Ben Johnson knows he must build around Caleb Williams for the future of the Chicago Bears. The incoming head coach can go with younger options for the 2024 first round pick. But he’s making a push for veteran center help. Johnson delivered the Williams reason behind seeking a non-rookie center, during his appearance with Pardon […]
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ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the Phoenix Suns will trade Kevin Durant this summer. During Wednesday’s broadcast of NBA Today, Windhorst made a bold claim about the star forward’s future in Phoenix. “They’re gonna trade [KD] him, and he knows that,” Windhorst said. He elaborated further, emphasizing Durant’s professionalism despite ongoing speculation. “There’s been a […]
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A recent ranking came out regarding NFL teams and their cafeteria situations. Things like the food, freshness of food and the dining area itself were ranked, and the Cincinnati Bengals came in dead last. Their food had an average rating of 4.82/10, freshness was 5.49/10 and the dining area was 5.98/10. Food and freshness rankings […]
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THE challenges facing the car industry in its switch to electric were laid bare yesterday with a double dose of bad news.
Vauxhall owner Stellantis, which last year caused shock waves by shutting its Luton factory in a row over the UK’s punishing net zero mandate, saw profits tumble.
James Bond’s favourite producer Aston Martin, meanwhile, again delayed the launch of its battery-powered motor, until “the latter part of the decade”.
Boss Adrian Hallmark, who joined from Bentley last year, said battery models were “for a lot of luxury customers, too extreme”.
The firm, which will prioritise its hybrid electric, posted £289.1million losses for 2024, on top of £239.8million in 2023.
Around 170 staff — about five per cent — are facing redundancy.
It has watered down its £500million earnings goal and now aims only to be in “positive” territory this year.
Aston Martin has also seen demand fall in China and will sell 1,000 fewer cars there.
Stellantis, meanwhile, saw a 70 per cent slump in net profits to £4.55billion in the second half of 2024.
Chairman John Elkann said results were “falling short of our potential”.
The car giant is still looking for a new boss after Carlos Tavares left in December following a boardroom row.
Russ Mould, analyst at AJ Bell, said: “The latest numbers are ugly. The market will be aware that any new boss will want to kick the tyres on the business before committing themselves to any meaningful targets. They may well look to take the kitchen sink to guidance to give themselves a manageable bar to clear.”
Despite the Luton closure, Stellantis has invested more than £4billion in the US to try to woo President Donald Trump amid the threat of tariffs.
Orwa Mohamad, analyst at Third Bridge, said: “Stellantis faces a ‘crunch point’ over the next six to 12 months, requiring significant strategic adjustments. Cost-cutting measures, better alignment of production with demand, and improved software and electrification strategies will be crucial.”
There are raised hopes within the car industry that the Government will soften its harsh zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate to include either exports or hybrid vehicles in targets for 2030.
THE number of cars rolling off production lines fell 17.7 per cent in January to 71,104, figures by The Society Of Motor Manufacturers And Traders suggest.
The report shows UK manufacturers have been limiting petrol cars to avoid fines for failing net zero mandate thresholds.
This year, they have to ensure 28 per cent of cars sold are electric. SMMT chief Mike Hawes said: “The sector needs promised funding as soon as possible.”
MEAL replacement shake brand SlimFast is being offloaded by its owner — after the rise of fat jabs shook up the diet market.
Mark Garvey, finance chief of parent company Glanbia, said the business is moving on from SlimFast “because we believe there is a significant change in how weight management is being managed by our consumers”.
SlimFast boomed in the Nineties during the height of diet culture — and supermarkets were full of their branded shakes and snacks.
Its popularity had already been waning, but it then became one of many brands to get a serious overhaul when jabs Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro revolutionised the food and drink industry.
Kit-Kat maker Nestle launched portion-controlled, high-protein frozen meals to cater to those on the jab, while protein shake maker Huel reported a rise on their products from people using the medication.
And last year, City fund manager Terry Smith dumped his entire stake in Gordon’s gin-maker Diageo, reasoning that the injections would also lead to people cutting back on drinking.
