Call the Midwife is back on our screens following a dramatic double-bill festive special. Here's the lowdown on what to expect from the new series. After a heart-wrenching Christmas special set in 1969, Call the Midwife returns to BBC One for season 14. A sneak peek of a pivotal scene has already been shared on the show's social media accounts. The caption hinted at a dramatic plot twist, saying: "The end is approaching... With all this talk of endings, we thought we'd share a little technical detail from this behind-scenes picture of Zephryn Taitte (Cyril), as he completes a close up for an important [season 14] scene." Filming has now wrapped, with a photo of Stephen McGann (Dr Turner) and Natalie Quarry (Nurse Clifford) marking the end of production with a clapperboard. The post revealed: "We have just received this traditional 'end slate' clapperboard shot from the set of Call the Midwife, where the very final scene of Series 14 has just been filmed!! This year it was the turn of Stephen McGann and Natalie Quarry to bring the filming to a close with a VERY emotional story.." Viewers will have to wait and see what's in store, but here's when the new series kicks off. Call the Midwife season 14 premieres on Sunday, January 5 on BBC One at 8pm. The eight-episode series begins with a story set in March 1970, with the team rallying around a pregnant teenage girl whose parents believe in an immaculate conception. "Demonstrations cause havoc for the Nonnatus team, whilst Nancy's relationship blossoms." In the festive episode, Nancy lent a hand to a dashing gent in need of Dr Turner's expertise, leading to him asking her out. She initially turned down the date, but after bumping into him at the Nonnatus House carol service, it seemed romance could be on the cards. The beloved cast is set to return with Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne, Linda Bassett as Nurse Phyllis Crane, and Judy Parfitt taking on the role of Sister Monica Joan. Helen George will reprise her role as Trixie Franklin, alongside Laura Main as Shelagh Turner and Georgie Glen as Miss Higgins. Fans can catch the new season of Call the Midwife on BBC One, starting January 5 at 8pm.Posted: Thursday, December 26, 2024. 2:48 pm CST. The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News. (Note: This TIME COME post features a guest piece by Mr. Grinch – or at least inspired by him. And Happy Holidays to all my readers.) By ‘Di Grinch’, TIME COME #18, 20 December 2024. I live on hill where it blows and it snows. So, I crave a place with no need for ploughs. Perhaps a warm isthmus with a nice quiet Christmas. To catch some warm breeze and escape the deep freeze. My mutt Max says, ‘let’s do Belize’. Hmmmm? But is it just what he heard from that migratory bird? That Belize now has tons of free turkeys and hams. Free turkeys and hams! Is it but a scam? The Grinch knows what to do! Trusting Max nor A.I., I will employ a good spy. Christmas in Belize? Do I go, or abort? Well, let me first read my intel report. Dear Mr. Grinch, Greetings from Belize and much thanks for the commission – though please note that I am a ‘consultant’, not ‘spy’. But straight to the point as your deadline is tight. The rumour Max heard is no rumour at all. At Christmas in Belize there are free turkeys and hams! There are also loud parties with free food and free drinks, with free gifts for the kids, and with free raffles of fridges. And some get free cash, if cards are played right. Who can argue with all this free giving in a season of joy? Perhaps you, Mr. Grinch? But I rudely digress. So yes, Max was right about free turkeys and hams. It’s important you know that some free ‘givings’ at Christmas are well above board. Several kind people and charity groups give food (including turkeys and hams) and gifts to some most in need. But these are not the free turkeys and hams that have Max excited. Those ones are doled out by politicos painted deep blue or deep red. (No green as yet, I am afraid, Mr. Grinch). The Blues – the People’s United Party (PUP) – and the Reds – the United Democratic Party (UDP) – have made such free ‘givings’ quite a fine art. How did it come to this you ask Mr. Grinch? The explanation does require some contextualization. From Informal to Normal It began quite innocently you see, Mr. Grinch. By 1981, when Belize became free, some politicians of both colours hosted wee parties for constituents at Christmas. It was mostly informal and the ‘givings’ were small. They used their own funds or donations from family and friends. Some used part of their constituency ‘vote’ they got from the state, or small contributions from companies like Belize Estate. Over the next three decades, the practice of ‘free givings’ expanded each Christmas. And so, the