Category News

John Torode pulls out of event at the last minute after Masterchef axing

By in Entertainment News, News

John Torode was scheduled to make his first public appearance since being eliminated from MasterChef and the BBC.

Daniel Hall and Abbie Bray, Screen Time’s deputy editors,

John Torode has withdrawn from the Seaham Food Festival, according to Durham County Council.

The council-run event on August 2 and 3 was supposed to feature the celebrity chef and former MasterChef host.

With his culinary prowess, John was expected to captivate festivalgoers in the cookery section. Dean Edwards, Chris Baber, Nelly Ghaffar, and other well-known chefs will still attend the weekend’s festivities in the seaside town despite his absence.

We understand John has been having a difficult time, and Durham County Council has decided to take some time off, according to a Durham County Council representative. He won’t be attending the Seaham Food Festival this year, so why not. “

This announcement follows the BBC and MasterChef production company Banijay’s decision not to renew Torode’s contract amid allegations of him using “highly offensive racist language” back in 2018.

John has refuted the assertion, saying that he recalls an incident like this occurring.

The allegation surfaced during an independent probe conducted by the legal firm Lewis Silkin, which had previously substantiated 45 complaints against John’s co-presenter Gregg Wallace, reports Chronicle Live.

John Torode and Gregg Wallace.(Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

John took to Instagram on Tuesday to address rumours of his departure from MasterChef, claiming the BBC and Banijay had left him in the dark.

The celebrity chef expressed his dismay by saying, “I have no idea what I’m accused of, and I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay,” adding, “I am seeing and reading that I have been “sacked” from MasterChef.” The inquiry couldn’t even identify the year or date that I was supposed to have said something incorrect. “

He expressed his disappointment that he had no say in the decision to leave the show he had been a part of since its 2005 relaunch, noting that recent events appeared to have sucked that option.

The TV star reflected on his past and future, saying, “I had hoped that I would have some influence when I left a show I’ve worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events seem to have prevented that. I’ve been thinking about my life and how it will change over the coming and future over the past few months. “

On Tuesday, John Torode issued a statement.
On Tuesday, John Torode issued a statement.

Confirming his departure, he announced: “Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last. Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else.”

He urged his successor to hold onto the role in the same way that he did, and he revealed his desire to continue following the show’s progress while working on other projects. Torode continued, “Love it as I have for whoever takes control.” As I continue to concentrate on the numerous other exciting projects I’ve been working on, I’ll watch from a distance with admiration. “

Continue reading the article below.

He joked that his stomach needed a break after 20 years, acknowledging the impact of his protracted tenure on the show. After 20 years of eating, he said, “What a joy it has been, but my stomach will be grateful for a rest.” Life is constantly changing and moving, and occasionally there were other people’s true happiness and fulfillment.

Ogun Govt To Begin Implementation Of Contributory Pension Scheme

By in News, Nigeria News

Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State, has stated that his administration will start implementing the state employees’ contribution plan in full from July 2025.

When he met with members of the Organised Labour to discuss the issues that plagued the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme and other pressing issues that led to the state’s ongoing strike, the state’s workers began to engage in this action.

Abiodun stated that his administration would provide immediate payment to workers who retire from July 2, 2025, at a meeting with the organization’s leadership at the governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He had already stated that the first phase of the 10-year payment plan would begin in 2025 and end in 2030, while the second phase, which would begin in 2035, would begin in 2025.

Also read: Oba Sikiru Adetona Laid to Rest in Awujale of Ijebuland

He claimed that the arrangement would allow his successors to receive payment for the remaining two years of their terms, and for the remaining eight.

The key is that we have chosen to pay retirees who have already retired from July 2, 2025, to July 2030, outstanding contributions. He promised to pay that amount right away.

Abiodun
Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State, is shown in a file photo. Twitter at @dabiodunMFR

“We will make the second payment for those who will be retiring from July 2, 2030 to July 1, 2035, the second payment being made next year.”

We will be making immediate payments for those who will be retiring after my successor’s ten years in 2027.

The gratuity scheme will stop effective on July 2, 2025, so there won’t be one. The Contributory Pension Scheme will replace all Consolidated Salaries.

There has been a lot of work put in this. In the past, we have discovered that those in charge of our pensions were incompetent, and that this has caused things to move more slowly than they should have.

Any retiree will receive their benefits, and we will give PENCOM the resources to make sure that they fulfill their obligations and that it will be done right away.

