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France 24
7 minutes ago
- Sport
- France 24
Wallabies plan to throw everything at Fiji, says skipper Wilson
The last time the two sides met, the Pacific Islanders pulled off a stunning 22-15 upset during Australia's torturous 2023 World Cup campaign under head coach Eddie Jones. It marked a low point in Australian rugby and led to Jones's exit and Joe Schmidt taking over. With the clash in Newcastle on Sunday being the Wallabies only warm-up before the first Lions Test in Brisbane on July 19, Wilson wants to avoid another embarrassing slip-up. "We're going out there to win," said the No.8. "The last time we played Fiji two years ago we had a tough loss there and it's such a massive battle. "Obviously we've been keeping our eyes on the Lions, watching the Super clubs versus them, but for us a Test match against Fiji, it doesn't get much bigger than that. "So we'll be throwing everything at them to make sure we go out there and get the result." Hooker David Porecki was captain during the loss to Fiji and will be making his first start for Australia since the World Cup after being sidelined for most of 2024 with an Achilles injury. He was keen to shut down chat about the Lions, focusing on one game at a time. "My head space is that Fiji don't care that there's a Lions series going on," he told reporters. "The most important thing for us is to perform. We've got a Test match ahead on Sunday. That's the most important thing for me." Wilson said the team was quietly confident, feeling they had "a lot of growth" last year. "We really want to expand from there and just keep putting out performances we're proud of," he added. They go into the match without flanker Rob Valetini, lock Will Skelton and scrum-half Jake Gordon, who are all widely expected to start against the Lions if they can shake off niggling injuries. Their absence has opened the door to Langi Gleeson, Porecki and Tate McDermott to make starts and stake their claims to be in the matchday XV for the first Lions Test. © 2025 AFP
USA Today
7 minutes ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
How save thousands stacking Trump's new tax credits for cars with Biden's
If you've been thinking about buying a new electric vehicle, you could have as little as three months to bundle tax credits from both Joe Biden's and Donald Trump's administrations. Consider how each president's signature piece of legislation could help you save on a new car: ◾ 2022 Inflation Reduction Act: The Biden-era incentive gives you up to a $7,500 tax credit for new, plug-in EVs or fuel-cell electric vehicles. Trump's massive tax and spending policy bill will end this credit as early as Sept. 30. ◾ 'Big Beautiful Bill': Trump's new law offers an annual tax credit of up to a $10,000 on the interest of loans for new vehicles as long as they're less than 14,000 pounds and assembled in the United States. It covers purchases made in 2025 through 2028. How long Biden's and Trump's tax credits for new cars last More: What new version of Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' could mean for EV car buyers and automakers How to stack the auto tax credits Here's how combining Biden's and Trump's tax credits over the next four years could save you a hunk of money on an EV: A new EV might not be the best investment To be sure, this strategy might not be the best way to stretch your dollar. But perhaps you're set on purchasing a new EV with the latest gadgets and upgrades. The average price paid for a new EV this year has been $57,734, according to Kelley Blue Book. Even with the $7,500 tax credit, the EV premium over a gas-powered car is about $1,500. The math tips in favor of EVs when you look at the five-year fuel costs: $9,490 for gas-powered vs. $4,295, according to Kelley Blue Book. If you can live without the new-car smell, used EVs' average listing price this year is about $20,000 less than for new models, according to Kelley Blue Book. You can also get a $4,000 tax credit from Biden's legislation for a used EV, but that wouldn't qualify you for the Trump tax credit. Some additional fine print to consider if you use either of these tax credits ◾ Big Beautiful Bill: The tax credit for auto loans phases out for incomes between $100,000 and $150,000 for an individual and between $200,000 and $250,000 if you file jointly. It's not available for fleet purchases, commercial vehicles or leasing. ◾ Inflation Reduction Act: To take advantage of the EV credit, you also must buy the car − assembled in North America − for your own use. Your income must to fall below $150,000 for an individual and $300,000 for those filing jointly.
