Even before Giancarlo Stanton homered for a fourth time in the five-game ALCS on Saturday night in Cleveland, the narrative surrounding his tenure with the Yankees had been altered by another stellar October performance.

The House Republican Leadership PAC is running millions of dollars in TV ads linking Democrat Mondaire Jones to lefty firebrand Ocasio-Cortez to aid first-term GOP Rep. Mike Lawler in the tight race.

At this year’s Al Smith Dinner, His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan sported brand-new just-made first-time-only cardinal clothes.

A series of airstrikes rocked Lebanon late Sunday after Israel warned it would target locations that allegedly help Iran finance the battered Hezbollah militant group. Lebanese state media said multiple branches of the nonprofit Al-Qard Al-Hassan financial association were hit, including near Beirut’s international airport, according to the Times of Israel. Photos showed large fires […]

Nicolas Cage took to the stage at the 25th Newport Beach Film Festival on Sunday to urge up-and-coming actors from giving into pressure from employers opting to use artificial intelligence to change or otherwise manipulate their performance. The veteran A-Lister was making a speech ahead of his Icon Award reception during the fete’s Honors Brunch […]

The Los Angeles Clippers are a couple of days away from the start of their 2024-25 season and have made some significant moves in the process. The Clippers are converting big man Kai Jones to a two-way contract from his previous Exhibit 10 deal. ESPN’s Shams Charania shared the news via Twitter/X. The Los Angeles […]

Bruce Springsteen stands by his New Jersey roots, shunning Los Angeles and New York to stay near his hometown of Freehold. “It’s certainly not Los Angeles,” Springsteen told The Sunday Times in a new interview. “I feel safe here. This is where my people are, where the folks I wrote about are. I was never […]

PUBS and restaurants face a “cliff edge” unless Rachel Reeves axes a looming tax hike, anxious bosses have warned.

Some 170 hospitality chiefs – including booze giants like Greene King, Fuller’s and Wetherspoons – are demanding further business rates relief at the Budget.

PA

Pubs and restaurants face a ‘cliff edge’ unless Rachel Reeves axes a looming tax hike, anxious bosses have warned[/caption]

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Some 170 hospitality chiefs are demanding further business rates relief at the Budget[/caption]

A 75 per cent business rates cut is due to end on April 1 and will saddle the already-struggling sector with £914million in fresh levies.

In their letter to the Chancellor, the bigwigs write: “In recent months the hospitality sector has become increasingly worried about the onrushing business rates cliff edge that hits the economy on April 1 next year.

“This Budget is the last chance to prevent bills quadrupling for high streets across the country.

“We are asking you to grasp this opportunity to deliver your manifesto commitment to fix business rates and protect businesses.”

Without action, the bosses warn that more venues will be forced to close, leading to job losses and holes in high streets.

UK Hospitality’s Kate Nicholls said: “This 170-strong cohort of business leaders across hospitality shows just how important addressing business rates is at the Budget.

“Inaction will lead to bills quadrupling and more venues shutting their doors for good, which will rob our towns and cities of vital community hubs.

A government spokesperson said: “We’re supporting businesses, including hospitality, through pledges to cap corporation tax at 25 per cent, make the business rates system fairer, and to publish a business tax roadmap so that future investments can be planned with confidence.”

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

The way the moon and Jupiter join up in your chart is a joyous thing today – so clear your decks and allow yourself to find the fun in free activities and simple pleasures.

People who have seemed challenging see things your way, or you can decide to move forward without them.

Love is adventure-rich.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Neptune’s influence can be something you resist, as you prefer to keep feelings private.

Sharing just some of your doubts and dreams can be a breakthrough moment – and this can be the day.

If you’re in love, you see there is more than one way to a happy ending.

Single? Say yes to a sports invite.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

The sun powers your creative chart and you have the kind of vision that others admire – just be sure you keep ultimate control of your ideas, beware of watering them down.

Your strong Venus marriage sector throws warm light on forever promises.

Some big leaps forward can be on the cards.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

As the moon begins its monthly stint in your sign you can feel the difference – your heart is opening, and you see what you need to do to stop important emotional doors closing.

Remembering where you have come from is key when under pressure at work – take pride in being your true self.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

Your communication style is a tantalising mix of upfront and mysterious, and one admirer is ready to declare where they stand.

Make sure, if you feel the same way – or if you don’t, that you are clear in your response, and a friendship can carry on.

Settled Leos draw on the loving imagination of sexy Venus.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

You’ve got all day to get entertainment or education ideas into better shape, as an audience can be waiting, and it’s bigger than you think.

Later, revisiting a friendship or work alliance that feels like unfinished business can be a smart move.

The luck factor crosses a circular lawn.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Getty

The luck factor crosses a circular lawn[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

If you are restless for more, in life and in love, work out where to go first – and the golden touch of Jupiter helps this happen today.

If you feel drawn to a person, place or project, go with this, as it can be the spark of your destiny flame.

A cash decision may not be as fixed as you assume, so do revisit this.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

With your recent blast of Mercury common sense, you may feel you are playing life and love a bit safe – but this is building up a store of positive experiences to fuel your future.

So stick with your plans, for now.

A contest with a choice of prizes can be a Scorpio winner, and love circles “M” names.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Always the party sign, today your mentor Jupiter brings you even more glamour and generosity – so you don’t just have a good time yourself, you help others do the same.

This can lead to a job offer that’s as exciting as it is unusual.

Passion is on your terms, but do make sure you listen, especially to “P”.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Doing everything “right” in a health quest may not instantly lead to change – but you should stick to this path.

The best results take time but they can last.

In love, there’s space for a little naughty teasing and temptation, as Venus tickles your zone of secret desires.

Luck strikes around 6pm.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Supplied

Luck strikes around 6pm[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

Having all the ideas is half the challenge – the other is having the confidence to share them.

Now your chart provides this, so be ready to speak up by tonight.

At home and at work there are things you know you need to say.

If certain voices have gone quiet, do look closer – there is much you can do to help.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Keeping your love dreams private leaves partners guessing – and perhaps getting it wrong.

Try again to say what you know you most need, and check that you have been understood.

The way you get co-operation is a masterclass in tact but watch for signs of rebellion in someone younger.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

AN enormous lorry fire has closed the M25 in both directions – with the devastating blaze bringing traffic to a standstill.

The motorway has shut between J5 near Sevenoaks in Kent and J6 near Caterham in Surrey after flames ripped through a truck. 

The blaze has also closed the M26 westbound between J2A near Wrotham Heath in Kent and M25/A21.

Long delays are expected in both directions because of the road closures.

Snaps show flames engulfing a stranded lorry – with smoke billowing across the motorway.

Cops, fire crews and National Highways traffic marshals have scrambled to the scene.

National Highways said: “If this incident impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.”

A spokesperson added: “Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.

“Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our website and travel apps, or via our regional ‘X’ feed.

“Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.”