Blues and the Reds needed more and more funds for more and more free turkeys and hams. Reds Up the Game Voila! In December 2011, the then Red Government had an epiphany: Let’s just officially use public money! All in plain sight. If it is all formalised there is no need to hide giving out turkeys and hams. So, $1.4 million was allocated to a scheme with a name shrewdly innocuous: Christmas Cheer. Who can argue with that? And the money did flow. Red politicians in 31 divisions, elected or not, got $40,000 each for Christmas goodies for their constituents. But the Blue Opposition was quite vexed that its politicians received zero. They did, indeed, moan – and accused the Reds of vote-buying, gross bribery and abusing public funds. Well, the Reds won again in 2012, and by 2013, Christmas Cheer reached a new record of $2.3 million. This time, the 17 Red elected representatives got $90,000 each. The 14 Reds who were just standard bearers (not in the House) got $25,000 each. But guess what, Mr Grinch? The 14 Blue representatives got $25,000 each! Though they complained about the ‘inequity in distribution’, the Blues, took their smaller Cheer with little contrition – and continued to do so except for one year. Did the Blues just forget their vote-buying concerns? Well, they used the excuse that they too needed state money to meet the growing demand for turkeys and hams. By 2020, when the long-reigning Reds got the voters’ boot, Christmas Cheer was its own institution – a national programme much anticipated every December. So, would the new Blue Government, that came to power with the promise to clean up corruption, disband or clean up Christmas Cheer? Alas no, Mr Grinch. Blues Up the Game Instead, the Blues embraced the Reds’ Christmas Cheer tactics, it seems without question. In the Christmas of 2020 (that annus horribilis) the Blues called its programme ‘December COVID-19 Relief Fund’ with an allocation of $930,000. Although very much needed in that dark December, it very much resembled a Christmas Cheer. Since 2021, with the Blues in control, Christmas Cheer has both thrived and solidified. And so embedded was the name that the Blues could not lose it. In 2022, all 31 elected representatives got $75,000 each in Christmas Cheer. The total that year of $2.3 million matched or exceeded the Reds’ 2013 record. Some Belizeans lining up for Christmas Cheer But the Blues did initiate two noteworthy ‘Cheer’ changes. First, elected representatives of both the Blues and the Reds now receive equal amounts of Christmas Cheer funds. Then, in a change more recent, Cheer is allocated based roughly on the number of voters in a constituency. For example, this year, in 2024, all elected representatives of larger constituencies got $90,000 each and those of smaller constituencies got $60,000 each. Does it not all sound so fair? Well, at least until you realise that by adding some rules to the partisan game, it becomes further normalised with more official permission to splurge. An informal bi-partisan agreement perhaps? So, when next in power, the Reds will maintain equity in distribution? In 2024, 43 years after independence, Christmas Cheer and Santa Claus politicians are now deeply embedded in Belize’s political and Christmas culture. Christmas Cheer is now institutional policy, eagerly supported by the Blues and the Reds – and awaited each December by more and more people. But I know Mr. Grinch, you also did ask, “Is it but a scam?” Is it but a Scam? Before I respond, you should know, Mr. Grinch, that Christmas Cheer is but one piece of the broader practice of handout politics in Belize. This is where Red and Blue politicians hand out money, resources and services to voters in return for political support – usually their votes. Besides Christmas Cheer, there are also ‘Cheers’ for Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and such other big periods – like when the school year begins. And every week the politicians of the Reds and the Blues hold ‘clinics’ where constituents can go to personally ask them for bills to be paid, or for cash or for land or for some government favour. Then there are the big Christmas gimmicks like writing off mortgages (2011 by the Reds) and waiving GST (2024 by the Blues). And all this is before it is election day once again. But it’s time to talk scam. Scam 1: Tek di Turkey, Tek di Ham, Vote PUDP The Blues and the Reds all say they are just ‘helping’ the needy and bringing good cheer. But most everyone knows that it’s part of the partisan game where the prize is winning the next election. It’s best seen as ‘transaction’: from my hand to yours – and you owe me something. For you see Mr. Grinch, no matter what accountability measures they boast, each politician ensures that each voter knows