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Gianni Infantino calls FIFA staff to crisis talks in Morocco amid resignation pressure

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Wales Online

Gianni Infantino has called an emergency meeting with senior FIFA officials in Morocco as the president faces mounting pressure over the scrapped £3.1billion World Cup stakes sale

Gianni Infantino has summoned senior FIFA officials to emergency talks in Morocco as his position as president appears increasingly precarious.

Following proposals to sell £3.1billion in World Cup stakes, Infantino has faced fierce criticism, with Jordan FA president Ali bin Hussein accusing him of blackmail in the latest rebuke.

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It is understood that these allegations have prompted the emergency meeting.

The FIFA chief has since abandoned the proposals to sell stakes after numerous football associations threatened to boycott the World Cup should the plan proceed.

UEFA and CONCACAF – the governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean – have both called for Infantino to resign.

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Jordan are the first Asian nation to follow suit, bringing the total number of countries demanding Infantino’s resignation to 91.

For the president to be removed, 106 nations must support the motion.

Jordan’s Hussein maintained that FIFA has “no shortage of issues”.

He said: “There is no shortage of issues regarding FIFA. Let me start by clarifying what some of these are from an FA perspective, in particular that of Jordan going into a World Cup for the first time.

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“We are a small country with a minimal budget for our FA and had to deal with enormous hurdles.

“First, getting our fans into the USA: not all were granted visas, even though they had tickets – which we also know were sold at exorbitant prices.

“Secondly, we are being taxed by the US government through FIFA for our participation. Money that should go to players and staff.

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“This was not the case for those who played and set up camp in Canada and Mexico. But we happened to be in the USA so now we face these huge costs in taxes for having participated.

“Thirdly we have been waiting for reward money for our players since December for the Arab Cup in Qatar, which is a FIFA event.

“The money our team should receive for having reached the final has not been delivered yet, while at the same time FIFA brags about how many billions they have in reserve.

“It is clear the problem really is with leadership. For months, FIFA has been refusing to help us on any of these or other matters – until it was verbally communicated to me during the World Cup that if I endorsed Infantino it would go a long way to helping our FA out.

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“We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now.

“But the whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that.”

The outburst from the Jordan FA president represents the latest in a lengthy series of condemnations Infantino has faced since the proposals were leaked last week.

The meeting is anticipated to take place on Wednesday, as the organisation appears to be facing considerable internal turmoil.

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Last week, Infantino’s senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro stepped down, describing the FFE plan as a “bad deal for football”.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, broke his silence on the matter on Tuesday and said its withdrawal was “absolutely necessary and beyond question”.

Wenger added: “I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity.”

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FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, the second most senior figure in the organisation behind Infantino, also addressed the scheme in an email to FIFA staff, labelling it a “sad and reproachable series of events…which thankfully concluded with the project being permanently abandoned”.

MEN have approached FIFA for comment.

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Newcastle early morning burglaries being treated as ‘potentially linked’

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Belfast Live

Four incidents were reported between 1am and 8.30am on Tuesday morning

A number of burglaries in a Co Down town in the early hours of this morning are being treated as “potentially linked.”

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Four burglaries were reported to police in the Golf Links Road, Golf Links Crescent, and Bryansford Avenue areas of Newcastle in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4.

PSNI Detective Sergeant Emerson said: “We received a report that at approximately 3.45am a male gained entry to a property in the Golf Links Road area of the town through a window.

“The suspect was disturbed and made off through the front door. At this time, we understand nothing was taken from the home, however, a number of drawers were rummaged through.

“Then at 4.25am it was reported a man was disturbed while attempting to gain access to a home in the Golf Links Crescent area through a window.

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“Additionally, we’re also investigating a further burglary in the Bryansford Avenue area between the hours of 1am and 8.30am this morning.

“An unknown intruder entered the property and stole a number of items costing hundreds of pounds, these included electrical goods, clothing and sentimental pieces.

“We understand the suspect entered via a window at the front of the property. At 6.35am we received another report of an attempted burglary in the Golf Links Crescent area.

