m.jilibet Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's "America's Got Talent" meets "American Idol," with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it's never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at "Dream Team" status given the men's side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. "We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport," said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. "We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world." Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. "Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That's something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado's two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. "If a receiver is running around, I'm thinking, 'OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,'" Daniels explained. "They're like, 'No, you can't.' I'm just like, 'So I'm supposed to let this guy just run?!' I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn." The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. "I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. "I'm not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, 'I played NFL football for five years. I'm popular. I have a huge name.' I'm still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise." Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It's his way of working on avoiding a "defender" trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. "You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the 'Redeem Team' led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, 'That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. "Everybody thinks, 'Yeah, the U.S. just wins,'" Daniels said. "But we work hard all the time. We don't just walk in. We don't just get off the bus thinking, 'We're going to beat people.'"

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart's sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are re-evaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups. The changes announced by the world's biggest retailer on Monday followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings , their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. They straightened it out in overtime, no sweat, because Sam Darnold simply hasn't been fazed. Save for his occasional rash of turnovers, in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold proved again on Sunday in defeating the Bears that he's directing a passing attack with the potential to be one of the NFL 's most potent. “I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. I think he’s confident in the guys around him, and I think he’s confident in our system,” coach Kevin O'Connell said after the 30-27 victory. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold led the Vikings on a 68-yard drive to set up the game-ending field goal while overcoming a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent setbacks with a false start and a holding penalty. On third-and-10 from the 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the sideline for 13 yards. On first-and-15 from the 29, Darnold threaded a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he'd muscled his way through Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for the clutch catch after he'd been all but silenced all afternoon by a defense determined to constantly bracket him with double coverage. On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open T.J. Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then two plays later off a second-and-8 play-action fake, he found Hockenson again on a deep corner route for 29 yards to put Parker Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner. “Just execute. It’s as simple as that. Just one play at a time," said Darnold, who went 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. “I think I tell the guys that every single time in the huddle, but that’s my mindset every single time I’m out there on the field, especially in that situation.” Even when Jefferson continues to draw an extraordinary amount of coverage , the Vikings with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of their crew running O'Connell's system have proven they have an offense that can go win a game when it's required. That wouldn't be possible without Darnold, whose career rebirth has helped spark the Vikings (9-2) become one of the league's biggest surprises in what's now its most difficult division. “He’s cool, calm, collected,” Hockenson said. "That’s what you want as the leader of the huddle.” The Vikings' defense ranks ninth in the league on third downs, allowing a conversion rate of 34.5% after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings are tied for first on fourth downs with an allowance of 36.4% after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions came in the fourth quarter during touchdown drives. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52). The Vikings had seven possessions that crossed the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them yielded touchdowns. Their lone turnover was the type of game-altering giveaways they've struggled to eliminate this month, a fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line that ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings are tied for 20th in the league in red zone touchdown rate (53.9%) and are 17th in goal-to-go touchdowns (72%). Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown on nine throws from Darnold. The second-year wide receiver has had a quieter season than his rookie year, but he stepped up in a significant way on an afternoon when Jefferson was as smothered by the opposing secondary as ever. TE Johnny Mundt had the onside kick glance off his shin as he charged toward the coverage, and the first kicking team recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also had the false start on the overtime drive. His lone catch was a 7-yard gain when he was stopped short of the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and Hockenson took 48 snaps with Oliver out. The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O'Connell said on Monday those players were still in "evaluation mode." Oliver (ankle) will have an opportunity to return after being sidelined last week. 101.7 — Darnold's passer rating, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has posted a 100-plus passer rating in nine of 11 games this season. He had only 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings. The Vikings have four of their next five games at home, starting with Arizona (6-5) this week, Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and a rematch with Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game on Dec. 16. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLKylian Mbappe , Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham all scored in the same match for the first time as Real Madrid secured a crucial three points by beating Atalanta BC 3-2 in the Champions League this evening. Los Blancos started the night just inside the knockout places in 24th, after a dismal start by their lofty standards, and earned just their third win of the league phase in a very tense encounter with the Serie A leaders. Mbappe looked lively early on, testing Atalanta keeper Marco Carnesecchi , before giving Carlo Ancelotti 's side the lead inside 10 minutes with a clinical finish, but he was then forced off with injury later in the opening period. Aurelien Tchouameni 's rash foul on Sead Kolasinac saw Atalanta equalise from the spot thanks to the in-form Charles De Ketelaere , but a quick-fire second-half double from Vini Jr and Bellingham seemed to put the game beyond Gian Piero Gasperini 's men. However, within five minutes, Ademola Lookman dragged La Dea back into the game again, making it 3-2 with over 25 minutes remaining, but despite heavy pressure on Thibaut Courtois 's goal the hosts could not find a dramatic leveller late on, with Mateo Retegui missing a glaring open goal in the final minute of injury time. That sees Atalanta's nine-game winning run come to an end, and it is also the first time since mid-September that they have suffered defeat in any competition. Atalanta drop out of the top eight with tonight's defeat, seeing Bayern Munich, Brest and Aston Villa all overtake them, while Real Madrid are up to 17th with nine points from their six games so far, but those placing are set to change following Wednesday's fixtures. Carnesecchi has denied him once, but he was helpless to this one, as Mbappe gives Real Madrid an early lead thanks to a fabulous first touch beyond Marten de Roon and a powerful low strike with the laces beyond the La Dea goalkeeper. With Mbappe now off the field, Atalanta are also level! Tchouameni's trip on Kolasinac sees Szymon Marciniak point to the spot, and De Ketelaere steps up and buries it into the top corner, racking up his seventh goal involvement in the Champions League already. A huge stroke of good fortune helps Real to retake the lead in Bergamo and it is Vini Jr with his first shot of the evening. An attempt to clear ricochets off Ederson and inadvertently plays the Brazilian attacker through, and he shows fine composure to beat Carnesecchi in the Atalanta goal. And in the blink of an eye Real double their lead! Vini Jr's long ball in behind is latched onto by Bellingham, and Los Blancos's number five side-steps De Roon and fires beyond Carnesecchi, who may think he could have done better with an effort that was rather central. It is the perfect response for Atalanta! Lookman takes on Lucas Vazquez and fires towards Courtois's near post, catching the big Belgian out and bringing the hosts back into the game, and the Nerazzurri are keen to get play going again! After going 12 games without a goal in the Champions League, Bellingham looked back to the player he was early last season, influencing play in all areas of the pitch, and his superb footwork ultimately led to the third and all-important goal for a crucial Real win. Possession: Atalanta 55%-45% Real Madrid Shots: Atalanta 20-10 Real Madrid Shots on target: Atalanta 9-6 Real Madrid Corners: Atalanta 5-2 Real Madrid Fouls: Atalanta 15-13 Real Madrid Serie A leaders Atalanta travel to Sardinia to face Cagliari on Saturday, while Real Madrid will look to overtake Barcelona at the top of La Liga for a short time at least when they make the short trip to Rayo Vallecano later the same day.Spray paint and protest banners cover the walls and pavements of Dongduk women’s university in Seoul. “We’d rather perish than open our doors,” reads one slogan . Since 11 November, students have staged a sit-in, initially occupying the main building and blocking access to classroom buildings across campus, forcing classes to move online and a planned job fair to be cancelled. The outcry was sparked by plans for some departments to admit male students but have since spiralled into a wider clash over the future of women-only spaces in a country that is grappling with the issue of gender equality . “The university’s unilateral decision, made without any input from the students who actually study and live here, left us with no choice but to raise our voices,” one member of Dongduk’s student council says, speaking on condition of anonymity. In South Korea, women’s universities were established in the early 20th century as one of the only paths to higher education for women in a strictly patriarchal society. Today, they are seen by some as vital institutions for nurturing female talent in a country that remains deeply male-dominated. South Korea ranks 94th out of 146 countries in gender equality, according to the World Economic Forum. Women hold just 20% of parliamentary seats and make up only 7.3% of executives at the country’s 500 largest companies . Yoonkyeong Nah, a professor of cultural anthropology at Yonsei University, says that, more broadly: “The protests reflect how young Korean women feel unsafe in public spaces”, citing the prevalence of illegal filming , stalking, and digital sex crimes, including the latest deepfake pornography epidemic . “While providing safe spaces isn’t the primary purpose of women’s universities, students are protesting to maintain what they see as a secure environment for learning – it reveals broader problems in Korean society,” Nah says. The outcry began after students discovered the university administration had been discussing plans to convert its design and performing arts departments to become co-educational. Administrators insist co-education was only one proposal being discussed – citing practical needs for male actors in performing arts and long-term competitiveness concerns. On Thursday, a partial agreement saw classes resume after the university agreed to temporarily suspend co-education discussions, but on Monday, a meeting between student leaders and university administrators reportedly ended without resolution, with students refusing to end their occupation of the main building until the complete withdrawal of the co-education plans. In a statement afterwards, university president Kim Myung-ae warned of “resolute action” against what she described as illegal protests that had violated educational rights. As the weeks have gone by, the dispute has increasingly become a political battleground. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling conservative party, declared that “instigators of violent incidents” must be held accountable for property damage, while Lee Jun-seok, another prominent lawmaker who has frequently clashed with women’s groups, criticised the protests as “ uncivilised ”. The head of a state-run human resources agency suggested “weeding out” the university’s graduates during hiring rounds and declared he “would never accept” a daughter-in-law from the institution. In response, opposition politicians have accused conservatives of weaponising the protests to deflect from their own political troubles, including allegations of election nomination interference. Former lawmaker Jang Hye-young condemned what she called “women bashing” tactics and warned they only “make life more difficult for all women in South Korea”. “Stop using us”, said Choi Hyun-ah, president of Dongduk’s student council, in a recent interview with local daily Kyunghyang Shinmun . “Those who frame this as a gender conflict are simply using students to justify their own views.” In a later statement, the council said politicians and other officials “fail to see the essence and context of the situation, dismissing us simply as ‘rioters’.” The protests have also sparked a strong anti-feminist backlash online. The “male rights” anti-feminist group New Men’s Solidarity has weighed in . The group’s leader, recently convicted for defaming a feminist activist, has threatened to expose the personal information of the “rioters” online, prompting safety concerns. One female YouTuber with over 60,000 followers who voiced support for the protesters was forced to shut down her account after allegedly facing sexual harassment and impersonation attempts. The dispute also reflects deeper structural challenges posed by South Korea’s changing demographics, says Kyuseok Kim, a higher education expert and scholar. Student enrolment in higher education has plunged 18% to 3 million students over the past decade as the country’s already low birthrate continues to slide, forcing some institutions to potentially shutter departments or close entirely . “Universities face a precarious balancing act: preserving their identity while implementing the changes necessary to secure their future,” Kim says. “Even legacy institutions are being forced to reconsider their identities amid unprecedented demographic pressures”. After students overwhelmingly voted last week in favour of the protests, Choi Hyun-ah, the student council president said : “We have made history today in our fight for