that it is, he or she, the individual politician, who is giving. From my own hand to yours. That’s why politicians say insane things like, “I gave Miss Gertrude a turkey and ham.” Or “I gave all the kids in my constituency free gifts.” Or “I gave your daughter a scholarship?” So, Scam 1 is that politicians of the Blues and the Reds personally give voters ‘free’ Christmas goodies but expect their votes in return. But is free really free? Scam 2: Use the People’s Own Money Scam 2 is about where the money comes from for tens of thousands of turkeys and hams. You will recall, Mr. Grinch, that Christmas Cheer money comes from the public treasury. So, the funds for Christmas Cheer can come from things like taxes, duties, fees, returns on investments, grants or loans. In other words, from the people’s money or the people’s debt. Few people know that the $1.4 million for the 2011 Christmas Cheers came from proceeds received by the Red Government from shares it held for the people in the then newly nationalised Belize Telemedia Limited. Then between 2013 and 2019 the Reds funded most of their Christmas Cheers from the PetroCaribe loan provided by Venezuela. One credible estimate is that the total expended just on Christmas Cheer in this period was some $9,000,000.00. In this term of office, the Blues do not say much about the exact public source of the funds for their Christmas Cheers. It is just another line in an annual or supplementary budget. And whereas the Blues used to boastfully announce the monetary amounts for Christmas Cheers in the House, none was made for the over $2 million in 2024. So, Mr. Grinch, the scam here is deceitfully simple: for their personal electoral gain, the Blues and the Reds give people back their own money and make it seem free. But is free really free? I know time is short, but two more things you must know. One is that local governments (like city and town councils) and statutory bodies (like the Belize Tourism Board) also dole out Christmas Cheer, funded largely by the people’s money. The second is that both the Blues and the Reds also get private funds from some big wigs to supplement their Christmas Cheers. The funds or goods or discounts that they get, allow them, in theory, to have more goodies to barter with. There are no records kept here, for Belize has no laws that require political parties and politicians to disclose their donations. Scam 3: Immediate Relief but Core Problems Remain I suggest, Mr. Grinch, that Scam 3 is the most disillusioning of all. Who can blame needy people for accepting free turkeys and hams and free gifts for kids at this time of year? On top of high poverty and much inequality, inflation is rough, making times harder for many. But however much festive joy they bring and however many bellies they full, are most Christmas Cheer givings not just immediate gratifications? So, Mr. Grinch, even as some in need surely do benefit, these seasonal givings are like opiate-laced band-aids. The Blues and the Reds – and some of the people – ignore key questions like: “Why can’t more people afford their own turkeys and hams? And if there is to be a state programme, why must it be implemented by the Blues and the Reds? In short, Mr. Grinch, handout programmes like Christmas Cheer do not address why so many people are poor. Or why a few have so much and most have so little. In fact, such programmes may just foster even more socio-economic dependency on the Blues and the Reds. The more deeply we look, the more evidence we see that the short-term benefits of such things as ‘free’ turkeys and hams are outweighed by their long-lasting damaging effects. For sure programmes like these are wide open to corruption, to waste. How do we know that no public funds end up in private hands or that no deals are made with suppliers for kickbacks? And one often hears of double dipping – where more cunning constituents get again and again, while others get none. What promises are made to big private donors and how much public revenue is lost in this game? How much funds are wasted that could have gone to under-funded social programmes ran by the state? No time to explore such questions right now Mr. Grinch. Your deadline is today, and I must wrap up. The Grinch and Max in Belize? So, Mr. Grinch, by now you know that Belize’s turkeys and hams are not really free – they just seem to be. You may agree that, in principle, there is nothing wrong with people really in need getting social and economic assistance from the state. The issue is how it is done. We have seen that when programmes such as Christmas Cheer, go ‘through’ the hands of Blues and the Reds, their politicians use partisan discretion to decide who gets what and how much. It not only bad for democracy and people’s