PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown’s troubles connecting on the field have yet to blow into a family feud inside the locker room — honest, both Philadelphia Eagles stars said. Between Hurts and Brown, it’s all good in Philly. “Me and Jalen are good,” Brown said. Added Hurts, “We’re good, we’re good.” So there will be no sit-ups in the driveway, no apologies on the front lawn, and certainly, it seems, no rift between Hurts and his No. 1 receiver. Hurts and Brown each downplayed any hint of a fissure Wednesday between the two after defensive end Brandon Graham appeared this week on a Philadelphia sports radio station and suggested there was friction between the Pro Bowl duo. The two were close friends long before they became teammates and Hurts is the godfather for Brown’s daughter. Graham's comments — in which he noted “ things have changed ,” between the two, without offering specifics — exploded into tabloid and fan fodder this week in Philadelphia. His insinuations that the duo were not on the same page came on the heels of Brown's quote after a sluggish win over Carolina that the “ offense ” wasn’t playing up to standard, even with the Eagles at 11-2. “BG knows he spoke out of place,” Hurts said. Graham, who is sidelined with a triceps injury, clarified his comments later to an ESPN reporter, saying he made the wrong assumption about the relationship between Hurts and Brown and planned to apologize to both players. Brown, with 109 yards receiving combined the last two games, said his beef with the offense wasn't directed at Hurts. It was everything from offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's play calling to execution to all the ingredients in a successful offense that make a team a Super Bowl contender. The usually pass-happy Eagles have leaned more on running back Saquon Barkley, who set the franchise season rushing record of 1,623 yards against the Panthers and is chasing Eric Dickerson for the NFL mark. “Obviously, it's not about running the ball,” Brown told reporters. “He's about to win MVP. Clearly. What other things can we do on offense? We have to pass the ball. That can go into protection, that can go into picking up the block, that goes to us getting open quicker. Getting on the same page.” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said he never witnessed any issues between Hurts and Brown and only saw two players who worked hard together, even working on routes after practice and seemed to have a deep personal connection on and off the field. “You guys get to see three hours every Sunday where emotions can play as high as they’re going to play,” Sirianni said. “I get to see these guys every single day, how they go about their business and interact with each other.” Brown, who was coming off consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, wasn't necessarily wrong in his frustration with the recent stagnation of the passing game. Hurts, who signed a contract extension ahead of the 2023 season that was worth $179.3 million guaranteed , has thrown for fewer than 200 yards in three straight games. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith — who also complained Sunday about the offense — was also coming off consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons but has yet to break 100 yards in a game this season. Brown has four 100-yard games, well off last season’s run when he topped 100 yards in six straight games and seven times overall. Hurts has been more efficient than explosive this season but has still thrown 12 touchdown passes to just one interception — and rushed for 11 more scores — during the Eagles' nine-game winning streak that has them on the brink of clinching the NFC East. Maybe playing the Steelers on Sunday at home can snap the Eagles out of their offensive malaise. Hurts threw three TD passes to Brown in a 35-13 win in 2022. “Do we all have things to get better at in the passing game? Yeah, I think that’s obvious,” Sirianni said. “I think that’s what we’ve been talking about. We all have things that we’ve got to get better at, coaches, players. But this is why this is the greatest team sport there is. It takes everybody. It takes every single person being together, every single person for the success to happen. It’s just not a one-person thing.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
C$ unless otherwise stated TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC SEHK: 945 The prospectus supplement, the corresponding base shelf prospectus and any amendment thereto in connection with this offering will be accessible through SEDAR+ within two business days. TORONTO , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Manulife Financial Corporation (" MFC ") announced today that it intends to issue $1 billion principal amount of 4.064% fixed/floating subordinated debentures due December 6 , 2034 (the " Debentures "). MFC intends to file a prospectus supplement to its existing base shelf prospectus in respect of this issue. The Debentures will bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.064% until December 6, 2029 and thereafter at a rate of 1.25% over Daily Compounded CORRA. The Debentures mature on December 6, 2034 . Subject to prior regulatory approval, MFC may redeem the Debentures, in whole or in part, on or after December 6, 2029 at a redemption price equal to par, together with accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption. The Debentures will constitute subordinated indebtedness, ranking equally and rateably with all other subordinated indebtedness of MFC from time to time issued and outstanding (other than subordinated indebtedness which has been further subordinated in accordance with its terms). The offering is being done on a best efforts agency basis by a syndicate co-led by RBC Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets and Scotiabank. The offering is expected to close on December 6, 2024 . MFC intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Debentures for general corporate purposes, including investment in subsidiaries and potential future redemptions