US Retail Sales Top Forecasts, Showcasing Consumer Resilience
US retail sales rose in July by more than forecast, highlighting how the resilience of consumers is helping
1970-01-01 08:00
'Untold: Hall of Shame' unwinds the BALCO scandal that shook the sports world
Despite having served time for his role in the BALCO scandal, Victor Conte stands out for being unrepentant. The latest edition of Netflix's sports docuseries "Untold," "Hall of Shame," gives him another moment in the spotlight, providing a once-over-lightly rehash of track, football and especially baseball figures who became the focus of controversy over performance-enhancing drugs.
1970-01-01 08:00
Janet Yellen explains her 'magic mushroom' experience in China
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ate a "magic mushroom" on a recent trip to Beijing, but the aftereffects don't sound that special.
1970-01-01 08:00
Who’s SheRaSeven? The eyebrow-raising influencer deemed a ‘female Andrew Tate’
A self-help influencer is being compared to Andrew Tate because of her views on gender roles in dating. Leticia Padua, who posts under the name SheRaSeven, on TikTok and YouTube, advises young women to date older men to act as "providers" and pay for them and suggests manipulative tactics to make this happen. With over 20bn views across her platforms and counting, she suggests “using your baby voice” to attract men, ghosting them to make them want you more, and not talking too much on first dates to create an air of mystery. She also suggest women go to high-end bars alone before the after-work rush to pick up wealthy men. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Men who don't have money are called "dusties" and she says they should be avoided. One of her most popular YouTube videos is titled "how to get your man to give you money". @sheraseven1 #sheraseven1 #datingadviceforgirls #asherastargoddess #sprinklesprinklelady #menwithmoney #sherasevenknowsbest #sprinklesprinkle✨️ #sprinklesprinkle✨️ #darkfeminineenergy #levelup Videos like these have sparked the Tate comparison as the controversial influencer also has some completely unprogressive views about gender and the role of men and women within heterosexual relationships. And she is not the only person to be compared to Tate. The proudly “anti-feminist” influencer Pearl Davis has become a darling of the far-right right for her outspoken views on everything from why divorce should be banned to why women shouldn’t vote. The American racked up almost 1 million followers on TikTok, but was then banned but she is active on other platforms and even interviewed Tate once. She was interviewed by Piers Morgan in July and said she was a "fan" of Tate. However, some commentators have rightly pointed out that Tate is facing rape and human trafficking charges, whereas Padua and Davis absolutely are not so perhaps the comparisons are slightly unfair. Nevertheless, relying on men as financial providers is very backwards. So stick with your "dusties", everyone. There's more to life than money! Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
1970-01-01 08:00
Baby Storme calls Target employee 'racist' for breaking up flash mob dance in store
A Target employee has been labelled “racist” after refusing to allow a flash mob dance to be filmed inside a store. The incident occurred when musician Baby Storme attempted to film a dance video inside the store for her single 'This City Is A Graveyard.' In the video of the attempted filming, Baby Storme could be seen standing in the middle of a Target store flanked on both sides by several backup dancers all dressed in similar gothic attire. As the clip began, the dance troop began walking towards the camera in time to the music, before the employee of the store stood in front of the camera that was filming them as the group continued with the routine. A person could be heard telling the large group, “We’re going to have to call the cops on your guys,” adding: “It’s becoming a safety hazard”. Someone in the group said: “Hey! If we all just start and multiple people record they can’t block everyone.” Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Baby Storme uploaded a video of the incident on the platform X. In the caption, she accused the Target employee of being “racist”. She wrote: “This racist Target employee called the police on us for dancing in Target... So we danced anyway.” But, Baby Storme’s strong accusation has received backlash after other X users added context to her tweet, writing that it is down to Target’s store policy that the dance video was stopped, not because of the race of the artist. A comminunity noted stated, “Target has a clear policy prohibiting this kind of behavior. It's not right to assume that a Target employee is racist because they are following the store's policy,” and provided a link to the company’s policy. One person argued: “Not gonna lie it’s August and y’all in the middle of Target acting like zombies. I don’t think race has anything to do with it.” Another mocked: “Is the racist in the room with us? Y’all came 80 deep doing the Thriller in Target.” “Flabbergasted by the mental gymnastics people will take to justify their self-entitled actions,” said another. It’s not the first time singer Baby Storme has faced backlash. She responded after she was criticised for filming the music video for the same single in a real graveyard. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