development, but, as you may suspect, it is not sustainable. But let’s dream for a bit, Mr. Grinch, that most Belizeans agree the needy should receive things like turkeys and hams from public funds each December. Then a sound social welfare programme, based on merit and transparency, is designed and established in a department of government. Then trained public officers implement the programme with full accountability and provide audited records for all to see. Politicians will be banned from any involvement – apart from informing their constituents that the programme exists. Wake up, Mr. Grinch! While your key query was about scams around hams, please do not assume that all is bad in Belize. Of course they are problems, but good things do happen. Belize has great natural beauty with warm beaches, blue seas, a long barrier reef, hundreds of birds, majestic Maya temples and lush forests that are greener than you. And yes, most Belizeans are really welcoming and nice – though I fear this could be a put off knowing you. The economy is growing, and unemployment is low. Minimum wage has been raised, and a National Health Insurance scheme is expanding. And more good things can happen – if Belize can fix things like free turkeys and hams. Mr. Grinch, I hope that this brief will help you decide whether you and Max will do Belize this Christmas. I am sure if you do, that Max can ‘arrange’ to eat dozens of ‘free’ turkeys and hams. As for you, Mr Grinch, you now know that Christmas in Belize comes with big noisy parties, lots of bright lights, much feasting on hams, and sleek politicians. All things that you say make you more and more grumpy. Perhaps you stay home and just send Max to Belize? Happy Holidays Mr. Grinch. Do extend my greetings to Max and the Whos. ******************** Dear Dr. Vernon, I appreciate your wee brief, though it has but increased my grief. I deduce that if we go to Belize, we may never leave – at least not in one piece. So, Max and I will stay put and just travel to nearby places by foot. Bah Hambug! Mr. Grinch But I want to go. Please Mr. Grinch...free turkeys and hams! Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315. © 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
Meta said it is “99% of the way there” in solving an ongoing social media blackout with its apps. On Wednesday at around 6pm, thousands of social media users in parts of the UK reported an outage with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The social media giant reported that a “technical issue” had left users unable to access its services. DownDetector, a website that monitors social media outages, says the three cities hit worst by the outage were London, Manchester and Glasgow. Other major cities hit hard by the blackout were Cardiff, Nottingham and Birmingham. By around 10pm on Wednesday, DownDetector UK said there had been 23,445 reports of Facebook outages, 11,466 Instagram outages and 18,646 on WhatsApp across Britain. In an update issued at 10.26pm on X, Meta said the problem was now nearly resolved. A spokesperson said: “Thanks for bearing with us! We’re 99% of the way there – just doing some last checks. “We apologise to those who’ve been affected by the outage.” Other parts of the world affected include Europe, Asia, South America and Australia, according to DownTracker. To find out if your area is affected, visit: downdetector.co.uk/status/facebook/map .Meta said it is “99% of the way there” in solving an ongoing social media blackout with its apps. On Wednesday at around 6pm, thousands of social media users in parts of the UK reported an outage with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The social media giant reported that a “technical issue” had left users unable to access its services. DownDetector, a website that monitors social media outages, says the three cities hit worst by the outage were London, Manchester and Glasgow. Other major cities hit hard by the blackout were Cardiff, Nottingham and Birmingham. Thanks for bearing with us! We’re 99% of the way there – just doing some last checks. We apologize to those who’ve been affected by the outage. — Meta (@Meta) December 11, 2024 By around 10pm on Wednesday, DownDetector UK said there had been 23,445 reports of Facebook outages, 11,466 Instagram outages and 18,646 on WhatsApp across Britain. In an update issued at 10.26pm on X, Meta said the problem was now nearly resolved. A spokesperson said: “Thanks for bearing with us! We’re 99% of the way there – just doing some last checks. “We apologise to those who’ve been affected by the outage.” Other parts of the world affected include Europe, Asia, South America and Australia, according to DownTracker. To find out if your area is affected, visit: downdetector.co.uk/status/facebook/map .