NEARLY nine in ten first-time buyers cannot afford to get on the property ladder in their local area, fresh figures show.
And stamp duty changes set to arrive in April will make it even more challenging for Brits to own a home, Skipton Building Society warned.
The group’s boss, Stuart Haire, says many Brits are stuck in a rental trap, with four in ten potential buyers spending 45 per cent on their income on essential housing costs.
The members-owned group, which owns estate agents Connells, says it is sharing its Affordability Index with the Government to show where new homes are most needed.
Meanwhile, the mutual says it expects the property market to stabilise this year as interest rates come down.
It has stepped up its mortgage business by 8.2 per cent to £30.9billion in the past year, with 44 per cent of its home loans to first-time buyers.
CAR-HIRING firm Bolt is working with its advisers on a potential stock market listing.
The company, which is a rival to Uber, is based in Estonia but has drivers across British cities.
It has hired investment boutique PJT Partners, according to Bloomberg.
The firm was most recently valued at £6.1billion in a 2022 fundraising. It has not yet decided whether to list in New York or London.
TWO new Brit Awards performers have been announced to perform at the 45th annual ceremony at the weekend.
It has been revealed that British jazz band Ezra Collective and singer Jorja Smith will take to the stage on Sunday.
They will be joined by Sabrina Carpenter, Jade Thirlwall, Sam Fender, Lola Young, Shaboozey and Teddy Swims at the star-studded bash.
The 2023 Mercury Prize winners have been shortlisted in four categories – making them one of the most nominated acts this year.
The band’s drummer Femi Koleoso said ahead of Sunday’s show: “Honestly, the opportunity to play at the BRITs is so precious.
“I grew up watching the BRITs; I think about performances from Gorillaz and Skepta; and those moments, when I was sat as a teenager in my room, really were massive for me as wanting to become a musician.
“So I’m honoured to play, because it’s an honour, but I’m honoured that we get the opportunity to give this moment to the teenage versions of Ezra Collective that will be watching.
“Absolutely can’t wait to make you all dance on Saturday night. God bless you all, peace.”
While Jorja shared her excitement ahead of the performance by sharing the official Brit announcement on her Instagram.
She captioned it: “Let’s go, ” with a string of love hearts and tagged Ezra Collective in the story.
Charlie XCX nd Dua Lipa are leading the nods at this year’s Brit Awards, with nominations revealed today ahead of its March 1 ceremony.
The Sympathy is a Knife singer, who was nominated for her first Brit a decade ago but has never won any of the four gongs she has been up for, is in the running for five in one go this time around.
They include Artist of the Year, Dance Act, Pop Act and Song of the Year for her Billie Eilish collaboration Guess and Album of the Year for Brat.
Close behind Charli with four nominations each are her friend Dua, indie band The Last Dinner Party, and Mercury Prize-winning jazz quintet Ezra Collective.
Speaking on their red-carpet plans, drummer Femi Koleoso said: “When we haven’t prepared properly, we just say: ‘All black.’ So far, it’s all black. If you see anything other than black, then that’s really deliberate.”
Another top contender is Myles Smith, who has three nominations in addition to the Rising Star award he was announced as winning last month.
The Stargazing singer, attending his first Brit Awards, said: “Last year, I was watching it on TV, and to be there this year is something I’m so looking forward to.
“It’s such a big occasion, and it’s slap bang in the middle of my tour, so my head is everywhere right now, but I’ll figure it out.”
Jade Thirlwall also makes her mark as the first Little Mix member to be nominated for her solo work, with nods for Song of the Year and Pop Act, despite releasing only a handful of tracks.
She said: “As a band, we were nominated a few times and won three Brit Awards. But when it’s for your own music—my personal experiences—it does hit different. It feels extra special.”
Sam Fender joins the race with nominations for Artist of the Year and Alternative/Rock Act, despite releasing only one song in 2024, People Watching.
