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Burnham is 'people pleaser' with 'airy fairy' plans, says Kemi Badenoch
German politician resigns over surrogacy child controversy
Australia’s fuel tax break slowing BHP’s decarbonisation, mining giant’s investors warned
Removal of tax credit would incentivise electrification of truck and rail fleets, Australian Centre for Corporate Responsibility says
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A briefing document circulated to BHP investors has warned that the federal government’s fuel tax break is acting as a handbrake on the decarbonisation of the miner’s Australian operations.
Earlier this year, a leaked cache of documents obtained by Guardian Australia and the ABC’s Four Corners revealed BHP had halted or delayed key emissions reductions projects, just years after describing climate change as an “existential” threat that required the greatest mobilisation since the second world war.
Continue reading...Watch The Open: Third round highlights
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‘Superteams’ to Collide at World Cup Final
The pictures are everywhere: FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, just 20 years old, cradling a baby who would become Spanish superstar Lamine Yamal and smiling at the infant in a bathtub at a UNICEF charity photo shoot in 2007.
And two days before Messi, now 39, and Yamal, 19, are set to reunite on the pitch at the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium, Tom Brady asked Messi—onstage in front of a throng of phone-wielding fans at Fanatics Fest in New York City—what the pictures meant to him.
“That picture was crazy,” Messi responded, through an interpreter. “I just wish him the best of luck.”
Messi looked mystified, and a bit uncomfortable, at Friday’s spectacle. Fanatics, the apparel and collectibles company, is in a commercial partnership with FIFA, which meant that players and coaches from both Spain and Argentina were obligated to engage with a bunch of rowdy strangers at the Javits Center in Manhattan just 48 hours before their historic match.
Messi, who is not a fan of interviews or public appearances, appeared eager to be anywhere else on the planet. His coach, Lionel Scaloni, called the event “peculiar.”
In this supersized American World Cup, a break from protocol has become the norm. But pre-final interviews usually happen at the stadium, without Tom Brady (or Novak Djokovic or Kevin Durant, who also spoke with the people onstage, including Spain captain Rodri and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez).
While Messi and Yamal have been the talk of the final—understandable, given that “crazy” photographic blast from the past—overlooking all the other players on the field would be foolhardy. Both squads are deep and incredibly accomplished, with Argentina being the defending World Cup champs and Spain having won the Euros two summers ago, and it’s the first-ever final matchup between the reigning South American and European champions.
“It goes beyond words what Messi means as a player,” says Rodri, the Manchester City defensive midfielder who won the Ballon d'Or, given annually to the world’s best soccer player, in 2024. “But Argentina is much more than Messi.”
Lautaro Martínez, whose header off a Messi cross finished off England in the semis, has been one of the best attacking players at the World Cup. Martínez, who plays for Serie A champ Inter Milan, has three goals in the tournament. According to FIFA’s Power Rankings, Argentina defender Cristian Romero, the Tottenham Hotspur standout in the Premier League, is the fifth-best defender in the tournament.
“Two superteams, in my opinion,” says Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.
That explains why the cheapest ticket to attend the game costs more than $9,200 as of Saturday afternoon.
Spain has not conceded a single goal all tournament. Spain’s trio of Rodri, Pedro Porro, and Pau Cubarsí are the Top 3 defenders of the tournament. Meanwhile, Argentina has scored three goals in five of its seven World Cup games.
“I love the contrasting styles of play,” says FOX Sports analyst Stu Holden, who will call Sunday’s final. “You have the Spanish control versus the Argentine spirit.”
While Argentina's dramatic flair, showcased in comebacks against Egypt and England in the Round of 16 and semis, respectively, has mesmerized fans, Spain has also risen to the occasion in nailbiters. Mikel Merino’s stoppage time goal, in the 91st minute, gave Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16, and the Arsenal midfielder scored again against Belgium, in the 88th minute, in Spain’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory.
“On Sunday, we will watch a great show,” says de la Fuente.
“Their star has been the collective,” says Holden, about Spain. “This is their identity. It's cultural. From 5 years old, you play this formation, this style. There's a cohesion. There's a fluidity to the way they play.”
Striker Mikel Oyarzabal, who plays for La Liga team Real Sociedad, leads Spain with five goals during this World Cup. Yamal has just one, against Saudi Arabia in the group stage. If Spain wins, Yamal would become the third-youngest player, behind Pele and Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi, to start and win a World Cup final (while teammate Cubarsi, some six months older, would become the fourth-youngest).
“We were there in 2018 as [Kylian] Mbappé broke on the scene, and that was a moment that we all felt that he was going to be something special,” says Holden. “And we haven't quite seen that game yet from Lamine Yamal. I think that's scary for Argentina.”
