the standards. This is strongly contested by the ICVCM. Credits such as this could eventually form part of country-to-country carbon deals, and experts say that ensuring these deals have real environmental benefits will be key to their success. “The new rules are a start, but the risk of abuse still remains alive and well,” said Injy Johnstone, a research fellow at the University of Oxford. “We have to learn the lessons of past mistakes and watch for new ones this system could create, otherwise we risk the Paris agreement becoming a market failure,” she said.Cheyenne Aquatic Center repairs completed
Forget Main Street Capital, 12%-Yielding Capital Southwest Is The Better BuyNot only does Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow look like Bart Simpson, but he’s starting to do some Bart Simpson-like things. Specifically, Burrow just spent $3 million on a Batmobile from the Christopher Nolan “Dark Knight” trilogy. “This is a very Bart move, to get a bunch of money and buy the Batmobile,” said “ The Simpsons ” executive producer Matt Selman . “Bart is the bad boy who’s almost like Joe Burrow. They both have spiky blonde hair too. It’s almost too beautiful to be true.” He’s why it’s a bit serendipitous: Bart Simpson will serve as Burrow’s Bengals coach on tonight’s NFL “ Monday Night Football .” Well, sort of. In the latest unique NFL alt cast geared toward kids and families, Disney+, ESPN and “The Simpsons” producers have collaborated to “Simpsons”-ize the Monday night matchup between the Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys. While the game plays as usual on ABC and ESPN (and via the “Manningcast” on ESPN2), it will be animated “Simpsons”-style as “The Simpsons Funday Football” livestream Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Disney+ and ESPN+. “The whole thing is what I call an irresistible challenge, in that we are big NFL fans in ‘The Simpsons’ writers room , and love ESPN and all their big personalities,” Selman said. “How can we make a ‘Simpsons’ version of a live football game that feels ‘Simpsons’-y and also football-y? You want to balance the football with ‘The Simpsons,’ and that is the fun and the challenge.” The three-hour event will incorporate the actual matchup with a “Simpsons” storyline, and unfurl in real time as the game transpires. After its initial live airing on Disney+ and ESPN+, “The Simpsons Funday Football” will be available 12 hours later on demand (for 30 days, only on Disney+). And in case you don’t have that kind of time, an edited highlights cutdown of “The Simpsons Funday Football” that clocks in closer to 40 minutes will be available soon after on Disney Channel, Disney XD, FX and FXX. The ambitious takeover will start off with a regular, 2-D “Simpsons” storyline, spearheaded by “Simpsons” writer Joel Cohen, in which Homer has a “hot dog fever dream” in which he imagines he’s coaching the Cowboys, facing off with Bart on the Bengals side. “Homer is mad at Bart and wants to beat Bart,” Selman said. “That’s the story, but you don’t need much more than that.” From that wrap-around, which includes a half-time cartoon segment as well, the ESPN production team has created thousands of different computer-generated moments featuring the citizens of Springfield, all of which will be peppered throughout the broadcast. Game play will appear in “Simpsons”-style animation thanks to motion-enabled tracking technology from NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Sony’s Beyond Sports and optical tracking from Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations. The tech will even allow “Simpsons” characters to take over at times for Bengals and Cowboys players. Michael “Spike” Szykowny, ESPN vice president, edit and animation, and ESPN senior creative director David “Sparky” Sparrgrove will be at the controls on Monday night, adding all of those “Simpsons” elements to the live game. It’s something they’ve been working on for months. “The ESPN producers really have the attitude of, ‘we’re going to work 24 hours a day’ to jam into as much ‘Simpsons’ content into this CGI football game as can possibly be done,” Selman said. “Spike and Sparky are going to sit there, like the Phantom of the Opera, plugging in all these visual sight gags and references and Easter eggs and predictions and jokes and visuals as the game progresses, in real time. “There’s all these fun, surprising pre-tapes that it’s up to the seasoned NFL ESPN producers to know when to insert those into the game during commercial breaks and timeouts and stuff like that,” he added. “I trust in Spike and Sparky. This is their time. They’re in the booth, at the control panel with the idea that, ‘if I got this button, ten different Ralph Wiggum things happen. If I hit this button, Krusty does a thing.’” Viewers will see the game play out at the Springfield Atoms stadium. On Homer’s side, “Moe’s Juice Bar” (family friendly, after all) has set up shop. On Bart’s side, it’s a version of Kamp Krusty, complete with video games and skateboard ramps. Other pre-produced pieces include inspiring half-time speeches by “Simpsons” characters like Moe, Krusty and Lisa. An animated version of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has some funny rants in store. Expect to see a reference to the now-infamous “Simpsons” ability to predict the future. And Selman promised a surprise guest star from the world of sports. Also, Marge and Lisa have banked interviews with the actual Cowboys and Bengals players — and “the football players were adorable in their answers,” Selman said. “They were very cute.” There’s still a game going on, but analysts Mina Kimes and Dan Orlovsky, as well as play-by-pay announcer Drew Carter, will be animated too, and call the game with “The