Meanwhile, British actress Cynthia Erivo and US pop star Ariana Grande both scored Oscar nods for acting but were snubbed at the Brits.
Ariana’s chart-topping album Eternal Sunshine and Cynthia’s contributions to the Wicked soundtrack failed to make the shortlist.
The Cure have landed three nods for the ceremony, which are their first nominations in over 30 years.
The Sun has already revealed that Charli, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan are being lined up to perform at the bash, which will be hosted by Jack Whitehall at The O2 Arena.
Album of the Year
Charli XCX – Brat
The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
Dua Lipa – Radical Optimism
Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching
The Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstasy
Artist of the Year
Beabadoobee
Central Cee
Charli XCX
Dua Lipa
Fred Again
Jamie xx
Michael Kiwanuka
Nia Archives
Rachel Chinouriri
Sam Fender
Group of the Year
Bring Me The Horizon
Coldplay
The Cure
Ezra Collective
The Last Dinner Party
Best New Artist
English Teacher
Ezra Collective
The Last Dinner Party
Myles Smith
Rachel Chinouriri
Song of the Year
Artemas – i like the way you kiss me
The Beatles – Now and Then
Bl3ss & Camrin Watson feat. Bbyclose – Kisses
Central Cee & Lil Baby – BAND4BAND
Charli XCX feat. Billie Eilish – Guess
Chase & Status and Stormzy – Backbone
Coldplay – Feelslikeimfallinginlove
Dua Lipa – Training Season
Ella Henderson feat. Rudimantal – Alibi
Jade – Angel of My Dreams
Jordan Adetunji – Kehlani
KSI feat. Trippie Red – Thick Of It
Myles Smith – Stargazing
Sam Ryder – You’re Christmas To Me
Sonny Fodera, Jazzy & D.O.D – Somedays
International Artist of the Year
Adrianne Lenker
Asake
Benson Boone
Beyonce
Billie Eilish
Chappell Roan
Kendrick Lamar
Sabrina Carpenter
Taylor Swift
Tyler the Creator
International Group of the Year
Amyl and the Sniffers
Confidence Man
Fontaines D.C.
Future and Metro Boomin
Linkin Park
International Song of the Year
Benson Boone – Beautiful Things
Beyonce – Texas Hold ‘Em
Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather
Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!
DJO – End of Beginning
Eminem – Houdini
Hozier – Too Sweet
Jack Harlow – Lovin On Me
Noah Kahan – Stick Season
Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen – I Had Some Help
Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy)
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – Fortnight
Teddy Swims – Lose Control
Tommy Richman – Million Dollar Baby
Alternative/Rock Act
Beabadoobee
The Cure
Ezra Collective
The Last Dinner Party
Sam Fender
Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act
Central Cee
Dave
Ghetts
Little Simz
Stormzy
Dance Act
Becky Hill
Charli XCX
Chase & Status
Fred Again
Nia Archives
Pop Act
Charli XCX
Dua Lipa
Jade
Lola Young
Myles Smith
R&B Act
Cleo Sol
Flo
Jorja Smith
Michael Kiwanuka
Raye
MAKE-UP fans have been racing to Glasgow after a new NARS store launched this month.
The cosmetics powerhouse opened its first flagship store outside of London on the city’s Buchanan Street on February 15.
Set over two floors, the bright, buzzy store is a make-up lover’s dream.
Upstairs, the full range of NARS cosmetics – from bestellers like Light Reflecting Foundation to Afterglow Sensual Shine lipstick – are on offer alongside blushes and brushes.
Meanwhile, there are artist stations set up where customers can get expert advice from talented NARS pro make-up artists, ensuring
a personalised shopping experience.
It is here that I popped in for a makeup consultation with Nars consultant Carlie Lee, who has been with the company for six years.
With 15 years of experience as a makeup artist, Carlie is the regional education and events manager for the beauty brand.
At the age of 34, I was hoping she could give me some tips to salvage my makeup routine for my changing skin.
And I quickly discovered that there are seven simple mistakes I’ve been making that have been sabotaging my efforts.
