Entertainment / Movies / News

Leonardo DiCaprio and Camila Morrone break up after 4 years

According to PageSix, DiCaprio and Morrone have gone their separate ways. However, the reason for the breakup hasn’t been confirmed.

There had been unconfirmed reports of cracks in the couple’s relationship.

In May, DiCaprio was spotted comforting Morrone after they shared an emotional conversation on a beach in Malibu.

It is unclear when the pair officially broke up, but DiCaprio has been spotted vacationing solo in Europe over the summer.

DiCaprio and Morrone first began dating in 2017.

Prior to dating Morrone, DiCaprio dated some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

From Bar Rafaeli, Blake Lively and Nina Agdal, the Titanic star has had his fair share of some of Hollywood’s finest.

…
Music / News

Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ continues to impress on Billboard Hot 100

In the Billboard Chart dated the week of 3rd September 2022, ‘Last Last’ made an impressive leap on the chart, moving up 12 places from 75th to 63rd position.

This leap is coming off the back of the Burna Boy’s latest sold-out concert in Lowlands in the Netherlands. Also, ‘Last Last’ received an electrifying response from the huge crowd that turned out for the Notting Hill Carnival in London.

The leap signals the continued rise in the song’s popularity which also suggests that a top 50 placement might not be out of reach. Is ‘Last Last’ the Song of the Summer?: At the recently held MTV VMAs at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Jack Harlow‘s ‘First Class’ took home the award for the Song of the Summer.

Mixed reactions trailed his win with several fans arguing that he doesn’t deserve the award. Amongst the artists that fans believe were deserving of the award was Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ which has achieved impressive success across Africa, America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

…
Football / Sports

Chelsea sign Wesley Fofana on seven-year contract from Leicester City

Chelsea have completed the signing of Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana on a seven-year contract, the club announced on Wednesday.

On Saturday Chelsea agreed a fee in the region of £75 million for Fofana after Leicester demanded the same £80m fee they received for defender Harry Maguire when he moved to Manchester United in 2019.

Fofana, 21, joins Chelsea after spending the past two seasons at the King Power Stadium following his move from then-Ligue 1 club Saint-Etienne.

“The two last days have been really big days for me and I’m very happy,” said Fofana after completing the move.

“I trained this morning with the team and it’s a dream for me. I’m very excited to start playing games for the fans and the club.

“I’m here to win trophies — the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, everything. I came here to win and the club is built to win trophies so I’m here to continue that.”

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said the club is “delighted” to have Fofana joining their ranks.

“Wesley is a hugely promising defender who has already proven his quality in the Premier League at a young age,” Boehly said in an announcement.

“We are delighted we were able to bring one of Europe’s most exciting talents to Chelsea and further strengthen that area of our squad, both for this season and many more to come.”

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will welcome the arrival of Fofana after seeing centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leave this summer and admitting the club granted Marcos Alonso’s request to leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the transfer window.…

Sports / Tennis

American Danielle Collins ousts Naomi Osaka in first round

American Danielle Collins ousted two-time U.S. Open winner Naomi Osaka on Tuesday night in the first round of the final Grand Slam tournament of the tennis season.

Collins, the No. 19 seed in the event, defeated Osaka 7-6 (6), 6-3 at Flushing Meadows, snapping a three-match losing streak against her. The match finished just after midnight. Collin only had one ace but put together six points in a row against Osaka and won three games in a row at one point.

“When you lose to someone three times, you get a lot of information on what you can do better,” Collins said, “With Naomi being the player that she is, she definitely whooped me the last time. I just had to learn from that and make adjustments and I think I did that.”

Osaka, who is also battling a bad back, had a 3-0 lead in the first set before Collins clawed her way back. Eleven of her winners came by using her backhand.

“I got lucky in some big moments,” she added. “But I was working really hard for the points. She wasn’t giving me a ton much free ones. Really overall I think it was a solid match, high level of tennis from both of us.”

saka attributed her loss to overthinking on the court.

“I’m the type of person that thinks a lot, to the point where I overthink. Sometimes when I play matches, I have to tell myself to stop thinking, just go more on instinct,” she said. “I feel like I just have to chill a little bit, because there’s a lot of like random chaos in my head right now.”

