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Norwegian home prices rose for the first time in three months, backing the Nordic housing market’s reputation of

By Paul Sandle LONDON (Reuters) -Aero-engineer Rolls-Royce on Thursday reported a strong recovery in profit as its new CEO's turnaround

Russia will start buying foreign currency and gold as a recovery in energy revenue brought it above the

Nate Diaz has said he knows the ‘secret’ to Jake Paul’s success as a boxer, while warning the YouTube star: ‘I’m in on it, too.’ UFC icon Diaz, 38, will make his professional boxing debut on Saturday, facing Paul in Dallas, Texas. The bout will mark Diaz’s first fight since leaving the UFC in September, when he submitted Tony Ferguson. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Paul last fought in February, suffering his first loss as he was beaten on points by Tommy Fury. Prior to that result, American Paul was unbeaten with wins over ex-UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley, as well as mixed martial arts star Ben Askren. Paul knocked out Askren, beat Woodley on points then via knockout in a rematch, before defeating Silva via decision. Addressing his compatriot’s boxing career ahead of their fight this weekend, Diaz said on Wednesday (2 August): “The thing about him is, he knows that MMA fighters can’t box and they’re in over their heads trying to box, because he went in there and worked a bunch over in training and in fights. “MMA fighters don’t know this, but the only thing about that is: I’m in on the same secret, and I’ve been in on that since I was 15. I’m not your average wrestler, MMA fighter. “I didn’t wrestle. When these guys he fought were in the wrestling room at five, six, seven, 10, 15 years old, I was boxing the whole neighbourhood, boxing every pro I could find. I was boxing the highest level I could find, my whole career.” As a mixed martial artist, Diaz is best known for his jiu-jitsu skills, although his volume striking and cardio also characterised his UFC run. In contrast, Woodley and Askren were predominantly wrestlers, although Silva is seen by many as the greatest striker in MMA history. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend The hidden side of Jake Paul Amanda Serrano announces surprise return to MMA with PFL

Fans who attend concerts of their favourite artists often try to get their attention by bringing a sign, and some even use the opportunity to shoot their shot... And that's exactly what happened when an audience member informed singer Kelly Clarkson just how much her girlfriend loves her - so much so that the American Idol winner is her hall pass. During Clarkson's Chemistry Las Vegas residency performance at Planet Hollywood’s Bakkt Theater on July 28, the Stronger singer noticed the woman's sign. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter, It read: “My girlfriend gave me a hall pass for you." Flattered by the compliment, Clarkson had a hilarious response: “If I was into chicks, I’d take up the offer. I just, unfortunately, like d****." Clips of the exchange have since circulated on social media. Clarkson has been performing songs from her new album Chemistry released back in June as well as covering hit songs such as "As It Was," by Harry Styles. During her performance covering Gayle's "abcdefu," Clarkson appeared to personalise the lyrics which people believe to be shading her ex Brandon Blackstock after their divorce. “F*** you, and your dad, and the fact that you got half/ and my broken heart, turn that s*** into art/ F*** you, and your view from the valley I bought too/ Everybody but your dogs, you can all f*** off,” Clarkson sang. Meanwhile, Clarkson has also spoken out about the recent rise of fans throwing objects at artists while on stage, telling the audience: “If you’re gonna throw s***, throw diamonds.” Elsewhere, Kelly Clarkson’s 2019 life advice to Taylor Swift goes viral again, and Anne Hathaway beats Kelly Clarkson in a signing contest using her own song. 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.

By Fergal Smith TORONTO Analysts have raised their bullish forecasts on the Canadian dollar as central banks globally,

Nigerian labor unions called off protests and resumed talks with the government following demonstrations against what they called

Manchester City are closing in on a £77.5 million (€90m) deal for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol. Leipzig were said to be holding out for a fee of 100m euros (£86m) for the Croatia international. But City have broken through and are now closing in on the transfer, with Gvardiol expected to have a medical later this week. Gvardiol would add competition on the left side of City’s defence, having helped Croatia reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and then the final of the Nations League, where they were beaten by Spain. Midfielder Mateo Kovacic is so far City’s only summer signing, with the Croatian having moved from Chelsea during June. City saw captain Ilkay Gundogan leave for Barcelona on a free transfer and Riyad Mahrez last week completed a switch to Saudi Arabia club Al-Ahli in a £30m deal. The Premier League champions will take on Arsenal in the FA Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday. Read More Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus to miss start of season after knee surgery All the talking points ahead of new Premier League season On this day in 2020: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads Arsenal to FA Cup glory