“The intruder was disturbed prior to entry and made off from the scene empty-handed. A description of the suspect provided by a number of the victims is that of a male approximately 5’9” tall, of slim build, and wearing a grey tracksuit. He may also have been wearing gloves with his face covered.

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“Our enquiries are continuing, and we’re investigating the strong possibility that all these reports are linked – with the same suspect involved.

“We are especially keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of these areas or noticed any suspicious vehicles or individuals. Please phone us on 101, quoting reference numbers 135, 144, 149, 286, 191 04/08/26.”

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Cambridge widow left feeling ‘isolated and alone’ as more HMOs pop up on estate

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Cambridgeshire Live

A widow in her 80s said the spread of HMOs in her estate has left her with “no one to call on for support”

Residents living near Addenbrooke’s Hospital say they fear being left out as Cambridge City Council considers restrictions on HMOs.

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HMOs, or houses of multiple occupancy, are properties housing at least three people where each room is rented individually with shared facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms. Currently planning permission is not needed to convert a house into a HMO for six people or fewer, but the council is preparing to introduce new restrictions.

Red Cross Areas Residents Association (RARA) represents people living near Addenbrooke’s Hospital where there is a large concentration of HMOs – many housing hospital workers. The group has asked the council to go even further and introduce a numerical threshold and a ban on HMOs “sandwiching” family homes between them.

Jane, one of their residents, said she brought her children up in her family home before the estate began to change as more HMOs popped up leaving her “isolated and alone” when her husband passed away.

She said: “What I hadn’t expected was that many would leave so quickly, meaning eventually I knew no one there. Many live in these circumstances of not knowing their neighbours so I put it out of my mind, but then I noticed one by one the houses from my street to the next cul-de-sac all underwent these changes, leaving me now in my 80s with no one to call on for support for me when I needed it most.”

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She continued: “The Residents Association reached out to all and found the only permanent residents on the next road knew my husband had passed away and presumed as all the people in the HMOs now reaching from my house to the next cul-de-sac never mentioned me anymore that I was dead.”

She said the association started up to “address the increasing issues of poor waste, rats and rubbish strewn around my road, parking stress and arguments, people blocking each other in, something never experienced in previous years”.

Keith Mookai, neighbourhood watch coordinator for Red Cross Lane, said that HMOs can lead to more antisocial behaviour and conflict as people from different backgrounds come together.

The 40-year-old said: “People have different values and there’s the capacity for misunderstandings and conflict. It’s difficult to find accommodation close to the biomedical campus and more expensive than similar properties further out so there’s an acceptance of HMOs.

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“There’s not enough accommodation for everyone so people make extra space in properties – it’s a necessary evil if you like – but there has to be some regulation.”

He said workers in Cambridge, one of the most expensive places in England to live, should get a similar wage bump to those in London to help with the higher cost of living.

Chris Panetsoudis, who has lived in a HMO since 2021, said that health workers face London prices for renting “without the wages”. The 32-year-old said: “You can have lower rent which is nice if you can do it – the bills are included too which is another benefit.

“You don’t really have direct contact with the landlord, it’s always through an agency and agencies can change. The one we have at the moment is actually doing quite a good job but that wasn’t the case when I moved in. I think we need to have some person to talk to on the council, and that should be quite clear, in case landlords refuse to make any repairs or changes.”

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Councillor Karen Young, of Queen Edith’s, said they have quite a lot of HMOs in the area. She’s not aware of any plans to limit the proposed restrictions to certain areas of Cambridge, rather than covering the whole city.

The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “I think they’re an important part of the housing offering in Cambridge, it’s often the only way people can live somewhere sensible related to their work. But they have to be nice and they have to be safe for residents.”

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Failed terrorist caught after he asked AI chatbot how to join ISIS, court told

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Mohamed Mohamoud, 22, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court (pictured) accused of preparing for acts of terrorism between October 1 2024 and March 5 2025

A young man travelled to Somalia to join ISIS after asking an AI chatbot how to make contact with members of the terror group, a court heard.

Mohamed Mohamoud, 22, was said to be ‘longing for martyrdom’ when he was ‘welcomed’ to the organisation by an AI chatbot on Telegram. 

He had initially messaged a recruiter for Islamic State on TikTok before being added to propaganda channels on encrypted messaging service Telegram, a jury heard.