1970-01-01 08:00
Simon Hooper and video referees stood down after failing to award Wolves penalty
Referee Simon Hooper and both video assistant referees from Wolves’ 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Monday night have been stood down from the next set of Premier League fixtures, the PA news agency understands. Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil revealed he had received an apology from elite referees’ manager Jon Moss after his side were denied a “blatant” stoppage-time penalty when United’s debutant goalkeeper Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic deep into stoppage time. Hooper did not react to the incident, and VAR Michael Salisbury deemed there was no foul – with an incredulous O’Neil instead booked for his reaction to the decision. PA understands head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) Howard Webb, who has demanded a higher level of accountability as well as an open and transparent approach, had also been in touch with Wolves after the match to apologise. Hooper, VAR Salisbury and assistant VAR Richard West have all not been selected for the second round of Premier League fixtures. Appointments for those games had not yet been made public ahead of Monday’s night’s match at Old Trafford. All three officials were absent from the ‘Matchweek 2’ list published by the Premier League on Tuesday morning. Speaking after Monday’s defeat, during which Wolves created plenty of chances, O’Neil said he thought Onana was trying to “take Kalajdzic’s head off”. The new Wolves head coach added: “Fair play to Jon (Moss) in coming out (to talk to me). “He said it was clear and obvious and he can’t believe the on-field referee didn’t give it and he can’t believe VAR didn’t intervene. “It’s probably made me feel worse to be honest because once you know you’re right you feel worse about leaving with nothing.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
1970-01-01 08:00
Who is Scott McAfee, the judge assigned to oversee Trump case in Georgia?
The newly leveled case against former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants accusing them of engaging in a conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia has been assigned to a judge who is a lifelong Georgian.
1970-01-01 08:00
MTN’s Fintech Unit Seeks More Investors After Mastercard Deal
MTN Group Ltd. is seeking as many as three more strategic investors in addition to Mastercard Inc. for
1970-01-01 08:00
Focus on Spain ahead of their World Cup final showdown with England or Australia
Spain will face either European champions England or co-hosts Australia in Sunday’s World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 victory in their last-four showdown with Sweden. Jorge Vilda’s side, who had never won a knockout game at the tournament before their arrival in Australia and New Zealand, could be just 90 minutes away from lifting the biggest prize of all. Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at a team which have perhaps already-exceeded even their own expectations. Coach Vilda learned his football at the feet of his father Angel, who worked as a physical trainer for – among others – Luis Aragones at Atletico Madrid, Johan Cruyff at Barcelona and Jupp Heynckes at Real Madrid. A physical education graduate, the 42-year-old was appointed boss in 2015 having worked with Spain’s under-age teams, but had to significantly remodel his squad after a rebellion in 2022 which saw 15 players make themselves unavailable – Aitana Bonmati, Ona Batlle and Mariona Caldentey have since returned to the fold – in protest at the conditions under which they were having to operate. Key players Twice Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is undoubtedly the star of the Spain squad on paper, but having fought her way back from the anterior cruciate ligament injury she suffered on the eve of last summer’s Euros, the 29-year-old Barcelona midfielder has been used sparingly in the tournament and played only the opening 57 minutes of the semi-final, one of three starts to date. In her absence, Bonmati, Alba Redondo and Jennifer Hermoso have each