It sounds simple, but knowing your skin is important.
I’ve always know that I have combination skin. It’s oily in some areas and dry in others.
But despite this knowledge, I slather moisturiser and primer over my whole face every morning.
It’s only when Carlie points out that you can target certain problem areas with a product that I realised my first mistake.
As an example, she told me, you might put a hydrating primer on the areas where you feel dry – but not necessarily all over the skin, because where you’re more oily, it might slip off.
It’s not something you automatically think about, but logically it makes sense.
As Carlie says: “It’s not one size fits all when assessing what products you’re using and what your routine is.”
When focusing on the base, it turns out we could be making a mistake that costs us extra money.
Instead of splashing out on a foundation brush, Carlie insists that using your fingers gives the best result.
She told me: “We apply foundation with our hands so we don’t use a foundation brush, we don’t use a sponge.
“By warming it up in the palm of your hand and using fingers to apply it, it melts into your skin and blends.
“Just starting from the centre of your face and working out. I like to get a really nice overall light layer and then see where you want the extra coverage, like your cheeks.”
She added: “It’s just tapping it, it’s really nice and warm. So I’m not moving the product around your face.
“And because I’m tapping it, it’s getting that blood flow going in your skin again, it’s going to help your skin feel really nice and healthy.”
And it’s not just the application that I’ve been getting wrong.
Constantly in a hurry to get ready, it turns out that rushing steps between application has been ruining the flawless look.
Carlie explains: “If possible, allow 10 or 15 minutes for the foundation and complexion products to set into the skin nicely before using any setting products.
“In the perfect, ideal world giving time between layers and letting things breathe is always beneficial.”
As soon as I hit my 30s, I definitely felt more conscious about creasing around my eyes.
In a bid to combat this, I have always focused on concealer below my eye area to brighten it up.
But while my thinking was not flawed, it turns out my method has been far from perfect.
Carlie recommends not applying directly below the lash line to avoid the product gathering too much.
Instead, apply slightly lower and ‘sweep’ it up towards the under eye area.
In terms of application, she adds: “Use your ring finger for applying under the eye because you’ve got a lot less tension in your ring finger and the last thing you want to do under your eye is stretch the skin more under your eye.”
To add warmth to your face with bronzer, the NARS expert revealed you should always apply it “nice and high” to push up your features.
She adds: “The lower you put your bronzer, the more it’s going to pull your face down and make it look like you have a hollowed cheek.
“If you apply it nice and high, it’s going to make everything look lifted.”
I’ve always avoided blusher after horrible flashbacks of bright pink cheeks in my teens.
But it turns out that avoiding this staple product has been robbing me of a youthful ‘pop’ of colour.
Carlie says: “Blusher gives a youthful glow and natural flush to the cheek.
“But make sure you ‘push’ the product into the brush enough so you get a seamless finish.”
Finally, I’ve been convinced to ditch my powder foundation that I always used to set my makeup.
With texture on my skin, I had always convinced myself that I needed maximum coverage.
But as my skin ages, this extra layer has been drying it out more and highlighting problem areas.
And a simple switch to a light reflecting pressed setting powder has made all the difference
While finishing off my base, Carlie told me: “It’s nice at setting everything in place but it doesn’t mattify everything, so you still have a healthy glow to your skin.”
She added: “Don’t apply it everywhere, just to the T-zone where you are more combination.
“Around your mouth as you’ll be talking, drinking. Everywhere you’re going to be moving or touching your skin. This is where your makeup is going to be moving.
“And when it comes to setting the under eye, you want to be very lightweight. You see people do baking and stuff, but for everyday in your thirties – nice and light is best.
“You’re never going to get away from creasing, but this minimises it and gives it a nice, soft finish.”
Carrying around the setting powder and a powder puff is also great to correct any shiny areas as the day goes on if you feel your makeup starting to shift. So it’s a new staple in my bag!
By making these seven simple changes, I could instantly see the difference to my face. It looked healthy and glowy, while still giving me the coverage I’m comfortable with.
