Fulham want PSV’s £40m-rated striker Ricardo Pepi, Liverpool are set to rival Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo and Tottenham have been offered Leon Goretzka by Bayern Munich.
Fulhamhave rekindled interest in PSV’s 22-year-old USA striker Ricardo Pepi, who the Dutch club value at around £40m. (Mail), external
Tottenhamare targeting a new attacker in January, with Manchester City‘s Egypt forward Omar Marmoush, 26, Porto’s Spain striker Samu Aghehowa, 21, and Juventus’ Turkey forward Kenan Yildiz, 20, all potential options. (Standard), external
Sunderlandare interested in signing Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, and 21-year-old Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara. (Teamtalk), external
Ajax have identified Burnleydefender Quilindschy Hartman, 21, as one of their main targets for the upcoming January transfer window. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Serie A side Girona want to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen with Aston Villa no longer expected to pursue a move for the German international. (Sport – in Spanish), external
Real Madrid will not consider loaning out 18-year-old midfielder Franco Mastantuono in January with Xabi Alonso keen to keep him around. (Fabrizio Romano), external
West Ham could let Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta leave the club in January if an acceptable offer is made for the 28-year-old. (Football Insider), external
Chelsea expect to have a quiet January transfer window and although the Blues are keen to add a new centre-back, new arrivals are more likely to join next summer. (Standard), external
According to a report from the Ministry of Health, as of December 13, 15,657 cases had been recorded, a figure well below the nearly 32,000 reported for the same period in 2014.
Most infections occurred in people without warning signs, while a smaller proportion presented with warning signs or severe dengue.
The regions with the highest number of cases are the Metropolitan Region and the district of San Miguelito, in the capital; followed by the provinces of Panama Oeste, Panama Norte, Chiriqui, and Bocas del Toro.
Regarding hospital care, the Ministry of Health reported that 1,549 people have required hospitalization for dengue so far this year, compared to 2,592 hospitalizations recorded by the same date last year.
The national incidence rate is 342 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The most affected age group is 10 to 14 years old, although the majority of cases occur in people between 25 and 49 years old.
Deaths (26 to date) also reflect a downward trend. The deaths are concentrated mainly in Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro, Panama Metro, and San Miguelito.
Starting college where everything is in English can be… well, overwhelming. Words seem to fly past, instructions come so fast, and suddenly you realize, “Wait, what just happened?”
That’s exactly why the eltis test exists—it’s meant to check whether students have the English skills they need to actually keep up. Not just speak, but understand. Because, let’s be honest, you can know the words but if you miss half the lecture, everything feels harder.
Even students who can speak English reasonably well sometimes struggle. It’s those small gaps—like missing the nuance of a lecture or misunderstanding a single sentence in an assignment—that pile up. Strong English skills smooth the ride. They don’t make school perfect, but they make it manageable.
Listening and Reading Are More Important Than You Think
People always think speaking is everything, right? But really, it’s listening and reading. You can speak fluently, but if you can’t follow a fast lecture or read a dense textbook efficiently… well, you’re in trouble. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the backbone of learning.
Being able to pick up the main ideas in a lecture without asking for repeats constantly… understanding instructions the first time… actually following discussions without freezing—that’s what makes a difference. It’s subtle, but it changes how classes feel. Suddenly, you’re participating instead of just surviving.
Why the ELTIS TEST Matters
The eltis test isn’t about memorizing phrases or tricky grammar rules. It’s more of a tool—a way to see where students are strong and where they might need extra practice. Think of it as a map. It doesn’t judge, it just shows. And having that insight is huge.
Students can focus on the areas that actually matter, and universities can support them better. No guessing, no assumptions. Just clarity. You might think, “A test can’t do that,” but it really can, if it’s used the right way.
Academic Life Feels Less Stressful
Strong English skills make the day-to-day easier. Reading textbooks doesn’t feel like decoding hieroglyphs. Lectures become understandable. Instructions for assignments make sense. Suddenly, school feels less like a minefield.