of existing securities. The Debentures have not been and will not be registered in the United States under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the " Securities Act "), or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy securities in the United States and any public offering of the securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus. Access to the prospectus supplement, the corresponding base shelf prospectus and any amendment thereto in connection with the offering of the Debentures is provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a prospectus supplement, a base shelf prospectus and any amendment thereto. The prospectus supplement, the corresponding base shelf prospectus and any amendment thereto in connection with the offering will be accessible within two business days at www.sedarplus.ca . An electronic or paper copy of the prospectus supplement, the corresponding base shelf prospectus and any amendment to the documents may be obtained, without charge, from RBC Capital Markets by email at torontosyndicate@rbccm.com or phone at 416-842-6311, CIBC Capital Markets by email at mailbox.cibcdebtsyndication@cibc.com or phone at 416-594-8515 or Scotiabank by email at syndicate.toronto@scotiabank.com or phone at 416-863-7438. About Manulife Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada , we provide financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife across Canada , Asia , and Europe , and primarily as John Hancock in the United States . Through Manulife Investment Management, the global brand for our Global Wealth and Asset Management segment, we serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2023, we had more than 38,000 employees, over 98,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 35 million customers. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto , New York , and the Philippine stock exchanges, and under '945' in Hong Kong . Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/manulife-announces-subordinated-debenture-issue-302321737.html SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has rubbished suggestions of a rift with Kevin De Bruyne, insisting he is “desperate” to have the playmaker back at his best. A number of prominent pundits, including former City defender and club ambassador Micah Richards, have questioned why the Belgium international has not been starting games amid the champions’ dramatic slump. City have not won in seven outings in all competitions – their worst run since 2008 – with De Bruyne featuring only as a substitute in the last five of those matches after recovering from a pelvic injury. The latest came with a 12-minute run-out in Sunday’s demoralising 2-0 defeat at Premier League leaders Liverpool, a result which left City 11 points off the pace and fifth in the table. Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast it appeared “there’s some sort of rift going on” between De Bruyne and Guardiola while former England striker Gary Lineker added: “It seems like all’s not well.” Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said he felt “something isn’t right” and fellow Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville, the ex-Manchester United right-back, described the situation as “unusual, bizarre, strange”. Guardiola, speaking at a press conference to preview his side’s clash with Nottingham Forest, responded on Tuesday. The Spaniard said: “People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? No, I don’t want Kevin to play? “The guy who has the most talent in the final third, I don’t want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together? “He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club, but he’s been five months injured (last season) and two months injured (this year). “He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best, like last season, step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have his best.” De Bruyne has not started since being forced off at half-time of City’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan on September 18, having picked up an injury in the previous game. Both the player and manager have spoken since of the pain he was in and the need to ease back into action, but his spell on the bench has been unexpectedly long. The resulting speculation has then been exacerbated because De Bruyne is in the final year of his contract but Guardiola maintains nothing untoward has occurred. He said: “I’d love to have the Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He would love it to – but he is not 26 or 27 any more. “He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy. You think I’m complaining? It’s normal, it’s nature. “He’s played in 10 or 11 seasons a lot of games and I know he is desperate to help us. He gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have. “But, always I said, he himself will not solve our problems, like Erling (Haaland) won’t solve it himself. We attack and defend together. “We want the best players back. Hopefully step by step the confidence will come back and we’ll get the best of all of us.”
*Experience Effortless, Nutritious Meals Ready Upon Arrival at Booth #60652* NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eatfigo is set to transform home dining with the debut of its innovative appliance—a refrigerator that cooks—at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. Attendees are invited to Booth #60652 to witness firsthand how Eatfigo seamlessly integrates meal preparation into daily routines, ensuring that mouth-watering, nutritious meals are ready the moment you walk through the door. Eatfigo's cutting-edge technology combines precise sous-vide cooking with advanced refrigeration, allowing users to schedule meals that cook themselves and are perfectly timed for their arrival. This innovation is particularly beneficial for individuals committed to healthy eating habits, such as those following Keto, Paleo, or low-carb diets, by simplifying the process of preparing wholesome, nutrient-rich dishes. "Our mission at Eatfigo is to redefine convenience in healthy home