There he was allegedly sent videos of beheadings and executions with rocket propelled grenades meant to ‘glorify IS soldiers and inspire violence’. One video was ‘high quality’ and 30 minutes long, the court heard.

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He had sought advice from the AI chatbot before travelling to Somalia in a failed attempt to get to one of terror group’s strongholds, it is alleged. 

Jurors at his trial were told speaking to AI chatbots was now part of the vetting process for joining ISIS.

Mohamoud is on trial at Winchester Crown Court accused of preparing for acts of terrorism between October 1 2024 and March 5 2025.

The court heard he is originally from the Puntland area of north Somalia and moved to the UK in 2020 to join his mother and brother who were living in Bristol.

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Naomi Parsons, prosecuting, said he became radicalised while living in the UK and ’embraced the ideology of Islamic State’.

She told the jury: ‘And with this came a strong desire to return to Somalia and join Isis, to join the Mujahideen, it literally means one who struggles or a fighter, who operate in the mountainous areas near a city called Bosaso, in the north of the Puntland region.

‘Indeed, not only was it a strong desire, but Mr Mohamoud viewed it as his duty.’

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Mohamed Mohamoud, 22, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court (pictured) accused of preparing for acts of terrorism between October 1 2024 and March 5 2025

Ms Parsons said he then tried to find a contact to help him join the terrorist group.

‘By late 2024 Mr Mohamoud had resolved to join Islamic State in Somalia and bring that into effect,’ she said. 

‘The process is not easy. It is not transparent. You don’t just fill out a form and pay a fee.

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‘It takes connections. It takes AI bots and humans working together to find those who are ideologically aligned, the real deal, to join Islamic State.’

‘He went online to speak to AI bots and real people.

‘He found a contact online and told them: ‘I am a Somali boy living in England. I want to travel to Bosaso to join the Mujahideen. Do you know the process on how to migrate?’

He failed to find a guide but booked a flight to Somalia anyway and flew on January 30 2025.

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He had booked a return flight for March 3 but had no intention of returning to the UK, she said.

‘As messages show, Mr Mohamoud had no intention of returning to the UK. Indeed, he aspired not simply to join Isis, but he aspired to martyrdom,’ she told the court. 

‘It seems the return ticket was simply to put his family members off the scent – his family were suspicious of him, his mother told him she thought he had been ‘brainwashed by Al-Shabaab’, another terrorist organisation operating in Somalia’.

He is said to have told a contact: ‘God willing I am ready to leave here and I will not return.’

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Mohamoud stayed in the country with his grandmother and continued to regularly speak to two contacts within Islamic State, it was heard.

He told one: ‘I am sincere. Only God knows what’s in my heart.

‘I’m longing for martyrdom honestly. There’s no better time than now.’

The court heard his constant use of his phone to send messages, take photos and speak to AI bots has provided a wealth of information on his goings-on in the country and his attempts to join Islamic State.

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Islamic State in Somalia, also known as IS-Somalia, is a militant group founded in 2015 from a splinter group of another Al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group.

It aims to overthrow the government in the East African country, establish an Islamic fundamentalist society and act as a support network for ISIS globally.

However because of an ongoing military operation against Islamic State by the Somali government, roads were closed off to the organisation’s bases and Mohamoud was unable to join them.

Ms Parsons said the counter-terrorism operations meant ‘getting into Isis territory was incredibly difficult’.

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She said Mohamoud had taken enough money to live on in Somalia and was concerned if he had not reached ISIS by the time of his return ticket he would be reported missing and action would be taken to find him.

He had bought supplies for his mission including hiking boots and a solar-powered battery pack, but struggled to find a ‘guide’ to joining Isis.

Ms Parsons said that after arriving in Somalia, Mohamoud sent a message to a bot used to facilitate contact with ISIS saying he had come from the UK and wanted to ‘join the Mujahideen’.

She said he was then put in contact with two recruiters but was told by one called Abu Ali: ‘Did you realise we’re actually in the middle of a war? You realise how dire things have got. Air strikes keep pounding and there’s fierce combat happening as we speak. You’re following all this?’

