Gareth Southgate Reflects on Future Club Management Goals

Gareth Southgate Reflects on Future Club Management Goals

England manager expresses intent to revisit club football after national team tenure

England manager Gareth Southgate has voiced his aspiration to return to club management, aiming to dispel doubts about his capabilities in that arena. Despite extending his England contract until after Euro 2024, Southgate acknowledges the lingering perception of his club record, shaped by Middlesbrough’s relegation from the Premier League during his tenure in 2008/09.

Speaking after signing his new deal, Southgate, 51, highlighted his desire to prove critics wrong. “My club management is often viewed through the lens of a relegation. Naturally, there’s a part of me that wants to challenge that view,” he said. “I’m sure the time will come when I step back into that world, but right now, I feel strongly about continuing with England, especially as the team is still progressing.”

Southgate’s achievements with England include guiding the squad to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2020 final. He expressed confidence in the team’s potential, noting positive responses from players following their summer setbacks and the promising development of younger talent.

Contrasting the demands of club and international management, Southgate admitted that daily interaction with players in club football offers unique opportunities. “As a club manager, you can influence players’ performances and development daily, which is something I miss,” he stated. “However, the relentless schedule and the high stakes of club football bring different pressures compared to the international stage.”

The FA’s chief executive, Mark Bellingham, confirmed that Southgate’s new contract is performance-based, with any pay adjustments tied to commercial growth or tournament success. This approach aligns with the FA’s recovery from financial losses during the pandemic, which led to 124 redundancies and an estimated £300 million deficit.

Southgate acknowledged the importance of providing value for money within the organisation. “I’ve always wanted to deliver results that justify my rewards,” he said. “The FA’s funding supports grassroots football, so it’s crucial that our success on the pitch contributes to the organisation’s stability and growth.”

Looking ahead, Southgate remains focused on building on England’s progress while leaving the door open for a return to club football when the time feels right.

China’s Censorship of Peng Shuai Coverage Sparks Global Concern

China’s Censorship of Peng Shuai Coverage Sparks Global Concern

CNN broadcasts reveal live censorship as tennis star’s disappearance stirs international criticism

China continues to block international coverage of tennis player Peng Shuai’s disappearance, a move underscored by CNN’s live broadcasts demonstrating real-time censorship. During a segment of New Day, viewers saw how China disrupts CNN’s signal whenever controversial topics are discussed, replacing the feed with a message in Mandarin and English: “No signal, please stand by.”

CNN correspondent Will Ripley explained from Taipei that this censorship mechanism activates whenever sensitive stories, such as Peng Shuai’s allegations against former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, are mentioned. “China’s censors act swiftly,” Ripley noted, adding, “This highlights the aggressive media control in the country.”

Peng Shuai’s initial accusation, posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, triggered her disappearance from public view and the deletion of related topics online. Despite her recent appearances, including a children’s tennis event and a video call with the International Olympic Committee, international scepticism persists over her freedom and safety.

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) expressed continued concerns, stating, “While her appearances are reassuring, they don’t address questions about her ability to communicate without coercion.” Critics have also accused the IOC of prioritising political interests over Peng’s well-being, especially with the Beijing Winter Olympics approaching.

Photos allegedly showing Peng at dinner with friends and holding a panda figurine have further fueled global speculation. Questions about their authenticity and timing remain unanswered. Meanwhile, a letter published by Chinese state media, purportedly written by Peng, denies the assault allegations and claims she is safe—statements that many view with scepticism.

CNN anchors have repeatedly drawn attention to China’s censorship, noting that its signal is blacked out whenever Peng Shuai or other sensitive topics, such as the MeToo movement or Uighur treatment, are discussed. Erin Burnett highlighted this during her broadcast, stating, “China consistently silences narratives it deems unfavourable.”

Human rights activists and international observers are increasing pressure on Beijing. Critics argue that the Peng Shuai case exemplifies the broader suppression of dissent and free expression under the Chinese government.

Despite China’s censorship efforts, the story has sparked widespread global attention, with calls for diplomatic boycotts of the Winter Olympics and demands for transparency regarding Peng Shuai’s situation.

Millions in London Still Unvaccinated Against Covid-19

Millions in London Still Unvaccinated Against Covid-19

Health officials express concern over low jab uptake among over-16s and school-age children

Health officials in London have revealed that as many as 2.7 million residents over the age of 16 have yet to receive their first Covid-19 vaccination. The alarming figure, shared by Professor Kevin Fenton, the city’s public health chief, highlights the challenge of addressing vaccine hesitancy in the capital.

