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The Shift in Business Sentiment In two weeks, I’m speaking to a group of companies in the packaging industry about issues affecting their businesses this year. I’m going to discuss the economy, navigating higher costs, leveraging new tax legislation, AI and what companies are doing to find and retain workers in a volatile job market. You know what I won’t be talking about? Tariffs. The Event Details That wasn’t the case a year ago. Back then, it was the hot topic everyone wanted to know about. How will tariffs affect my business? Should I increase prices? Is my company going to suffer? Are the tariffs legal? When will they end? In just the past year, a lot of those questions have been answered. Donald Trump’s tariff increases affected some businesses – particularly those heavily reliant on buying materials from China and India – but most seemed to weather the storm. In fact, many of my clients – and those in my audience – took the “tariff” news as an opportunity (ssshh!) to increase prices even beyond the cost of the tariffs in order to tuck away a few extra dollars of profit. The Data Analysis Most businesses have adapted to the tariffs and are no longer concerned. The US economy has remained resilient, with continued growth and low unemployment. Businesses are more focused on issues like AI, tax legislation, and worker retention. The Impact Analysis The owners in my audience are mostly profitable this year, thanks to our resilient consumer economy and continued economic growth. Many continue to hire. Their customers have been conditioned to expect price increases, if need be, but that may not even be necessary for some businesses as they take advantage of new tax deductions and productivity gains that can be achieved with technology and AI. The Prediction Businesses now regard tariffs as a short-term problem. That’s because – to the relief of many – the Trump era is almost half over. Any new tariffs, even after they’ve made their way through the inevitable challenges, can be easily overturned by the next administration.

Keir Starmer is set to announce a ban on under‑16s from major social‑media platforms, modelled on Australia’s approach, alongside additional limits for 16‑18‑year‑olds.“Australia plus” framework to block under‑16s from TikTok, Instagram and XThe government will prohibit users under 16 from accessing high‑risk apps such as TikTok, Instagram and X. Other online products not covered by the ban, like gaming apps, will have features such as stranger‑chat removed. For 16‑18‑year‑olds, scrolling after 8.30 pm will be blocked and romantic or sexual AI chatbots will be inaccessible.Public consultation numbers show overwhelming parental support9 out of 10 parents backed a minimum age of 16.88 % said fewer children would see harmful content.Nearly two‑thirds of young respondents felt the restrictions would make them safer online.Potential shift in UK digital policy and industry responseSources say the ban aims to protect teenagers from addictive infinite scrolling and contact with strangers. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act already gives ministers limited powers, but new legislation may be required to enforce the measures. The approach mirrors Australia’s ban on ten major platforms, suggesting a similar range of apps could be targeted in the UK.What the next steps could mean for regulators and tech firmsCulture Secretary Lisa Nandy warned the ban is not a “silver bullet” but highlighted Australia’s experience as evidence of its role. If enacted, platforms will need to redesign age‑verification systems and adjust feature availability, while regulators will have to monitor compliance and possibly expand powers under forthcoming legislation.

Germany vs Curaçao: World Cup 2026 Live Updates The group stage of the World Cup 2026 features 72 matches to eliminate just 16 teams. For fans with no financial interest in the proceedings, the focus is on the simple beauty of football and the joy of the competition. The Underdog Story of Curaçao Curaçao has never previously qualified for this competition and is now the smallest participant by population (< 160,000) and area (171 square miles). Their manager, Dick Advocaat, returned to the helm after his daughter's health improved. Germany's Quest for Redemption Germany has had a miserable time at the World Cup since winning it in 2014, being eliminated in the group stages in Russia and Qatar. With a blue-chip coach now in charge, they are expected to improve. Key Match Insights Kick-off: 12pm local, 1pm EDT, 6pm BST, 3am (Mon) AEST Germany is expected to dominate, but Curaçao's organized team might make it tense. The Road to Glory Whether Germany has the firepower to go all the way remains to be seen. They look strong at the back and have many midfield options, but they lack a reliable scorer.