Football: A constant at Wells? The Potter family connectionWall Street stocks were little changed on Thursday while Asian equities rose in thin Boxing Day trade, extending their "Santa Claus Rally" with several bourses still shut for the holiday. Japan's Nikkei index closed up 1.1 percent, boosted by comments from the Bank of Japan governor and share price gains for top-selling automaker Toyota. China's plans for massive bond issuances in 2025 also bolstered investor sentiment. "Even though many in the region are still shaking off a bit of a holiday hangover, with several markets closed for Boxing Day, Asian stocks opened higher, riding a favorable wave from China's financial bond juggernaut," said Stephen Innes from SPI Asset Management. In New York, major indices veered in and out of positive territory in a sleepy post-Christmas session. The broad-based S&P 500 finished down less than 0.1 percent. Large technology companies that have led the market in much of 2024 mostly took a breather. These included Netflix, Tesla and Amazon, all of which declined. "What's interesting today is that we're seeing small stocks bounce back a little bit," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers, noting that the Russell 2000 index put on 0.9 percent. Holiday consumer data showed a 3.8-percent increase in US retail spending from November 1 to December 24, according to a Mastercard SpendingPulse review of a key period for retailers. London Stockton, an analyst at Ned Davis Research, noted that the "Santa Claus rally could still be alive, with strong seasonality into the end of the year." Stock markets have traditionally fared well in the last five trading days of the year and the first two in the new year, a trend known as the "Santa Claus rally." Among a number of possible reasons advanced by experts include the festive holiday mood and purchasing ahead of the end of the tax year. Innes said remarks from Bank of Japan governor Kazuo Ueda in which he refrained from signaling a potential interest rate hike next month also "influenced bullish regional sentiments." Japanese market heavyweight Toyota ended nearly six percent higher after reports in the Nikkei business daily said it aimed to double its return on equity -- a key measure of a company's financial performance. New York - Dow: UP 0.1 percent at 43,325.80 (close) New York - S&P 500: DOWN less than 0.1 percent at 6,037.59 (close) New York - Nasdaq: DOWN 0.1 percent at 20,020.36 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.1 percent at 39,568.06 points (close) Hang Seng: UP 1.1 percent at 20,098.29 points (Tuesday close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 3,398.08 points (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0424 from $1.0414 on Tuesday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2526 from $1.2538 Dollar/yen: UP at 158.00 yen from 157.06 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.19 pence from 83.05 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.7 percent at $69.62 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.4 percent at $73.26 per barrel bur-jmb/ahaPolitics live chat: the Star's Ottawa reporters take your questions on the year in politics
Commissioner Goodell says no change to NFL’s relationship with Jay-Z amid rape allegationsState semifinals await for Ryan and ArgyleMovie Review: ‘September 5’ goes inside a newsroom during the Munich Olympics hostage crisisFormer General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Nana Yaa Jantuah, has voiced sharp criticism against Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) following allegations of manipulation in the 2024 general elections. Her concerns come amid heightened tensions surrounding the transparency and credibility of the electoral process, as reported by GhanaWeb. Nana Yaa Jantuah’s remarks highlight growing skepticism about the EC’s handling of the elections. She accused the Commission of acting in ways that undermined public confidence, particularly regarding the declaration of results. These allegations have intensified debates about the neutrality of the EC and its role in ensuring fair elections. This isn’t the first time the EC has faced backlash. Political analysts and stakeholders have pointed out inconsistencies in the electoral process that fueled public mistrust. Nana Yaa Jantuah’s comments echo broader concerns among opposition parties, civil society organizations, and voters about the integrity of the 2024 elections. Her criticisms come at a time when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been celebrating a decisive victory, securing 187 parliamentary seats. However, the NDC’s victory has not gone without challenges, as it is still pursuing additional seats in contested constituencies. Former NPP National Chairman Freddie Blay has also weighed in, expressing surprise at the NDC’s determination to secure more seats despite their significant gains. “I’m surprised that NDC has won 187, and still chasing after two, three seats,” he stated, reflecting on the intense political competition. Meanwhile, other political figures, like Nana Obiri Boahen of the NPP, have described the election results as unusual, pointing to the NPP’s unexpected defeat in key strongholds. Nana Yaa Jantuah’s accusations against the EC have added to the controversy, with calls for reforms to address perceived flaws in the electoral system. Her criticism serves as a rallying cry for greater accountability, particularly as political parties and stakeholders reflect on the election’s outcomes. As discussions about the 2024 elections continue, many are urging the EC to address the allegations to rebuild public trust. Nana Yaa Jantuah’s statements underline the importance of transparency and fairness in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy. The spotlight now falls on the Electoral Commission to respond to these concerns and ensure future elections are conducted with integrity.