a democratic Dongduk. “The existence of women’s universities is about advancing women’s educational rights; transitioning to co-education would mean there’s no reason for us to exist at all.”Almost every household and business in NSW will have a weekly compost collection from July 2030, under proposed legislation to mandate food waste recycling and reduce landfill. Overriding a plea by the NSW Local Government Association not to mandate the frequency of collection, the bill says councils must collect food scraps weekly, either separately or in a combined “food organics garden organics” (FOGO) bin. Michelle Gray and her son Harry with their FOGO bin in Rose Bay. Credit: Wolter Peeters NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said in her second reading of the Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment (FOGO Recycling) Bill 2024 last month that stipulating the frequency of service would “ensure that households are not discouraged from using FOGO because of the decomposition of material before collection”. “We are aware of the smell issues – this mandated collection frequency aims to address that,” Sharpe said. The aim is to reduce the waste going to landfill, with space running out in Greater Sydney and some regional areas, and to reduce greenhouse emissions. Rotting organic material in landfill releases methane, which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide for global warming. Loading It comes as a leaked draft of the biannual review of the National Waste Policy Action Plan suggests Australia is unlikely to meet a number of its waste targets, including the goal to halve the amount of organic waste going to landfill by 2030. The report, obtained by the Herald, found 28 per cent of local governments across the country provide FOGO services, and 15 per cent provide garden-only bin collection. Yet, the amount of organic waste going to landfill rose by 3 per cent to 5.89 megatonnes between 2016-17 and 2021-22. The bill also includes mandates for businesses, which is believed to be a first in Australia. A NSW Environment Protection Authority spokesperson said the introduction of the bill meant the state was “leading Australia in food waste reduction”, promising a statewide education campaign to support the new laws. Sharpe said the bill was necessary to reduce the amount of organic waste going into landfill. “There is no beating about the bush – Greater Sydney is running out of landfill. Our recycling rates have stagnated at 2016 levels,” Sharpe told parliament. “There are problems in regional areas too – areas like Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour are also predicted to reach capacity within the decade.” Michelle Gray says FOGO has been “a good learning experience” for her children. Credit: Wolter Peeters On average, food waste makes up more than a third of the material in NSW household red (general rubbish) bins, Sharpe said, and applying the mandates to all households could divert almost 950,000 tonnes of FOGO waste from landfill each year. The EPA spokesperson said, after a decade of government support, there were at least 32 industrial-scale compost facilities in NSW, and the mandates would encourage further investment. For Sydney councils already offering FOGO, the rollout has been bumpy at times. Residents have reported missed bin collections, leading to stench and fly infestations. Moves to reduce general waste collection to fortnightly , as the Inner West Council did last year, are also controversial. Separating food scraps will not be a problem for the Gray household in Rose Bay. Michelle Gray, her husband and her three children are part of a Waverley Council FOGO trial. Previously, the family composted fruit and vegetable scraps at home but sent the remains of eggs, dairy, meat, bread and grains to landfill. Now it all goes in the green (FOGO) bin. “I really liked doing it ourselves, but I also like knowing other people are doing it, so there’s a collective reduction in landfill,” Gray said. Loading “It’s been a good learning experience for [the kids] as well. Kids adapt a lot quicker than adults, and they know that when they finish eating their dinner, their waste goes into FOGO now.” As a former local councillor, Gray is aware of the pushback from some residents but believes it is necessary for environmental reasons. From July 2030, councils must offer a weekly organic waste bin collection and ensure the waste is not contaminated during transport, or face penalties of up to $500,000, or $50,000 a day. The Local Government Association’s submission to the EPA in July opposed fines. Rules for businesses and other institutions will be phased in from 2026 to 2030 and there will be similar fines. There are no fines for households. The bill also requires large supermarkets to record their food donations monthly from July 2026, and permits the EPA to publish the figures. Sharpe told parliament that fines reflected the importance of the mandates, but the approach would not be “draconian”, and there would be exemptions where needed. The Coalition supported development of FOGO while in government but does not yet have a position on the bill. The Greens are yet to examine the bill in detail but welcomed the issue being on the agenda. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Recycling Recycling crisis Climate crisis State Parliament Penny Sharpe Sydney councils More... Caitlin Fitzsimmons is the environment and climate reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. She was previously the social affairs reporter and the Money editor. Connect via Twitter , Facebook or email . Most Viewed in Environment Loading

NoneGovernment departments are on a collision course with unions unsatisfied with proposals to raise pay for more than a million public sector workers by 2.8% next year. Inflation is predicted to average 2.5% this year and 2.6% next year, according to forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. The British Medical Association said the Government showed a “poor grasp” of unresolved issues from two years of industrial action, and the Royal College of Nursing called the pay recommendation “deeply offensive”. The National Education Union’s chief said teachers were “putting the Government on notice” that the proposed increase “won’t do”. The pay recommendations came after Chancellor Rachel Reeves called for every Government department to cut costs by 5%, as she started work on a sweeping multi-year spending review to be published in 2025. Independent pay review bodies will consider the proposals for pay rises for teachers, NHS workers and senior civil servants. The Department of Health said it viewed 2.8% as a “reasonable amount” to set aside, in its recommendations to the NHS Pay Review Body and the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration Board remit groups. A 2.8% pay rise for teachers in 2025/26 would “maintain the competitiveness of teachers’ pay despite the challenging financial backdrop the Government is facing”, the Department for Education said. The Cabinet Office also suggested pay increases for senior civil servants should be kept to no more than 2.8%. Paul Johnson, director of the influential economics think tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), said it was “not a bad ballpark figure” and feels “just about affordable” given the Government’s public spending plans. The downside, he said, is that public sector workers have lost out since 2010 and unions will be upset that this is not making up the gap, he told Sky News’ Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge. “But given the constraints facing the Chancellor I think it’s pretty hard to argue for more for public sector pay when public sector services ... are under real strain,” he said. Unions expressed their disappointment in the recommendations, with some hinting they could be willing to launch industrial action. The Royal College of Nursing general secretary and chief