Kuwait Times
7 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
UK rock legends Oasis kick off 'historic' comeback tour
British rock legends Oasis kicked off a hotly anticipated worldwide reunion tour Friday in Cardiff, delighting fans with a comeback performance few thought possible after their acrimonious split nearly 16 years ago. The Manchester rockers, who shot to fame in the mid-1990s Britpop era, reeled off a string of their biggest hits in front of a 74,000-strong crowd in the Welsh capital, leaving those there in raptures. "It was fantastic -- everything we dreamed about," said Sebastian Vyrtz, 37, from Denmark. "Great songs, no nonsense. It was like a hit parade." Frontman Liam Gallagher told the crowd packed into the Principality Stadium it had "been too long" as he spearheaded a two-hour set featuring classics like "Champagne Supernova", "Stand By Me" and "Supersonic". The once-warring Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel also sang together on "Roll With It". The band thanked fans for "putting up with us over the years" as they closed out a jubilant first night of their Oasis Live '25 tour. They play a second night in Cardiff Saturday, kickstarting 41 concerts around the world that includes five hometown gigs in Manchester starting July 11. Further sold-out British and Irish concerts will follow at London's Wembley Stadium, Edinburgh's Murrayfield and Dublin's Croke Park, before visiting other countries. The band's 1990s gigs are the stuff of legend but the chance to see them perform again was long seen as a remote prospect, following one of music's bitterest break-ups. Carnival atmosphere Fans travelled from far and wide, including from across the Americas and various European and other countries, to pack the stadium from late afternoon, and were not left disappointed hours later. Frank Gonzales, 49, from California, told AFP he was struck by how "emotionally" impacted he was. "I've seen them several times before, but (there was) something about them being back together again that I never thought I'd see. It was brilliant. "It was more than just a show... I had my arms around complete strangers." A carnival-like atmosphere had built in Cardiff through the day, with hordes of fans in Oasis t-shirts filling the streets as the sound of the band's various hits drifted through the air. Crowds packed pubs and outdoor terraces also bellowed out the band's anthems, while merchandise stands did a brisk trade. The tour is expected to be a boon for the struggling UK economy, with fans spending on tickets, transport and accommodation. Oasis announced the comeback tour last August, days before the 30th anniversary of their debut album "Definitely Maybe". The Gallagher brothers maintained a war of words about each other for more than a decade, performing individually over those years but never together. They now appear to have put their differences aside. Although the duo did not engage in any on-stage banter Friday, they briefly high fived and hugged each other's shoulders following their closing track. 'Amazing' Last summer's reunion announcement sparked a chaotic clamour for tickets that devolved into outrage over sudden price hikes and saw Britain's competition watchdog threaten legal action. Resale tickets costing thousands of pounds have surfaced, while fans have also been targeted by online scams. Liam appeared to make light of the furore Friday, reportedly telling fans: "Are you having a good time? Was it worth the £40,000 you paid for the ticket?" Leaving the arena, Debbie Bonfield, 65, from Wales, said "what they charged the fans was a rip-off" but added "the atmosphere and everything made up for it." "It was amazing -- loved it," she told AFP. During the final bars of "Live Forever" a picture of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident Thursday, was displayed, with the crowd cheering and applauding the gesture. Oasis are being supported in the UK by Richard Ashcroft, frontman of British rock band The Verve, as well as 1990s indie band Cast. Starting his debut tour performance, Ashcroft said he was "proud to be here on this historic night", joking that he felt like he was in Oasis. He then launched into "Sonnet", the 1997 hit song he released as frontman of The Verve. The Principality Stadium has its roof closed for both nights, adding to what fans described as an "incredible" atmosphere, with attendees bonding strongly. "I've never experienced anything like it," said Parisian David Mace. Oasis reportedly began jamming together months ago, before rehearsing in London more recently. The band has welcomed several new members for the tour, including a keyboard player and drummer.--AFP
South Wales Argus
8 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Lisa Nandy says she asked BBC why nobody was fired for airing Gaza documentary