Inverurie Locos boss Dean Donaldson questioned the mentality of his side despite fighting back from two down to draw 2-2 with Buckie Thistle at Victoria Park. Marcus Goodall and Sam Pugh struck early on for the Breedon Highland League champions, but Calum Dingwall and Callum Duncan responded for the Railwaymen. Inverurie are fourth in the table with this point moving them above Banks o’ Dee, who have two games in hand. Donaldson said: “I’m angry with the first half and how we started. The mentality isn’t right, boys moaning about being in certain positions and moaning about it being tough. “Although I’m delighted with the character we’ve shown to come back, we can’t be giving any team a two-goal start. “The character is pleasing, but if it isn’t for the likes of Paul Coutts, Mark Souter, Calum Dingwall and Zack Ellis we probably lose by a few goals. “Boys are showing up and they’re just happy to be playing and that mentality is never going to be good enough. “We need to start games properly, we can’t just float about and think we’re football players, you need to win your battles first.” Big decisions frustrate MacKinnon and manager Lewis MacKinnon was disappointed they gave up their lead. He also felt Inverurie could have been reduced to 10 men in the second half with the score at 2-2 when Paul Coutts tripped Jack MacIver at the edge of box. Coutts was booked with referee Robert Mackinnon ruling it wasn’t a clear goalscoring opportunity because Milosz Ochmanski was covering. Buckie’s MacKinnon added: “Surrendering a two-goal lead is disappointing, particularly given the chances we missed in the second half. “There were a couple of key moments that didn’t go for us. There was a clear goalscoring opportunity denied which everyone in the ground saw accept the man that counts. “I also thought Andrew MacAskill was wiped out in the box after winning a header, but we got a corner rather than a penalty. “We don’t seem to be getting those decisions this season. I didn’t like the goals we lost, but we had enough chances to win it.” Match action After a minute Buckie goalkeeper Mark Ridgers denied Cole Anderson from six yards. Then in the seventh minute the Jags took the lead as Goodall headed home MacIver’s cross from the right. Five minutes later Pugh’s superb shot from 20 yards nestled in the top left corner to make it 2-0 to the hosts. However, in the 14th minute Inverurie pulled a goal back. Dingwall found the bottom right corner from the edge of the box after Thomas Reid’s cross from the right wasn’t cleared. In the 52nd minute a tremendous 20-yard strike into the bottom left corner from Locos midfielder Duncan restored parity. Both sides had chances to win this absorbing encounter. Inverurie’s Ryan Park headed straight at Ridgers from eight yards, while in the closing stages Buckie’s Liam Harvey and Darryl McHardy failed to hit the target from similar range as it finished level. Elsewhere, frost meant Huntly v Fraserburgh was postponed. Brora Rangers 1-2 Clachnacuddin Brora Rangers’ pursuit of Breedon Highland League leaders Brechin City suffered a blow when Clachnacuddin stormed back from a goal down to win 2-1 and surge into third spot. Steven Mackay’s second-placed team remain seven points behind City but have just one fixture in hand. , albeit having played two more games. Craig MacKenzie fired Brora in front early on, but Clach rallied. Troy Cooper’s superb equaliser in the second half was what Clach’s efforts merited before James Anderson headed them to maximum points. This fixture came just under two months in the North of Scotland Cup final. However, a much closer contest was always expected here – and so it proved for a team on the rise. Brora made two changes from the side which won through to the quarter-finals of the R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup on penalties against Formartine United at the weekend. In came Tom Kelly and George Robeston for Max Ewan and James Wallace. Visiting manager Conor Gethins, whose team beat Lossiemouth 5-1 to halt a mini-dip on Saturday, handed a start to 20-year-old Ross County goalkeeper Logan Ross, who came in on an emergency loan. Ali Gillies, Rorie MacLeod and Troy Cooper were also promoted to the starting 11. Match action It took just seven minutes for the Sutherland side to open the scoring as MacKenzie rifled home a first-time strike when he connected with a teasing, back-post Kelly cross. Clach responded well and ex-Brora ace Andrew Macrae and Rorie MacLeod flashed terrific efforts just too high within that spell. Brora upped their attacking work as the first half advanced and Shane Sutherland was not far off with a close-range drive, which Ross seemed to have covered as the ball spun just wide. The Merkinchers began on the front foot in the second half, and it took a decent stop from home goalkeeper Danny Gillan to prevent Macrae making a scoring return. At the other end, former Caley Thistle and Elgin City forward Sutherland showed his class with a swift turn and shot from inside the box, but it swerved beyond the left post. However, it was level on the hour mark when Cooper stepped in from the left flank and guided a curling effort beyond the reach of Gillan into the net. More drama followed on 71 minutes when striker Anderson headed home the winner at the back post from a smart Craig Lawrie delivery. This Saturday, Brora host Forres Mechanics, while it’s a derby for Clach at Nairn County.