He declared, “We will pass the appropriate laws to support this decision.”

After the appropriate Pension Fund Administrators have been chosen, the governor made it clear that his administration would ensure the immediate appointment and registration of all employees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Abiodun noted that his government had already provided inherited leave allowances up until 2013 while N8 billion had not yet been received and would instead be paid in tranches for the amounts from 2014 to 2022.

He made it clear that between 2019 and 2019, there have been pension payments of N37 billion and N16 billion for local government and state employees.

Instead of starting an industrial dispute, the governor demanded that labor unions find peaceful ways to talk with the government about issues that affect workers’ welfare.

Abiodun praised them for the support their administration has shown since 2019, which has resulted in the state’s socio-economic development.

According to Hameed Benco, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the union has decided to start the strike in response to rumors, speculations, and concerns about the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme, which had caused the workers to be concerned.

Akeem Lasisi, the state’s trade union leader, claimed that the governor should be drawn to the strike because it was necessary to bolster the state’s economy in light of the passage of the 2006 Pension Reform, which became effective on July 1, 2025.

Sainsbury’s ‘beautiful’ £22.50 dress shoppers say is ‘perfect for summer days’

By in Entertainment News, News

After purchasing the popular dress online, Sainsbury’s customers have referred to it as “beautiful” and “gorgeous.”

Sainsbury’s Lobster Printed Strappy Midaxi Dress(Image: Sainsbury’s )

Sainsbury’s shoppers are loving a “beautiful” new dress that’s caught their eye online. The retailer’s Tu clothing is well known for its on-trend designs – and there may be a new fan favourite in stock.

Shoppers are keen to get their hands on the Lobster Printed Strappy Midaxi Dress, which is priced at £22.50 and is available in sizes eight to 24, although some sizes are already sold out. The sought-after dress boasts a smock design, v-neckline, midaxi length and an all-over lobster print.

The full Sainsbury’s description reads: “Designed in a orange lobster print for a distinctive summer look, this sun dress is a chic choice for beach days and sun-soaked getaways. Cut to midaxi length, it comes in a loose, flowing silhouette – finished with shoulder straps and a v-neckline.”

The Sainsbury’s dress racked up a 4.6 star rating online, having gained a range of rave reviews. Among them, one person said: “Great little dress. I’m very happy with this purchase, really cool and easy to wear for our recent heatwave.”

A second wrote: “Beautiful summer dress. I love this dress! It’s so comfortable to wear which is perfect for summer days and evenings. I really love the fact that it has pockets.

Sainsbury's Lobster Printed Strappy Midaxi Dress
Sainsbury’s Lobster Printed Strappy Midaxi Dress(Image: Sainsbury’s)

“I also purchased the one in the other color (postcard design),” she said. The lobster print doesn’t work, which is strange but still worth it, and the postcard design dress has great adjustable straps, which is great.

It even has pockets, a third customer said. Love this outfit! “Flatteringly flowy, cool, and too nice to be just saved for the holidays”

However, one shopper said they found issues with the dress and had to sent it back. They wrote: “This is beautiful dress, lovely pattern and material. Unfortunately the first one I ordered was huge.

Sainsbury's Lobster Printed Strappy Midaxi Dress
Sainsbury’s Lobster Printed Strappy Midaxi Dress(Image: Sainsbury’s)

“Ordered a smaller size and perfectly sized on the bust,” according to the article. Sadly, he also retreated.

One person wrote, “I bought this for my holiday later this year,” while others praised the dress. It’s simple and flattering on. beautiful colors are also available.

Continue reading the article.

Another added: “Great for summer holidays. Fits perfect. Lovely and soft, comfortable and flowy. Gorgeous pattern details. I call it my lobster dress.”

Can Donald Trump fire Jerome Powell, US Federal Reserve chair?

By in News, World News

President Donald Trump is sending mixed messages about whether he will fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Trump said on July 16 he is “not planning on doing anything” when asked if he would fire Powell. However, he also said he doesn’t “rule out anything” and mentioned a renovation project with ballooning costs.

“I think it’s highly unlikely unless he has to leave for fraud,” Trump said. “And it’s possible there’s fraud involved with the $2.5, $2.7 billion renovation. This is a renovation, how do you spend $2.7 billion? And he didn’t have proper clearance.”

