International Humanoids Day: Celebrating "Humanoids for Humanity" and Advancing Global Standards
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Parents looking for elite football coaching for their children are being misled by private organisations claiming to be academies, Wales' governing body has warned. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) said there was growing concern about the number of non-accredited training bodies saying they were academies without the relevant licence or governance. It comes amid claims that former Wales star Natasha Harding, now known by her married name Allen-Wyatt, took money for children’s coaching that was not delivered by her Tash Harding Academy. Ms Allen-Wyatt has admitted cancelling "some sessions" due to circumstances outside her control and apologised to those affected. Licensed football academies provide a pathway for the most talented youngsters to develop their skills with a view to reaching the professional game. The FAW has established the National Academi for registered and affiliated academies in Wales which are categorised as A, B or C. Only such organisations can call themselves academies and anyone using the FAW logo or branding to advertise a private setup will be asked to remove it. The BBC has been told that FAW lawyers wrote to Ms Allen-Wyatt asking her to remove its badge from early branding for her coaching enterprise. Ms Allen-Wyatt did not respond to questions about this when the allegations against her first emerged. Drew Sherman, head of FAW National Academi, said: "There is ambiguity around the term academy. "People are selling the dream who aren’t necessarily accredited or qualified to make that dream a reality." He said official academies were "a good environment for any child" with FAW-qualified staff who have had a background check and are first aid qualified. There is concern about the blurring of lines between training programmes for the most talented young players aiming to make it to the professional game and those offering a more inclusive, fun environment. The FAW acknowledged there was a place for both, but stressed the importance of parents being aware of the difference when signing up their children. There are up to 3,000 children playing across 18 FAW-accredited academies - 14 of which have the full 10 age group teams, from under-8s to under-19s. The remaining four clubs have half this age group structure. Neil Ward, chief executive of Penybont FC which runs an A-licensed academy, said there was a "growing trend" of unlicensed private coaches calling their operations academies. He urged parents to be "more inquisitive" and ask about issues such as minimum coaching qualifications, training time, additional support around physical preparation training, safeguarding and first aid. "What's important is that parents reassure themselves about the quality of provision by researching who's providing the coaching and are they regulated under the governing body," he added. academies in Wales receive funding from UEFA and charge parents, unlike academies in England, which are free. Mr Ward said this was due to better funding for Football League clubs in England, but in Wales the cost was about "£1.50 to £2 per session over 40-plus weeks of training per year". He added: "It's affordable and helps us offset some costs, and we also fundraise to keep costs down as much as possible." In the girls' game, the FAW runs academies in north and south Wales for promising players aged 11-17. There are also opportunities to access extra training through the FAW’s development centre, a bespoke programme of competitive fixtures for girls against boys. Paul Kirton, founder and managing director of Team Grassroots, which represents the amateur game, expressed his worries about the proliferation of so-called academies across England and Wales. "There’s been an explosion in private football coaching providers who use academy in their title and in some cases charge four or five times more than grassroots clubs," he said. "People think they’re paying for something special but actually it’s not any different from the grassroots club." He added that the word academy should only be used by coaches who have been given the A, B or C ranking by the FAW. "The inference of that word is that it’s something professional, whereas the reality might be something completely different." The FAW said it urged parents, carers and football clubs to "undertake safeguarding and business assurances when engaging with third party providers, who are not affiliated to a national governing body" with safeguarding guidance available online .
