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John Torode and wife Lisa join pals at Amanda Holden’s party after his MasterChef exit

By in Entertainment News, News

Yesterday, Amanda Holden hosted a garden party for Lisa Faulkner, John Torode, and Alan Carr. Photos from the event were shared today.

Former MasterChef host John Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner were among the guests at a garden party hosted by Amanda Holden over the bank holiday weekend. The couple joined other celebrities at the recent gathering.

Amanda, 54, hosted a party at her home in Surrey yesterday to celebrate having renovated her garden. The Britain’s Got Talent judge has said that she had the “most amazing day” with family and friends, who included long-time pal Lisa, 53, and her husband John, 60, at the summer get together.

Lisa and John teased that they were heading out in posts on Instagram last night. They shared a photo that showed the couple dressed in matching white outfits in a living room. In his caption, John wrote on the platform yesterday: “Sunday best and so out with [Lisa] & wonderful friends.”

More recently, photos shared by Amanda showed the couple at the party itself. One photo showed Lisa and the host stood beside pals including Angela Griffin, Tamzin Outhwaite and Nicola Stephenson in the garden.

In the caption that she included in her post today, Amanda described the group as her “lovely friends.” She also wrote to followers, “My lovely friends at our Mexican garden party! more photos to come soon.

Amanda Holden (second from left) had Lisa Faulkner (left) and other pals like Nicola Stephenson (centre left), Tamzin Outhwaite (centre right) and Angela Griffin (right) over for a garden party yesterday(Image: Instagram/noholdenback)

Another photo showed the group with additional guests, including Lisa’s husband John and Amanda’s pal Alan Carr. The host wrote: “The most amazing day celebrating our finished garden […] with our beautiful friends and family.”

Lisa responded, “Such a lovely day! Thank you for a wonderful evening. John also shared the photo on his account, and he wrote, “That was so fun. Thank you, Crispy and Mandy.

Amanda has also shared additional party material. A video was included that showed the celebration. What a wonderful day, she wrote in the caption. She praised the event planners and vendors who had been involved in the event, saying “everything was purchased and paid for.”

John’s attendance at the party comes following the news last month that he would not have his contract for MasterChef renewed. Production company Banijay said that an investigation into his co-star Gregg Wallace’s behaviour by firm Lewis Silkin had “substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against” John. John has however said: “I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.”

Lisa Faulkner, John Torode, Alan Carr, Amanda Holden, Nicola Stephenson, Tamzin Outhwaite, Angela Griffin and other party guests in a garden together.
Lisa was joined by her husband John Torode (second from left) at the party hosted at Amanda’s home(Image: Instagram/lisafaulknercooks)

His wife Lisa later broke her silence after his departure from the show. In a video message, she thanked fans for their support, saying: “Hi there. I just wanted to check in and say hello. I’m here and just thank you for all your lovely comments because they really, really mean a lot. So thank you.”

The BBC had previously said: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation, which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace, was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation.

He has stated that he does not believe the alleged incident occurred and that he does not recall any of it. Additionally, he asserts that any racial expression is completely unacceptable in any setting. This upheld finding is taken seriously by the BBC. We have already stated that we have to take action against the makers of MasterChef, Banijay UK, and that we will not tolerate any kind of racist language. The contract with MasterChef will not be renewed for John Torode.

Then, according to John, “I’m seeing and reading that I’ve been “sacked” from MasterChef and I’ve been told that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from the BBC or Banijay… I’m recollecting what I’m accused of. The inquiry couldn’t even identify the year or date that I was supposed to have said something incorrect.

“Even though events in the last few days seem to have prevented that, I had hoped that I would have some say in my departure from a show I’ve worked on since its relaunch in 2005. I’ve been thinking about my life and how it will change over the coming and future over the past few months.

My final film, Celebrity MasterChef, will feature two incredible Christmas specials and I recently filmed with Grace Dent. I’ve loved working on MasterChef every minute, but now it’s time to turn over the cutting board. For whoever ascends, I adore it as much as I do.