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Ms Parsons said that Mohamoud replied: ‘Yeah brother, I am fully aware. I’m longing for martyrdom, honestly, there’s no better moment than right now.’

But he was told that the ‘roads’ were closed to joining Isis because of the ‘war’. He was offered a role spying on local communities in the country but it was not in the military as he had hoped and he returned to the UK on his flight on March 3. He was arrested in January when his mobile phones were seized.  

Detective Constable George Reed, who specialises in counter terrorism and was the officer in the case, explained how Mohamoud used the chatbot.

He explained that Mohamoud said ‘translation #start’ in the chat, which activated the bot.

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DC Reed said: ‘This is a command prompt for people to access a bot and start chatting with a bot and getting messages from that bot.

‘It’s a programme on Telegram to give pre-determined messages to people in that chat.’

The bot told the young hopeful ‘Welcome’ and he replied: ‘I’m happy to be here.’

DC Reed said that Mohamoud continued to pester his contacts in Somalia about meeting Abdul Qādir Mūmin – the head of IS-Somalia.

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He messaged another prospective militant who lived in the country: ‘Hey brother if you are in the country shall we go to Sheikh Mūmin and meet him there.’

Mohamoud was warned by his recruiters that the UK was a ‘bad country’. 

One told him: ‘Brother the country you’re in is a bad one. My advice is to use a Somali number and not your one.

‘Even me in the motherland I’m not safe and you being in their home it is a risk.’

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At one point the recruiter referred to a chatroom exclusively for migrants who want to join IS.

He said: ‘Brother I will take you to the room where the migrants are sent if you’re ready.’

DC Reed explained that Mohamoud received his information about Somalia from online sources on Facebook, TikTok and Telegram.

Mohamoud, who was assisted in the dock by a Somali interpreter, denies the charge and the trial continues.

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Frankie Jules-Hough’s partner fears early release scheme

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Frankie Jules-Hough's partner fears early release scheme

Calvin Buckley’s partner Frankie Jules-Hough was killed in a crash on the M66 in Bury in May 2023.

She had been travelling with her two children and her nephew and all four were taken to hospital by air ambulance.

Tragically, 38-year-old Frankie died from her injuries a few days after the horror crash.

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Now, it has been confirmed that driving offenders are not among those blocked from the early release scheme.

The scheme will see thousands of prisoners in England and Wales have their sentences reduced.

Today, after a review of the scheme by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, it was confirmed that those convicted of rape, child sex abuse, and grooming would be excluded from the scheme.

The scheme means that prisoners with sentences of over four years could be freed at their halfway point and less serious sentences could be released after a third of their time.

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On Tuesday, August 4, Calvin told BBC Breakfast he was “quite shocked and disappointed” to hear the news.

He told the TV programme he received a letter in June saying the driver of the car might be up for early release.

Calvin said: “I did hope that people who’ve caused death by dangerous driving, serious offence like that were excluded from it.

“Now I’m having to deal with the fact that he could be released.

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“Maybe it would be three years, which is something I wasn’t prepared for, and it was not what I was hoping to hear at all.”

The driver, Adil Iqbal, was originally sentenced to 12 years behind bars, but after an appeal, this became 15 years.

The court heard how Iqbal, 22, from Accrington, reached speeds of around 120mph as he swerved from side to side and he weaved in and out of the traffic.

He recorded himself on his phone in the process.

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However, he crashed into the barrier, and he careered into the car of Frankie Hough, 38, from Chadderton, who was stranded on the hard shoulder with a puncture alongside her two sons and her nephew.

Iqbal admitted one count of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

When Frankie died, she was pregnant with their child, and on the day their daughter should have been born, Calvin was in court to appeal the driver’s original sentence.

Calvin told the BBC they believed the defendant would serve a minimum of two-thirds of the sentence, but this might now only be 50 per cent.

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This would mean the driver would serve less time than before the appeal.

Calvin said: “We’ve been through all the trauma, the stress, still trying to heal from what’s happened and then we’re finding out, well, that sentence doesn’t actually mean anything.

“For me, it’s another example of road victims not being treated the same as other offences.”

He went on: “I understand there’s a crisis, I agree it needs to be addressed, but not at the expense of the victims.”