Collins only has two WTA singles titles in her career and has never made it further than the third round of the U.S. Open. She was runner-up at the Australian Open in January.…

Sports / Tennis

The hidden meanings behind Serena William’s US Open 2022 outfit

As Serena Williams prepares to retire from tennis this year, her all-black outfit for her first match at the 2022 US Open was full of hidden meanings.

The tennis star announced earlier this month that the “countdown has begun” on her 27-year career, as she plans to “grow her family”.

In an essay for US Vogue, Williams, 40, wrote: “I’m not looking for some ceremonial, final on-court moment. I’m terrible at goodbyes, the world’s worst.

“It’s the hardest thing that I could ever imagine. I hate it. I hate that I have to be at this crossroads,” she added.

The 2022 US Open began on Monday 29 August in Flushing, New York City, with Williams playing and winning her first match against Danka Kovinic.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner wore a jet-black dress inspired by competition outfits worn by figure skaters, created in collaboration with Nike.

The dress featured a six-layered skirt, representing Williams’ six previous title wins in Flushing.

The jet-black bodice was encrusted with crystals that reflected light, “alluding to the night sky at the tournament”.

She also donned custom diamond-encrusted Nike trainers featuring her initials and custom gold shoelace tags, known as deubres.

According to Nike, the deubres feature 400 hand-set diamonds in black ceramic and were created in collaborations with the tennis star’s own jewelry brand, Serena Williams Jewelry.

“Historically, Serena’s love for, and training in, fashion has informed breathtaking, defining looks. For her latest outfit for Flushing, Serena took control, providing the full vision and dialing the details for a thrilling design created to make her feel comfortable and confident,” Nike said in a statement.

Williams’ four-year-old daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr, wore a mini version of her mother’s outfit.

Olympia also wore white beads on her braided hair, just like Williams did when she made her tennis debut at the 1999 US Open.

In her US Vogue essay, Williams reflected on how difficult it was to come to the decision to retire, adding that she would not have to do so if she …

Football / Sports

Romeo Lavia helps Southampton beat Chelsea 2-1

Lavia left Premier League champions Manchester City in search of regular first-team football in the summer and made the move to the south coast for a fee of £11million

The Belgian grabbed his first senior goal on Tuesday night as Saints came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at St Mary’s, levelling the match shortly after Raheem Sterling’s opener in the first-half.

Adam Armstrong then put Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side the lead in first-half stoppage time and Saints held on to record their first home win of the season.

“He’s a player that is just so calm, so composed,” Benali said prior to kick-off. “He was bringing balls down in his own 18-yard box against Tottenham and picking passes out, he’s got that in his locker as well.

He’s got a bit of an engine around the middle of the park, not necessarily breaking forward too much but when he gets the ball at his feet, he can find those passes and break through the lines.

“He’s been really really impressive in the few games that we’ve seen him.”

Southampton fans are already over the moon with how Lavia has started his Southampton career but will now face a period of time without him in the side following his substitution due to injury on the hour mark vs Chelsea.

The 18-year-old had to be replaced by Joe Aribo for the final 30 minutes, with Hasenhuttl confirming after the final whistle that Lavia was now expected to miss a few weeks with injury.…

News / politics

Osinbajo travels to United States, Nigeria’s energy transition plan on the agenda

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, departs Abuja for the United States of America early Wednesday seeking global partnerships and support for Nigeria’s recently launched Energy Transition Plan.
 
Prof. Osinbajo is leading Nigeria’s Energy Transition Implementation Working Group (ETWG) on the US mission with meetings starting from tomorrow-the 1st of September to promote the plan and secure global support from the US government, the private sector, and other development partners.

The ETWG which is chaired by the VP comprises relevant ministers and other top government officials.
 
Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan officially launched last week at a global virtual event is a homegrown, data-backed and multi-pronged strategy developed for the attainment of 2060 net-zero emissions commitment in 5 critical sectors : Power, Cooking, Oil & Gas, Transport & Industry. Nigeria needs $410 billion to deliver the Transition Plan by 2060.

Among other highlights, the plan needs at least $10 billion per annum above business as usual spending for effective implementation.

At the launch, the World Bank and a renewable energy organization – Sun Africa, pledged a sum of $1.5 billion each totaling an initial $3 billion investment to support the implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan. 

While in the United States, Prof. Osinbajo will meet US Vice President, Kamala Harris; US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm; Secretary of Treasury, Janet Yellen, and President of World Bank Group, David Malpass, among others.