MIKEL ARTETA may lack a prolific No9 but in William Saliba he has one of the best defenders in the Prem.
But their brilliant backline still emerged with credit from this tricky clash at the City Ground.
Together with Gabriel, Saliba kept a tight lid on Forest dangerman Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance on this ground.
Arsenal were well organised if toothless in attack, with Arteta mixing things up not by dropping Mikel Merino, but by playing Declan Rice a bit further forward.
That meant Jorginho was brought into the side but the veteran midfielder lacked intensity and Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side had little trouble dealing with him.
The same can be said of skipper Martin Odegaard, who has looked out of sorts in recent weeks.
Instead Arsenal’s biggest threat came from Riccardo Caliofiori, who hit the post in the first half before being hooked at the break – Mikel Arteta seeming to prefer the more steady Kieran Tierney instead.
Ethan Nwaneri earned another start and showed bright sparks though chances from open play were few and far between from the visitors.
Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the Gunners’ display...
Could have brought a deckchair for the first half as he was rarely troubled and had to be content with fielding practice for the first 45 minutes.
His heat map for the second half might be interesting as he seemed to spend as much time outside his box as in it as the Gunners camped in Forest’s half.
But when he was needed he got his angles right to defy Wood to keep his side on level terms.
Fluffed an early opportunity to get a shot off after Odegaard’s cut-back set him up. He who hesitates etc etc.
Too often failed to get his crosses into the danger area.
Cut a frustrated figure.
Purred through most of the match like a Rolls Royce in third gear!
Never flustered, used the ball well and sniffed out any slight danger long before it came to anything.
Could have played this game with carpet slippers on – and looked like he was when he slipped to let in Wood.
But he recovered brilliantly to block the frustrated forward’s shot with some brilliant last-ditch defending.
Was all over Wood like a rash in the early exchanges as he tried to assert himself over the powerful Kiwi.
Fist-pumped after winning tackles so was certainly up for the physical battle.
Not as effective after the break as Wood was much more prominent.
But in truth his feathers were rarely ruffled.
Almost played as a false No.9… from left-back!
Walked a tightrope from the third minute after being booked for cynically pulling back Callum Hudson-Odoi in Forest’s first attack.
Diced with disaster midway through the first half when Hudson-Odoi skipped round him in the box and then went down after brushing against the full-back, who was a fraction away from conceding a penalty.
On the plus side, he was arguably Arsenal’s best attacker and was unfortunate not to give the Gunners the lead with a curling shot which crashed off the far post.
Subbed at half-time after having three touches in the Forest box and none in his own!
Thought he was finally going to break the deadlock in the final 10 minutes until he found out why Forest fans sing: “You’ll never beat Murillo!”
Zinchenko pulled the ball back for Odegaard whose shot was brilliantly cleared off the line by the Brazilian defender.
The Arsenal skipper had another attempt but it was saved by Sels – only for the flag to be raised for offside.
Odegaard was as classy as ever and swung over a string of wicked corners but couldn’t find the spark needed to break down Forest’s Red Wall.
Off the pace for much of the first half and gave away possession a few times, either with stray passes or needless fouls.
Worked hard enough in the middle of the park but failed to set the tempo of the game for Arsenal.
Like so many of his Gunners team-mates he lacked a cutting edge and Forest were able to contain him with ease.
Replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko with 20 minutes remaining and wasn’t missed.
Got off to a positive start and surged towards the Forest goal early on, but was thwarted when Milenkovic desperately blocked his shot.
Clearly had his shooting boots on as he then fizzed a shot off Dominguez for a corner.
Swung over a series of dangerous corners but for once found no takers.
Put in a shift but not a commanding performance by any means.
Supplied plenty of crosses but was a bit hit and miss with his accuracy at times.
Denied a good scoring chance before the break when Murillo blocked him as he tried to pull the trigger.
But faded out of things after the break and was replaced by Raheem Sterling 13 minutes from the end.