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Calvin explained he had celebrated Frankie’s birthday this past week with her two sons in her absence and said: “It’s heartbreaking to think that the government are not seeing it as serious.”

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Skubal pitches 6 effective innings in Dodgers debut against Cubs

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Skubal pitches 6 effective innings in Dodgers debut against Cubs

CHICAGO (AP) — Tarik Skubal made his Los Angeles Dodgers debut on Tuesday night, pitching six effective innings against the Chicago Cubs.

It was the first start for Skubal since he was acquired in a trade with Detroit on Saturday night. The two-time Cy Young Award winner was booed when he was introduced with the starting lineups and once again when he went out to the mound for his first career appearance at Wrigley Field.

Skubal struck out three while retiring his first six batters. He surrendered a leadoff homer to Dansby Swanson on his first pitch of the third, and Chicago put two runners on with two down. But Skubal retired Alex Bregman on a flyball to center fielder Andy Pages, ending the inning.

Skubal allowed a second run on Nico Hoerner’s infield chopper with two down in the sixth, giving the Cubs a 2-1 lead. He struck out six and walked two while throwing 85 pitches, 51 for strikes.

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The NL West-leading Dodgers backed Skubal with a couple of stellar defensive plays. Pages robbed Seiya Suzuki and Pedro Ramírez with two terrific catches, and Kyle Tucker made a lunging grab on Nico Hoerner’s sinking liner to right in the second.

Los Angeles was hoping Skubal can play a key role in its third consecutive World Series championship. The left-hander went 4-1 with a 1.95 ERA in his last six starts for the Tigers, striking out 50 in 37 innings.

“He just does everything right,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “And I’ve vetted him a lot with coaches and players, and in between the lines, he’s a dog. Outside the lines, he’s humble, respectful, does and says the right things, and it’s like, that’s what you want. Just fortunate that he’s pitching for us.”

Skubal’s arrival cemented the Dodgers’ status as the majors’ most imposing franchise and public enemy No. 1 for fans of other teams. A plane flew over Wrigley hours before his first start with a banner that read “THE DODGERS RUINED BASEBALL,” but the message appeared to be upside down.

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“I don’t really sympathize with people that blame the Dodgers for anything they’ve done,” Skubal said Monday. “They’ve developed a really good organization. They draft well, they acquire talent really well, retain talent. It’s a winning organization.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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Screwfix to hold Airdrie pop-up event to help equip trades with AI tools to grow businesses

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Daily Record

Collaboration between firm and Google will showcase residents can use AI tools already in their pockets to give them more time to focus on the tasks that they find most rewarding.

Tradespeople in Airdrie and its surrounding areas are invited to learn how artificial intelligence could help them work smarter, reclaim their time and grow their businesses, as Google and Screwfix bring practical AI upskilling to stores across the country.

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The collaboration will showcase how Airdrie and North Lanarkshire residents and firms can use the AI tools already in their pockets to give them more time to focus on the tasks that they find most rewarding.

At Screwfix Airdrie on Thursday, August 13, Google’s experts will share helpful AI hacks in the time it takes trades and customers to replenish their tools, from using AI to turn sketches into 3D renderings and handwritten notes into client proposals, at a pop-up event.

Construction is emerging as one of the UK’s leading sectors for AI adoption with 86 per cent of workers using the technology on the job.

Yet, a major guidance gap holds the industry back from unlocking its full potential.

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While 71 per cent of construction professionals are eager to expand their AI skills, 54 per cent simply don’t know who to turn to for advice on using the technology in their day-to-day life.

As a result, only 16 per cent of this group are advanced users extracting significant value from the technology.

AI has the potential to increase the average UK SMB’s productivity by 20 per cent – the equivalent of completing an extra day’s worth of work each week – according to Google’s ‘AI Works’ report.

Max Britten, Screwfix MD of UK and Ireland, said: “At Screwfix, we know that time is money for our customers.

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“While they’re busy getting the job done, admin and paperwork can quickly pile up.

“That’s why we’re partnering with Google to show how AI can be a practical addition to the toolbox, helping tradespeople save time, work more efficiently and focus on growing their businesses.”