There is a strange twist of fate about the fact it was a trip to New York that saw Mark Bonner recharge after another rollercoaster season with Cambridge. If events last September had gone differently, Bonner would have called Rotherham’s New York Stadium home but after he turned down their approach, the 37-year-old embarked on the latest dramatic chapter in his story with boyhood club Cambridge. Seven points from safety ahead of an April Fools’ Day trip to Port Vale, no one was laughing but the U’s won five of their last nine League One matches to pull off a great escape despite having one of the lowest budgets in the division. So, ahead of his fifth season in charge of Cambridge, would League One’s longest-serving head coach accept a drama-free upcoming campaign? Bonner told the PA news agency: “We don’t want it to be dull! We want drama because that is what it is all about. We want our support base to keep growing and people to keep engaging with the club. We’ve done a great job with that over the last three-and-a-half years. “We have created some unbelievable moments and we want to try create that again this season. We certainly want a smooth and successful season, but I don’t want it to be a dull one, that’s for sure.” Whether it is Bonner or the Cambridge way, they don’t do straightforward. Bonner first coached at the club in 2002 and 18 years later – after nine seasons in non-league – he took over the first-team on an interim basis with relegation out of the English Football League a possibility. Four straight wins allayed those fears and he was handed the job permanently in March 2020, but within a week the coronavirus outbreak had turned into a pandemic and he waited six months to take charge of his first official match. No one is human if they say they have no doubts because that is a natural thing when it is going against you, but we had good players and brilliant togetherness and spirit within the team Mark Bonner What followed was drama of the best kind with promotion secured on the final day after a 3-0 win over Grimsby with supporters gathered outside the Abbey Stadium to celebrate due to it being the behind-closed-doors era. More than 6,000 turned up to watch Cambridge host rivals Oxford in their first match back in the third tier since 2002 and the U’s finished in 14th along with producing an FA Cup giant-killing with a 1-0 win at Eddie Howe’s Newcastle. Last season produced more challenges and despite good performances, a run of one win in 15 league matches saw Bonner’s men destined for relegation. Cambridge bucked the trend to keep faith with their manager, who responded with 13 points from 24 before a final-day victory over Forest Green, coupled with Morecambe and MK Dons’ failure to win, secured survival in the most dramatic of circumstances. “If you could write how you stay up, if that is what you’re fighting for, you would do it like that,” Bonner reflected. “The game itself was fairly comfortable. Atmosphere first half was amazing, all four sides of the stadium full of Cambridge fans, unbelievable support. But second half no one is singing or watching our game, they are watching their phones seeing what is happening elsewhere. That includes the whole of our dugout. “It is completely out of your hands and a horrible situation to be in. Our game finished and there was a long time left in one of the other games, but once that finished and it went for us, it was a nice moment of relief. “It was the end of a cycle because a lot of our players moved on, but the majority of them played their part in an incredible era in our club’s history and I think their story deserved to end like that.” Bonner’s own journey with Cambridge shows no sign of stopping soon. The former U’s season-ticket holder admitted doubts crept in last season, but he retained belief in the squad and repaid the backing of owner Paul Barry and sporting director Ben Strang. And the trio alongside other key local figures involved at Cambridge are keen to build a lasting legacy, with the Abbey Stadium bought back while work has started on a new training base alongside desires to become a top-half team. “No one is human if they say they have no doubts because that’s a natural thing when it is going against you, but we had good players and brilliant togetherness and spirit within the team,” Bonner insisted. “So, that (belief) was shook but never broken. The wheels would have fallen off quite a few other clubs in the sense of not being able to recover from those results or just huge change, managerial changes, staff changes, you see all that every season at clubs. “But the stability we’ve built and togetherness we’ve built just shone through in that period. “I would like to hope we get some respect for setting a bit of a different precedent and if more clubs were like that, maybe the ability to build something over time would become more common. “There is a perception in football that one person is responsible for everything, one person builds a team, but we’re a bit different. “Three seasons at this level for the first time in decades, most successful team we’ve had for decades, that is not a fluke firstly but it is also not down to one person, it is down to a whole host of people. We have a lot of Cambridge people driving the club and hopefully that pays off for us. “It has certainly been really unique and a big contributor to us in the last three years, but we want it to be that way for another three years. We know how tough that is but that’s the motivation we have all got.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Boss John Eustace accepts success will take time at Birmingham 2026 Rugby League World Cup to be hosted in southern hemisphere Marcus Stewart thinks former clubs Sunderland and Ipswich can push for promotion