Worked his socks off defensively – maybe to the detriment of his striking duties at times because he failed to get one shot off in a dour first half.
Unfortunate to be penalised for a foul on Elanga when he cleverly nicked the ball from through the full-back’s legs.
Started the second half brightly and made Sels work with a powerful header at the back post which the keeper did well to save.
Failed to pack a punch though.
Tidy enough in possession and rarely gave the ball away. But lacked a cutting edge and played in front of Forest’s defence where they could comfortably deal with him.
Not nearly positive enough.
Surprisingly replaced Calafiori at half-time – probably because Arteta didn’t want to risk a SIXTH red card in the league!
Was more assured defensively than the Italian – not that Forest carried much of an attacking threat.
Came close with a header from a Tierney corner but wasn’t helped by Merino clattering into him.
Put Jorginho out of his misery when he replaced him after 70 minutes.
Caused Forest some problems and thought he had set Odegaard up to break the deadlock with his accurate cutback.
But failed to time his run to perfection and was flagged offside.
Replaced Nwaneri with 13 minutes left on the clock but couldn’t break down Forest’s disciplined defence.
Went down at the edge of the box looking for a foul – only to give one away for handball!
Replaced Timber with four minutes left to play.
Almost made an instant impact in the four minutes he was on but dragged his shot wide after replacing Odegaard with four minutes remaining.
A YOUNG doctor plunged 30ft to her death in front of a horrified medical friend on a weekend mountaineering break, an inquest heard.
Dr Charlotte Crook, 30, and her colleague Adam Weatherhogg were walking on the notorious Glyder Fach part of Snowdonia when
tragedy struck.
Hospital clinician and St John Ambulance volunteer Dr Crook was descending a section of path on her stomach when she appeared to lose her footing.
She then went over a steep ledge on the North Wales mountain path.
Dr Crook was thought to have fallen about 30ft down the side of the 3,000ft mountain.
She graduated with her medical degree from Birmingham University in 2022 and had worked for Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust.
The opening of the inquest by John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, said that Dr Crook fell on February 16.
Mr Weatherhogg found a safer route down to his stricken friend in a desperate bid to save her life.
The Ruthin inquest heard he carried out CPR on her until members of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team arrived to take over.
But Dr Crook, of Birmingham, died at the scene.
Pathologist Dr Muhammad Aslam gave the cause of death as head injuries.
On Facebook, St John Ambulance Walsall posted: “St John Walsall were saddened to learn of the sudden death of Dr Charlotte Crook.
“Charlotte was a diligent and dedicated volunteer, who represented the values of the organisation in the best way possible.
“She was the District Youth Lead for the West Midlands District up until our recent restructuring so many of the cadets will have met her at various courses or events.
“She will be sadly missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this very sad time.”
Another online tribute said: “Dr Charlotte Crook (Charlie) was a promising young doctor.
“She was a very kind and an exceptionally bright person that dedicated her life to caring for others.
“She was an ideal colleague to work with during our busy shifts.
“She was incredibly hard-working and made sure her team was well looked after during stressful times.
“Charlie, you will truly be missed by the many who were blessed to know you.
“Your presence brought a smile to those around you and your selflessness and kindness made those who were lucky to come into contact with you love you and adore you.”
The inquest was adjourned to a later date.
Tragically, just days later a second woman, 28-year-old Maria Eftimova, slipped and died on the Welsh mountain.
Her devastated loved ones posted on a GoFundMe page said: “Maria was an ambitious, bright and cherished 28-year-old, whose vibrant personality, energy and aura touched and uplifted all around her.
“She had an insatiable thirst for life and exploring our world’s beauty. Tragically, she was taken from her family far far far too soon!
“Words cannot express the devastation her family and our community are experiencing.”
Maria, a civil engineering graduate at the University of Salford, was described as having a “love for extreme sports” and had been looking forward to an upcoming snowboarding trip to Austria.
A GoFundMe page has so far raised over £15,000 to help repatriate Maria’s body back to her family who live in Bulgaria.