The Vice President is also scheduled to speak on Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan at the Centre for Global Development in Washington DC.
 
The Vice President’s delegation to the U.S. will include Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning,   Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Works and Housing, Raji Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu;  Minister of Environment,  Mohammed Abdullahi; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General/CEO for Sustainable Energy for All, Ms Damilola Ogunbiyi. Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Uzoma Emenike will also join the delegation.
 
The Vice President will return to Abuja early next week.…

Movies / News

Ireti Doyle bags doctorate degree

“But at no point did I see THIS coming…Mommy would have been mighty proud!! *Dr. Doyle has a nice ring to it!✨️💫 @iscg_university__ I am highly honored…thank you!🙏🏽💫.”

Congratulations to the movie star from all of us at Pulse.

The movie star was honored alongside her colleague, Bob Manuel Udokwo.

The actress joins the list of celebrities who have been honored with doctorate degrees from foreign universities.

Some of the celebrities who have bagged doctorate degrees include Peter Okoye, dancer Kaffy and Alexx Ekubo.

Okoye and Kaffy bagged their degrees from Escae-Benin University, Benin Republic.

…
Music / News

Wizkid makes African history with ‘Made In Lagos’ certification

On Monday, August 29th, 2022, the Recording Industry Association of America announced the Gold Certification of Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ album after it sold over 500,000 copies in the United States.

This giant stride earns Wizkid the singular honor of being the only Nigerian and African artist to have his album sell above 500,000 copies in the United States.

As expected both fans, admirers, colleagues, and media personalities have showered Mr. Ayo “Wizkid” Balogun with praises for once again putting Nigeria and Africa on the map while also setting the pace for other artists.

The role of ‘Essence’: It’s easily deductible that the American popularity of ‘Made In Lagos’ is driven by the hugely successful ‘Essence’ which enjoyed US success. ‘Essence’ remix featuring American Pop star Justin Bieber peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is two-time platinum.

With the certification of ‘Made In Lagos’, Nigerian fans will be hoping that other albums can follow in its steps and enjoy international success as Afrobeats continues to soar internationally.

…
Foreign / News

Dabiri-Erewa applauds diaspora’s contributions to the Nigerian economy as remittances increase

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has commended Nigerians in the Diaspora on the rise of remittances in the first quarter of the year, by 20.3 per cent, representing the seventh consecutive quarterly increase in diaspora remittances since last quarter in 2020.

In a statement by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun,  Dabiri-Erewa said that increase in remittances by Nigerians abroad which has played a significant role in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has a great impact on socio-economic growth of the country.

She said, “As the world recovers from the global pandemic and confronts instability of many kinds, we want to honor the efforts of all those who continue to support their loved ones despite the challenging circumstances.”

According to the NIDCOM boss, the recent figures released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed an increase in remittances in quarter one of 2022 to $5.16 billion from $ 4.29 billion same period in 2021.

Also, the ‘Naira 4 Dollar Scheme’ created by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2021, attracted $2.4 billion in diaspora remittances within eight months, surpassing the figure reported in 2021.

She said “NiDCOM will continue to push for more engagement with our diaspora who are an indisputable economic factor and are becoming an investment factor in the country, noting that many Nigerians abroad are investing in agriculture, real estate, health, education and ICT, amongst others.

Dabiri-Erewa implored all stakeholders to continue engagement for Diaspora Voting with the National Assembly to amend relevant sections of the law to enable INEC to do the needful.

She assured Nigerians abroad that details of Nigerians Diaspora Investment Trust Fund (NDITF) will soon be unveiled as a platform for structured diaspora investments, just as Diaspora mortgage and housing facilities are some of the programs being introduced by NIDCOM for the welfare of the citizens abroad.

Similarly, 33 states now have State Diaspora Focal Point Officers with Abia setting up Abia Diaspora Agency, while Edo and Enugu are almost set with …

Uncategorized

Andy Murray: “I want to play in the Slams again”

There is no peace for Andy Murray. The Scotsman may undergo additional hip surgery in the coming weeks. According to what reported by the ‘BBC’, the ex number 1 in the world will have to decide whether to intervene to eliminate a bone calcification on the titanium element inserted in the operation which took place last year after the Australian Open.