Kate Alessi, MD and VP, Google UK and Ireland, added: “Every tradesperson knows the value of the right tool, and AI is fast becoming another one in their kit.

“Yet, only a small fraction of time-strapped trades are using the technology to unlock a vital productivity boost.

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“That’s why we’re excited to partner with Screwfix to put practical AI skills right on the counter, and help more tradespeople use AI to work more effectively and drive their businesses.”

Beyond the stores, Screwfix Rewards customers will have the opportunity to sign up for Google’s AI Professional Certificate for free.

This self-paced course offers the two million members of Screwfix’s loyalty programme a chance to gain in-depth guidance on using AI to solve real business challenges, from research support to content creation.

The AI Professional Certificate comes with three months of access to Google AI Pro at no cost, equipping participants with premium, productivity-boosting tools as they learn how to use the technology to help them grow their businesses.

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*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

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St Nicholas Street, Norton, to reopen tomorrow after water leak

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St Nicholas Street, Norton, to reopen tomorrow after water leak

St Nicholas Street in Norton is partially closed while Yorkshire Water deal with the repairs.

The road is closed between the junction with Welham Road and St Nicholas Street car park.

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A spokesperson for Yorkshire Water said: “The repair has been completed today (Tuesday), and full reinstatement of the excavation will take place tomorrow. Thank you to everyone in the area for their patience. 

“We’re currently dealing with more leaks and bursts than usual as a result of the dry weather.

“As soil loses more and more moisture, the ground shrinks and shifts, which can cause fractures to pipework.

” We’re finding and repairing them as quickly as we can, with teams working 24/7.”

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Mayor of Norton Cllr Di Keal, posted earlier this week that the water leak was getting worse with water now across the road.

She said: “There is an obvious crack between the white lines in the centre of the road with water bubbly out in addition to the manhole cover – goodness knows what is happening beneath the road AND how many gallons of water are being wasted.

“It is appalling that this has now been leaking for several weeks when the country is facing drought conditions.”

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Why the humble ham sandwich is a secret nutritional powerhouse we can ALL enjoy eating, says nutritionist Angela Dowden – but other deli meats could fuel bowel cancer

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Demand for sliced, processed ham among UK supermarket shoppers is falling

It’s become the most vilified food of modern times: red meat, particularly the type you buy in a packet. 

According to the World Health Organisation, processed red meat like bacon, ham and sausages definitely causes cancer due to toxic additives in the products.

British shoppers have got the memo. We’re eating 6,000 fewer tons of processed pig products this summer than we were at the beginning of the year. 

The concerns surround preservatives called nitrites, which give cured meat its characteristic pink colour and are commonly found in ham, sausages and bacon, along with other deli meats.  

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Nitrites are known to react with compounds in meat to form chemicals called nitrosamines in the stomach, which have been linked to digestive cancers. 

A major 2019 study found that the risk of deadly bowel cancer rises by 20 per cent with every rasher of bacon – or slice of ham – eaten daily.

But I will put my reputation as a diet expert on the line to say, with confidence, that not all processed red meat is bad for you.

In fact, I believe one of the biggest nutritional travesties of the last decade is the vilification of what was once a much-loved British lunchbox staple: the ham sandwich.

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Demand for sliced, processed ham among UK supermarket shoppers is falling

Is a ham sandwich really healthy?

First, the surprising benefits. Most packaged ham is in fact a great source of protein-heavy energy that’s low in calories.    

Two average-sized slices deliver around 8g of protein for less than 50 calories, and less than 0.5g of saturated fat – drastically lower than an equivalent serving of cheddar cheese at 8.5g. There’s twice as much protein as you’ll find in cheese, in fact, and slightly more than in one egg.

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It also provides a boost of vitamin B12 and thiamin – both of which are essential for helping convert food into energy. 

If you add a couple of slices of wholemeal bread into the mix, you’re looking at an extra 7g of vital fibre – a quarter of your recommended daily intake of the nutrient proven to prevent bowel cancer.

Crucially, the nitrites in ham don’t carry the same risk as they do in bacon.

The preservatives – which are almost exclusively added to processed meats and a handful of continental cheeses – can be harmful because they trigger a chain reaction that leads to cancer-causing chemicals.