cooking," said Robert Nappi , Founder and CEO of Eatfigo. "We understand the challenges of maintaining a nutritious diet amidst a busy lifestyle. With our appliance, users can enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the time-consuming preparation." Visitors to Booth #60652 will have the opportunity to explore Eatfigo's features, engage in discussions about healthy eating, and learn how this appliance can enhance well-being by preserving nutritional value and promoting better food consumption habits. Attendees will also enjoy a special launch price exclusive to CES visitors. For more information or to explore purchasing options, visit [ www.eatfigo.com ] ( http://www.eatfigo.com ). About Eatfigo Eatfigo is dedicated to revolutionizing home cooking by integrating advanced technology with healthy eating. Our flagship product, the refrigerator that cooks, empowers individuals to effortlessly enjoy nutritious, home-prepared meals, aligning with their health goals and busy schedules. *Note: CES 2025 takes place from January 7 to 10 in Las Vegas, NV. * Click here for more details about our booth at: https://ces25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=001Pp00000fB9JjIAK. SOURCE EatFigo
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ANDERSON COUNTY, Texas — The Texas attorney general’s office is deliberately running out the clock on a soon-to-expire House committee to avoid cooperating with its demand that death row inmate Robert Roberson be able to testify before the committee in person, according to the two lawmakers spearheading that effort. “What the attorney general’s office, I feel like is doing right now, is trying to delay, as much as possible, and not work with us,” state Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, told The Texas Tribune during a Friday event exploring the committee’s intervention in the Roberson case. “They’re basically ignoring the Supreme Court’s order, knowing that in a month or so, when the new legislative session convenes, our committee goes away,” he said. Leach, a member of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, and the committee’s chair, state Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, appeared Friday at a Texas Tribune event to discuss the historic legislative intervention that halted Roberson’s Oct. 17 execution. The committee is planning for Roberson to testify in person at the Capitol on Dec. 20, two months after the committee forced a delay of his execution through an extraordinary legal intervention. The committee is awaiting confirmation from Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office on whether it will voluntarily comply with the panel’s order and allow the state criminal justice department to transport Roberson from prison to the Capitol so he can testify. Moody discussed how the Texas Supreme Court has told the legislative and executive branches of state government to cooperate on this matter on three separate occasions. But after asking the executive branch if it would agree to produce Roberson, Moody said, its representatives “couldn’t answer the simple question of, can we agree or do you want me to issue a subpoena?,” Moody said. “They have refused to answer that very simple question.” As a result, Moody set the hearing for Dec. 20 and gave the attorney general’s office until the end of the day Friday to answer. If they don’t, Moody said he will issue a new subpoena for Roberson. “I’ve been in this business long enough — that’s just a foot drag,” Moody said. “So I set the hearing and I gave him a deadline.” He said he hopes that Texans question the delays by Paxton’s office. “Why don’t they want to hear from Robert? Why do they not want the Legislature to do this? Why?” The Texas attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to the comments made by Leach or Moody. It’s the latest in the dramatic back and forth between the two government branches over Roberson’s testimony. The day before Roberson’s scheduled Oct. 17 execution, the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence held a hearing airing his claims of innocence and lack of due process. The panel’s surprise move to subpoena Roberson on Oct. 16 then successfully forced a delay in his execution. Roberson, who has maintained his innocence in the death of his child for more than 20 years, became a political lightning rod in recent months as members of the bipartisan Criminal Jurisprudence Committee — convinced that the courts had not properly applied a 2013 junk science law to his case — waged a controversial campaign to buy him more time. Roberson was convicted of capital murder in 2003 for the death of his 2-year-old daughter Nikki, who was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome. He has sought to use the junk science law to vacate his conviction, arguing that new scientific evidence debunked Nikki’s shaken baby diagnosis and showed that she died of undiagnosed pneumonia, not abuse. The committee’s subpoena prompted the ongoing battle between lawmakers and Paxton’s office over securing Roberson’s testimony. The subpoena also created a separation of powers conflict between the state’s legislative and executive branches, prompting the Texas Supreme Court to stay Roberson’s execution on Oct. 17 as it worked through the legal dispute. In an Oct. 28 Texas Supreme Court brief, members of the criminal jurisprudence panel accused Paxton’s office of stonewalling and refusing to comply with the subpoena. “The executive branch has shown no willingness to work out its differences with the legislative branch or meet its statutory duty to assist the Committee,” the brief states. The criminal jurisprudence panel held a hearing on Oct. 21 with plans for Roberson to give his testimony in person. But Paxton quashed those plans, saying that the inmate would only testify via video, “in the interest of public safety.” Both the committee and Roberson’s attorney objected to a virtual set-up, saying that Roberson’s autism and lack of technological experience due to his more than two decades in prison meant that he could not testify effectively