The states Americans left behind to move to Florida — and where people moving out of Florida headed for greener pasturesLabor's HECS reforms have been labelled 'unfair'. Which politicians got a 'free ride'?
Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1% Thursday, its first loss after three straight gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Gains by retailers and health care stocks helped temper the losses. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields fell in the bond market. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks wavered on Wall Street in afternoon trading Thursday, as gains in tech companies and retailers helped temper losses elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was up less than 0.1% after drifting between small gains and losses. The benchmark index is coming off a three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 10 points, or less than 0.1%, as of 3:20 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite was up 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened after the Christmas holiday. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.5%, Micron Technology was up 1.3% and Adobe gained 0.8%. While tech stocks overall were in the green, some heavyweights were a drag on the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.1%. Meta Platforms fell 0.5%, Amazon was down 0.4%, and Netflix gave up 0.7%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, down 1.4%. Health care stocks helped lift the market. CVS Health rose 1.4% and Walgreens Boots Alliance rose 3.9% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3.1%, Ross Stores added 1.8%, Best Buy was up 2.5% and Dollar Tree gained 3.6%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.2% and 15.9%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. Traders got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields turned mostly lower in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.58% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up roughly 26% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. ___ AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed. Alex Veiga, The Associated Press
Tyrese Hunter tossed in a game-high 26 points to lead Memphis to a 99-97 upset victory over No. 2 UConn on Monday in the first round of the Maui Invitational in Lahaina, Hawaii. Hunter, who played at Iowa State and Texas before transferring to Memphis, made eight field goals with 7-of-10 3-point shooting. The Tigers (5-0) connected on 12 of their 22 3-point attempts in the win. The loss ended a 17-game winning streak dating back to last season for UConn (4-1), the two-time defending national champions. UConn's Hassan Diarra made a free throw to cut the Memphis lead to 99-97 with 2.2 seconds left. He intentionally missed the second free throw and collected the loose ball, but his desperation shot was off the mark. It was 92-92 when UConn's Liam McNeeley was called for an offensive foul with 40.3 seconds left. UConn coach Dan Hurley received a technical for arguing the foul call, and PJ Carter made all four free throws to give the Tigers a four-point lead. Memphis, which squandered a 13-point lead with four minutes to play in regulation, received 22 points from PJ Haggerty, 19 from Colby Rogers and 14 from Dain Dainja. Memphis will play the winner of Monday night's game between Colorado and Michigan State in Tuesday's semifinals. UConn will face the loser of that contest. Tarris Reed Jr. had a team-high 22 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for UConn before he fouled out with 3:18 to play. He made 10 of his 13 field goal attempts. Alex Karaban added 19 points for the Huskies. Jaylin Stewart scored a career-high 16 points, Diarra had 12 and McNeeley added 10. UConn trailed 82-79 after Diarra made two free throws with 24.2 seconds to play in regulation. The Huskies then forced a turnover and tied the game on a 3-pointer by Solo Ball with 1.2 on the clock. Although Memphis shot 56.5 percent from the field (13 for 23) and 50 percent from 3-point territory (5 for 10) in the first half, the game was tied 40-40 after 20 minutes. Neither team led by more than six points in the half. UConn received 29 points from its bench in the first half. Reed scored 15 of those points and Stewart supplied the other 14. --Field Level Media