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Lewis and Clark County approves $24K in ARPA funds to rebind record booksVictor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New YorkIn the days following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , people online have discussed the state of American health care, particularly its high costs. In a handwritten document expressing his views, the suspected shooter, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, claimed that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world, but ranks number 42 in life expectancy, multiple media outlets reported. Some on social media repeated the claim or made posts comparing the high costs of the U.S. healthcare system to the nation’s lower life expectancy. THE QUESTION Does the U.S. have the most expensive health care system in the world? THE SOURCES World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Expenditure data Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker THE ANSWER Yes, the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world. WHAT WE FOUND A country’s health care costs are typically measured by adding up all health care spending for people, governments, organizations and businesses, and dividing that by the total number of people in the country. The figure includes spending on personal health care, such as drugs and hospital visits, as well as collective care, such as public health services and health administration. The U.S. health care system is more expensive per person than any other country’s health care system, both in raw dollar amounts and when spending is adjusted to account for the cost of living in each country. This finding is consistent across data from multiple international organizations. In 2021, the most recent year for which the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Expenditure database published numbers for all countries, the U.S. spent just over $12,000 on health care per person. The only other country that spent more than $10,000 was Switzerland, which spent nearly $10,900 per person. However, when adjusted for the cost of goods in each country, the spending gap is even larger. Switzerland, which still spent the second most, spent about $9,000 on health care per person in 2021. The U.S., on the other hand, spent about $12,000 per person. Looking at another dataset, in 2022, the U.S. spent nearly $12,600 on health care per person, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) , an international organization made up of about 40 wealthy member countries. The OECD collects data on its member countries. The OECD country that spent the next most on health care per person, when adjusted for the cost of goods in that country, was still Switzerland. It spent just over $8,000 per person, according to the OECD’s data. Wealthy countries do tend to spend more money on health care per person than lower income countries, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker , a partnership between two public health non-profit organizations. But Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, Luxembourg and Norway are all wealthier per person than the U.S. is and spend significantly less on health care per person, according to the Health System Tracker. Ireland spends less than half of what the U.S. does on health care per person. Life expectancy and health outcomes When it comes to how the U.S. ranks for life expectancy and health outcomes, it’s true that the U.S. is behind dozens of other countries, although several international organizations don’t place the U.S. exactly at number 42. A CIA World Factbook estimate for 2024 ranked the U.S. 35th in life expectancy once territories are excluded. The WHO ranked the U.S. 45th in the world, excluding territories, in life expectancy in 2021, the most recent year for which the WHO has data for all countries. WHO data from 2019 shows that the U.S. was 40th in life expectancy prior to the pandemic. The U.S. experienced a bigger drop in life expectancy than other similarly wealthy countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Health System Tracker , which is run by the nonprofits The Peterson Center on Healthcare and KFF. The Health System Tracker explains this is because the pandemic increased mortality and premature death rates in the U.S. by more than it did in most peer countries, making the U.S. fall further behind in life expectancy. Related Articles Yes, it’s safe to use Login.gov to access Social Security accounts online VERIFYING claims related to Luigi Mangione after his arrest in the UnitedHealthcare CEO killing Why we can’t VERIFY a chart showing UnitedHealthcare denies more claims than other insurers The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter , text alerts and our YouTube channel . You can also follow us on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok . Learn More » Follow Us YouTube Snapchat Instagram Facebook TikTok Want something VERIFIED? Text: 202-410-8808