over video. Lawmakers then sought to visit Roberson on death row to take his testimony there. But according to the lawmakers’ brief, Paxton’s office again scuttled those plans, telling Moody that “the executive branch would no longer permit any form of hearing with Roberson.” Instead, the brief states, the executive branch proposed a joint letter in which Moody and Leach “admit that Roberson was a murderer, that they had overstepped their authority, and that no legislative committee should ever act similarly in the future.” At the Tribune event, Moody said they had no intent of signing such a letter. “I’ve got to censor myself when talking about that letter because I thought someone was joking with me when they sent it to me,” Moody said. “That was a letter that was sent to us, knowing that we would never sign it. It is written in a way that says, make sure that they never sign this, because it was saying, you know, we’re idiots, we made a mistake, we’re so sorry, Robert’s a murderer.” Paxton, meanwhile, has accused the lawmakers of “sidelining” the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s legal counsel, and said that nothing compelled the executive branch to bring Roberson to the Capitol. On Nov. 15, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that legislative subpoenas could not be used to block death warrants, clearing the way for Roberson’s execution. But the court noted that there was now plenty of time for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to produce Roberson for testimony. The prosecuting district attorney has not yet requested a new execution date, which could not be set within 90 days of the request. “If the committee still wishes to obtain his testimony, we assume that the department can reasonably accommodate a new subpoena,” the court said. “So long as a subpoena issues in a way that does not inevitably block a scheduled execution, nothing in our holding prevents the committee from pursuing judicial relief in the ordinary way to compel a witness’s testimony.” Leach hinted that fighting the committee after the Supreme Court’s decision will have consequences. “Our AG is doing a lot of really good work,” Leach said. “But look, if you’re going to ignore the Legislature and say, ‘We don’t care about you and we’re not gonna do what the Supreme Court told us to do’ — then if we have to, we’ll be back in front of the Supreme Court. And I don’t think ... that should be necessary. Related Articles Man convicted of injuring a child based on Shaken Baby Syndrome exonerated, Dallas County DA announces Trial judge in Robert Roberson’s death row case agrees to recusal Texas high court says execution in 'shaken baby syndrome' case can't be halted by lawmaker subpoenaFor the last few years, a younger generation of Republicans — including Vice President-elect J.D. Vance — has tried to convince their party to (partially) rethink its traditional kowtowing to corporate interests. If they really want to be the party of the working class, it might not be enough to pour contempt on and . What if they combined that with a genuine skepticism of corporate power, and a willingness to use government to police monopolies and make sure markets work for everyone? It was an interesting idea. But even if Vance and his allies were sincere — and there are plenty of reasons to doubt that — the incoming Trump White House is going in another direction. Big business will have than in his first, and the dream of a Republican Party that cares about voters’ pocketbooks, not just CEOs’ salaries, . The idea that this administration will be “populist” in any meaningful sense looks more like a joke every single day. Already, Trump has to fill out Cabinet posts and advisory positions. He is dining with industry lobbyists and promising regulatory exemptions to big companies. And on Tuesday, that he would replace Lina Khan, , as chair of the Federal Trade Commission.Under Khan, the FTC has been at the center of some of the most important action on markets and monopolies over the last four years. Along with Jonathan Kanter, head of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, Khan has reinvigorated antitrust enforcement, challenging giant mergers and bringing lawsuits against tech companies for their exploitative practices. While not all of Khan’s antitrust actions have been successful, she has notched some notable victories. Earlier this year, between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, arguing the merger would raise prices and hurt workers. After a judge sided with the FTC and state regulators, Albertsons backed out of the deal. Though , her adversarial relationship with large corporations, and particularly with the tech industry, won her some fans on the right. “I look at Lina Khan as one of the few people in the Biden administration that I think is doing a pretty good job,” earlier this year. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., that her past criticism of Amazon was “precisely why she was a good choice for the FTC.” Hawley is just one Republican who has styled himself an anti-corporate crusader; he has to outlaw corporate political contributions, which he says would “hold Corporate America accountable for drowning out the voices of the American people.” Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Trump's pick for secretary of state, once a union organizing drive at an Amazon facility, though only because he thought the company was too “woke” and should be punished. The support for Khan from these “Khanservatives,” and the forlorn hope that Trump’s “populism” has anything to do with economics, led some to wonder if Trump might actually let Khan stay on. The conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board In July that “Mr. Vance may lobby Mr. Trump to reappoint her in a second term.” Instead, Trump has picked FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson as her replacement. In announcing Ferguson on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship.” But this hostility emerges only when Ferguson believes tech companies are censoring conservatives. He recently praised X owner Elon Musk, that the platform’s “current turn toward free expression is due only to its new owner’s unusually firm commitment to free and open debate.” In fact, Musk regularly his own critics on X and trying to quash speech he doesn’t like. Ferguson’s , , demonstrates that he will broadly reverse Khan’s robust antitrust enforcement. In the one-page document, he promises to “reverse Lina Khan’s anti-business agenda” by repealing “burdensome” regulations (i.e. regulations that businesses don’t like) and stopping “Lina Khan’s war on mergers.” And lest Big Tech gets too worried, he pledges to “end the FTC’s attempt to become an AI regulator.” No one should be surprised that conservative support for Khan and opposition to Big Tech was never about the dangers of monopoly power or the well being of consumers. Republicans only get mad at companies when they perceive a threat to their partisan interests. Likewise, they’ll condemn corporate “wokeness” when companies celebrate Pride Month, but they don’t care if those same companies jack up prices, mistreat workers or pollute communities. For all the Khanservatives' claim to be reimagining their party’s stance toward corporations, they lack any broader conception of how much power corporations should have, how government should ensure the proper functioning of markets, or what constitutes genuine competition in the public interest. They’re happy to have the FTC, and the government in general, revert to a reflexive view that corporations should be able to do pretty much whatever they want — so long as it’s conservative officials who are determining where the lines are. Now Vance and his allies’ claims to populism will be truly tested. Are the corporate-oriented officials running key agencies in the new Trump administration going to reverse the Biden administration’s efforts in taking on corporate power? What about the FTC’s recently finalized “ ” rule, which will require that canceling a subscription or gym membership is as easy as signing up in the first place? What about its on “junk fees,” or its ban on onerous ? Based on Trump’s actions since the election, all these moves could be at risk. It’s not just the FTC — we could see the Trump administration end the efforts to get for airline passengers that Biden started, or follow up on threats to neuter the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which protects consumers from financial industry scams and mistreatment (Elon Musk he wants to “delete” the CFPB). Here’s the real measure of the phoniness of the Republican claim to populism: As the next four years progress, watch how often the administration takes the side of consumers when they come in conflict with corporate interests. My bet is on “almost never.” Perhaps Vance was sincere all the times he said he wanted a genuinely populist Republican Party that is skeptical of corporate power. But that’s almost certainly not what we’re going to get. Conservative ideology, and subservience to the moneyed interests that fund the GOP, will determine what Republicans do when they take power, just as they always have.
Age cheating or fraud continues to rare its ugly head in football despite the advancement of technology in the sport From a youth World Cup winner to a promising AC Milan star, the phenomenon of age fraud continues to mar the integrity of football On the back of this, Legit.ng takes a look at five players who have been found guilty of age cheating CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. Age falsification remains one of the most contentious issues in football , with players accused of misrepresenting their birth dates to gain an unfair advantage in age-restricted competitions. While often associated with African players, this practice spans continents, implicating individuals from Europe , South America, and Asia. The phenomenon has even coined the term “football age,” reflecting its widespread occurrence within the sport . Youssoufa Moukoko accused of age cheating This issue resurfaced ahead of the release of the documentary Tricks, Cheats, Deception – The Million Dollar Business with Football Talents, which alleges that Cameroon-born German international Youssoufa Moukoko might be four years older than his documented 20 years. Read also Ademola Lookman weighs in on GOAT debate, names the netter player between Ronaldo and Messi PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! Additionally, the film suggests Moukoko’s name and parentage might differ from official records. According to Goal , while Borussia Dortmund has publicly defended the striker, the situation underscores the complexities surrounding age verification in football. In light of the Moukoko allegations, here’s a look at five high-profile cases of players caught in age fraud scandals. Gourav Mukhi stunned Indian football when he claimed to be just 16 years old while representing Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League. However, investigations revealed he was actually 28. In 2019, the All Indian Football Federation banned him for six months after verifying his real birth date. Following his suspension, Mukhi returned to action, having submitted authentic documentation to clear his name, per Hindustan Times . The Brazilian midfielder achieved global recognition when he helped his nation secure the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship. Read also German club breaks silence about player whose 'dad' accused him of age cheating However, it was later revealed he had falsified his birth documents, claiming to be five years younger than his true age. His deception resulted in a 360-day suspension, tarnishing an otherwise promising career. The captain of Nigeria’s Under-17 team during the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup was accused of reducing his age by seven years. Former Nigerian footballer Adokiye Amiesimaka exposed the discrepancy, alleging Chukwudi’s true age disqualified him from competing in the youth tournament. The Congolese forward, now playing for Young Boys in Switzerland, admitted to altering his birth year to appear younger. In 2019, Elia was set to join Anderlecht but disappeared, reportedly fabricating his personal details. His actions led to a 12-month ban by the Congolese Association Football Federation, though he has since resumed his career in Europe. 