executive called for “open direct talks now” to avoid “further escalation to disputes and ballots”. Professor Nicola Ranger said: “The Government has today told nursing staff they are worth as little as £2 extra a day, less than the price of a coffee. “Nursing is in crisis – there are fewer joining and too many experienced professionals leaving. This is deeply offensive to nursing staff, detrimental to their patients and contradictory to hopes of rebuilding the NHS. “The public understands the value of nursing and they know that meaningful reform of the NHS requires addressing the crisis in nursing. “We pulled out of the Pay Review Body process, alongside other unions, because it is not the route to address the current crisis. “That has been demonstrated today. “Fair pay must be matched by structural reform. Let’s open direct talks now and avoid further escalation to disputes and ballots – I have said that directly to government today.” Professor Philip Banfield, chairman of the British Medical Association’s council, urged the sector’s pay review body to “show it is now truly independent”. “For this Government to give evidence to the doctors’ and dentists’ pay review body (DDRB) believing a 2.8% pay rise is enough, indicates a poor grasp of the unresolved issues from two years of industrial action,” he said. He said the proposal is far below the current rate of inflation and that the Government was “under no illusion” when doctors accepted pay offers in the summer that there was a “very real risk of further industrial action” if “pay erosion” was not addressed in future pay rounds. “This sub-inflationary suggestion from the current Government serves as a test to the DDRB. “The BMA expects it to take this opportunity to show it is now truly independent, to take an objective view of the evidence it receives from all parties, not just the Government, and to make an offer that reflects the value of doctors’ skills and expertise in a global market, and that moves them visibly further along the path to full pay restoration.” The NEU’s general secretary, Daniel Kebede, said teachers’ pay had been cut by more than one-fifth in real terms since 2010. “Along with sky-high workload, the pay cuts have resulted in a devastating recruitment and retention crisis. Teacher shortages across the school system hit pupils and parents too. “A 2.8% increase is likely to be below inflation and behind wage increases in the wider economy. This will only deepen the crisis in education.” In a hint that there could be a return to industrial action he added: “NEU members fought to win the pay increases of 2023 and 2024. “We are putting the Government on notice. Our members care deeply about education and feel the depth of the crisis. This won’t do.” The offer for teachers is the “exact opposite of fixing the foundations” and will result in bigger class sizes and more cuts to the curriculum, Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “The inadequacy of the proposed pay award is compounded by the Government’s intention that schools should foot the bill out of their existing allocations. “Given that per-pupil funding will increase on average by less than 1% next year, and the Government’s proposal is for an unfunded 2.8% pay award, it is obvious that this is in fact an announcement of further school cuts.” Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: This recommendation falls far short of what is needed to restore the competitiveness of the teaching profession, to enable it to retain experienced professionals and attract new talent. Unison head of health Helga Pile said: “The Government has inherited a financial mess from its predecessors, but this is not what NHS workers wanted to hear. “Staff are crucial in turning around the fortunes of the NHS. Improving performance is a key Government pledge, but the pay rise proposed is barely above the cost of living.”e are a couple of weeks away from closing out 2024, but it could be that the surprises are not over yet, with a month that promises to be busy for . In addition to the fact that the holiday season is already in full swing, the award-winning artist has just completed her successful which has toured almost the entire world. will turn 35 on December 13, and her boyfriend, , is already planning something special for the occasion According to several sources, "This is a significant birthday for Taylor, so she wants it to be even more memorable." The details of his plans are being kept under wraps. "Travis has shared his ideas only with his inner circle, as he wants to make sure nothing spoils the surprise," they report The source mentions that Kelce "is not one to leave everything to the last minute, so he has been gathering details and gifts in recent months whenever he has had the opportunity." It's important to remember that for 's 35th birthday in October, reportedly spent the hefty sum of $360,000. Several reports point out that this includes lavish gifts and the exclusive rental of a circuit for a full day What's next for Taylor Swift after finishing Eras Tour? It is very clear that the singer will take a break after her tour, which began on March 17, 2023, in , and ended on December 8 in With 's imminent break and recovery time, it's unclear whether the star's birthday plans for her will be more modest. However, the couple is hoping to enjoy more moments together. What about Travis Kelce? The player will not let any inconvenience in his schedule stop him from spending time with on her birthday The , with an impressive 11-1 record, will be in action over birthday weekend. Her celebration is on Friday, while the defending champion team has a game scheduled for Sunday, December 15 in against the .AAP MLA Naresh Balyan arrested for ‘exortion’

Hyderabad: Forests and endowments minister Konda Surekha has expressed suspicion on the handiwork of former secretary of Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGSWREIS) and BRS leader RS Praveen Kumar in the recent cases of food poisoning being reported in those institutions. Addressing media in Hyderabad on Saturday, she also suspected the hand of BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) behind the incidents, as per the inputs from the intelligence. She said that RS Praveen Kumar had many followers in the Gurukuls, and that she was suspecting that they were trying to create unrest by blaming the state government for those food poisoning incidents, seemingly at the behest of KTR. She also alleged that there were irregularities to the tune of crores in Gurukuls, when RS Praveen Kumar was heading the administration of those institutions, “During the previous government, there was no effort made by those in power to inspect the Gurukuls and check the quality of education and facilities being offered to students there. After Congress came to power we have been doing that. Only one incident of food poisoning happened in the present government, which is unfortunate. With a plan they are trying to prevent the government from doing its work. I believe that there is the hand of RS Praveen Kumar in the incidents of food poisoning being reported in the state,” she told the media. She also said that BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) was giving more importance to his daughter K Kavitha, and that was the reason why KTR was feeling left-out. She also said that while Siddipet MLA T Harish Rao and Kavitha formed a team, KTR was feeling isolated. In a strong rebuttal of Surekha’s comments, Praveen Kumar dared the state government to arrest him if he was found to have perpetrated any wrongdoing. “Konda Surekha lost her credibility when she got Telangana activists attacked at Manukota railway station during Telangana movement. She doesn’t even deserve to be a minister. I neglected my own children to ensure the children from these Gurukuls excelled in their careers. The results speak loud about what I could achieve. Konda Surekha should stop holding press meets,” he remarked.