Messi versus Yamal. Strength versus strength. Two champion teams, from different parts of the world.
And new pictures—without a tub and a towel—to be remembered.
Josh Kerr of Britain breaks 27-year-old world record in the mile
Kerr announced his bid to break the world record months in advance, and pulled off the plan in London on Saturday.
(Image credit: Harry Murphy)
When Pauline Hanson and Tommy Robinson met, hatred was a given. More disturbing was the spectacle | Hugh Riminton
One Nation’s polling popularity is proof we live in an upside-down world which surpasses substance and vaults reason
Pauline Hanson’s podcast with Tommy Robinson was dispiriting in unexpected ways. Racism was a given: more deflating was the recognition of its entertainment value. Enough attention has been directed towards Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. He is a thug, a fraudster, a bully and a bigot.
Despite, or because of this, there are those who rush to swing hands with him.
Continue reading...Ukraine Escalates Air War With Deadly Strikes on Russia’s ‘Amazon’
Burnham to scrap Starmer’s digital ID scheme in ‘reset of priorities’
Incoming PM will reallocate unspecified resources from unpopular plan to helping with cost of living
Andy Burnham is expected to scrap Keir Starmer’s plans for digital ID cards in a “reset of priorities” when he enters Downing Street on Monday.
The new Labour leader plans to redirect the resources earmarked for the scheme towards tackling the cost of living, his team indicated on Saturday.
Continue reading...ANU accused of ‘hysterical’ response to students using AI to cheat as unis scramble to ‘secure’ assessments
Australia risks ‘shipping’ intellectual capability overseas if educational rigour not restored, experts warn
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An academic at the Australian National University has accused it of a “hysterical” response to students using AI to cheat, as tertiary institutions rush to shore up the credibility of assessments.
But a colleague warned Australia is in danger of “shipping our national intellectual capability” to companies in California and China if educational rigour is not restored.
Continue reading...Thunderstorms will clear wildfire smoke from Northeast ahead of World Cup final, meteorologists say
Digital ID plan to be scrapped in Burnham's first major policy pledge
Burnham to scrap Starmer’s digital ID scheme in ‘reset of priorities’
Incoming PM will reallocate unspecified resources from unpopular plan to helping with cost of living
Andy Burnham is expected to scrap Keir Starmer’s plans for digital ID cards in a “reset of priorities” when he enters Downing Street on Monday.
The new Labour leader plans to redirect the resources earmarked for the scheme towards tackling the cost of living, his team indicated on Saturday.
Continue reading...Anna Friel: ‘I go to every location with a bag full of lightbulbs. Lighting really affects how one thinks’
The British actor on no-nonsense women, learning her lines in the bath and encountering a ‘nation of beautiful people’ while filming a new medical drama in Australia
You’re starring in Australian medical drama The F Ward. What was the best medical fact you learned on set?
Some of the operations I studied and watched in order to emulate them, I couldn’t believe that the patient was alive. Half of their body was outside of them; that should be inside!
Continue reading...The moment I knew: I thought he was a handsome, arrogant colleague – then the tension between us broke
At work, Alison Muir’s relationship with Peter Thorn veered between flirtation and hostility, until one day he stopped sidestepping his feelings
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In 1990, I’d started an exciting job as executive assistant to the director and chief curator of the not-yet-opened Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. On my first day, I was introduced to Peter, the museum’s talented publications manager. I smiled as I shook his hand, but he made no distinct impression.
As I settled into my role, I felt as if he was deliberately avoiding me. I chalked it up to his apparent conceit as, along with good looks, he had a swagger and confidence that made half the female staff infatuated with him.
Continue reading...Fleetwood still dreaming as Burns leads an open Open
Republican lawmaker Ralph Norman to join race to succeed Lindsey Graham in South Carolina
Congressman to run for seat despite Donald Trump backing Graham’s sister, Darline, should she choose to run
The Republican representative Ralph Norman, of South Carolina, has announced he will join the race to succeed the late senator Lindsey Graham, despite Donald Trump backing Graham’s sister, Darline, should she choose to run.
Announcing the launch of his bid on Saturday, Norman wrote on X: “I’m running to represent the people of South Carolina in the US Senate because we need a fighter who will stand with President Trump and carry on Lindsey Graham’s legacy!”
Continue reading...McIlroy lashes out at DeChambeau for ‘holding the Open hostage’ over penalty row
‘I won’t defend Bryson – I’m not fond of him’
Masters champion says rival’s actions ‘not a good look’
Rory McIlroy has accused a “performative” Bryson DeChambeau of “holding the tournament hostage” after the incredible scenes which marked the end of the American’s second round at the Open.