Think rich warm earthy tones, sandy shades, burnt oranges and you’re in the comfort zone of terracotta. Calming and comforting, this earthenware shade has an organic feel, and it’s a natural choice for a chic colour palette of rich rusts balanced by beige, neutrals and shell pinks. Here’s what’s fired our imagination… 1. Carrots Soup Plate, £25, Emma Bridgewater Whether it’s gazpacho or carrot soup, those power-packed blended veggies and side of crusty bread are the perfect fit this soup plate. 2. Brabantia Tasty + Frying Pan, 20cm, Non-Stick – Terracotta Pink, £31.25, Spatula Plus Cutting Edge, Tasty+ – Terracotta Pink, £8.50, Brabantia Master the art of flawless, fluffy omelettes and perfect pancakes with Brabantia’s new non-stick frying pan with grip handle in terracotta pink. Suitable for gas, electric, induction and ceramic. 3. Yankee Candle Cinnamon Stick, £31.99, (567g), Yankee Candle Scentscaping for summer? The sweet, spicy scent of cinnamon with base notes of bay leaf and cedarwood is one of the most familiar fragrances – and will boost your wellbeing with its mood lifting aroma. 4. Shaped Ceramic Set of 3 Mini Vases, £18, Next Abstract vases are having a moment in the sun this summer and this stoneware trio tick all the boxes. Contemporary and combining rose hues with ivory and terracotta. 5. Bella Terracotta Table Lamp, £125, Natural Raffia Lamp Shade, from £58, Graham & Green This sculptural lamp makes a sophisticated statement with its raffia lampshade and sets the scene for restful schemes. 6. HK Living Terracotta Vase with Handles, £80, Spicer & Wood With its decorative handles and Mediterranean vibe, this is the kind of vase that radiates warmth and works like a dream with rustic furniture, tans, exposed timber and stone. 7. Get Your Funk On Wallpaper in Tuscan Rooftop, The Running Fox and Tahini, £45 per roll, Lust Home When you want to bring an element of classic retro home, this psychedelic print with its burnt orange hues, caramel and browns is your happy place. A fabulous styling tool, the design has matching paints to play around with to create a contrast wall. And you can change the feel with plush fabrics, rugs and cabinet of curios. 8. Terracotta Dreams A3 Abstract Print, Oak Frame, £39, (was £45), Cult Furniture For no-stress decorating, let someone else’s brush works do the talking. Art prints can be tailored to fit any decor – and Terracotta Dreams channels escapism and freedom of expression. 9. Hutton Compact 2 seater ‘sofa in a box,’ Soft Velvet Rust Brown, £460, Next If your space is more bijoux than grandiose, this ‘sofa in a box’ is a brilliant way to incorporate more seating without having to commit to larger furnishings. Compact and petite, the sofa arrives in a box, designed to fit through tight spaces – and rust brown velvet feels cosy as we slowly head into autumn. 10. John Lewis Odora Rug, £300, (120 x 180), John Lewis – available from August 6 A mix of wool and silk, this hand-tufted rug with harmonious colourway of sandy shades, dusty pink and damson makes a tactile focal point. 11. Terracotta Super Soft 100% Cotton Bed Linen, King Size Duvet, £79, Standard Pillowcase, £14, Spice Vivienne 100% Cotton Quilted Throw, £109, Secret Linen Store – available from August 11 And so to bed… is there anything lovelier than cocooning yourself in terracotta bed linen to enhance those feel-good vibes from this happy hue? Style with touches of ivory and grey to highlight this pleasing pigment. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 3 great abs exercises that aren’t crunches ‘Women short-changed as 65% of weekly working hours ignored in official data’ How to wear the casual tailoring look in summer