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How Trump’s bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woesOdisha: Modi’s candid interaction with BJP lawmakers goes viralSaaS revenue up 34% as ARR passes $100 million MONTREAL , Dec. 4, 2024 /CNW/ -- Tecsys Inc. TCS , an industry-leading supply chain management SaaS company, today announced its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, ended October 31, 2024 . All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian currency and are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). "Tecsys delivered strong second-quarter results, marked by major milestones in our SaaS business," said Peter Brereton , president and CEO at Tecsys. "We crossed some key thresholds as RPO surpassed $200 million and ARR exceeded $100 million , demonstrating the strength of our SaaS strategy and the trust our customers place in us. We are seeing the positive impact of our investments in innovation and customer success, positioning us well to capitalize on emerging opportunities." Mark Bentler , chief financial officer of Tecsys Inc., added, "Our fiscal 2025 financial performance reflects steady progress across key metrics, with year-to-date SaaS bookings up 20% over last year and our SaaS margins continuing to improve as we scale the business and continue to invest in platform optimization." Second quarter highlights : SaaS revenue increased by 34% to $16.1 million , up from $12.1 million in Q2 2024. SaaS subscription bookings i (measured on an ARR i basis) were $3.7 million , flat compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2024. SaaS Remaining Performance Obligation (RPO i ) increased by 39% to $203.8 million at October 31, 2024 , up from $146.7 million at the same time last year. Total revenue increased to $42.4 million compared to $41.5 million in Q2 2024. Net profit was $0.8 million or $0.05 per share on a fully diluted basis in Q2 2025, compared to a net loss of $0.3 million or $0.02 per share for the same period in fiscal 2024. Adjusted EBITDA ii was $2.9 million compared to $1.0 million reported in Q2 last year. In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, Tecsys acquired 51,600 of its outstanding common shares for approximately $2.1 million as part of its ongoing Normal Course Issuer Bid, compared to 25,800 shares acquired in the same period last year for approximately $0.7 million . Year-to-date performance for first half of fiscal 2025 SaaS revenue increased by 33% to $31.4 million , up from $23.6 million in the same period of fiscal 2024. SaaS subscription bookings i (measured on an ARR i basis) increased by 20% to $6.8 million , compared to $5.7 million in the same period of fiscal 2024. Total revenue increased to $84.7 million compared to $83.5 million in the same period of fiscal 2024. Net profit was $1.6 million ( $0.11 per basic share or $0.10 per fully diluted share) in the first half of fiscal 2025, compared to a net profit of $0.8 million ( $0.06 per basic and fully diluted share) for the same period in fiscal 2024. Adjusted EBITDA ii was $5.5 million compared to $4.2 million reported in the same period of fiscal 2024. In the first half of fiscal 2025, Tecsys acquired 111,200 of its outstanding common shares for approximately $4.3 million as part of its ongoing Normal Course Issuer Bid, compared to 25,800 shares acquired in the same period last year for $0.7 million . Financial guidance: Tecsys is maintaining FY25 guidance on SaaS revenue growth at 30-32% as well as FY25 and FY26 adjusted EBITDA margins at 8-9% and 10-11%, respectively. Based on the ongoing unpredictability of hardware revenue and a rapidly evolving business model that is impacting professional services, Tecsys is revising Fiscal 2025 total revenue guidance to roughly flat. On December 4, 2024 , the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.085 per share to be paid on January 3, 2025 to shareholders of record on December 18, 2024 . Pursuant to the Canadian Income Tax Act, dividends paid by the Company to Canadian residents are considered to be "eligible" dividends. i See Key Performance Indicators in Management's Discussion and Analysis of the Q2 2025 Financial Statements. ii See Non-IFRS Performance Measures in Management's Discussion and Analysis of the Q2 2025 Financial Statements Q2 2025 Financial Results Conference Call Date: December 5, 2024 Time: 8:30 a.m. ET Phone number: 800-836-8184 or 646-357-8785 The call can be replayed until December 12, 2024 , by calling: 888-660-6345 or 646-517-4150 (access code: 91117#) About Tecsys Tecsys is a global provider of advanced supply chain solutions. With a commitment to innovation and customer success, the company equips organizations with the essential software, technology and expertise needed for operational excellence and competitive advantage. Its cloud solutions serve a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, distribution and converging commerce, across multiple complex, regulated and high-volume markets. Built on the Itopia® low-code application platform, Tecsys' offerings include enterprise resource planning, warehouse management, consolidated service management, distribution and transportation management, supply management at the point of use and order management solutions. Tecsys provides critical data insights and control across the supply chain, ensuring that organizations are agile, responsive and scalable. Tecsys is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TCS. For more about Tecsys and its solutions, please visit www.tecsys.com . Forward Looking Statements The statements in this news release relating to matters that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs and assumptions. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties, including but not limited to future economic conditions, the markets that Tecsys Inc. serves, the actions of competitors, major new technological trends, and other factors beyond the control of Tecsys Inc., which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. More information about the risks and uncertainties associated with Tecsys Inc.'s business can be found in the MD&A section of the Company's annual report and the most recently filed annual information form. These documents have been filed with the Canadian securities commissions and are available on our website ( www.tecsys.com ) and on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ). Copyright © Tecsys Inc. 2024. All names, trademarks, products, and services mentioned are registered or unregistered trademarks of their respective owners. Non-IFRS Measures Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA is calculated as earnings before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as EBITDA before stock-based compensation and restructuring costs. The exclusion of interest expense, interest income, income taxes and restructuring costs eliminates the impact on earnings derived from non-operational activities and non-recurring items, and the exclusion of depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation eliminates the non-cash impact of these items. The Company believes that these measures are useful measures of financial performance without the variation caused by the impacts of the items described above and that could potentially distort the analysis of trends in our operating performance. In addition, they are commonly used by investors and analysts to measure a company's performance, its ability to service debt and to meet other payment obligations, or as a common valuation measurement. Excluding these items does not imply that they are necessarily non-recurring. Management believes these non-IFRS financial measures, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, enable investors to evaluate the Company's operating results, underlying performance and future prospects in a manner similar