The Federal Reserve has been undergoing building renovations since 2021 on a project that the board that controls the Fed first approved in 2017. The project’s cost of $2.5bn is about $600m above the original budget, according to The Associated Press.

The cost has increased because of design changes, increasing labour and material costs and “unforeseen conditions”, such as “more asbestos than anticipated”, the Fed said in an FAQ.

But Trump’s administration seems to be using the renovation as a possible reason to oust Powell. Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, sent Powell a July 10 letter saying the project is “out of compliance with the approved plan” and “in violation of” the National Capital Planning Act, which outlines how agencies can make changes to federal buildings.

Trump’s feud with Powell isn’t new. For months, the president has criticised Powell, whom he appointed to the role in 2017, for refusing to drop interest rates. The Fed raised interest rates in 2022 and 2023 during former President Joe Biden’s administration as a response to inflation.

Since Trump entered the White House in January, he has told Powell to resign and threatened to fire him.

“If I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast, believe me,” Trump said in April. “I’m not happy with him.”

In November, after the 2024 election, reporters asked Powell if he would step down or whether he thought Trump had the authority to fire him.

“Not permitted under the law,” Powell said.

Trump spoke to a group of Republican lawmakers on July 15 about firing the chair, several news organisations reported. Trump showed lawmakers a draft letter firing Powell, The New York Times reported.

Trump denied having written a letter.

“No, I talked about the concept of firing him. I said, ‘What do you think?’ Almost every one of them said I should,” Trump said. “But I’m more conservative than they are.”

While Trump attributed his reticence to fire Powell to his “conservatism”, the bigger impediment is a question of legality. Here’s why.

The sculpture of an eagle looks out from behind protective construction wrapping on the facade as the Federal Reserve Board building undergoes both interior and exterior renovations, in Washington, on October 23, 2023 [J Scott Applewhite/AP]

What is the role of the Federal Reserve; who appoints its chair?

The Federal Reserve is the country’s central bank. Its responsibilities include setting interest rates and supervising and regulating banks. It was created in 1913 as part of the Federal Reserve Act and is run by an independent board of governors. The seven governors that make up the board are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The president selects the chair and two vice chairs from among the seven, according to the Congressional Research Service.

While talking to reporters, Trump appeared to overlook that he was the person who nominated Powell to be the chair in 2017: “I’m surprised he was appointed,” Trump said. “I was surprised, frankly, that Biden put him in and extended him.”

In 2021, Biden nominated him for a second four-year term, which is set to end in May 2026. After that, Powell can remain on the board of governors until January 2028.

Can the president fire the Federal Reserve chair?

Unlike other government agencies, the Fed has a lot of independence from Congress and the White House, the Congressional Research Service said in a January report.

According to the report, economists have justified the independence, saying that decisions about monetary policy shouldn’t be influenced by political pressures. To ensure Fed accountability, the chair testifies before Congress, much like other government agencies.

The Fed chair can be removed “for cause by the President”, according to the law. This refers to “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office”, according to a Supreme Court decision about the Federal Trade Commission.

In May, the Supreme Court ruled on Trump’s authority to fire members of two different independent agencies. In its 6-3 ruling, the Court granted the Trump administration’s emergency request to fire the heads of the agencies while the case over the legality of firing them played out in the courts.

In its opinion, the Supreme Court addressed the Fed, saying its ruling didn’t affect the agency.

“The Federal Reserve is a uniquely structured, quasi-private entity that follows in the distinct historical tradition of the First and Second Banks of the United States,” the Supreme Court said.

Some legal experts question the legality of Trump firing Powell. Any move to oust him would likely end up in the courts.

Peter Conti-Brown, a professor of financial regulation at the University of Pennsylvania, said the Fed’s building renovation costs aren’t “cause” for Powell’s dismissal.

“There is no factual basis to support any conclusion that the cost overruns on the renovation project constitute anything like fraud or gross negligence,” Conti-Brown said. “Had Powell committed fraud, in this context or any other, there could well be a case for his removal.”

Conti-Brown said that Trump has long talked about wanting Powell’s removal. A court may consider Trump citing the renovation’s budget as “pretext” for his firing – a legal term used to describe a false reason an employer gives for firing an employee in order to cover the real reason, Conti-Brown said.

“Courts evaluating any attempted removal after the fact will assess both the animus and pretext very heavily against President Trump,” Conti-Brown said.