Tulane QB Mensah transfers to DukeDenver (9-6) at Cincinnati (7-8) Saturday, 4:30 p.m. EST, NFL Network BetMGM NFL Odds: Bengals by 3. Against the spread: Broncos 11-4, Bengals 9-6. Series record: Broncos lead 22-11. Last meeting: Bengals beat Broncos 15-10 on Dec. 19, 2021, at Denver. Last week: Chargers beat Broncos 34-27; Bengals beat Browns 24-6. Broncos offense: overall (22), rush (19), pass (22), scoring (10). Broncos defense: overall (9), rush (5), pass (18), scoring (4). Bengals offense: overall (10), rush (29), pass (1), scoring (6). Bengals defense: overall (28), rush (21), pass (26), scoring (28). Turnover differential: Broncos plus-6, Bengals: plus-4. CB Riley Moss. The second-year pro is returning from a sprained MCL that sidelined him for a month. Denver’s defense wasn’t the same without Moss, who has 71 tackles, eight pass breakups and an interception in his first season as a starter opposite Patrick Surtain. With him back, the Broncos could return to their favored man coverage after their zone coverage was exploited by the Browns, Colts and Chargers. QB Joe Burrow is having perhaps the best season of his career. He passed for 252 yards and three TDs last week against the Browns and is among the NFL leaders in most passing categories. Burrow has thrown at least three TD passes in each of his past seven games. Bengals passing game against the Broncos secondary. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins combined for 14 receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns against the Browns last Sunday. After Week 16, Chase led the NFL leaders in receptions, yards and touchdowns. The Broncos passing defense is ranked eighth in the NFL. Surtain has allowed 234 receiving yards this season, the fewest allowed by a cornerback in a season through 16 games since at least 2018. The Broncos are as healthy as they've been all season. The only player who was limited at practice this week was RB Jaleel McLaughlin (thigh), but he was a full participant by Wednesday. Bengals: DE Sam Hubbard (knee) and DT Sheldon Rankins (illness) are out for Saturday. WR Tee Higgins (ankle/knee), DT Amarius Mims (ankle) and S Geno Stone (illness) are questionable. TE Tanner Hudson (knee) is doubtful. The teams have traded wins in their past four meetings since 2016. ... The Broncos' longest win streak was eight from 1983 to 1998. ... The Bengals have managed to win two in a row in the series just twice in 1971 and '72; and 1975 and '76. The largest margin of victory was a 45-14 win by Denver in 1991. Denver QB Bo Nix is three touchdown throws shy of becoming the fifth rookie in NFL history to throw for 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns his rookie season. The others: Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson, Baker Mayfield and Justin Herbert. ... WR Courtland Sutton needs 72 yards to reach 1,000 for just the second time in his career (2019). ... The Broncos have scored 166 points in their past five games, their most in a five-game span since 2014. ... Zach Allen's 26 quarterback hits are the most by an interior defensive lineman in the NFL this season. His 67 QB pressures are the second most by an interior DL, behind only the Chiefs' Chris Jones (74). ... Nik Bonitto has sacks in 10 games so far, two shy of the Broncos record held by Von Miller. ... Brandon Jones is the first Broncos safety since Hall of Famer Steve Atwater in 1995 to have 100 or more tackles and three or more interceptions in a season. ... Cincinnati's defense forced three turnovers and had five sacks in the win over Cleveland last week. ... Burrow was sacked four times by the Browns, but also passed for three touchdowns. ... Cincinnati has won its past three games to improve to 7-8 on the season and can get to .500 in the final home game of the season. ... All of the Bengals' seven wins have come against teams with losing records. ... Seven of Cincinnati's eight losses have been by one score. ... Bengals K Cade York is 4 of 5 on field goals since being promoted from the practice squad to replace the injured Evan McPherson. York was drafted by the Browns in 2022 ... Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has 13 1/2 sacks. Bengals RB Chase Brown is poised for a breakout. Brown has 91 rushing yards in the win over Cleveland last week and 97 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee the previous week. The second-year player is averaging 4.4 yards per carry. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