to management. Although EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are frequently used by securities analysts, lenders and others in their evaluation of companies, they have limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results as reported under IFRS. The reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable IFRS measure is provided below. Three months ended October 31, Six months ended October 31, Trailing 12 months ended October 31, (in thousands of CAD) 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net profit (loss) for the period $ 758 $ (340) $ 1,556 $ 831 $ 2,574 $ 2,165 Adjustments for: Depreciation of property and equipment and right-of-use assets 377 377 748 761 1,464 1,677 Amortization of deferred development costs 198 147 395 289 689 569 Amortization of other intangible assets 328 394 662 790 1,365 1,603 Interest expense 24 53 49 91 121 200 Interest income (163) (253) (380) (522) (873) (954) Income taxes 427 (81) 863 778 726 1,988 EBITDA $ 1,949 $ 297 $ 3,893 $ 3,018 $ 6,066 $ 7,248 Adjustments for: Stock based compensation 993 724 1,640 1,176 2,765 2,169 Restructuring costs - - - - 2,122 - Adjusted EBITDA ii $ 2,942 $ 1,021 $ 5,533 $ 4,194 $ 10,953 $ 9,417 Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (In thousands of Canadian dollars) October 31, 2024 April 30, 2024 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 16,848 $ 18,856 Short-term investments 11,496 16,713 Accounts receivable 21,846 22,090 Work in progress 4,498 4,248 Other receivables 375 134 Tax credits 8,704 6,422 Inventory 2,116 1,359 Prepaid expenses and other 8,227 9,143 Total current assets 74,110 78,965 Non-current assets Other long-term receivables and assets 545 421 Tax credits 5,748 4,737 Property and equipment 1,255 1,372 Right-of-use assets 1,044 1,251 Contract acquisition costs 4,356 4,478 Deferred development costs 3,173 2,683 Other intangible assets 7,196 7,703 Goodwill 17,570 17,363 Deferred tax assets 9,073 9,073 Total non-current assets 49,960 49,081 Total assets $ 124,070 $ 128,046 Liabilities Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 18,933 20,030 Deferred revenue 36,925 36,211 Lease obligations 834 812 Total current liabilities 56,692 57,053 Non-current liabilities Other long-term accrued liabilities 568 496 Deferred tax liabilities 649 826 Lease obligations 890 1,302 Total non-current liabilities 2,107 2,624 Total liabilities $ 58,799 $ 59,677 Equity Share capital $ 52,628 $ 52,256 Contributed surplus 6,970 9,417 Retained earnings 7,309 8,121 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,636) (1,425) Total equity attributable to the owners of the Company 65,271 68,369 Total liabilities and equity $ 124,070 $ 128,046 Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Income (loss) and Comprehensive Income (loss) (Unaudited) (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data) Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue: SaaS $ 16,130 $ 12,072 $ 31,444 $ 23,567 Maintenance and Support 7,703 8,899 16,418 17,197 Professional Services 14,145 12,869 27,532 27,777 License 444 252 1,305 708 Hardware 4,020 7,397 8,019 14,215 Total revenue 42,442 41,489 84,718 83,464 Cost of revenue 21,994 23,144 44,542 45,619 Gross profit 20,448 18,345 40,176 37,845 Operating expenses: Sales and marketing 9,052 8,645 17,404 16,316 General and administration 3,199 2,971 6,177 5,930 Research and development, net of tax credits 7,205 7,133 14,536 14,245 Total operating expenses 19,456 18,749 38,117 36,491 Profit (loss) from operations 992 (404) 2,059 1,354 Other income (costs) 193 (17) 360 255 Profit (loss) before income taxes 1,185 (421) 2,419 1,609 Income tax expense (benefit) 427 (81) 863 778 Net profit (loss) $ 758 $ (340) $ 1,556 $ 831 Other comprehensive income (loss): Effective portion of changes in fair value on designated revenue hedges (513) (5,573) (533) (3,000) Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 165 92 322 (334) Comprehensive income (loss) $ 410 $ (5,821) $ 1,345 $ (2,503) Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.05 $ (0.02) $ 0.11 $ 0.06 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.05 $ (0.02) $ 0.10 $ 0.06 Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In thousands of Canadian dollars) Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net profit (loss) $ 758 $ (340) $ 1,556 $ 831 Adjustments for: Depreciation of property and equipment and right-of-use-assets 377 377 748 761 Amortization of deferred development costs 198 147 395 289 Amortization of other intangible assets 328 394 662 790 Interest (income) expense and foreign exchange (gain) loss (193) 17 (360) (255) Unrealized foreign exchange and other 206 600 83 (598) Non-refundable tax credits (505) (774) (934) (1,214) Stock-based compensation 993 724 1,640 1,176 Income taxes 184 362 187 376 Net cash from operating activities excluding changes in non-cash working capital items related to operations 2,346 1,507 3,977 2,156 Accounts receivable (2,132) 4,045 302 2,225 Work in progress 2,245 (1,390) (241) (2,219) Other receivables and assets 84 214 (436) (48) Tax credits (1,325) (1,248) (2,359) (2,319) Inventory (40) (242) (754) (1,084) Prepaid expenses 60 (358) 963 (641) Contract acquisition costs 119 137 80 140 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,119 273 (2,000) (3,293) Deferred revenue 3,652 1,246 691 2,622 Changes in non-cash working capital items related to operations 3,782 2,677 (3,754) (4,617) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 6,128 4,184 223 (2,461) Cash flows from financing activities: Payment of lease obligations (204) (199) (402) (398) Payment of dividends (2,368) (2,208) (2,368) (2,208) Interest paid (24) (53) (49) (91) Issuance of common shares on exercise of stock options 320 881 597 2,644 Shares repurchased and cancelled (2,101) (673) (4,312) (673) Net cash used in financing activities (4,377) (2,252) (6,534) (726) Cash flows from investing activities: Interest received 3 33 27 69 Transfers from short-term investments 5,022 - 5,570 22 Acquisitions of property and equipment (200) (163) (409) (265) Deferred development costs (433) (253) (885) (500) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 4,392 (383) 4,303 (674) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period 6,143 1,549 (2,008) (3,861) Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period 10,705 15,825 18,856 21,235 Cash and cash equivalents - end of period $ 16,848 $ 17,374 $ 16,848 $ 17,374 Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except number of shares) Share capital Contributed Surplus Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income Retained earnings Total Number Amount Balance, May 1, 2024 14,840,150 $ 52,256 $ 9,417 $ (1,425) $ 8,121 $ 68,369 Net profit - - - - 1,556 1,556 Other comprehensive (loss) income: Effective portion of changes in fair value on designated revenue hedges - - - (533) - (533) Exchange difference on translation of foreign operations - - - 322 - 322 Total comprehensive (loss) income - - - (211) 1,556 1,345 Shares repurchased and cancelled (111,200) (394) (3,918) - - (4,312) Stock-based Compensation - - 1,640 - - 1,640 Dividends to equity owners - - - - (2,368) (2,368) Share options exercised 23,899 766 (169) - - 597 Total transactions with owners of the Company (87,301) $ 372 (2,447) $ - $ (2,368) $ (4,443) Balance, October 31, 2024 14,752,849 $ 52,628 $ 6,970 $ (1,636) $ 7,309 $ 65,271 Balance, May 1, 2023 14,582,837 $ 44,338 15,285 $ (17) $ 10,832 $ 70,438 Net profit - - - - 831 831 Other comprehensive income: - Effective portion of changes in fair value on designated revenue hedges - - - (3,000) - (3,000) Exchange difference on translation of foreign operations - - - (334) - (334) Total comprehensive (loss) income - - - (3,334) 831 (2,503) Shares repurchased and cancelled (25,800) (84) (589) - - (673) Stock-based Compensation - - 1,176 - - 1,176 Dividends to equity owners - - - - (2,208) (2,208) Share options exercised 161,249 3,388 (744) - - 2,644 Total transactions with owners of the Company 135,449 $ 3,304 (157) $ - $ (2,208) $ 939 Balance, October 31, 2023 14,718,286 $ 47,642 15,128 $ (3,351) $ 9,455 $ 68,874 SOURCE Tecsys Inc. View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2024/04/c3785.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