Simpsons” in mind. “We gave them a ‘Simpsons’ reference cheat sheet, and peppered them with ‘Simpsons’ references for the game,” Selman said. “If I had to give the biggest ‘Simpsons’ nerd award, it would have to go to Mina. We’ve been emailing back and forth all week, ideas for deep cut ‘Simpsons’ references that she can jam into the game. Hopefully it’s a fun challenge for them to do a ‘Simpsons’-ified version of play-by-play and color commentary.” Selman said ESPN originally expected the Cowboys-Bengals matchup to be higher stakes at this point in the season. But with Cincinnati currently at 4-8 and Dallas at 5-7, the pressure is off a bit. But in a way, Selman said he expects more tune-in to the “Simpsons” version as a result. “Now it’s just a fun, great game with two teams that didn’t really hit their thresholds of excellence,” he said. And if Bart is like Burrow, then Homer bears a bit of a resemblance to Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, he added. “The Simpsons” writers plan to watch the game on Monday in their offices — with a taco truck in tow. It’s a big week for the show and Disney+: On Friday, “The Simpsons” will hold a red carpet premiere event for “O C’mon All Ye Faithful,” a new holiday special that reps the first of several new exclusive installments of “The Simpsons” for Disney+. In this special, which launches Dec. 17, British mentalist Derren Brown hypnotizes Homer, who then believes he is Santa Claus. The two-part episode features music from Patti LaBelle and Pentatonix — and premieres 35 years to the day that the very first episode of “The Simpsons,” “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” premiered in 1989. “We’ve never done a single, 40-minute long Christmas story with this much kind of emotional intensity,” Selman said. “It really feels like a movie. It has the deep emotion of cinema, in addition to being very funny. It’s almost Capra-esque. It’s a pretty sweet special.”Women more likely to need walking aids but less likely to use them – study
WASHINGTON — IRS leadership on Thursday announced that the agency has recovered $4.7 billion in back taxes and proceeds from a variety of crimes since the nation’s tax collector received a massive glut of funding through Democrats’ flagship tax, climate and health law in 2022. GOP Plans to Rescind IRS Funding The announcement comes under the backdrop of a promised reckoning from Republicans who will hold a majority over both chambers of the next Congress and have long called for rescinding the tens of billions of dollars in funding provided to the agency by Democrats. IRS leadership, meanwhile, is hoping to justify saving the funding the agency already has. On a call with reporters to preview the announcement, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said improvements made to the agency during his term will help the incoming administration and new Republican majority congress achieve its goals of administering an extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Republicans plan to renew some $4 trillion in expiring GOP tax cuts, a signature domestic achievement of Trump’s first term and an issue that may define his return to the White House. Related Story: IRS Confident in Delivering on New Tax Laws “We know there are serious discussions about a major tax bill coming out of the next Congress,” Werfel said, “and with the improvements we’ve made since I’ve been here, I’m quite confident the IRS will be well positioned to deliver on whatever new tax law that Congress passes.” Tax collections announced Thursday include $1.3 billion from high-income taxpayers who did not pay overdue tax debts, $2.9 billion related to IRS Criminal Investigation work into crimes like drug trafficking and terrorist financing, and $475 million in proceeds from criminal and civil cases that came from to whistleblower information. The IRS also announced Thursday that it has collected $292 million from more than 28,000 high-income non-filers who have not filed taxes since 2017, an increase of $120 million since September. Related Story: Future of IRS Funding Uncertain Despite its gains, the future of the agency’s funding is in limbo. The IRS originally received an $80 billion infusion of funds under the Inflation Reduction Act though the 2023 debt ceiling and budget-cuts deal between Republicans and the White House resulted in $1.4 billion rescinded from the agency and a separate agreement to take $20 billion from the IRS over the next two years and divert those funds to other nondefense programs. In November, U.S. Treasury officials called on Congress to unlock $20 billion in IRS enforcement money that is tied up in legislative language that has effectively rendered the money frozen. The $20 billion in question is separate from another $20 billion rescinded from the agency last year. However, the legislative mechanism keeping the government afloat inadvertently duplicated the one-time cut. Treasury officials warn of dire consequences if the funding is effectively rescinded through inaction. Related Story: Trump last week announced plans to nominate former Missouri congressman Billy Long, who worked as an auctioneer before serving six terms in the House of Representatives, to serve as the next commissioner of the IRS. Democrats like Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) have called Long’s nomination “a bizarre choice” since Long “jumped into the scam-plagued industry involving the Employee Retention Tax Credit.” Trump said on his social media site that “Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm.” Werfel’s term is set to end in 2027, and he has not indicated whether he plans to step down from his role before Trump’s inauguration. Trump is permitted to fire Werfel under the law.