Birmingham boss John Eustace is prepared to remain patient as he aims to bring success back to St Andrew’s. It has been 12 years since the Blues were a Premier League side and on Saturday they travel to Swansea for their Sky Bet Championship season opener with renewed hope of returning to the top-flight. July’s Shelby Companies Limited’s takeover, which also reunited the club with St Andrew’s, ended 14 years of Chinese ownership, firstly under Carson Yeung and then Birmingham Sports Holdings Ltd. American financier Tom Wager’s tenure offers the belief Birmingham can return to the Premier League for the first time since relegation in 2011 – just months after winning the League Cup. Those years have seen final day survival scraps – surviving on goal difference in 2014 – and they have not finished higher than 17th in six years but while promotion is the ultimate goal there is realism to the ownership’s plans. “They understand the challenges of the Championship,” said Eustace. “Success isn’t given to you overnight. When I came in I said I wanted to build something special here, we started that last year. It was important we laid a lot of foundations last season. “I’ve spoken to Garry (Cook, chief executive) who has set out the plans and what he wants which has been great. Everyone is on board, everyone knows their jobs, roles and responsibilities. “The club has been taken over by some very passionate and powerful people and they care deeply. They want to grow this club and make it a force. “That’s going to be done over time, it’s not over a short period. It’s done over two, three, four or five years. Eventually it’ll be up there. It’s about stabilising again this year.” It has not been an easy journey for Eustace since his appointment last summer. A fire at Blues’ Wast Hills training centre in March forced the first team out and they have largely trained at Wasps’ former base near Henley since, although they have managed to return occasionally. It remains unclear when the players will be there full-time while the lower tiers of the Kop and Tilton stands at St Andrew’s have been closed to fans since December 2020 because of safety concerns. That they will reopen this season is an early sign of Wagner’s intent. Last season ex-Barcelona and AC Milan striker Maxi Lopez was involved in a consortium, including Blues fan and businessman Paul Richardson, who claimed to be close to buying a 21 per cent stake. That bid failed and Lopez, Richardson and Matthew Southall admitted breaching EFL owners and directors’ test rules by taking control of the club without going through the proper procedure, a process which saw the club given a two point suspended penalty. So for Eustace to guide the club to 17th, avoiding last-day drama amid a backdrop of uncertainty, remains an underrated achievement – even if there is a tinge of frustration having been seventh at Christmas. “The problems, for me, haven’t been a problem. On the pitch the players last year were exceptional. We went through a lot of tough times but we had a lot of good times,” he told the PA news agency. “The atmosphere we created with the staff and the players was excellent, that’s why we got through what we got through. “There was always a ‘no excuse’ culture. There were no problems for me last year, I was very privileged to work with a very good group of players. “It doesn’t matter what level you’re at. I managed for two years in the Conference North (with Kidderminster). There are the same difficulties, you still have to manage people, expectation. “It was about the football club growing, coming in last year I wanted to get the connection back with the fans and the players. “Now we’ve got that. Now it’s important we get that connection back with the football club and the fans. They can see the owners are the real deal. “The recruitment side from Frank (McParland, director of recruitment) and Craig (Gardner, sporting director) has been very good. There are a lot of new players who have to get used to the environment and the settings.” Nine have arrived this summer with Dion Sanderson, Tyler Roberts, Ethan Laird and Siriki Dembele among them. Krystian Bielik is one of Eustace’s key recruits, signing permanently after last season’s loan from Derby – his second at St Andrew’s. Having spent four years at Derby – being relegated to League One in 2022 – the defender knows all too well what it is like to play for a chaotic club. Yet that is no longer a brush which can tar Birmingham. “We have proper owners, finally,” says Poland international Bielik. “They are not saying something and doing something different. It feels like they know what they are doing and what they want to achieve. “We want to push for that promotion, that’s the aim for Birmingham. It’s the Second City and it should be in the top league. It’s not going to happen just like that but that’s the plan of the owners. “At Derby it was about the deduction, 21 points, and then when it happened you have to agree with reality, that we would probably go down. “We had a good go as well but as a player you have enough stress – although don’t get me wrong people like doctors and firefighters have stress in their jobs – we are doing the best thing in the world so we shouldn’t be stressed that much. Here we can focus on our football.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live We want drama – Mark Bonner ready for another exciting season at Cambridge 2026 Rugby League World Cup to be hosted in southern hemisphere Marcus Stewart thinks former clubs Sunderland and Ipswich can push for promotion

Fewer Americans can afford to foot a $400 emergency expense compared with last quarter, according to a new