1. Yusupha Yaffa – Gambia Read also Age Scandal Rocks Ex-Borussia Dortmund Star, Adoptive Father Alleges He's 24, Not 20 The Gambian forward’s case remains one of the most notorious. Initially claiming to be 19 when joining AC Milan’s youth team in 2013, it was later revealed he was actually 28. Yaffa reportedly provided multiple conflicting birth dates, citing lost documents as the reason for the inconsistencies. AC Milan ultimately sued him for forging his age, ending his stint with the club in disgrace. Dortmund addresses Moukoko age fraud allegations Relatedly, Legit.ng reported that Borussia Dortmund has addressed the ongoing age fraud allegation surrounding their player Youssoufa Moukoko. The striker's adoptive father, Joseph Moukoko, accused German international with Cameroonian roots of lying about his age, creating significant controversy. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: YEN.com.ghBehind the scenes of online course design (Campus Life - Kamloops)
Article content ‘Tis the season to start shopping for loved ones – family, friends, and colleagues you care about – and perhaps putting something for yourself under the tree this year. Recommended Videos Hey, there is a sales tax freeze, after all. And if it’s a tech toy you want to give, there’s no shortage of sleek screens, great games, and smart home-related gear worthy of your consideration. The following are a few thought-starters to suit varying budgets and tastes. For (cold) music lovers You’ve heard of Bluetooth, but what about a Blue Toque? Dress warm for the winter and still take calls and hear your tunes. As the name suggests, the $59 Caseco Blu Toque Cable Knit Bluetooth Beanie is a Bluetooth-enabled toque with built-in headphones that you wirelessly stream music, podcasts, audiobooks or calls from your nearby smartphone – all controlled via onboard controls. Battery life tops six hours between charges. Remove the electronics from its small inside pouch before washing. For budding astronomers (or insomniacs) Project an “out of this world” moving image onto your bedroom ceiling with the Govee Star Light Projector ($89). Capable of creating a stunning 650-square-foot image with a button press on the app (or on the unit itself), with 16 million colours, flowing aurora effects, and 52 scene modes. There are optional white noise tracks, too, and it’s a Bluetooth speaker, if you want to play your own songs. For avid readers Gift the gift of reading with Amazon’s new Kindle Paperwhite (from $185) and Kindle Paperwhite Kids (from $215), both with sharp, anti-glare, 7-inch screens. Now with 20% faster page turns, the new Kindles are also waterproof, so you can take it to the beach, pool, or a bubble bath. An optional backlight lets you read in bed without disturbing anyone. The Paperwhite Kids model also includes a protective folio screen, parental controls, and six months of the Amazon Kids+ service that offers a ton of free content. For gamers on the go The versatile Nintendo Switch ($399) can be played at home on your big-screen TV (in its dock, included), perhaps in a multiplayer match with the family, but it can also be played on the go, such as in the backseat of a car on a road trip, via its built-in screen. A holiday bundle includes the Nintendo Switch console, a digital copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and a 12-month individual membership to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, to play with others over the internet ($100 value). For online shoppers After connecting the $29 Chamberlain Smart Garage Control to your existing garage door system, use the free myQ app (iPhone or Android) to open and close your garage door, anywhere in the world, so you’ll never have to worry about accidentally leaving the garage door open. Or set an open and close schedule. This small doohickey works with Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery, an exclusive Prime member benefit that protects your packages from porch pirates and inclement weather. For thrill seekers From $399 (for 128GB), the new Meta Quest 3S lets you experience mind-blowing 360-degree virtual reality content. Plus, this device supports augmented reality (AR), too, since you can also see the real-world around you in some apps and games (like aliens hiding behind your sofa). Beyond games, Meta Quest 3S is also great for fitness and meditation exercises, chat rooms, virtual concerts and more. It includes a downloadable copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow. For fitness and health nuts Among several other features, Apple Watch can gauge your heart health, track sleep and fitness, show notifications, stream music, and let you pay for items at retail by simply waving your watch over a contactless sensor. Apple Watch Series 10 (from $549) offers a thinner design, bigger and better display, new colours and band options. If you’re shopping for an Android user, the Pixel Watch 3 (from $479) is a stellar pick. For AI lovers (or don’t know it yet) Powered by Google’s ChromeOS, this 14-inch HP x360 laptop (from $699) delivers an enhanced Chromebook experience, with a vibrant touchscreen display that bends back to become a tablet – and twice the storage, speed and memory compared to a regular Chromebook. Google AI tools let you get more done in less time, including handy features like Help Me Write and Magic Editor (to fix up your photos). The Intel Core-powered laptop has an all-day battery, B&O audio, and integrated Google Play store. For speed demons Now available in Ontario and Quebec, TELUS PureFibre is a 100% fibre optic connection to your home that yields internet speeds up to 1.5 gigabits per second (yes, that’s superfast), and complimentary professional installation of award-winning Wi-Fi 6 technology. These kinds of speeds are ideal for 4K streaming, online gaming, and support