Unique among ‘Person of the Year’ designees, Donald Trump gets a fact-check from Time magazine
Georgia prison reforms get Senate committee backingThese holiday gifts change the game when building fires, printing photos, watching birds and more
Patience, care transform lives
Nasarawa market fire victims bemoan losses
Nepra reviews new distribution code to transform power grid Code applies to Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), power generators, and bulk power consumers ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) is reviewing the newly drafted Distribution Code 2024, a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at enhancing the reliability, safety, and efficiency of Pakistan’s electricity distribution system. The code applies to Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), power generators, and bulk power consumers with connected loads exceeding 1 megawatt (MW). This reflects a broader shift toward market-based energy reforms. The updated code introduces detailed guidelines for system operations, focusing on improving communication protocols, ensuring system restoration after outages, and implementing enhanced safety measures. NEPRA has invited stakeholders and interested parties to provide their feedback on the draft within a month, emphasizing the importance of collaborative input to finalize the framework. This draft, submitted by ex-Wapda distribution companies (XW-Discos), aligns with Nepra Licensing (Distribution) Regulations 2022 and the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) design. It reflects significant changes in the regulatory, structural, and technological landscape of Pakistan’s electricity sector. The draft outlines protocols for restoring power after system shutdowns, emphasizing the maintenance of black start capabilities. DNOs are required to notify the System Operator of any changes to their black start facilities, ensuring effective coordination during outages. The framework also mandates that operational incidents affecting the distribution system be reported initially through verbal communication, followed by written documentation. In cases involving multiple users or operators, joint investigations will be conducted to identify and resolve issues collaboratively. Safety is a central focus of the updated code, which requires DNOs to maintain approved Safety Management Systems to protect personnel working on high-voltage equipment. These protocols aim to reduce risks at connection points and ensure compliance with stringent safety standards. Additionally, the code introduces systematic testing and monitoring requirements to maintain the safety and performance of distribution systems. The guidelines also address load management during emergencies, establishing clear procedures for equitable load shedding and effective commercial load allocation. By improving system monitoring and coordination, the code seeks to reduce disruptions and provide a more reliable energy supply to consumers. Nepra has urged all stakeholders, including power producers, DNOs, and bulk power consumers, to thoroughly review the draft and provide their input. This participatory approach is designed to ensure that the regulatory framework is practical, effective, and aligned with the evolving demands of the electricity sector. Once approved, the Distribution Code 2024 will serve as a cornerstone for ongoing energy reforms, driving the transition to a safer, more efficient, and resilient power distribution system across Pakistan.Sean McVay is often a conservative coach, and it would not have been surprising to see him try a long field goal, or even punt. He kept his offense on the field, and Matthew Stafford calmly went through his progression before finding Tutu Atwell across the middle for an 11-yard gain that played a major role in the Rams' ability to hold on for a season-altering, 44-42 victory over the powerhouse Bills . “We felt like we needed to make it a two-possession game,” McVay said Monday. “They were rolling. We talked about aggressively going to win that game. ... It was just a reflection of the confidence in that group and what we felt like we needed to do to be able to win the game.” The Rams offense has earned the confidence McVay showed in it at that crucial moment. That unit hasn't always been good this season, entering last weekend rated just 18th in the league, but the Rams finally are mostly healthy heading down the stretch — and Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams are again playing at last season's Pro Bowl level. That was bad news for Buffalo, and it could mean trouble for the rest of the NFC if the Rams (7-6) can keep scoring like this. Los Angeles will hope to keep this offensive momentum on a short week heading to San Francisco on Thursday night. Nacua said it