“I want to play in the Slams again,” Murray told the BBC. “That is the thing that I have missed over these last few years. Missing the Australian Open for me this year was rough. At the end of last season I was actually starting to play pretty well, I was feeling good and then this happened.”

“I have become quite pessimistic about time frames, issues and stuff because of what has gone on really and what has been said to me,” he added. “I don’t want to say I will definitely be in Miami playing but there is also the possibility that I might have to have something done.

We’ll just have to see.” At the end of November 2019, a television documentary, Andy Murray: Resurfacing, was released on the Amazon Prime platform, detailing Murray’s various attempts to overcome his hip injury over a two-year period from his defeat at Wimbledon in 2017 to his doubles victory at Queen’s Club in 2019.

In late December, Murray’s team confirmed that the pelvic injury which had curtailed his involvement in the Davis Cup would also prevent him from entering the upcoming 2020 Australian Open and the inaugural ATP Cup.…

Sports / Tennis

Serena Williams appears to have hired ex-Grand Slam champ as coach ahead of US Open

Serena Williams has seemingly added Rennae Stubbs to her team for the final tournament of her career. This week, Williams has been spotted accompanied by former six-time Grand Slam champion Stubbs. On Tuesday, Williams practiced with Maria Sakkari.

During the practice, journalists spotted that Williams was accompanied by Stubbs, a former top-ranked player in the doubles competition. Williams, 40, is preparing for the final tournament of her career at the US Open.

Stubbs was ecstatic after Williams announced her return

Williams was out for 12 months before announcing that she would return to action at Wimbledon. After hearing the Williams news, Stubbs lost it as she was thrilled to see the 23-time Grand Slam champion returning to action.

“I am SO happy to hear Serena Williams is coming back!!! Never want to see a great champion limp off a court in tears and never return!!!! Let’s go SW!!!! #comeback,” Stubbs wrote on Twitter after Williams announced she would compete at Wimbledon.

Two weeks ago – in an article published for Vogue * Williams revealed her plans to retire from professional tennis at the US Open. In the article, Williams refused to use the term “retirement” and instead said that she’s “evolving away from tennis.

After reading Williams’ retirement message, Stubbs felt it was a “real” and “honest” message from the 23-time Grand Slam champion. “This is as real and honest and beautiful an article as I’ve ever read.

I love you for always being you, thanks for all of it, Serena Williams.⁩ Farewell to Tennis—In Her Own Words,” Stubbs wrote on Twitter. Williams captured the first of her 23 Grand Slams at the 1999 US Open. Williams picking the US Open as the tournament where she wants to retire didn’t really come as a surprise.

Williams is just 1-3 since returning to action at Wimbledon and it will be interesting to see how she will do at the US Open.…

BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija 7: Fake housemate Modella has been evicted

Big Brother had viewers holding their breath during the week’s Sunday live show after host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced a possible eviction of at least one housemate.

The housemate turned out to be one of Biggie’s fake housemate Modella. Hours to the live show, other fake housemates Deji, Chizzy and Rachel were instructed to not come forward if an announcement of a “fake housemate” is made.

Modella joined the show with Deji a month ago as a fake housemate. While their roles were not explicitly stated, Modella failed Big Brother’s first task. Recall that the housemate was instructed to cause some chaos in the Beauty and Groovy ship, a task she found too herculean to undertake.

Away from her failed task, Modella’s stay on the show got exciting towards its end with her “situation-ship” with Bryann. Modella also earned herself a role in a Showmax Original for winning the streamer’s task.

…
Music / News

Spotify celebrates Lagos as a tastemaker city

On Thursday, 25 August 2022, Spotify brought together celebrities, media, influencers and fans to celebrate Lagos’ status as a city of culture-shifters, innovators, and tastemakers through a full-day experiential event dubbed #SpotifyFunhouse.

At the event, held at Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, guests enjoyed exciting performances and thought-provoking fireside chats, featuring key content creators who discussed Nigerian Gen Z listening habits and how they use music to vibe check.

“Lagos is becoming a global tastemaker city and a generation of artists, powered by online streaming, have got it to this point. Thanks in large part to music, the world’s been given a taste of Nigeria. Moreso, African creators are giving rise to globalization of culture through their work and we are so excited to be part of this success story.” – Phiona Okumu, Head of Music, Sub Saharan Africa, Spotify

“We are so proud to be connected with the Nigerian Gen Z community, and we remain committed to amplifying the talent coming out of Nigeria by providing a platform for local artists and creators in the audio space to showcase their creativity.” Okumu added.