for multiple devices on the network at the same time (without any lag). TELUS PureFibre Internet starts from $79/month, when bundling with TELUS mobility. For the person who has everything The RayNeo Air 2S ($439) “XR” glasses house twin Micro-OLED 1080p displays that mimic a 201-inch picture for binging TV shows and blockbuster movies – on a plane, in bed, anywhere. And since these 16:9 screens each boast a 120Hz refresh rate, they’re also ideal for fast-moving videogames and sports. Weighing 78 grams and with four integrated speakers, these glasses work with a host of USB-C devices, including newer iPhones, Android devices, computers and game consoles. For nomadic TV bingers For public viewing, on the other hand, the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF22 Portable Smart Laser Projector ($999) produces a superbright image, up to 1000 lumens of colour and white brightness – and no lamp to replace. The 360-swivel stand lets you beam the up-to-150-inch image against a wall or ceiling, or to the backyard for summer movie nights. The Google TV platform is built-in with thousands of apps, such as popular Paramount+ streaming service with exclusive TV shows and movies (from $6.99/month). For serious home theatre enthusiasts Available in six screen sizes ranging, from 42 to 83 inches, and with multiple mounting options, the LG OLED evo C4 TV (from $1,299) features a stunningly sharp display, AI-powered upscaling and a Smart TV powered by webOS. Self-lit pixels create perfect black levels and luminous colours, and so it’s easy to see why OLED is the most desirable panel technology on the market. Along with being ultra-slim and light, the glare-free picture looks great from any angle, so there’s not a bad seat in the room. – Marc Saltzman is the host of the Tech It Out podcast and the author of the book, Apple Vision Pro For Dummies (Wiley)MASON, Ohio — 16 Lots Brewing Company is closing its doors to both its Mason and Newport locations, the brewery announced Thursday night. "Well, friends, the sun has set at 16 Lots Brewing Company and 16 Lots Southern Outpost," the company said in a social media post. "As of today, we are permanently closed." The Mason location opened in 2017, with the "Southern Outpost" in Newport opening in 2023. The spot at Newport on the Levee had a 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio, live music and a full-service restaurant until January, when the brewery had to close its kitchen and cut back on staff in hopes it could stay afloat. RELATED | 16 Lots Brewing's Newport location closes kitchen, could fully close in a week "Shout out to our landlords and Eclipse Bank for doing everything in their power to support us and give us the opportunity to make this work. We gave it our best shot, but unfortunately, the biz just wasn't sustainable," 16 Lots said in its post. Mad Monks Pizza, which sublet from 16 Lots at its flagship location, will also be closed at this time. The pizza company said in a social media post it is in negotiations with the landlord to try to rebrand the space as Mad Monks Pizza and Taproom which would feature their pizza menu, a full bar and 15 draft beers. "We want to thank everyone for the last seven years and will keep you posted on all updates," Mad Monks said on social media.Microsoft has announced that it’s removing passwords for over a billion users, signalling the end of the password era. The tech giant is acting on the growing risks associated with password-based security, as cyberattacks have surged by a staggering 200%. Now, Microsoft is focusing on a more secure, user-friendly solution: passkeys. Microsoft responds to growing cybersecurity threats with passkeys The move comes in response to the sharp rise in cyberattacks , with Microsoft reporting: Most Read on Euro Weekly News Help get Robyn repatriated to the UK Six-metre python snake terrifies onlookers as it swims through flooded streets Spain braces for Arctic blast: Freezing temperatures, snow, and torrential rain to hit the country 7,000 password attacks per second—almost double compared to last year. A 146% rise in phishing attacks, where hackers intercept user credentials. In light of these escalating threats, Microsoft is urging users to embrace passkeys, a solution that offers both better security and faster, easier access. Why Passkeys are revolutionising digital security for the future Passkeys are seen as a more secure and efficient alternative to traditional passwords. Here’s why: No vulnerability to common password attacks. Log in faster with biometrics like face recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Say goodbye to forgotten passwords and one-time codes. The good news? Passkeys are already gaining traction. According to the FIDO Alliance , awareness of passkeys has risen by 50% over the past year. As more people recognise the benefits, the technology is becoming a viable replacement for outdated password systems. Microsoft’s plan to phase out passwords completely: What’s next for security Microsoft is working towards a password-free future, where security relies on passkeys alone. While millions of users have already switched to passkeys, Microsoft acknowledges that it won’t be easy to convince the remaining 30-40% to make the change. However, the data shows the benefits are hard to ignore: Three times faster login with passkeys compared to traditional passwords. Users are three times more successful logging in with passkeys (98% success rate) than with passwords (32% success rate). 99% of users who start the registration process for passkeys complete it. Microsoft plans to keep things simple by encouraging users to start small and gradually transition. With passkeys, users can enjoy secure access without the hassle of passwords or traditional multi-factor authentication (MFA). The goal is clear: eliminate passwords entirely. With passkeys, biometric data and PIN codes stored on your device will secure your accounts, making them much more resistant to phishing and cyberattacks. This approach offers better security than 2FA, which can be compromised through SMS interception.