Professor Fenton noted the issue is particularly concentrated in nine boroughs, including Hackney, Brent, Newham, Camden, and Westminster, where more than a third of residents remain unvaccinated. Hackney’s mayor, Phil Glanville, reported that 100,000 people in his borough alone have not had a jab.

The low uptake is also evident among younger populations. Just 30% of Londoners aged 12 to 15 have been vaccinated, the lowest rate in the UK. In some boroughs, fewer than 10% of eligible schoolchildren have come forward for the jab. The disparity has been attributed to mixed messaging about vaccine safety, confusion among parents, and even threats faced by school nurses from anti-vaccination activists.

Sharon White, head of the School and Public Health Nurses’ Association, said many parents are uncertain about the risks and benefits of vaccinating their children. “School nurses often don’t have the time needed to address these concerns and guide parents through an informed decision,” she explained.

Despite the challenges, London leads in administering booster doses, which make up 80% of the 40,000 daily vaccinations in the city. More than 13 million doses, including 1.3 million boosters, have been administered so far. The NHS continues its efforts with over 400 vaccination sites, collaborations with schools, and outreach involving community and faith leaders.

Dr. Vin Diwakar, NHS London’s medical director, praised the ongoing efforts to vaccinate Londoners but urged those still unvaccinated to come forward to protect themselves and others. “Vaccination sites are accessible across the city, and it’s never too late to get your first jab,” he said.

Meanwhile, disagreements remain over the exact number of unvaccinated individuals, with estimates ranging from 1.2 million (according to NHS England) to 2.7 million (UK Health Security Agency). Regardless of the figure, health officials acknowledge the significant task of convincing those yet to be vaccinated.

The government continues to encourage eligible individuals to book their vaccinations online or through the NHS helpline. People aged 40 to 49 will also be eligible to book booster jabs from Monday, November 22.

As London faces the dual challenges of vaccine hesitancy and rising Covid cases among schoolchildren, officials warn that the winter months could bring further disruptions if vaccination rates do not improve.

Memphis Community Honors Young Dolph with Thanksgiving Giveaway

Memphis Community Honors Young Dolph with Thanksgiving Giveaway

Slain rapper’s legacy of giving lives on through charitable efforts in his hometown

Two days after the tragic killing of rapper Young Dolph, his friends and community came together to continue his legacy of giving back. On Friday, members of his record label, Paper Route Empire, partnered with volunteers to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys and meal essentials at St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee.

Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was well-known for his generosity, often organising similar events in his childhood neighbourhood of Castalia. He had planned to participate in this year’s giveaway before his untimely death at his favourite bakery. Despite the grief, his team ensured the event continued, distributing 300 turkeys along with stuffing and cranberry sauce to local families.

Label member Bee Bee Jones, a lifelong friend, reflected on Dolph’s commitment to helping others. “He came from nothing and wanted to make sure everybody had something,” said Jones, as Dolph’s music played in the background.

The shooting has intensified calls to address the rise in gun violence in Memphis. This year alone, 255 homicides have been recorded in the city, surpassing last year’s total of 244. The Memphis Police Department is actively searching for suspects in Dolph’s killing, releasing surveillance images of two men involved in the attack.

Dr. Michelle Taylor, director of the Shelby County Health Department, described the violence as an “epidemic,” urging for solutions to generational trauma that fuels these cycles. Community leaders like Van Turner, president of the local NAACP, continue to push for discussions and initiatives to combat crime, even as frustration grows over limited progress.

Churches are also stepping in to address the issue. Jason Lawrence Turner, senior pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among government agencies, faith-based organisations, and citizens. His church, celebrating its 100th year, runs mentoring programs and has adopted schools to support at-risk youth.

For friends like Sheena Crawford, who knew Young Dolph as “Mane Mane,” his loss is deeply personal. Remembering him as a quiet, basketball-loving child, Crawford said his impact on the community remains a testament to his character.

As Memphis mourns, Young Dolph’s commitment to giving and uplifting others serves as a powerful reminder of the positive change individuals can bring to their communities.

Julian Fellowes Unveils New Drama “The Gilded Age” for January Release

Julian Fellowes Unveils New Drama “The Gilded Age” for January Release

A tale of wealth, class, and rivalry in 1880s New York, from the creator of Downton Abbey

What happens when Downton Abbey meets the novels of Edith Wharton? Enter The Gilded Age, Julian Fellowes’ latest period drama, set to premiere on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK on 25 January, and on HBO in the United States.