Hamilton clinches historic first Ferrari victory at BarcelonaLewis Hamilton ended a 40‑race drought with a dominant drive, becoming the first driver to win for Ferrari at the Circuit de Catalunya. The win was emotional, with Hamilton thanking the team, his family and the fans on the radio after crossing the line.Race dynamics and strategic three‑stop gambleThe race unfolded around a bold three‑stop strategy employed by both Hamilton and Max Verstappen. While George Russell led early, Ferrari’s pit plan allowed Hamilton to overtake on lap 42 and build a decisive gap. A fierce battle for second saw rookie Kimi Antonelli overtake Russell with five laps remaining, only to retire moments later due to a front‑wing failure.Attendance, podium composition and points impactAttendance: 301,273 fans over the weekend; 124,870 on race day.Podium: 1. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 25 points 2. Kimi Antonelli (Ferrari) – retired 3. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 15 points – first all‑British podium since 1968.Championship shift: Hamilton extends his lead over Russell in the drivers' standings; Ferrari gains crucial constructors' points.Implications for Ferrari’s resurgence and the championship battleThe victory underscores Ferrari’s performance upgrade in Spain, suggesting the team may be closing the gap to Red Bull. For the championship, Hamilton’s win re‑establishes him as a serious contender for an eighth title, while Russell’s second place keeps his title hopes alive despite the setback.What the next races could hold for Hamilton, Ferrari and the rookie AntonelliLooking ahead, Ferrari will aim to translate the Barcelona upgrade to other circuits, especially the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix. Antonelli’s retirement raises questions about his reliability, but his pace indicates he remains a threat for future podiums. Hamilton’s momentum could force Red Bull into strategic revisions, setting up a tightly contested second half of the season.

The Revival of Australian Football The recent performance of the youthful Socceroos squad has brought back memories of the 2006 team that captured the nation's heart with their World Cup performance. The 2-0 win over Turkey has sparked hope for another exciting tournament run. The Event Details Tim Cahill's famous goal celebration was revived by Nestory Irankunda, instantly connecting this young team with the greats who have worn the yellow jersey. The 20-year-old Irankunda, who was not yet born when John Aloisi scored the penalty against Uruguay in 2005, has become the new face of Australian football. The Data Analysis The 2006 Socceroos team brought Australia back to the World Cup after a long hiatus. The team had talent, but their Germany campaign was more of a mystery drama than an action movie. Since then, there have been successive successful World Cup qualification campaigns, but with less excitement. The Impact Analysis The Socceroos' World Cup script is not pre-written. The team's performance has shown that they have the potential to go far in the tournament. The 2006 team was an over-achiever, and the current team has the opportunity to create their own history. The Prediction As the Socceroos move forward in the World Cup, they will look to create their own legacy and make their mark on the tournament. With a young and talented squad, they have the potential to exceed expectations and bring excitement to Australian football fans.

Raducanu’s Resurgent Run to the Queen’s Club FinalEmma Raducanu entered the Queen’s Club final with a smile after a week of her best tennis in three years, following a post‑viral illness that kept her off the tour for months. The home crowd of 9,000 witnessed her aggressive play throughout the tournament, culminating in a chance to win her first title since the 2021 US Open.Vekic’s Dominant Performance Secures the WTA 500 TitleFacing a lucky‑loser, Donna Vekic of Croatia, the 29‑year‑old delivered a ruthless display on grass, taking the match 6‑0, 7‑6(6). Vekic, who entered the event after losing in qualifying and was reinstated as a lucky loser, leveraged her powerful serve and flat groundstrokes to dismantle Raducanu’s game.Scoreline and Match Statistics Highlight the GapFirst set: 6‑0 in just 29 minutesSecond set: 7‑6(6) after a tense tie‑breakTotal match time: approximately 90 minutesRaducanu held two set points at 5‑4 in the second set but could not convertImplications for Raducanu’s Return to Form and WTA RankingsThe loss underscores the challenges Raducanu faces in translating her recent high‑level play into titles. While she has climbed back into the top 100 (currently No 76), the defeat may stall momentum ahead of Wimbledon. Conversely, Vekic’s victory propels her back into the top 20 and adds a valuable grass‑court title to her résumé, reinforcing her status as a dark‑horse for the upcoming Grand Slam.What Lies Ahead for Both Players on the Grass CircuitWith Wimbledon looming, Raducanu will look to refine her serve and mental resilience, aiming to convert the chances she created in the second set. Vekic, fresh off a semi‑final run at Wimbledon 2024 and an Olympic silver medal, enters the tournament as a genuine contender, likely to receive a higher seed and a more favorable draw.