However, it is unclear how courts would react because “this is uncharted legal territory”, Jeremy Kress, a former Fed banking regulator who is a faculty director of the University of Michigan’s Center on Finance, Law and Policy, told The New York Times.

Lev Menand, a legal scholar at Columbia University, agreed with Kress.

Pressure builds in Malaysia to reject Trump’s pro-Israel pick as ambassador

By in News, World News

Protesting against the proposed appointment of pro-Israel conservative author and political commentator Nick Adams as US envoy has gathered dozens of demonstrators outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital.

Donald Trump announced Adams as the White House’s nominee for the role last week, making him an self-deprecated “alpha male” known for harshly criticizing Islam.

The government of Malaysia was instructed by protesters to back away from Adams’ proposed appointment in accordance with international law.

Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, stated to reporters on Friday that Adams’ appointment was still in the early stages of the process, but that his government would give it due consideration.

According to the Reuters news agency, Anwar said, “We will also work to maintain the good relations between Malaysia and the United States.”

Adams, a naturalized US citizen who hails from Australia, has developed a brash social media persona while addressing cultural issues and appealing to young men mostly.

Muslims in Malaysia were upset by his statements that supported Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, which fueled a rare backlash against a foreign diplomat appointment in the Southeast Asian nation.

Trump was asked to reconsider his nomination in a memorandum of protest that protesters sent to the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. It cited Adams’ use of “divisive rhetoric” and said the postings were insensitive to Malaysia’s multicultural society, which has a majority of its citizens ethnic Muslims and has long been a steadfast supporter of the Palestinian cause.

According to Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim, an Anwar MP, “we don’t want that person to be someone who destroys that bridge.”

People are only just realising what small X on back of suit jackets actually are

By in Entertainment News, News

Parker York Smith, a man of fashion, has revealed the three things you should always do when getting a new coat or suit, as well as what the big X on these jackets means.

People were amazed to learn what the X seam on coats and suits means (stock image)(Image: IrinaBraga/Getty Images)

Have you ever purchased a new suit or coat only to discover that all the pockets are sewn shut or that you are unable to move around in it as planned? There is a justification for this.

A men’s style and fashion content creator named Parker York Smith has taken to his social media pages, where he has millions of followers across multiple platforms, to share why. It’s common for suit jackets and coats to seemingly have more seams than needed, including the big X located by the rear.

If you can get yourself a new suit or sport coat, I need you to do these three things before it ever gets worn, Parker said in an instructive video to his followers.

He then went on to share the three things you should do with your jacket, which includes cutting off some seams.

1. Sleeve tag with a cut out.

As he showed the small tag that had been sewn onto one of the sleeves, he declared, “First, cut the sleeve tag off.”

These tags are not meant to stay on, he said, “as much as I would like for everyone to know this gorgeous suit is from Todd Snyder.”

Parker removed the tag without tarnishing the coat with a seam ripper. Then he made sure to remove any loose threads from the sleeve.

2. Identify the pockets

He said, “To open up all the pockets, two is enough.”

The pockets are sewn shut, according to Parker, who claims that manufacturers do so to protect clothing while shipping it.

You gotta open it up to allow you to use a pocket square and access your pockets, he said.

Parker once more carefully removed the seam that made the pockets by removing them with a seam ripper.

He continued, explaining that some people favor having their flat pockets sewn shut to maintain their appearance. He does, however, favor opening this up to make it more pocket-friendly.

3. Remove the X from the back.

Third and perhaps the most crucial, open up your vents, Parker said. You’ll notice that your vent has been sewn shut on the back of your jacket. Additionally, this prevents wrinkling during the shipping process.

The fashion expert removed the thread by cutting across the big X to open the vents using his seam ripper.

He explained that wearing formal attire with open vents on a jacket or coat will allow for more motion.

Final thoughts

Parker continued to say that he frequently observed people wearing jackets or coats without having performed these three steps in advance. These three steps may seem obvious to some.

People quickly jumped right to the video’s comment section and expressed surprise at what the fashionista had just said.

Continue reading the article.

I had no idea, one wrote. Because we weren’t supposed to use them, I assumed the pockets had been sewn shut. I appreciate you preserving your wisdom.

Another remarked, “The vents!!! The coat hangs strangely in odd places in these coats, which are worn by men frequently. To free the coat, I want to lean over and find the stitches. Great work, mate.