scored three times, but Barca team-mate and former international sprinter Salma Paralluelo, 19, has proved the woman for the big occasion with vital strikes from the bench in both the last eight and the semi-finals. Pedigree Spain are playing at their third World Cup finals tournament, but had never before progressed beyond the last 16. They reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2022, where they led eventual winners England with six minutes of normal time remaining before going down 2-1 in extra-time. Ranked sixth in the world by FIFA, they are an emerging force in the international game and are bidding to add the senior World Cup to those they currently hold at under-17s and under-20s levels. Style of play Vilda favours a 4-3-3 formation and a possession-based game which he believes is aligned to the philosophy instilled by Cruyff during his time in charge at Barcelona. The system relies on high-tempo passing and movement and a relentless press in attack to create the space in which their highly-technical game-changers can thrive. Familiarity is a weapon too – seven of the starting XI against Sweden play their club football with Champions League winners Barca. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live We can do beautiful things – Micky van de Ven excited by Tottenham prospects Millie Bright confident England can cope with hostile atmosphere in Sydney Ben Stokes tipped to make U-turn and feature for England at World Cup
1970-01-01 08:00
Olga Carmona fires Spain into first Women’s World Cup final amid late drama
Olga Carmona’s stunning late winner fired Spain into the World Cup final with a 2-1 win against Sweden. In a cagey contest with few chances for either side, the game suddenly sprung into life in the final stages with three goals in the final 10 minutes of normal time. Barcelona winger Salma Paralluelo, 19, gave Spain the lead in the 81st minute, but her goal was soon cancelled out by Rebecka Blomqvist. But Carmona responded in emphatic fashion just one minute later, sealing a final clash against either Australia or England on Sunday. Spain kept possession well in the opening stages and had a chance when a looping cross found Alba Redondo at the back post, but her header was cleared by Sweden. They struck again minutes later with some good build-up around the box allowing Carmona to shoot from the edge of the area, but it just whistled past the bottom corner. Sweden then had a half-chance at the other end when Johanna Rytting Kaneryd headed wide before Aitana Bonmati looped a cross in for Jennifer Hermoso but goalkeeper Zecira Musovic comfortably collected. Another attack came from a Spanish free-kick which went as far as Alexia Putellas, who whipped the ball into the box and Magdalena Eriksson did well to quickly head the ball away. Sweden had a great opportunity to take the lead just before half-time when Nathalie Bjorn picked out Fridolina Rolfo at the back post, but her half-volley was pushed away by Cata Coll. A slow start to the second half saw Stina Blackstenius try her luck from the right-hand side of the box, but her attempt was easily saved by Coll, who then made an excellent dive to palm Rytting Kaneryd’s cross away. Spain had some tidy build-up play around the box and had a great opportunity when Hermoso found Redondo in the box, but she was unable to cleanly strike it. The match looked destined for extra time with neither side having any real clear-cut chances, but it suddenly burst into life in the final 10 minutes with three goals in eight minutes. After dominating possession, Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 81st minute when Hermoso’s cross was cleared into the path of Paralluelo and the substitute tucked the ball into the bottom corner. Their lead was short-lived though as Sweden hit back in the 88th minute when Lina Hurtig headed down a cross for Blomqvist to smash the ball first time across the goalkeeper and into the top corner. Spain snatched the winner just one minute later when a short corner was played out to Carmona on the edge of the area and she smashed the ball from the outside of the box above Musovic’s head, with the goalkeeper unable to get a strong enough hand to keep it out. Read More England and Australia’s old rivalry has new stage as World Cup arrives at its biggest moment FA ‘disappointed’ after Matildas secure tickets in allocated England section England vs Australia: Kick-off time and how to watch on TV Old rivalry has new stage as World Cup arrives at its biggest moment Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Australia build-up as Spain reach final
1970-01-01 08:00
Moises Caicedo reveals which pair of Chelsea legends he isolised growing up
Moises Caicedo reveals which Chelsea legends he idolised growing up in Ecuador.