DeChambeau’s antics were matched in noteworthy terms by the scathing sentiment of McIlroy on Saturday. “I won’t pretend to be up here and defend Bryson,” said McIlroy. “I’m not particularly fond of him.”
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Trump invites Mexico's president to World Cup final amid trade tensions
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France 4-6 England: World Cup third-place playoff – live
World Cup updates from 10pm BST/5pm EDT/7am AEST
France: Maignan, Gusto, Konate, Lacroix, Theo Hernandez, Zaire Emery, Rabiot, Olise, Cherki, Doue, Mbappe. Subs: Samba, Risser, Digne, Upamecano, Kounde, Kone, Dembele, Tchouameni, Thuram, Barcola, Kante, Saliba, Lucas Hernandez, Mateta, Akliouche.
England: Dean Henderson, Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, Spence, Rice, Saka, Eze, Rogers, Rashford, Toney. Subs: Pickford, Trafford, Gordon, James, Madueke, Watkins, Jordan Henderson, Burn, Anderson, Kane, O’Reilly, Bellingham, Chalobah, Stones.
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Flash flood warnings strike north-east US amid wildfire smoke from Canada
Poor air quality from wildfires continues to plague New York City as several neighborhoods hit by thunderstorms
Saturday is delivering a double dose of dangerous weather across the north-eastern US, with smoky skies from Canadian wildfires giving way to severe thunderstorms that have already triggered a flash flood warning as torrential rain pounds parts of the region.
After a brief break on Friday, smoke from the wildfires moved back into New York City and surrounding communities on Saturday, sending air quality back into unhealthy levels.
Continue reading...Republican lawmaker Ralph Norman to join race to succeed Lindsey Graham in South Carolina
Congressman to run for seat despite Donald Trump backing Graham’s sister, Darline, should she choose to run
The Republican representative Ralph Norman, of South Carolina, has announced he will join the race to succeed the late senator Lindsey Graham, despite Donald Trump backing Graham’s sister, Darline, should she choose to run.
Announcing the launch of his bid on Saturday, Norman wrote on X: “I’m running to represent the people of South Carolina in the US Senate because we need a fighter who will stand with President Trump and carry on Lindsey Graham’s legacy!”
Continue reading...Rep. Ralph Norman launches campaign to replace Lindsey Graham in Senate race
Counter terror police investigating threat to Islamic event charge man with weapons offences
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Chelsea poised to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in record-breaking £117m deal
Fee makes Rogers most expensive English player
Arsenal were also keen on Rogers, a £15m Villa signing
Chelsea are poised to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117m. The attacking midfielder has agreed terms on a six-year contract and is due to undergo a medical on Monday.
Arsenal were interested in Rogers and made contact with Villa this month but Chelsea have long tracked the 23-year-old’s progress and have moved quickly to land one of Xabi Alonso’s top targets.
Continue reading...U.S. cancels automatic protections for imperiled animals as critics warn of extinctions
Argentina 24-31 England: Nations Championship rugby – live
Live rugby union updates from 8.10pm BST/4.10pm ART
4 mins. On the next attack Fin Smith floats a beautiful kick towards Freeman’s wing who soars above Carreras to claim it and score.
Who had four minutes on a fight breaking out? Because immediately after the touchdown there’s some afters that Freeman takes exception to which Chessum runs a full 15 metres towards to get involved with.
Continue reading...Luis de la Fuente reveals Spain will not man-mark Messi in World Cup final
Coach tells of first encounter when Messi was 16
‘I took man-marker off and Messi scored four’
Luis de la Fuente says he will not man-mark Lionel Messi in the World Cup final, even though the Argentina captain has scored eight times and provided four assists and the Spain coach’s own experience suggests it might not be a bad idea.
In the buildup to Sunday’s final in New Jersey, De la Fuente told the story of the first time he encountered Messi, 22 years ago, when the Argentinian was a 16-year-old coming through at Barcelona, he was the youth-team coach at Sevilla and the under-19 cup draw brought them together in the last 16 in May 2004 at the Miniestadi.
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Trump threatens new Canada tariffs over fires sending 'filthy' air into US cities
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Two US troops killed and one missing after Iranian attack in Jordan
Russian online retail warehouses hit by deadly Ukrainian strikes
Thunderstorms, Flooding and Strong Winds Sweep the Northeast
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Boosie Lobbied for a Trump Pardon. It Never Came. He Wants a Refund.
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U.S. launches new airstrikes to 'punish' Iran for troop deaths
Two U.S. service members were killed in action while "partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks," U.S. Central Command said Saturday.
(Image credit: Vahid Salemi)