This comes ahead of a review looking into Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone, which is reportedly set to be published next week. The programme first aired in February until it was pulled by the broadcaster after it emerged that its 13-year old narrator is the son of a Hamas official. Ms Nandy said someone had to be held accountable (James Manning/PA) The review is being led by Peter Johnston, the director of editorial complaints and reviews which is independent of BBC News and reports directly to the director-general. It is expected to determine whether any editorial guidelines were broken, and whether any disciplinary action is needed. The BBC will also undertake a full audit of expenditure on the programme. Bob Vylan performed on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury last Saturday (Yui Mok/PA) Speaking to The Times, Ms Nandy described feeling 'exasperated' as she called for an 'adequate explanation from the BBC about what has happened'. 'I have not had that from the chair or director-general yet,' she said. She added: 'I have been very clear that people must be held accountable for the decisions that were taken. I have asked the question to the board (of the BBC). Why has nobody been fired? 'What I want is an explanation as to why not. If it is a sackable offence then obviously that should happen. 'But if the BBC, which is independent, considers that it is not, I think what all parliamentarians want to know is why.' Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy sought answers from the BBC (Lucy North/PA) The review led the corporation to delay and then pull entirely another documentary from the region, Gaza: Doctors under Attack, which has since been broadcast on Channel 4. Ms Nandy also added that she thinks the BBC has to 'get a grip' following the livestreamed Glastonbury performance from punk rap duo, Bob Vylan. The group have been dropped by a number of music events since the singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)' during their Saturday afternoon set at Glastonbury and which are now being investigated by police. 'The BBC leadership have got to get a grip on it,' Ms Nandy said. 'It makes me angry on behalf of the BBC staff and the whole creative industries in this country. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she was 'exasperated' over the issue (Stefan Rousseau/PA) 'Particularly the Jewish community, who deserved far better than what happened at the weekend. Action has to be forthcoming.' Bob Vylan, who are known for addressing political issues in their albums, including racism, masculinity and class, issued a statement on Tuesday claiming they were being 'targeted for speaking up'. The group have been vocal advocates for Palestinian rights and also led crowds in chants of 'Free Palestine' during their set. A BBC spokesperson said: 'The findings of the review will be published as soon as possible. 'As we have said previously, it is vital that this work is done as quickly as possible but it must also be thorough and follow a proper process.'
South Wales Argus
8 minutes ago
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Diogo Jota's wife and family joined by Liverpool players for funeral
The father-of-three, who married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso 11 days before the accident, died alongside his brother, Andre Silva, after a Lamborghini they were travelling in burst into flames following a suspected tyre blowout in the early hours of Thursday morning. The coffins of Jota and Silva were carried into Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church in the town of Gondomar near Porto on Saturday morning, followed by mourners. A church bell tolled and crowds applauded as the brothers' coffins were carried into the church, followed by mourners, some with their arms around each other. Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson (PA) Others seen arriving at the church included Reds manager Arne Slot, captain Virgil Van Dijk and team-mates including Andy Robertson, Conor Bradley, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez and Joe Gomez. Also at the funeral for the Portuguese international were his national team-mates Bruno Fernandes, of Manchester United; Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, of Manchester City; Joao Felix and Renato Veiga, of Chelsea; Nelson Semedo, from Wolves; Joao Moutinho, Rui Patricio and Ruben Neves, as well as former Liverpool player Fabinho, Porto FC president Andre Villas-Boas and Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez. Some of the players carried wreaths shaped like football shirts as they arrived at the church. The coffins of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva were brought into the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar (PA) Family and friends gathered for the brothers' wake on Friday, with a queue forming outside the Portuguese chapel. The brothers' parents attended the Sao Cosme Chapel, the Capela da Ressurreicao, in Gondomar, with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and Jota's agent also there. Manchester City and Portugal player Ruben Dias also attended (PA) People held service sheets featuring pictures of both brothers, the largest one showing Jota smiling in his Liverpool FC shirt and making a heart sign with his hands. Liverpool FC postponed the return of their players for pre-season following Jota's death and players past and present paid tribute to him and his brother on social media. Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez arrives at the funeral (PA) A sea of floral tributes had been left outside Anfield, with many Liverpool fans and supporters of other clubs looking to pay their respects. Flags have been lowered to half-mast at the stadium and all club stores, museums and tours have been closed until Monday, with staff offered wellbeing support. Jota and Silva were found dead after the car crashed on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday. Liverpool's Joe Gomez and Arne Slot arrive at the funeral (PA) Police said they were investigating the possibility that the Lamborghini left the road because of a tyre blowout while overtaking, and a source from the government sub-delegation in Zamora confirmed 'a possible speeding incident' was being looked at. Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed debris scattered along the side of the road including what appeared to be charred parts of the vehicle. No other vehicles are said to have been involved in the incident.