1970-01-01 08:00
England and Australia’s old rivalry has new stage as World Cup arrives at its biggest moment
After Sarina Wiegman finished her press conference following the victory over Colombia on Saturday, she was so struck by the number of questions about England’s historic sporting rivalry with Australia that she immediately started asking staff members about the extent of it. The Dutch coach quickly realised she had underestimated how much this meant. Those at the England camp duly filled her in, although, as one staff member laughed, “it’s not like we showed her old clips of the Ashes”. They maybe didn’t need to. A trip to the shop beside England’s otherwise tranquil Terrigal base would have shown how intense it’s all getting, as the front page of The Western Australian - the newspaper that covers Sam Kerr’s home city of Perth- read, “And you thought the Ashes was big!” It is everywhere in the build-up to the game, where the widespread sentiment articulated by the Sydney Morning Herald is, “Now for the Poms”. All of this really shows just how much this Women’s World Cup has captured Australia, with Wednesday’s semi-final set to break all kinds of audience records. And yet, as much as even supporters who previously dismissed “soccer” are now looking forward to this match and trying to get tickets, this still feels like the game this tournament has been waiting for; a deserved crescendo, an event with real cut-through. That applies to England as much as Australia. In terms of pure narrative drama, it has so far almost been the ideal World Cup. The tournament has offered shocks, unpredictability, memorable moments, storylines and - eventually - a high-class semi-final line-up; the real elite separated from those extending themselves. One of those games will involve a rivalry that is among the oldest and most intense in sport, an alluring element that transcends whatever the event is. That event is meanwhile taking place around midday on Wednesday in the United Kingdom, which is almost perfect for passing viewers during the school holidays. Even if England and Australia have not met enough for there to be a true football rivalry - although there is already talk from within the camps that is changing - the point is about something much bigger than any sport now being transposed onto a new sport. This is going to be huge, to go with the stakes. England are a mere match away from the greatest stage in football. So, however, are Australia. The words “Til it’s done”, featuring an abbreviation of Matildas in vintage national style, are now everywhere on social media. Such has been the nationwide surge of enthusiasm that this game could be put on at any time and the country would still stop. “We can see there are a lot of people excited about this game,” Australia manager Tony Gustavsson said, before beckoning to the packed press conference. “Just look at this room here!” All of this is of course noise the players themselves have sought to turn down, and need to shut out. There have been the usual lines about how it’s “just another game”. Even Wiegman went from asking questions to insisting "we don't feel the rivalry that much". The noise is sort of the point, though. It can’t be said that all of this is irrelevant because it will charge the atmosphere around Stadium Australia, bringing this beyond the electricity of a home semi-final. This is where there’s a dynamic that only further fires this game, that adds to the tension. There may not be too much difference between the sides, but it doesn’t feel like they are quite going in on level terms. Australia are at home. Their campaigns have been too different. With England, it has almost flipped. After five successive games conditioned by the suspense of an embarrassing early exit, they are now the team that might undo something bigger - that might “spoil the party”. England have similarly achieved the minimum target of getting to the semi-finals. That might have been a battle, but it could now release them to go for the maximum. There was a sense of a team coming together in some of their best spells of football against Colombia. Georgia Stanway was knitting everything together, taking more responsibility. Australia have come together in a completely different way. Whereas England have ground their way through, gradually solving problem after problem, Gustavsson’s side have been on the rollercoaster that fits the way this World Cup has emotionally seized the country. If the manner of that penalty shoot-out win involved a lot of nerves and doubt, it also served to fortify belief. “I remember coming into the changing rooms after the France game and Sam came in and said ‘I think this is the time now when we can really believe we can go all the way’,” Mackenzie Arnold said of her celebrated teammate on the eve of the England game. It is that sense of resolve that Wiegman’s side have repeatedly enjoyed, and developed with. Those two different paths to the semi-final also bring multiple perspectives on this semi-final. One view of England is that they have fought their way through problem after problem, to the point they can now get through anything. Another view is that letting games become such battles is an indication you might run into real trouble when you face a truly elite side. But are Australia playing like that? The quarter-final against France threw up other concerns. That is the nature of a tournament, mind. They are usually about game-management and forcing your way through. Wiegman has developed that quality in England, especially through a cast-iron defence so well marshalled by Millie Bright. Should Kerr start, as many of the murmurs around the Australia camp are increasingly indicating, she may find the central area she most enjoys is completely covered. On the other side, it will be the first time England’s backline faces a forward who uses space and the ball in the unique way Kerr does. That is of course if she is even fit enough. "Australia is not just Sam Kerr," Wiegman said. "Yes we have a plan but she could start or be on the bench." Those questions persist, but so does this World Cup’s wait for its great star's first big moment. Alessia Russo has finally had hers. England’s forwards might have found something like form at the right time. It’s certainly the right game. Nobody would make the mistake of saying it’s the “real final” but it may well end up the World Cup’s biggest fixture. It’s an old rivalry on a new stage, with new stakes. Neither of these sides have been to a World Cup final before. There can surely be no better game to get there. It's a game the tournament has waited for. It's the moment the teams have waited for. Read More How to watch England vs Australia: TV channel and kick-off time for Women’s World Cup semi-final Australia is having a moment — will Sam Kerr finally get hers against England? The Lionesses will need to beat an entire nation in the grip of World Cup fever Olga Carmona fires Spain into first Women’s World Cup final amid late drama Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Australia build-up as Spain reach final How Georgia Stanway found World Cup ‘discipline’ thanks to surprise mentor
1970-01-01 08:00