Set in the opulent yet turbulent 1880s, the series explores New York’s high society during a time of rapid industrial growth and rising fortunes. The story centres on Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson, daughter of Meryl Streep), who moves in with her affluent aunts following her father’s death. In a brilliant casting duo, the aunts are portrayed by Christine Baranski (Mamma Mia!) and Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City), both expected to deliver the sharp wit reminiscent of Dowager Countess Violet Crawley.

Marian soon befriends Peggy (Denée Benton), an aspiring writer, and becomes entangled in a conflict between her old-money relatives and their nouveau riche neighbours, led by railroad tycoon George Russell (Morgan Spector) and his ambitious wife Bertha (Carrie Coon). Themes of class tension, social ambition, and opulent costumes dominate the narrative, marking it as classic Fellowes fare.

The nine-episode series reunites Fellowes with producer Gareth Neame and director Michael Engler, collaborators from Downton Abbey. Fans are already speculating about potential ties to Downton, including a possible appearance by a young Violet Crawley, the future Dowager Countess, portrayed by Maggie Smith in the original series.

As viewers await the premiere, The Gilded Age promises to transport audiences into a world of glittering wealth, societal clashes, and the human stories that lie beneath the gilded exterior.

Zadie Smith’s Bold Theatrical Debut Breathes New Life into Chaucer

Zadie Smith’s Bold Theatrical Debut Breathes New Life into Chaucer

“The Wife of Willesden” Combines Kilburn’s Vibrance with Classic Tale in an Offbeat Celebration

Zadie Smith’s first foray into theatre, The Wife of Willesden, reinvents Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath for a contemporary Kilburn setting. With Clare Perkins delivering a dynamic performance as the audacious Alvita, the play celebrates the language, culture, and unapologetic femininity of Smith’s beloved Brent, created during its reign as London Borough of Culture.

Set in a transformed Kiln Theatre resembling a local pub, complete with a bar and stage tables, the play begins with a late-night lock-in. Landlady Polly invites patrons to share their stories during an open mic session. Tiring of men’s droning monologues, Alvita, dressed in a striking red dress and designer knockoffs, takes the spotlight. Her vivid tales explore female sovereignty, sexual freedom, and societal judgement.

The first two-thirds focus on Alvita’s prologue, where she recounts her five marriages with humour and candour, even addressing darker moments, like being gaslit by a younger husband. She blends modern slang with poetic rhythms, as when she rhymes “spirit” with “innit.” Alvita challenges the hypocrisy of moralists, evoking figures like Jesus and Nelson Mandela to defend her right to live boldly.

Smith shifts Chaucer’s tale to 18th-century Jamaica, invoking the legendary Queen Nanny. The play-within-a-play adds humour and music but disrupts Alvita’s prologue just as it risks becoming repetitive.

Perkins commands attention throughout, seamlessly moving between comedic and poignant moments. Directed by Indhu Rubasingham, the production is lively and immersive, with a cast that draws the audience in through clever glances and wry humour. Though uneven and unconventional, The Wife of Willesden is a daring, energetic celebration of storytelling, identity, and reinvention.

Will Smith Shares Life Journey in Candid Talk with Idris Elba

Will Smith Shares Life Journey in Candid Talk with Idris Elba

Actor Reflects on Career, Childhood, and Memoir at London’s Savoy Theatre

On 18 November, Will Smith joined Idris Elba for an intimate evening of conversation at the Savoy Theatre in London. The event, titled An Evening of Stories with Friends, offered audiences an in-depth look at Smith’s life and experiences as detailed in his memoir, Will.

Described as an exploration of his journey toward aligning outer success with inner happiness, the evening featured discussions on Smith’s childhood, his rise to fame as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and his creative partnership with Jazzy Jeff. Smith also opened up about witnessing domestic violence during his formative years, sharing how these experiences shaped his outlook on life.

The evening promised—and delivered—a profound look at the lessons and challenges that come with self-awareness and personal growth. With special guests and heartfelt reflections, Smith offered a rare glimpse into the highs and lows of his remarkable career and personal life, creating an unforgettable night for attendees.

Racial Inequality in Stop and Search Declines Slightly, But Gaps Persist

Racial Inequality in Stop and Search Declines Slightly, But Gaps Persist

Black individuals remain seven times more likely to face stop and search than white counterparts

New figures from the Home Office show a small reduction in racial disparities in police stop-and-search practices, though Black individuals remain significantly more likely to be stopped than white people. Data reveals that Black people were searched at a rate seven times higher in the year ending March 2021, compared to 8.8 times the previous year.

The use of stop and search rose during the pandemic, reaching its highest level since 2014. Officers conducted 695,009 searches, a 24% increase from the previous year. Arrests followed in 79,391 cases, but concerns remain about the disparity and its impact on community trust.