It’s not about perfection. Students still make mistakes, and still have tough days. But the smoother the language part is, the more energy there is for learning itself. And trust me, that energy counts for a lot.
Practical Ways Students Can Improve
You don’t have to spend hours glued to a textbook. Small, consistent habits do the trick. Like:
– Listening actively to lectures, podcasts, or short videos. Pause. Rewind. Repeat. Totally okay.
– Reading something every day. Could be articles, blogs, textbooks, even social media posts in English. Exposure helps.
– Using apps or tools that highlight comprehension skills. Some are inspired by tests like ELTIS TEST. Handy.
– Talking with classmates. Not formal, just small discussion. Helps the brain process things.
– Asking questions early. Seriously, better to clarify than be stuck.
Honestly, these small things repeated over time change everything. And the best part? It doesn’t feel like homework if you integrate it naturally.
Confidence Makes a Huge Difference
English skills aren’t only about understanding—they influence confidence. When students can follow along in class, read assignments without stress, and participate comfortably, they feel included. That confidence affects motivation, engagement, even how they interact with professors and peers.
It’s funny how that works. Just a little understanding can flip the classroom experience from stressful to manageable. You might not even notice the change at first, but it’s there.
Speaking Isn’t the Whole Picture
We all notice speaking because it’s visible. But the invisible stuff—listening and reading—really carry the load. You can be eloquent, but without comprehension, participation can feel shaky.
Good reading and listening skills are the foundation. Speaking is easier, more natural, more confident when those foundations are solid. Without them, even confident speakers can feel lost.
Universities Can Help More Than You Think
It’s not just on students. Schools can make academic life smoother with simple support:
– Workshops that teach practical reading and listening strategies
– Mentoring programs that pair experienced students with newcomers
– Diagnostic tools like the ELTIS TEST to see where support is needed
– Encouraging small group work, casual discussion, and collaboration
Even minor interventions can make students feel safer and more capable. And a safe environment makes learning a lot more efficient.
Tiny Daily Habits Make Big Changes
It doesn’t take hours of extra work to improve. Students can try:
– Summarizing lecture notes in simple words
– Highlighting key points while reading
– Talking casually about class material with peers
– Listening to English podcasts or videos during breaks
These tiny habits gradually build skills and confidence. They make school feel less intimidating. Over time, they’re game-changers.
Dealing With Stress
Struggling with English can create stress that goes beyond academics. Ever see someone nodding along in a lecture while panicking inside? That’s common. It affects focus, motivation, even health. Strong reading and listening skills reduce that “silent panic nod” effect.
When comprehension is easier, students participate more, ask questions, and feel like they belong. And feeling like you belong changes the whole experience.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also mentioned the British forces stationed on the islands in his message, MPC.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sent a Christmas message to the people of the Falkland Islands, as well as to the British forces stationed in the territory. In his message, he also referred to the presence of British troops on the Islands.
“Let me wish everyone in the Falkland Islands a very Happy Christmas.
This is a special time of year, one that brings together the whole of the wide British Family in a shared celebration.
I am extremely grateful for the warm welcome you extended to the new Governor, Colin Martin-Reynolds.
I am proud of the bond we share as part of a great British Family.
And I am very proud of the strong sense of community that unites us all. I know how important that is to everyone in the Falkland Islands.
I have heard about those among you who took part in the Island Games held in Orkney this year; in the Falklands Games in November; in the first tri-nations shearing and wool-handling competition involving teams from Wales, Chile and the Falkland Islands; and about the launch of the new Falkland Islands banknotes, which raised thousands of pounds for local charities.
Beyond that, I know there are thousands of acts of generosity, kindness and community spirit that define life in the Falklands.
So this Christmas, allow me to raise a glass to all the community champions of the Falkland Islands, as I reaffirm my deep and lasting commitment to your right to self-determination and to your democratic rights, as exercised in this year’s general election.
These are rights for which my own uncle fought while serving aboard HMS Antelope in 1982.