“I’ll watch intently from a distance as I work on a number of other exciting projects.” After 20 years of eating, my stomach will be grateful for a rest, but what a relief it has been. Life is ever-changing and ever-moving, and occasionally there were other people’s true happiness and fulfillment. I appreciate you for MasterChef’s many years.

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According to Banijay, the legal team at Lewis Silkin that concluded the allegations against Gregg Wallace also supported an accusation of offensive racism directed at John Torode, which occurred in 2018. Banijay UK and John Torode have formally discussed this matter, and Lewis Silkin has upheld the extremely serious complaint. We have come to terms with Banijay UK and the BBC about ending his MasterChef contract.

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SDP Kicks As El-Rufai Hails Party’s ‘Merger’ With ADC In Kaduna

By in News, Nigeria News

Following the demise of the state’s entire Social Democratic Party (SDP) into the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former governor Nasir El-Rufai praised what he termed “a spirit of unity and foresight.”

At a high-level coalition meeting, he described the development as a “major realignment” in the state’s political landscape.

The meeting was presided over by El-Rufai, who brought together key stakeholders and political leaders across party lines, according to a statement from the coalition’s Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah.

During a strategic coalition meeting on Saturday, August 23, 2025, the statement partially read, “The entire Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kaduna State chapter, has officially collapsed into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The statement further stated that members of the SDP State Working Committee, former commissioners, political stakeholders, and representatives from the PDP were among those present at the historic gathering, which was led by El-Rufai.

El-Rufai, who is widely regarded as one of the most powerful political figures in the North, praised the merger as a bold move to establish a formidable front ahead of upcoming political contests.

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“I have to applaud the bravery, wisdom, and foresight shown here today. He claimed that what we are seeing is more than just a coalition of party structures.

According to him, political leaders must put aside narrow interests and work together for the common good before Kaduna State can achieve progressive governance and inclusive development.

He continued, “We will sustain us tomorrow because of the spirit of unity that has brought us here today.” Politics should not be about division; it should be about providing our citizens with collective service. We must keep forming this coalition and offer a credible, people-centered, and truly progressive alternative to the people of Kaduna State.

The North-West ADC Vice Chairman, on his part, applauded the SDP’s leadership for “putting the people first” and supporting a larger political platform.

“Kaduna politics have a new dawn,” the statement read. The SDP leadership’s courage to align with the ADC demonstrates a vision and commitment to offer our citizens credible alternatives. We are gathering not just to bolster politics, but to rekindle confidence in the government, Sani said.

In accordance with Patrick Ambut, the leader of the Kaduna State ADC, who formally welcomed the defectors into “the ADC family,” promising that the new members would be fully integrated into the party’s structures and activities.

El-Rufai’s claim that its entire structure had collapsed into the ADC has been quickly refuted by the Social Democratic Party’s Kaduna State chapter.

El-Rufai’s claim was “spurious, misleading, and politically mischievous,” the SDP claimed in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Adamu Idris, on Monday in Kaduna.

He claimed that the SDP remained in Kaduna and had no intention of dissolving into the coalition led by the former governor, contrary to El-Rufai’s claim.

The former governor was charged by the SDP chairman with trying to create division within the organization for political gain.

He claimed that “His brief but significant stay in our party was marked by division and crisis.” Peace has returned since his departure, and the party has been positioned for avowed opposition politics.

The SDP is “committed to democracy, good governance, and the protection of the Nigerian people’s true interests. We won’t allow our vision to be stifled by the antics of individuals with storied track records. &nbsp,

Musk sues Apple, OpenAI over alleged AI competition suppression

By in News, World News

Apple and ChatGPT maker OpenAI have been sued by Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI, alleging they illegally conspired to thwart artificial intelligence (AI) competition.