The Unlikely Journey to the Final It is not every day that two teams who finished second and third bottom of the Prem table only 12 months ago make it to a grand final. Regardless of this Saturday’s outcome, Northampton and Exeter have shown every club in the league what is doable, with one big caveat. Squad depth and recruitment matter but not as much as the collective desire to stay positive no matter what. Exeter's Sensational Comeback Exeter needed every ounce of grit and resilience in Bath on Saturday as they somehow held out for 41 phases to clinch a sensational 27-26 victory, having trailed 26-10 at half-time. Northampton, similarly, never lost the courage of their convictions against Leicester on Friday night, transcending the big occasion to put seven tries past excellent opposition in another thrilling contest. The Key to Success What a contrast to the fall of the deposed champions Bath, who will rue their second-half decision-making at the Rec for a long time. A reliance on forward power is all well and good until circumstances demand a switch to other forms of smart energy. Without the injured Finn Russell to supply a crucial extra tactical dimension, Bath’s conservative pick-and-go game eventually blew up in their faces. The Impact of Tactical Bravery It further underscored the importance in the modern game of shifting the point of attack and having a fly-half prepared to take the initiative at key stages. While Santiago Carreras is a talented player he had started only three games at 10 for Bath since arriving last summer. When the clutch moment arrived and either a close-range drop-goal or a wide pass were head-clutchingly obvious, no one had the wit to make the call. The Prediction Denying Pollock and co this weekend is not going to be easy but Exeter have been cheerfully upending predictions for a while. Latterly they have seen off Bath twice plus a highly motivated Saracens and Leicester, en route to a first Prem final appearance since 2021.

The Championship That Ended Half a Century of WaitingThe New York Knicks are NBA champions for the first time in 53 years, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the finals to end one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports. The victory wasn't just a sporting triumph but a cultural moment for New York City, a place where basketball has always been woven into the fabric of urban life despite the team's decades of near-misses and heartbreaks.A Historic Comeback Fueled by DeterminationBuilding on their historic comeback in Game 4 and riding the wave of boisterous city-wide support, the Knicks secured their championship with a decisive victory in Game 5. The 4-1 series victory provided a poetic symmetry, mirroring the scoreline by which the Knicks fell to the Spurs in their last finals appearance in 1999. This time, however, the story ended differently, with Jalen Brunson delivering a legendary performance that silenced decades of doubters and cemented his place in Knicks lore.The Numbers Behind the TriumphThe series became the second most-watched NBA finals in history, reflecting both the size of the New York media market and the compelling nature of the competition. Brunson's performance was particularly historic, as he recorded the highest-scoring finals series from a point guard in NBA history and became just the second player in 50 years to record a 45-point closeout game in the championship-deciding series. His achievement places him alongside Michael Jordan, who accomplished a similar feat at age 35 in 1998.A New Era for New York BasketballThis championship represents more than just a single victory—it signals a potential shift in the NBA's landscape. The Knicks' success was built on speed in transition, exceptional ball movement, and a defensive commitment that recalled the team's brutish 1990s heyday. With key players like Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby in their prime, New York has positioned itself as a perennial contender in a league that has seen no repeat champion since 2018.The Future of a ChampionAs the Knicks celebrate their first championship in over five decades, questions arise about their ability to sustain success. With many core players around age 30 and favorable back-office arrangements, the franchise has a foundation to build upon. However, the competitive NBA landscape presents challenges, with young, talented teams like the Spurs waiting in the wings. Regardless of what comes next, this championship has already secured the Knicks' place in basketball history and provided a moment of unadulterated joy for a city that had waited far too long for its return to basketball glory.

The Thrilling Finish Australia secured a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI, with Cooper Connolly scoring his maiden international ton to help his team avoid a whitewash. Connolly's Maiden Ton Connolly defied cramps to play the innings of his life at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday, smashing 149 off 133 balls as Australia narrowly avoided a whitewash by edging past Bangladesh’s five for 274 with three deliveries to spare. The Data Analysis Connolly hit 13 fours and six sixes in his innings. He raised a masterful century off 87 deliveries. The young West Australian’s previous highest score was 61 not out in ODIs and 64 in all List-A games. The Impact Analysis Australia made the perfect start when Soumya (two) was bowled by Bartlett (two for 47) in the first over. However, Bangladesh appeared to be in control thanks to half-centuries from Towhid Hridoy (83), Litton Das (58 not out) and Mosaddek Hossain (56 not out). The Prediction The two teams will play a three-game T20 series commencing in Chittagong on Wednesday. Australia will look to build on this momentum, while Bangladesh will aim to continue their dominance in the T20 format.