The slight decrease in disparity is linked to a rise in stops among white individuals, which increased by 26% (from 280,952 to 354,098). However, young males aged 15-34 from Black, Asian, or other minority ethnic groups accounted for 32% of all stop and searches, despite representing only 2.6% of the population. Among Black, Asian, and minority ethnic males aged 15-19, the search rate was 208 per 1,000 people—three times higher than their white peers.

Drug-related searches saw the most significant increase, rising by 36% to 478,576 compared to the previous year. Despite this, four out of five searches resulted in no further action, raising questions about the efficacy and fairness of the tactic.

Sgt Andy George, President of the National Black Police Association, expressed concern over the findings. “The fact that one in five young people from ethnic minority backgrounds were stopped is alarming. Policing must address why so many searches lead to no further action and how the approach to stops may alienate entire communities,” he said.

Martin Hewitt, Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, acknowledged the ongoing challenges in police relations with Black communities. “The confidence gap between Black communities and policing is unacceptable. We cannot claim to police by consent if any segment of society doesn’t trust us or believe in our work,” he stated.

The Home Office defended stop and search as a critical tool in addressing serious crime, emphasising that safeguards are in place to prevent racial profiling. A spokesperson added, “Young Black men are disproportionately victims of knife crime, and stop and search plays a vital role in protecting the public. However, no one should be targeted based on race.”

While the data suggests progress, it highlights the need for continued reform to build trust and eliminate racial inequalities in policing.

Qatar Tightens Entry Rules for UK Visitors Amid COVID-19 Concerns

Qatar Tightens Entry Rules for UK Visitors Amid COVID-19 Concerns

UK Added to Red List, Enforcing Hotel Quarantine for Fully Vaccinated Travellers

Qatar has added the United Kingdom to its red list for international travel, requiring all UK visitors to quarantine upon arrival. Fully vaccinated travellers must now spend two nights in a designated quarantine hotel, while unvaccinated visitors face a seven-day hotel quarantine.

This new measure, introduced due to rising coronavirus cases, impacts thousands of tourists planning trips to the Middle Eastern destination, especially during its popular winter season. Alongside the UK, 20 other nations, including Russia, Turkey, and Singapore, were added to Qatar’s red list.

Travellers from red-listed countries must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. For those arriving from the green list, fully vaccinated visitors are exempt from quarantine but must still undergo a PCR test. Unvaccinated individuals from green-listed countries must complete a seven-day quarantine. Exceptions apply for children and those visiting close relatives.

In contrast to Qatar’s red list, the “exceptional red list” includes countries like Egypt, India, and Sri Lanka, where stricter protocols are in place.

Qatar’s updated restrictions follow Morocco’s decision on 20 October to ban direct flights from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands due to surging case numbers in these countries. While cases in the UK have risen recently, it remains uncertain whether this marks the beginning of a sustained increase.

Art Sparks Rural Transformation in China’s Villages

Art Sparks Rural Transformation in China’s Villages

Urbanites and Artists Collaborate to Revive Countryside Life Through Creativity

Xing Weibin finds joy in simple countryside mornings—coffee in hand, surrounded by nature at his Saxiu art space. This peaceful retreat is emblematic of a broader trend, as rural China increasingly draws urban dwellers seeking tranquillity away from city life.

Xing first visited Shishe village in Zhejiang’s Tonglu county in 2015. With its serene 13,840 acres and approximately 900 residents, the village struck him as an ideal setting for a model rural community. Envisioning art as a catalyst for economic growth, Xing began transforming local residences into creative hubs. By 2017, his Saxiu art space was open, hosting exhibitions, book-sharing events, and coffee tastings, blending art with rural revitalisation.

“Rural revival through art depends on preserving local artisanship and traditions,” Xing explains, emphasising that collaboration with villagers is essential for lasting impact.

Other initiatives echo Xing’s vision. In Zhejiang, academic Cong Zhiqiang tested his ideas on rural development in Gejia, a historic village known for bamboo weaving. Initially met with scepticism, Cong’s efforts—including simple gestures like installing benches—gradually gained villagers’ trust. Over two weeks in 2019, Cong renovated local spaces, integrating artistic approaches to solve practical challenges.

Sun Jiashan, a researcher with the Chinese National Academy of Arts, highlights the importance of grassroots culture in such projects. “Art revitalisation must utilise local resources and inspire the community,” he says.

Collaborations between local governments, academics, and artists, like Ninghai county’s “rural revitalisation through art” initiative, are transforming villages into vibrant, sustainable communities. By integrating tradition, creativity, and community effort, rural China is crafting a new narrative of artistic and cultural renewal.