BCSS launches holiday fundraising campaignNone

Inflation is predicted to average 2.5% this year and 2.6% next year, according to forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. The British Medical Association said the Government showed a “poor grasp” of unresolved issues from two years of industrial action, and the Royal College of Nursing called the pay recommendation “deeply offensive”. The National Education Union’s chief said teachers were “putting the Government on notice” that the proposed increase “won’t do”. The pay recommendations came after Chancellor Rachel Reeves called for every Government department to cut costs by 5%, as she started work on a sweeping multi-year spending review to be published in 2025. Independent pay review bodies will consider the proposals for pay rises for teachers, NHS workers and senior civil servants. The Department of Health said it viewed 2.8% as a “reasonable amount” to set aside, in its recommendations to the NHS Pay Review Body and the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration Board remit groups. A 2.8% pay rise for teachers in 2025/26 would “maintain the competitiveness of teachers’ pay despite the challenging financial backdrop the Government is facing”, the Department for Education said. The Cabinet Office also suggested pay increases for senior civil servants should be kept to no more than 2.8%. Paul Johnson, director of the influential economics think tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), said it was “not a bad ballpark figure” and feels “just about affordable” given the Government’s public spending plans. The downside, he said, is that public sector workers have lost out since 2010 and unions will be upset that this is not making up the gap, he told Sky News’ Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge. “But given the constraints facing the Chancellor I think it’s pretty hard to argue for more for public sector pay when public sector services ... are under real strain,” he said. Unions expressed their disappointment in the recommendations, with some hinting they could be willing to launch industrial action. The Royal College of Nursing general secretary and chief executive called for “open direct talks now” to avoid “further escalation to disputes and ballots”. Professor Nicola Ranger said: “The Government has today told nursing staff they are worth as little as £2 extra a day, less than the price of a coffee. “Nursing is in crisis – there are fewer joining and too many experienced professionals leaving. This is deeply offensive to nursing staff, detrimental to their patients and contradictory to hopes of rebuilding the NHS. “The public understands the value of nursing and they know that meaningful reform of the NHS requires addressing the crisis in nursing. “We pulled out of the Pay Review Body process, alongside other unions, because it is not the route to address the current crisis. “That has been demonstrated today. “Fair pay must be matched by structural reform. Let’s open direct talks now and avoid further escalation to disputes and ballots – I have said that directly to government today.” Professor Philip Banfield, chairman of the British Medical Association’s council, urged the sector’s pay review body to “show it is now truly independent”. “For this Government to give evidence to the doctors’ and dentists’ pay review body (DDRB) believing a 2.8% pay rise is enough, indicates a poor grasp of the unresolved issues from two years of industrial action,” he said. He said the proposal is far below the current rate of inflation and that the Government was “under no illusion” when doctors accepted pay offers in the summer that there was a “very real risk of further industrial action” if “pay erosion” was not addressed in future pay rounds. “This sub-inflationary suggestion from the current Government serves as a test to the DDRB. “The BMA expects it to take this opportunity to show it is now truly independent, to take an objective view of the evidence it receives from all parties, not just the Government, and to make an offer that reflects the value of doctors’ skills and expertise in a global market, and that moves them visibly further along the path to full pay restoration.” The NEU’s general secretary, Daniel Kebede, said teachers’ pay had been cut by more than one-fifth in real terms since 2010. “Along with sky-high workload, the pay cuts have resulted in a devastating recruitment and retention crisis. Teacher shortages across the school system hit pupils and parents too. “A 2.8% increase is likely to be below inflation and behind wage increases in the wider economy. This will only deepen the crisis in education.” In a hint that there could be a return to industrial action he added: “NEU members fought to win the pay increases of 2023 and 2024. “We are putting the Government on notice. Our members care deeply about education and feel the depth of the crisis. This won’t do.” The offer for teachers is the “exact opposite of fixing the foundations” and will result in bigger class sizes and more cuts to the curriculum, Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “The inadequacy of the proposed pay award is compounded by the Government’s intention that schools should foot the bill out of their existing allocations. “Given that per-pupil funding will increase on average by less than 1% next year, and the Government’s proposal is for an unfunded 2.8% pay award, it is obvious that this is in fact an announcement of further school cuts.” Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: This recommendation falls far short of what is needed to restore the competitiveness of the teaching profession, to enable it to retain experienced professionals and attract new talent. Unison head of health Helga Pile said: “The Government has inherited a financial mess from its predecessors, but this is not what NHS workers wanted to hear. “Staff are crucial in turning around the fortunes of the NHS. Improving performance is a key Government pledge, but the pay rise proposed is barely above the cost of living.”Arne Slot ’s Liverpool have enjoyed a sensational start to the season, winning 16 of their first 18 games to dominate both the Premier League and the Champions League. Having dropped just five points so far, the Reds now face a true test of their resolve with back-to-back clashes at Anfield against Real Madrid on Wednesday in the UCL and Manchester City on Sunday. Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Sunderland talent Trey Ogunsuyi and may prepare a bold January move for the Black Cats prospect. His potential arrival could coincide with the departure of one of Liverpool’s own young strikers. With the January transfer window nearing, the Reds have an opportunity to strengthen their squad as they aim to contend for four trophies in the second half of the season. Slot eyes Sunderland striker as Jayden Danns set for Anfield exit According to the Sunderland Echo , Liverpool are focusing on long-term planning and have shown a strong interest in 17-year-old Sunderland prospect Trey Ogunsuyi. The Belgian youth international, yet to make his senior debut, has been named on the bench three times this season under Regis Le Bris, including during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Millwall. With Ogunsuyi’s contract running until the summer of 2026 , Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for the teenager. It remains unclear whether they will act in January or wait until the summer, but success this time would mark redemption for the Reds after narrowly missing out on signing him as a scholar. Belgian striker Trey Ogunsuyi is making a name for himself at academy level, and he could be the next hot prospect off the Sunderland production line! @PaddyHollis123 #HawayTheLads // #SAFC https://t.co/znxOO6rl3n Liverpool forward set to be loaned out Liverpool may look to sweeten a potential deal for Trey Ogunsuyi by offering Sunderland the chance to take 18-year-old forward Jayden Danns on loan for the remainder of the season. Danns played five times for Liverpool’s senior side last season , catching attention with a brace in a 3-0 FA Cup win over Southampton, and will temporarily leave Anfield in January. While injuries have disrupted his progress this season, Danns recently returned to action, prompting Liverpool to consider a loan move to aid his development. The Reds favour sending him to a Championship side, inspired by the impressive strides Ben Doak has made during his loan at Middlesbrough. Privileged to have signed a new contract with this incredible club @LFC pic.twitter.com/Ne92KiWBa5 Anfield could serve as the perfect platform for Sunderland’s Trey Ogunsuyi, offering him the ideal environment for development. The young striker has received glowing praise, raising the possibility of him earning a place in Liverpool’s first team in the future. For Jayden Danns, a loan move appears to be the most sensible path forward. A recent return from injury positions him perfectly for a stint at a Championship club, offering the opportunity to gain first-team action. This article first appeared on The Kop Times and was syndicated with permission.None

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Smiling Hunter Biden seen in first photos since receiving presidential pardonInflation is predicted to average 2.5% this year and 2.6% next year, according to forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. The British Medical Association said the Government showed a “poor grasp” of unresolved issues from two years of industrial action, and the Royal College of Nursing called the pay recommendation “deeply offensive”. The National Education Union’s chief said teachers were “putting the Government on notice” that the proposed increase “won’t do”. The pay recommendations came after Chancellor Rachel Reeves called for every Government department to cut costs by 5%, as she started work on a sweeping multi-year spending review to be published in 2025. Independent pay review bodies will consider the proposals for pay rises for teachers, NHS workers and senior civil servants. The Department of Health said it viewed 2.8% as a “reasonable amount” to set aside, in its recommendations to the NHS Pay Review Body and the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration Board remit groups. A 2.8% pay rise for teachers in 2025/26 would “maintain the competitiveness of teachers’ pay despite the challenging financial backdrop the Government is facing”, the Department for Education said. The Cabinet Office also suggested pay increases for senior civil servants should be kept to no more than 2.8%. Paul Johnson, director of the influential economics think tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), said it was “not a bad ballpark figure” and feels “just about affordable” given the Government’s public spending plans. The downside, he said, is that public sector workers have lost out since 2010 and unions will be upset that this is not making up the gap, he told Sky News’ Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge. “But given the constraints facing the Chancellor I think it’s pretty hard to argue for more for public sector pay when public sector services ... are under real strain,” he said. Unions expressed their disappointment in the recommendations, with some hinting they could be willing to launch industrial action. The Royal College of Nursing general secretary and chief executive called for “open direct talks now” to avoid “further escalation to disputes and ballots”. Professor Nicola Ranger said: “The Government has today told nursing staff they are worth as little as £2 extra a day, less than the price of a coffee. “Nursing is in crisis – there are fewer joining and too many experienced professionals leaving. This is deeply offensive to nursing staff, detrimental to their patients and contradictory to hopes of rebuilding the NHS. “The public understands the value of nursing and they know that meaningful reform of the NHS requires addressing the crisis in nursing. “We pulled out of the Pay Review Body process, alongside other unions, because it is not the route to address the current crisis. “That has been demonstrated today. “Fair pay must be matched by structural reform. Let’s open direct talks now and avoid further escalation to disputes and ballots – I have said that directly to government today.” Professor Philip Banfield, chairman of the British Medical Association’s council, urged the sector’s pay review body to “show it is now truly independent”. “For this Government to give evidence to the doctors’ and dentists’ pay review body (DDRB) believing a 2.8% pay rise is enough, indicates a poor grasp of the unresolved issues from two years of industrial action,” he said. He said the proposal is far below the current rate of inflation and that the Government was “under no illusion” when doctors accepted pay offers in the summer that there was a “very real risk of further industrial action” if “pay erosion” was not addressed in future pay rounds. “This sub-inflationary suggestion from the current Government serves as a test to the DDRB. “The BMA expects it to take this opportunity to show it is now truly independent, to take an objective view of the evidence it receives from all parties, not just the Government, and to make an offer that reflects the value of doctors’ skills and expertise in a global market, and that moves them visibly further along the path to full pay restoration.” The NEU’s general secretary, Daniel Kebede, said teachers’ pay had been cut by more than one-fifth in real terms since 2010. “Along with sky-high workload, the pay cuts have resulted in a devastating recruitment and retention crisis. Teacher shortages across the school system hit pupils and parents too. “A 2.8% increase is likely to be below inflation and behind wage increases in the wider economy. This will only deepen the crisis in education.” In a hint that there could be a return to industrial action he added: “NEU members fought to win the pay increases of 2023 and 2024. “We are putting the Government on notice. Our members care deeply about education and feel the depth of the crisis. This won’t do.” The offer for teachers is the “exact opposite of fixing the foundations” and will result in bigger class sizes and more cuts to the curriculum, Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “The inadequacy of the proposed pay award is compounded by the Government’s intention that schools should foot the bill out of their existing allocations. “Given that per-pupil funding will increase on average by less than 1% next year, and the Government’s proposal is for an unfunded 2.8% pay award, it is obvious that this is in fact an announcement of further school cuts.” Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: This recommendation falls far short of what is needed to restore the competitiveness of the teaching profession, to enable it to retain experienced professionals and attract new talent. Unison head of health Helga Pile said: “The Government has inherited a financial mess from its predecessors, but this is not what NHS workers wanted to hear. “Staff are crucial in turning around the fortunes of the NHS. Improving performance is a key Government pledge, but the pay rise proposed is barely above the cost of living.”