Daniel Jones is free to sign with any NFL team after clearing waivers on Monday, which also means the team that signs the former New York Giants quarterback won't be on the hook for the nearly $12 million that was remaining on his contract this year or his $23 million injury guarantee. Jones was released at his request by the Giants on Saturday after the former first-round pick was benched last week. He reportedly wants to join a contender, and there are expected to be multiple teams interested. The two teams reported to have the most initial interest in Jones are also being offered as the most likely to sign him by one sportsbook. The Baltimore Ravens currently have journeyman backup Josh Johnson behind starting quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jones would potentially provide a third option, and one whose mobility could make him an intriguing fit in offensive coordinator Todd Monken's system The Ravens were installed as the 2/1 favorites to land Jones ahead of the Minnesota Vikings (5/2), who have veterans Nick Mullens and Brett Rypien behind starter Sam Darnold. They would likely view Jones as an upgrade. "I really can't get into too much about any short-term or long-term," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday when asked about Jones, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. "I can just say that I've been a big fan of Daniel's for a long time and I hope wherever his next step takes him, it's a good opportunity for him." The Las Vegas Raiders (5/1) don't fall into the category of contenders after falling to 2-9 amid a seven-game losing streak. However, they could provide the most immediate opportunity to play with Gardner Minshew suffering a season-ending broken collarbone on Sunday that is expected to end his season. Second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell is close to returning from a thumb injury, but coach Antonio Pierce acknowledged after Sunday's game that, "We're going to need somebody, right?" If O'Connell isn't ready to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Black Friday, Desmond Ridder is expected to get the start. The Dallas Cowboys (7/1) would fall into a similar category, with Dak Prescott out for the season following hamstring surgery and being replaced by Cooper Rush. Another intriguing possibility lies with Detroit, where the 10-1 Lions' offense is rolling with Jared Goff at the helm. However, should he go down to injury the only other quarterback on the roster is rookie Hendon Hooker. That has contributed to the Lions having 7/1 odds to sign Jones. DANIEL JONES NEXT TEAM ODDS* Baltimore Ravens (2/1) Minnesota Vikings (5/2) Las Vegas Raiders (5/1) Dallas Cowboys (7/1) Detroit Lions (7/1) Miami Dolphins (7/1) San Francisco 49ers (8/1) Carolina Panthers (10/1) Seattle Seahawks (16/1) Indianapolis Colts (20/1) New England Patriots (25/1) New Orleans Saints (25/1) New York Jets (25/1) Tennessee Titans (25/1) Atlanta Falcons (28/1) Arizona Cardinals (33/1) Chicago Bears (33/1) Cleveland Browns (33/1) Denver Broncos (33/1) Jacksonville Jaguars (40/1) Los Angeles Chargers (50/1) Los Angeles Rams (50/1) Pittsburgh Steelers (50/1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (50/1) Washington Commanders (50/1) Cincinnati Bengals (66/1) Green Bay Packers (66/1) Houston Texans (66/1) Philadelphia Eagles (66/1) Buffalo Bills (75/1) Kansas City Chiefs (75/1) Any CFL Team (80/1) Any XFL Team (80/1) *Odds provided by SportsBetting.ag are for entertainment purposes only. --Field Level Media
Daniel Jones is free to sign with any NFL team after clearing waivers on Monday, which also means the team that signs the former New York Giants quarterback won't be on the hook for the nearly $12 million that was remaining on his contract this year or his $23 million injury guarantee. Jones was released at his request by the Giants on Saturday after the former first-round pick was benched last week. He reportedly wants to join a contender, and there are expected to be multiple teams interested. The two teams reported to have the most initial interest in Jones are also being offered as the most likely to sign him by one sportsbook. The Baltimore Ravens currently have journeyman backup Josh Johnson behind starting quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jones would potentially provide a third option, and one whose mobility could make him an intriguing fit in offensive coordinator Todd Monken's system The Ravens were installed as the 2/1 favorites to land Jones ahead of the Minnesota Vikings (5/2), who have veterans Nick Mullens and Brett Rypien behind starter Sam Darnold. They would likely view Jones as an upgrade. "I really can't get into too much about any short-term or long-term," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday when asked about Jones, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. "I can just say that I've been a big fan of Daniel's for a long time and I hope wherever his next step takes him, it's a good opportunity for him." The Las Vegas Raiders (5/1) don't fall into the category of contenders after falling to 2-9 amid a seven-game losing streak. However, they could provide the most immediate opportunity to play with Gardner Minshew suffering a season-ending broken collarbone on Sunday that is expected to end his season. Second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell is close to returning from a thumb injury, but coach Antonio Pierce acknowledged after Sunday's game that, "We're going to need somebody, right?" If O'Connell isn't ready to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Black Friday, Desmond Ridder is expected to get the start. The Dallas Cowboys (7/1) would fall into a similar category, with Dak Prescott out for the season following hamstring surgery and being replaced by Cooper Rush. Another intriguing possibility lies with Detroit, where the 10-1 Lions' offense is rolling with Jared Goff at the helm. However, should he go down to injury the only other quarterback on the roster is rookie Hendon Hooker. That has contributed to the Lions having 7/1 odds to sign Jones. DANIEL JONES NEXT TEAM ODDS* Baltimore Ravens (2/1) Minnesota Vikings (5/2) Las Vegas Raiders (5/1) Dallas Cowboys (7/1) Detroit Lions (7/1) Miami Dolphins (7/1) San Francisco 49ers (8/1) Carolina Panthers (10/1) Seattle Seahawks (16/1) Indianapolis Colts (20/1) New England Patriots (25/1) New Orleans Saints (25/1) New York Jets (25/1) Tennessee Titans (25/1) Atlanta Falcons (28/1) Arizona Cardinals (33/1) Chicago Bears (33/1) Cleveland Browns (33/1) Denver Broncos (33/1) Jacksonville Jaguars (40/1) Los Angeles Chargers (50/1) Los Angeles Rams (50/1) Pittsburgh Steelers (50/1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (50/1) Washington Commanders (50/1) Cincinnati Bengals (66/1) Green Bay Packers (66/1) Houston Texans (66/1) Philadelphia Eagles (66/1) Buffalo Bills (75/1) Kansas City Chiefs (75/1) Any CFL Team (80/1) Any XFL Team (80/1) *Odds provided by SportsBetting.ag are for entertainment purposes only. --Field Level MediaShearer and Sutton. Rooney and Ronaldo. Vardy and Mahrez. Drogba and Lampard. Silva and Aguero. Many Premier League champions feature double acts - essential attacking supply lines which feed the title charge. If Arsenal are to challenge for the title this season, it will be down to their own deadly duo - Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. Saturday's 5-2 win at West Ham , during which Arsenal were irresistible for a 25-minute spell in a manic first half, showed what they are capable of when both men are on song. Most telling was when Saka and Odegaard combined to set up the killer second goal, shortly after West Ham thought they had equalised only for Crysencio Summerville's chipped finish to be chalked off for offside. Odegaard's chipped through ball for Saka was delightful, as was the Englishman's square pass to Leandro Trossard who tapped home. Their on-pitch relationship is so good they can even share penalty duties. With both Saka and Odegaard netting from the spot, Arsenal scored two first-half penalties for the first time in a Premier League match. "He asked me for the ball - he wanted to score," Saka told BBC Match of the Day about Odegaard taking the first penalty. "He gives me a lot of balls so it is nice to return that to him." Saka and Odegaard are the key for Arsenal - if both are fit they have a chance of hunting Liverpool down. The awful showing at Bournemouth , when both were absent with injury, illustrated how Arsenal struggle without them. That game was the nadir of a seven Premier League match spell where Odegaard was absent with an ankle sprain. In the three league games since his return, Arsenal's captain has contributed a goal or assist in every single one. "I just wonder, has Martin Odegaard been as big a miss to Arsenal as Rodri to Manchester City?" asked Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live. "Arsenal are growing on me. With Martin Odegaard back, they are a different team." Arsenal have not lost a Premier League game Odegaard has played in since April - but it is notable from some key stats that while Saka has played double the minutes of Odegaard, he has much more than double the Norwegian's number in several key metrics. Odegaard, in 499 Premier League minutes this season, has scored one goal, provided two assists, had three shots and created a further four chances. Saka, in 981 league minutes, has scored five goals, provided 10 assists, taken 40 shots and created another 36 chances for team-mates. Based on these stats one might claim Saka, somehow, remains underrated. But the stats reflect the Arsenal pipeline. Odegaard feeds Saka, Saka feeds the team - and Saka gets the glamourous stats. That was encapsulated at London Stadium. Saka created four chances to Odegaard's one, and had nine touches in the West Ham box. Odegaard's only touch in the home area was the penalty he scored. "Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard linked up beautifully at times and they looked like the side we've seen over the last couple of years," Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports. "It just shows everybody what Odegaard does for this team - he knits it together. He is the glue in the team. He is an absolute joy to watch and you see how much better they are with him. "He frees Saka up and gives him that time in one-on-one situations that you can't really have unless Odegaard is playing." That is not to say Saka is reliant on Odegaard in order to create. The winger, far from looking exhausted after a punishing 2024 which included his crucial role in England's European Championship campaign, is in the form of his life. Saka, whose penalty to make it 5-2 was his first away league goal of the season, has now been directly involved in 15 Premier League goals in 2024-25 - second only to the 16 by Mohamed Salah. You could even claim Saka has 16 goal involvements if you include him being fouled for the first Arsenal penalty against West Ham. It counts as an assist on Fantasy Football, after all. "Incredible," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told his post-match media conference of Saka's attacking numbers. "This is the hardest thing to do in football - to impact the scoreline in that way." Of those 15 official involvements, 10 have been Saka assists. Only Harry Kane, Cesc Fabregas and Mesut Ozil have reached double figures for assists in fewer games into a team's Premier League campaign. Saka has added a tough edge to his game, too. He was booked in the first half after a clash with West Ham left-back Emerson, and later squared up to centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, who is significantly taller. Ultimately, Saka and Odegaard's symbiosis on Saturday extended to the very end of their time on the pitch. They were subbed together in the 74th minute, job done. "Today was a top performance from us and we scored a lot of goals," Saka told BBC Match of the Day. "We are playing good football right now and we want to continue like this. "We are back to our best form - we look fluid and dynamic. We are all enjoying football right now." Liverpool have been near perfect so far in the Premier League, so Arsenal have to wait and hope for a dip - then strike if it comes. As Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "With Arsenal now it looks like they're hitting form. Good for them - title race on." If that is to manifest, it will be the dynamic duo of Saka and Odegaard who make it happen.