was “fantastic being able to feel like, man, this is what it feels like when the Rams are moving and connecting on all cylinders.” Los Angeles had six scoring drives of at least 65 yards while racking up 457 yards against Buffalo. Stafford had a season-high 320 yards passing, while Nacua had another spectacular game with 162 yards receiving and two touchdowns along with 16 yards rushing and another TD on five carries. Incredibly, it was the Rams’ first 40-point game with Stafford behind center. Thanks to that stellar offensive performance, the Rams are above .500 for the first time all season and just one game back of Seattle (8-5) in the NFC West after winning six of their past eight games. A team that appeared to be headed for a grim season after a 1-4 start is still firmly in the playoff race, also trailing Washington (8-5) by just one game for the final wild-card spot. “It’s cool to be able to play meaningful football in December,” said McVay, who led the Rams to five playoff berths in his first seven seasons. "You never take that for granted.” The offense hummed largely because it went 11 of 15 on third downs. That's the Rams' highest success rate in a game since 2001 — and don't forget that crucial fourth down conversion, either. Few teams can stop Josh Allen, but the Rams' defense didn't come close. The defensive backs particularly struggled, from Darious Williams getting beaten repeatedly in coverage to Quentin Lake's 34-yard pass-interference penalty in the final moments. Two weeks after Philadelphia dropped 481 yards at SoFi Stadium, Buffalo had 445 to push the Rams down to 26th in total defense entering Monday. The Rams' offensive line has struggled mightily at times this season, but it allowed no sacks and just three hits on Stafford while clearing the way for 137 yards rushing. With full health, the line is no longer a liability. Edge rusher Byron Young had a rough outing that included two penalties on Buffalo's first drive — an egregious late hit on Allen and a defensive offside that negated a 2-yard Bills loss on second down from the LA 1. The Rams' overall defensive discipline was repeatedly poor, and it cost them. CB Cobie Durant has a bruised lung, McVay revealed Monday. The Rams are uncertain whether it will prevent him from playing Thursday. Durant has started all 13 games this season. ... WR Demarcus Robinson sprained his shoulder against Buffalo, but kept playing. 1 — The numbers of NFL games played with two teams scoring at least 40 points and making no turnovers. The Rams and Bills made history. The 49ers haven't been this vulnerable in four years, but Kyle Shanahan has had McVay's number throughout their careers — notwithstanding the Rams' 27-24 comeback win in September when both teams' top offensive playmakers were all injured. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
TRAVELODGE boss Jo Boydell says the Budget has made creating part-time jobs more expensive — at a time when the Government should be encouraging more people into work. But she said she is still determined to invest in recruiting part-time staff and the hotel’s training schemes because they are essential to the business . Travelodge, which employs 13,000 people, has said that the combined hit from national living wage increases and employers’ National Insurance contributions will cost the company £21million. Chief executive Ms Boydell said that the biggest shock to the business was the “completely unexpected hit” from the Chancellor lowering the National Insurance threshold from £9,100 to £5,000. That will particularly hit the Travelodge workforce of part-time housekeepers and receptionists — the type of jobs that are needed to get people back into work and grow the economy . Ms Boydell said: “We are trying to create jobs and are committed to being a good employer. READ MORE ON BUSINESS “We believe that part-time roles are the best way for many people who need flexibility to get back to work or start their career.” Travelodge does not use zero hour contracts and has a target to increase the number of 24-hour-plus contracts. Ms Boydell said: “For mothers, fathers, those with caring responsibilities — families of any shape and size — the offer of flexibility in your career can mean the difference between working and not working. Finding a role that fits in around family life can be tricky.” Travelodge has recently put in place a social mobility strategy to encourage staff to share more about their backgrounds and access its long-running training schemes. Most read in Business It is also one of the only hotel chains to have its own dedicated maintenance crew to fix and refurbish rooms, and training schemes to encourage colleagues to work up to manager roles. Around 63 per cent of the hotel managers at Travelodge are women, while 70 per cent of its entire workforce