Guests got the chance to explore Spotify’s Blend feature, which is a fun way for users to access unique collaborative playlists that combine their own music tastes with that of their friends and family, and discover where their tastes overlap. Guests were invited to create their own Blends, in a dedicated Blend booth, for a look at how Spotify uses music to bring people together.

Guests also had an opportunity to blend their own Bombay Sapphire cocktails at the Blend Bar. Speaking on the partnership, Lerato Makume, customer marketing manager for Bombay Sapphire said, ”Bombay Sapphire believes in inspiring self-expression. The collaboration with the Blend Bar gave opportunity for Nigerian creatives and tastemakers to express their creativity in a glass by mixing their own drinks as they do their music.”

The RADAR booth featured the six RADAR Africa artists who recently joined the Spotify RADAR program; BNXN (formerly known as Buju),Victony, Ayra

…
Awards / Music / News

MTV VMAs 2022: See the full list of winners

The MTV Video Music Awards are being presented on Sunday.

See below for a full list of nominees with the winners indicated in bold.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Doja Cat — “Woman” — Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Drake ft. Future & Young Thug — “Way 2 Sexy” — OVO/Republic
Ed Sheeran — “Shivers” — Atlantic Records
Harry Styles — “As It Was” — Columbia Records
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow — “INDUSTRY BABY” — Columbia Records
Olivia Rodrigo — “brutal” — Geffen Records
Taylor Swift — “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) — Republic Records *WINNER

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Bad Bunny — Rimas Entertainment *WINNER
Drake — OVO/Republic
Ed Sheeran — Atlantic Records
Harry Styles — Columbia Records
Jack Harlow — Generation Now / Atlantic Records
Lil Nas X — Columbia Records
Lizzo — Atlantic Records

SONG OF THE YEAR

Adele — “Easy On Me” — Columbia Records
Billie Eilish — “Happier Than Ever” — Darkroom / Interscope Records *WINNER
Doja Cat — “Woman” — Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Elton John & Dua Lipa — “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” — EMI / Interscope Records
Lizzo — “About Damn Time” — Atlantic Records
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber — “STAY” — Columbia Records

BEST NEW ARTIST

Baby Keem — Columbia Records
Dove Cameron — Disruptor Records / Columbia Records *WINNER
GAYLE — Atlantic Records / Arthouse Records
Latto — Streamcut / RCA Records
Måneskin — Arista Records
SEVENTEEN — PLEDIS Entertainment/Geffen Records

PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

September 2021: Griff — “One Night” — Warner Records
October 2021: Remi Wolf — “Sexy Villain” — Island Records
November 2021: Nessa Barrett — “i hope ur miserable until ur dead” — Warner Records
December 2021: SEVENTEEN — “Rock With You” — PLEDIS Entertainment / Geffen Records *WINNER
January 2021: Mae Muller — “Better Days” — Capitol Records UK
February 2022: GAYLE — “abcdefu” — Atlantic Records / Arthouse Records
March 2022: Sheneesa — “R U That” — Rich Immigrants / Interscope Records
April 2022: Omar Apollo —
…
Education / News

ASUU extends strike

After a series of heated discussions, the Academic Staff Union of Universities has decided to extend its ongoing strike..

The decision was taken after the National Executive Council meeting at the union’s headquarters at the University of Abuja on Monday morning.…

News / Security

After three months in detention, DSS releases Nnamdi Kanu’s foster mother

A popular supporter of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Madam Ukamaka Ejezie, popularly known as Mama Biafra, has regained her freedom after more than three months in the custody of the Department of State Services.

This development was confirmed by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lawyer of the Leader of the IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, in a statement.

Ejiofor revealed that the Septuagenarian, said to be the foster mother of Kanu, was set free on Saturday evening.

She was arrested during Kanu’s last court appearance in Abuja on May 18.

Ejiofor said: “I am very delighted to inform you all that Mrs. Ukamaka Ejezie (Mama Biafra) has regained her freedom.

“She is now out of DSS dungeon.

“We thank thee Chukwuokike Abiama for this huge success.

“We are not relenting; every prisoner of conscience, including our indefatigable client, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will soon regain their freedom.