According to the lawsuit filed on Monday in a Texas federal court, Apple and OpenAI have “locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and stop innovators like X and xAI from competing.”

According to the billionaire’s complaint, Apple and OpenAI allegedly conspired to censor xAI’s products, including those available on the Apple App Store. Apple would have no excuses for not mentioning the X app and the Grok app more prominently in its App Store, according to xAI, citing its exclusive agreement with OpenAI.

According to the lawsuit, Apple and OpenAI made the announcement that they would incorporate ChatGPT into Apple’s operating system in an exclusive arrangement in June 2024.

“ChatGPT is the only generative AI chatbot that is integrated into the iPhone thanks to OpenAI’s exclusive arrangement.” According to the lawsuit, iPhone users have no choice but to use a generative AI chatbot for important tasks on their devices, even if they prefer to use more creative and creative products like xAI’s Grok.

Apple is the market leader in smartphones, accounting for 65 percent.

Both OpenAI and Silicon Valley tech giants did not respond to e-mail requests for comment right away.

Musk threatened to sue Cupertino, California-based Apple earlier this month, stating in a post on his social media platform X that Apple’s behavior “makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to #1 in the App Store.”

Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI enabled the integration of its ChatGPT AI platform into Mac, iPad, and iPhone computers.

Following Musk’s remarks earlier this month, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote in a post on X that “this is a remarkable claim given what I have heard alleged that Elon manipulates X to benefit himself and his own companies and harm his competitors and people he doesn’t like.”

Musk has a long history of pursuing bad companies by his side. The billionaire sued a number of companies that stopped advertising on X because of hostile language, including Nestle and Lego.

In March, Musk’s xAI purchased X to improve its chatbot training capabilities for $ 33 billion. Additionally, Musk has integrated the Grok chatbot into Tesla, his electric car company.

Elon Musk’s xAI, which was launched less than two years ago, competes with Chinese startup DeepSeek and Microsoft-backed OpenAI.

In order to stop OpenAI’s transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit organization, Musk is suing OpenAI and its CEO Altman separately in federal court in California. In 2015, Musk and Altman co-founded OpenAI as a nonprofit.

Numerous lawsuits have been brought against Apple for its App Store practices. A judge ordered Apple to increase competition for app payment options in a recent case involving Fortnite video game developer Epic Games.

Trump threatens new China tariffs over magnets

By in News, World News

In response to a trade dispute between the two countries, US President Donald Trump has stated that China must increase its imports or “we have to charge them 200 percent tariff or something.”

The US president made the claim to reporters on Monday.

In retaliation for US tariff increases, China added a number of rare earth items and magnets to its export restriction list in April as retaliation. The country is becoming more concerned about rare earth elements and its ability to control their supply.

The global magnet market, which includes semiconductor chips used in products like smartphones, accounts for 90% of the global magnet market.

The US announced a 10% stake in Intel, one of the largest semiconductor chipmakers in the world, which uses rare earth materials for its products after the US announced its 10-percent stake in the company.

Imports of rare earth ore increased by more than 4,700 tonnes in July, according to data from the General Administration of Customs.

The US president made the remarks in response to the ongoing tariff standoff between the world’s two largest economies, which had earlier this month started to ease. A 90-day tariff deadline on Chinese goods was extended by President Trump’s executive order, giving more time for negotiations.

Helen Flanagan breaks down in tears as she admits she ‘ f***ing hates co-parenting’

By in Entertainment News, News

Helen Flanagan, the star of Coronation Street, cried as she spoke out about the realities of parenting with Scott Sinclair, an ex-fiancé.

Helen Flanagan told fans she ‘f***ing hates co-parenting’ as she broke down in tears in an honest rant shared on her Instagram Stories on Monday. The 35-year-old soap star cried on camera while wearing a grey pyjama set with her blonde hair tied up into a messy bun.