Plans to shrink the civil service have been dropped and the Cabinet Office minister has questioned whether Elon Musk will succeed in making the American government more efficient. Pat McFadden echoed Dominic Cummings’s call for “weirdos and misfits” to work in the civil service as he said he wanted the government machine to be more like Airbnb or Spotify. In a speech urging tech entrepreneurs to come forward to work temporarily in government, McFadden acknowledged that the civil service could not compete on pay and said he was “appealing to their sense of public service”. After Sir Keir Starmer accused parts of Whitehall last week of being “comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline”, McFadden said that he wanted to make the British stateIconic US sports car brand to open first Scottish showroom in GlasgowUnder fire from congressional Republicans about one of the darkest moments of Joe Biden’s presidency, Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the administration’s handling of the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, saying Democrats struggled to make the best of a bad pullout deal struck by Donald Trump. Blinken testified Wednesday before the Republican-led House Foreign Affairs Committee, facing questions and angry criticism from lawmakers for the final time in office. The top U.S. diplomat was expected to leave for the Middle East in the afternoon, but the back-and-forth with members, specifically Republicans who admonished the chaotic withdrawal as his defining legacy, delayed his departure. RELATED STORY | House GOP report blames Biden-Harris for chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan Blinken said much of the blame for the sudden collapse of Afghanistan's U.S.-allied government and the chaotic August 2021 evacuation of Americans that followed rested with a withdrawal deal President Trump had reached with the Taliban in 2020 before leaving office. “To the extent President Biden faced a choice, it was between ending the war or escalating it,” Blinken told lawmakers. “Had he not followed through on his predecessor’s commitment, attacks on our forces and allies would have resumed and the Taliban’s assault on the country’s major cities would have commenced.” But McCaul and other Republican lawmakers portrayed Blinken and the Biden administration as ill-prepared and disengaged as the disaster grew, and intent on minimizing mounting evidence that the Taliban would complete a takeover of the country before the last U.S. troops departed. “This catastrophic event was the beginning of a failed foreign policy that lit the world on fire,” McCaul, a Texas Republican, said. He urged Blinken to take “accountability for the disastrous withdrawal.” It was clear “it was going to be a disaster,” said Florida Republican Rep. Brian Mast, who will take over as chairman of the committee in the next Congress. RELATED STORY | Where asylum seekers stand, 2 years after the war in Afghanistan The hearing came at the end of Blinken's diplomatic service under Biden, with six weeks left before Trump takes office, and at the end of McCaul's time leading the Foreign Affairs committee. It served as a capstone to nearly four years of animosity between the two over the end of America's longest war. “For my part, I’ve been determined to learn the lessons from this experience, not only to learn them, but to act on them,” Blinken said. He added, “We’ve made the State Department stronger and better able to respond to crises than it was when we found it, or it was during the Afghan evacuation.” There was little new ground broken on the U.S. withdrawal, after years of blame-trading between Republicans and Democrats. Blinken pointed Wednesday to the planned 2026 release of a government-appointed Afghanistan war commission's review as the best prospect of an independent full report on the disastrous events of the summer of 2021. The 20-year U.S. military occupation of Afghanistan succeeded in routing the al-Qaida militants responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, whom Afghanistan's fundamentalist Taliban militants had allowed a home. But as the U.S. began its pullout, as set by Trump's deal and carried out by Biden, Taliban fighters routed the U.S.-allied government and military, capturing control of the country within months. An extremist group's bombing at the Kabul airport killed 13 U.S. service members and nearly 200 Afghans as Americans, Afghan allies and others thronged the airport in hopes of seats on the last U.S. military-run flights out. Blinken testified Wednesday that all of the “hundreds” of Americans and dual citizens stranded by the sudden scramble from Afghanistan have now been able to leave, if they have chosen. RELATED STORY | Biden review of chaotic Afghan withdrawal blames Trump He opened his appearance before the committee by turning to families of U.S. forces killed in the withdrawal and expressing condolences. Protesters repeatedly interrupted his comments, crying out “scum” and “genocide,” before security cleared the room of them. Blinken denied Republican charges that he and others ignored warnings from lower-ranking administration officials that the U.S. withdrawal would go badly wrong, and that the U.S. had to move faster on getting out Americans and the Afghans who had worked for and allied with them. “We anticipated that Kabul would remain in the hands of the Afghan government” through the end of the year, Blinken said. “This unfolded more quickly than we anticipated including in the intelligence community.” “Waiting until the last minute is not executing a plan,” McCaul said. Blinken's testimony came months after House Republicans issued a scathing report on their investigation into the withdrawal, blaming the disastrous end on Biden’s administration. They played down Trump's role in the failures even though he had signed the withdrawal deal with the Taliban. Previous investigations and analyses by a government-appointed special investigator for Afghanistan and some private policy groups have pointed to a systemic failure spanning the last four presidential administrations and concluded that Biden and Trump share the heaviest blame.
FACT FOCUS: Vermont ruling does not say schools can vaccinate children without parental consent