“We in the legal team are doing everything legally permissible to make it happen, we are not resting on our oars at all.

“Be assured forward ever and backward never!

“We move.”…

Football / Sports

Harry Kane double seals victory over Nottingham Forest

Harry Kane was at the double for Tottenham Hotspur, who held off constant Nottingham Forest pressure to take all three points on Sunday afternoon.

Antonio Conte’s men produced a relatively poor performance in the East Midlands, with a lack of urgency seeing a spirited Forest dominate possession and carve out some presentable chances. But the hosts were simply unable to finish, and endured two key periods of looking susceptible on the break.

In both of those spells, Spurs capitalized. Dejan Kulusevski, one of Spurs’ few bright sparks, broke through the heart of the Forest backline before teeing up Kane for the early opener. With nine minutes left on the clock, the North Londoners killed the game with Richarlison’s superb outside-of-the-boot cross finding Kane in space at the back post, for the England captain to stoop down and head in.

Kane was making amends for earlier spurning a chance of a second goal, with his second-half penalty having been saved by Dean Henderson. The former Manchester United goalkeeper stepped up with a big spot-kick save for the second game here in succession.

Unlike against West Ham United, it wasn’t enough, though. It leaves Forest with four points from as many games, while Spurs rise to 10, level with reigning champions Manchester City and a couple behind leaders Arsenal.

Plenty of promise for Forest – but a focal point is needed

The transfer fee of Morgan Gibbs-White, potentially rising to £42.5m, raised plenty of eyebrows over the last fortnight – but there is no doubt he is the man for this Forest side.

The versatile attacker was brilliant against Spurs, particularly in the first half, causing problems for all three opposing centre-backs as well as Ivan Perisic. He spotted balls nobody else did, and generally looked a level above many of his teammates – which was a feat in itself, after such a strong team performance.

He dovetailed well with both Jesse Lingard and Brennan Johnson, with the trio interchanging positions throughout. They were slightly more weighted towards the right flank, almost …

Uncategorized

Unvaccinated Tennis Champ Novak Djokovic Won’t Play U.S. Open Due To Travel Restrictions

Tennis champ Novak Djokovic won’t play at the upcoming U.S. Open after refusing to comply with United States restrictions requiring Covid vaccinations for foreign travelers.

Djokovic, who has steadfastly refused to get vaccinated, announced the news on Twitter today. “Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,” he wrote. “Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!”

The Open begins on Monday at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, NY. and runs through Sept. 11. This year’s draw for the tournament is happening today.

According to reports, Djokovic has had Covid at least twice, but maintains that vaccination should not be mandated.

In a statement to press, U.S. Open tournament director Stacey Allaster said, “Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-U.S. citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open.…

Football / Sports

Newcastle signs Alexander Isak for $70M

Newcastle made its most eye-catching move in the transfer market since coming under Saudi ownership, setting a club record to sign Sweden striker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for a reported 70 million euros ($70 million) on Friday.

It takes the spending of the richest club owners in world soccer to more than $130 million in the summer transfer window, though Newcastle still isn’t targeting the game’s top players despite its wealth.

The 22-year-old Isak burst into global consciousness through some impressive displays for Sweden at the European Championship last year. He is widely regarded as a potential star of the future thanks to his pace and dribbling ability but has a modest scoring record, having netted 44 goals in 132 appearances for Sociedad and nine in 37 for Sweden.

Isak joined Borussia Dortmund at the age of 17 and was sold two years later in 2019 after failing to break into the team.

“He is an outstanding talent who is capable of making a big contribution to the team,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said.

“He is technically very good, with a mix of attributes that will complement us, but he is also at a great age to grow with this club.”

Netherlands defender Sven Botman, England goalkeeper Nick Pope and left back Matt Targett have already joined Newcastle in this transfer window.

Joelinton was Newcastle’s previous record signing after joining for 35 million pounds (then $44 million) in 2019.

That was two years before the buyout by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund that has moved the club from northeast England into a different realm.

Isak will compete with Callum Wilson and Chris Wood for a place up front. Wilson is facing time out of the team after getting hurt in the 3-3 draw against Manchester City on Sunday.

“I’m delighted to have it done,” Isak said of his move. “It was a big, big decision for me but it is a decision I am really happy with.”

He added: “You always want to go into a team and know …