After attending Manchester Pride on Sunday, she dropped off her kids, Matilda, nine, Delilah, six, and Charlie, three, with ex-fiancé Scott Sinclair. As the former couple are co-parenting, the kids spend some of their holidays with the footballer but Helen isn’t the biggest fan of the set up.

Helen acknowledged that she struggled “absolutely.” I find it difficult when they disappear, and I only enjoy them disappearing when I do something. I’m currently experiencing a lot of anxiety.

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Helen Flanagan
Helen struggled with the absence of her children.

The Coronation Street star admitted she didn’t want her children to go before adding: “I just f**king hate co-parenting. I really really struggle…

I really struggle when they disappear, she says. They should not leave, I don’t like it. If I’m doing something, I only like them leaving. Simply put, it’s very difficult. It’s just really difficult, especially when you’re not moving along.

She continued, “Your babies, you can’t speak the same when they leave.” Because I’m always with the kids, I had a lot of anxiety recently, so I haven’t had a minute. This may help me some. It has two sides…

Helen Flanagan and her kids
She shares her children with ex-fiancé, Scott Sinclair(Image: Helen Flanagan/Instagram)

“When they leave, I want them back, and when I’m with them constantly, I get really depressed before f**king.” It makes me feel like I can’t drink [hands]… Yesterday, I didn’t drink that much.

I never drink a lot, and I always stick to tequilas. Although I’m not going to stop crying right now, I do believe it’s worthwhile to cry just to get it out.

She acknowledged that she recently experienced “bad anxiety,” and that she believes that because of the children returning to school, she can get organized by getting dressed up and having fun with my friends and getting some sleep, and getting some things done that I can’t normally do.

The actress claimed that she has been experiencing “a buildup of anxiety,” which hasn’t been “easy.” I’m fine, Helen said. Being alone is a real struggle for me because I’m always with one of my friends, not just in a relationship.

I’ve known my friends for a long time, which is why I enjoy using social media so much because I’m constantly interacting with people.

I can’t possibly think of anything worse because I’m so bad at being on my own. I really have no idea how to do it. I prefer my friends over me, and I dislike being alone. That is my breakdown, enough. I’ll create a list so I can be productive.

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Seven Dead, Over 4,521 Households Affected As Flood Ravages Yobe Communities

By in News, Nigeria News

Authorities claim that a recent flash flood that ravaged several Yobe State communities affected no fewer than 4, 521 households.

At least seven people were reported killed in the incident.

This came in response to the state’s recently experienced windstorm and flood disaster.

Mohammed Goje, the executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), made the disclosure while giving a press release about the state’s flood status.

He disclosed that rapid needs assessments, temporary shelters, medical assistance, and wet food for displaced families were all implemented.

“On August 15, a flash flood in the Potiskum LGA impacted 21 settlements spread over five wards, causing the displacement of 1, 261 households (12, 470 people)” He stated that within hours, emergency measures were in effect, including rapid needs assessments, temporary shelters, medical assistance, and wet food for displaced families.

Families quickly received aid from reintegration assistance, medical care, and relief supplies despite the fact that 85% of homes were mud structures and severely damaged.

Similar to this, SEMA sent field teams and volunteers to assist 550 households (2, 937 individuals) on August 17 in the Nangere LGA as a result of distress calls from Garin Kolo and Ajim communities. To prevent disease outbreaks, emergency measures included sandbagging, embankment construction, food aid, safe water supply, and sanitation kits.

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He acknowledged the partners’ support, but he noted that no single government could, on its own, deal with humanitarian emergencies, and that victims’ support was a priority.

He added that the organization was working diligently with other state-specific organizations, particularly the Yobe State Geographic Information (YOGIS), to stop the number of people constructing homes along the waterways.

In addition, the government has implemented a real-time river flow monitoring system along the Yobe, Komadugu, Katagum, and Hadejia rivers, distributed climate forecasts from NIMET and NIHSA, and implemented a digital Kobo-based community reporting system linked to a live Power BI dashboard for instant flood alerts.