is female. The business also has 48 per cent of women in roles in its senior leadership team, with plans to increase this to 50 per cent. TRAVELODGE is speeding up its room-cleaning with the help of 6,733 robot vacuums, more than any company in Britain. The devices which whizz around while housekeepers change beds and clean bathrooms, save an average of two minutes per room in cleaning time. It means that across the chain’s 46,000 rooms they save 1,533 hours, or 63 days, in vacuuming. By Jo Boydell NOT everyone has opportunities on their doorstep and it can be overwhelming for some just knowing how to start a career. We believe that someone’s background should never hold them back from success but we know sometimes that balancing full-time work and life commitments is too much of a juggle. Some people can’t possibly consider a full-time job, but a part-time role could be the answer. At Travelodge, we believe that working part-time should never be a barrier to progression — and for women and care givers so often they think it is. We’ve heard from so many who think that it’s impossible to do a senior job on a part-time basis. But we are determined to show that it is. That’s why we provide real flexibility to our colleagues so they can pursue their career ambitions alongside their busy lives — whatever form they may take — when the timing is right for them. Once someone has joined us they can then tap into our training programme, in which more than 1,000 of our colleagues have already taken part this year. More than two thirds of our hotel management jobs are filled internally with former house keepers and receptionists, who have the opportunity to significantly increase their pay. We know that people who have grown up in care, or provide care to others, typically find it harder to find jobs that fit around their other important responsibilities. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Care Leavers into Careers with a pilot scheme to provide workshops and work experience to boost people’s confidence and ease their routes into employment. We are keen to hold the doors open for people to take their first steps in the world of work — and keep them going on their chosen career paths. Ashley's rebuff in board bid BOOHOO’S boardroom brawl with Mike Ashley has taken another twist as an influential shareholder adviser backed the company governors. Mr Ashley, Boohoo’s biggest investor, is lobbying for two seats after an unsuccessful bid to install himself as chief executive. A showdown is set with a vote on December 20. The former Newcastle FC owner has accused Boohoo’s founder Mahmud Kamani of “mismanagement”. Boohoo argues that Mr Ashley “is seeking a board seat for his own interests” and gave recent examples of his Frasers Group putting firms into administration. Shareholder advisory group ISS has recommended investors vote against him, saying he had “not made a compelling case for change”. It added there was a “conflict of interest” risk as his other director candidate, Mike Lennon, had worked closely with Frasers on insolvencies. NEARLY £100billion was wiped off the value of AI chipmaker NVIDIA yesterday after China launched a competition probe into the business. Shares in the $3trillion (£2.3trillion) US company fell by more than 3.5 per cent when Chinese state media reported an investigation into suspected breaches of anti-monopoly law. Experts say the probe is a sign of a US-China tech war escalation. Washington regulators barred Nvidia selling its most advanced products to China due to security concerns Domino's effect PIZZA giant Domino's is going ahead with new store openings despite a £3million Budget hit “significantly” increasing labour costs. The delivery and takeaway chain plans to have 1,600 outlets in the UK and Ireland by 2028, up by around 300, and £2billion of sales. It has struck a five-year profit and sales deal with its franchisees to bring, said bosses, “long-term, sustainable growth”. Mark Millar, of the Domino’s Franchise Association, said the deal gave members “much-needed certainty”. MORTGAGE rates rose last month by the biggest amount since August 2023. An average two-year fixed mortgage rose to 5.52 per cent, in a 0.13 per cent increase — as the markets adjust to the prospect of rates staying higher for longer. Deal's so sweet A SUGAR rush is on its way as the owner of Cadbury’s chocolate has been linked to a huge takeover of US candy maker Hershey. Mondelez has made an early approach for the maker of Reese’s Pieces, which is valued at $39billion (£30billion), according to reports by Bloomberg. Shares in Hershey soared 12 per cent on the back of the bid interest. READ MORE SUN STORIES Mondelez had a £17billion bid for Hershey rejected in 2016. Formerly Kraft Foods, it has owned British brand Cadbury since a takeover in 2010.