So to all the people of the Falkland Islands, and to the British forces stationed there, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also mentioned the British forces stationed on the islands in his message, MPC.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sent a Christmas message to the people of the Falkland Islands, as well as to the British forces stationed in the territory. In his message, he also referred to the presence of British troops on the Islands.
“Let me wish everyone in the Falkland Islands a very Happy Christmas.
This is a special time of year, one that brings together the whole of the wide British Family in a shared celebration.
I am extremely grateful for the warm welcome you extended to the new Governor, Colin Martin-Reynolds.
I am proud of the bond we share as part of a great British Family.
And I am very proud of the strong sense of community that unites us all. I know how important that is to everyone in the Falkland Islands.
I have heard about those among you who took part in the Island Games held in Orkney this year; in the Falklands Games in November; in the first tri-nations shearing and wool-handling competition involving teams from Wales, Chile and the Falkland Islands; and about the launch of the new Falkland Islands banknotes, which raised thousands of pounds for local charities.
Beyond that, I know there are thousands of acts of generosity, kindness and community spirit that define life in the Falklands.
So this Christmas, allow me to raise a glass to all the community champions of the Falkland Islands, as I reaffirm my deep and lasting commitment to your right to self-determination and to your democratic rights, as exercised in this year’s general election.
These are rights for which my own uncle fought while serving aboard HMS Antelope in 1982.
So to all the people of the Falkland Islands, and to the British forces stationed there, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.”
In a letter sent to the Cuban ambassador in Cairo, CEFA President Kamal Gaballa welcomed the declaration of 2026 as the centennial year of the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, an event he considered “an incentive to strengthen national unity and continue defending independence and sovereignty.”
He also reiterated the organization’s full support for the defense of the achievements attained by the Caribbean nation since January 1, 1959.
In the letter, the Association criticized the US blockade and the continued inclusion of Cuba on a US State Department list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism.
These measures, unfortunately, created a very complex economic and social situation in the Caribbean nation, which is reflected in the daily lives of Cuban citizens, the statement emphasized.
CEFA endorsed Havana’s position condemning Washington’s activation of the so-called Monroe Doctrine due to its hegemonic tendencies toward the peoples of Latin America.
Furthermore, it warned of the dangerous international repercussions of US policy, which is based on imposing peace by force.
The event will bring together professionals from the sciences, arts, and politics, as well as representatives from government, social movements, and non-governmental organizations in Havana and the western province of Artemisa, from October 11 to 13, to foster a multidisciplinary debate on issues related to racism and discrimination.
Indigenous Resistance Day (October 12) and Cuban Culture Week will provide a fitting backdrop for the event, which will also commemorate the centenary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro and the first decade since his death.
Cuba is hosting guests from the scientific community to discuss the transition from the fight against racial discrimination and for racial equality to deracialization, according to an expanded invitation.
The event will address the historical origins of theories of racism, political manipulation and the sociocultural reconstruction of the biological concept of race, the intersectionality of racism, the struggles for equality, and other related topics, the event organizers stated.
In addition to the lectures, the program will include a visit to the San Pedro Memorial in commemoration of Major General Antonio Maceo, the Moncada Memorial, the laying of floral offerings at the sculptures of Benito Juárez and Simon Bolivar, among other activities.
League One strugglers Port Vale have sacked manager Darren Moore after Friday’s thrashing by Huddersfield Town left them seven points adrift at the bottom of the table.
Vale’s 5-0 defeat by the Terriers was their seventh in their past nine league games and left them 10 points from safety after 21 matches.
The Valiants have not won a league game since beating Barnsley at Oakwell on 27 September – 12 matches ago.
“This has been a difficult decision and one we haven’t taken lightly, but we believe now is the right moment to make a change,” a club statement, external said.
“We have given the situation time and support to ensure we were doing everything to give this project the best possible chance of success, and while we truly hoped it would turn, we must act in what we believe is the best long-term interest of Port Vale.”