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The heat involved in frying, as well as the acidity in the gut, provokes a chemical reaction between nitrites and compounds in meat protein called amines. The result is carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Interestingly nitrites – and similar compounds called nitrates – also naturally occur in green, leafy vegetables like watercress and rocket, where they’ve been found to lower blood pressure.

Importantly, the amount of harmful nitrosamines produced depends enormously on how the meat you’re eating is prepared and cooked.

High heat is where much of the danger lies. Pan-frying bacon until it turns crisp can in fact encourage nitrosamines to form right there in the pan. 

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At the same time, the browning and charring produced by frying, grilling or barbecuing any meat creates other potentially cancer-causing chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), adding another layer of risk.

By comparison, boiled or steam-cooked ham is prepared at relatively gentle temperatures of around 70-80°C before being eaten cold. Because it never experiences the intense heat of a frying pan or barbecue, it contains far fewer pre-formed nitrosamines than crispy bacon.

The raw ingredient matters, too. Pork naturally contains less haem iron – the red pigment that gives meat its colour – than beef. 

In 2019 experts suggested that eating more than 200g of meat a day raises the risk of an early death. This equates to around 6 rashers of bacon, 3 sausages, a steak or ten slices of ham

In 2019 experts suggested that eating more than 200g of meat a day raises the risk of an early death. This equates to around 6 rashers of bacon, 3 sausages, a steak or ten slices of ham

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Haem can fuel the chemical reactions that create nitrosamines during curing and cooking, which means ham may have a lower nitrosamine‑forming potential than cured beef products like pastrami or salt beef.

The cancer-causing reaction is also hampered by the recent addition of ascorbate – a form of vitamin C – to brines used to flavour both ham and bacon. 

Vitamin C helps intercept nitrites before they can react with compounds in meat and stomach acid to form nitrosamines.

This is all thanks to modern food safety regulations, which have also enforced much lower nitrite limits since the 1970s and 80s.

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So a ham sandwich eaten with a glass of orange juice, some crunchy red pepper or a crisp side salad may produce fewer nitrosamines in the stomach than the very same sandwich eaten on its own.

What’s the healthiest ham to eat? 

There are two small drawbacks to a ham sandwich, the first being the salt content. A two-slice serving will set you back around 10 per cent of your daily limit. 

However, this is still roughly half as much as you’ll get in two rashers of bacon and no different to the amount in supermarket to-go sandwiches that don’t contain any red meat (like M&S’ chicken salad option). 

The other detail to note is the addition of phosphates in some products, which are used to retain moisture. 

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Additive versions of the mineral – as opposed to the type that naturally occurs in food –  are absorbed rapidly by the body. For people with kidney disease – and potentially for healthy individuals over many years – consistently high intakes have been linked to poorer bone and cardiovascular health.

However, phosphate-free varieties are widely available and don’t necessarily cost any more. And if you’re a regular Diet Coke drinker, it’s likely you’re consuming far higher quantities of phosphate as the drink is teeming with phosphoric acid. 

If you’re still concerned about nitrites, opt for a parma ham or Serrano variety, which are made without the compounds. Supermarkets now stock nitrite-free versions of most deli hams. 

I wouldn’t eat a ham sandwich every day, but that is true for all foods; studies show the healthiest diets are the most varied. 

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But would I happily eat ham a couple of times a week – even one containing standard nitrites and phosphates. 

On wholemeal bread with a generous handful of salad, it’s a lunch choice I’d make without a second thought.

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George Lombard Jr. homers in memorable big league debut as Yankees blank Cardinals 2-0

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George Lombard Jr. homers in memorable big league debut as Yankees blank Cardinals 2-0

NEW YORK (AP) — George Lombard Jr. homered in a memorable big league debut and the New York Yankees beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 on Tuesday night.

In the fifth inning, Lombard homered in his second at-bat by hitting an 0-2 sweeper over the middle of the plate from St. Louis starter Hunter Dobbins (2-2) into the left-field seats. As he completed his first home run trot in the majors, Lombard’s parents hugged in the stands.

Lombard’s 392-foot drive gave the Yankees a 2-0 lead. It was the first homer by a Yankees player in his major league debut since Jasson Domínguez went deep in the first inning against Justin Verlander in Houston on Sept. 1, 2023.

At 21 years, 63 days old, Lombard became the sixth-youngest Yankees player since 1985 to make his debut and the second-youngest shortstop in that span. Derek Jeter debuted May 29, 1995, in Seattle at 20 years, 337 days.

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Lombard also helped Ryan Weathers (5-7) pitch six strong innings by starting inning-ending double plays in the third and fifth.

In the third, Lombard ranged to his right, fielded Blaze Jordan’s grounder and made an off-balance throw to second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. for the first out. In the fifth, Lombard ranged to his left, fielded Nathan Church’s grounder behind second base, stepped on the bag and made a clean throw to first baseman Ben Rice.

Chisholm also homered in the second as the Yankees won for the 10th time in 16 games.

Weathers allowed four hits in his second straight scoreless start. The lefty struck out six, walked none and stranded two in the sixth when Yankees newcomer Heliot Ramos charged in to catch Jose Fermin’s flyball to left field.

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David Bednar got four outs for his 25th save in 27 chances to complete New York’s AL-best 12th shutout.

Dobbins allowed two runs and four hits in 6 1/3 innings.

The Cardinals were blanked for the sixth time. They scratched All-Star outfielder Jordan Walker shortly before first pitch due to right knee inflammation.

Up next

St. Louis RHP Andre Pallante (11-6, 3.72 ERA) opposes New York RHP Will Warren (11-6, 4.14) in Wednesday night’s series finale.

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___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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Derry Girls star opens up about going no contact with her family and ‘intense’ therapy

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Jamie opens up about starting therapy, moving to Barcelona, her new film ‘Girl Group’ and more in the latest episode

Derry Girls star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell has spoken candidly about going no contact with her family as she underwent an ‘intense’ period of therapy.

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The TV star opened up to Dish from Waitrose hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett OBE, about her sudden move to Barcelona, eating disorders and her ownership of a corner shop.

Jamie-Lee joins the list of countless famous faces to feature on the award-winning podcast, where she also referenced her Boost energy drink addiction and relationship with food.

She also revealed her therapy journey and how that led her to a new life in Spain just over a year ago.

Speaking on the podcast, she said: “So, um, I did therapy, which was pretty intense and really tough, to be honest. And then I got like to the end of it. I completed it. Cured, guys.

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“All the healing’s done. But and then it was like, right, now time to sort of have a good big start for myself. So, I just sold my house and just went, mm, Barcelona. I know, it’s mental.”

She continued: “Well, I sort of, I’ve always been the sort of hyper independent. And if I wanted to do something, I’d done my research and then just did it- you know what I mean?

“And there’s a lot of good and bad with that. You sort of learn by mistakes- and as you keep going and stuff, and I’ve had plenty. Um, but this time, thankfully, uh, it’s worked out really well.”

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Jamie-Lee then revealed that she does not speak to her family and how therapy led to that decision.

“Well, that’s part of the therapy. I had to go no contact with my entire family. I know, exclusive,” she said.

“But, um, but aye, it’s just one of those things, you know. And the more I’ve sort of talked about it and been honest about it, I’m seeing it’s, unfortunately, it’s not the most, um, unusual thing for adults.

“It’s just the way it is, you know.”

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Jamie-Lee is the third Derry Girl star to feature on the podcast – following in the footsteps of Nicola Coughlan, Siobhán McSweeney and Saoirse- Monica Jackson.

She also opened up about her pride at the show and how it has become universal.

“I think it’s one of those jobs that whenever I do anything, you’ll get the odd person to be like, “I know this is not allowed, but can I get a photograph?” And I don’t mind it because I agree, I’m really proud of it. I think it’s such a universal show- and the type of, the, the type of people who ask and come up and want a photo is like so varied, which I think is just such a great reflection

of it. And there’s so many like older men that will be like, “Listen, my daughter or my granddaughter- she’ll love this, she’ll think I’m class, can I please get one?” I’m like, “Of course!”And it’s really nice.”

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Dish from Waitrose is available on all podcast providers and Jamie-Lee’s episode is now available for listening

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter here

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