Jennifer Lawrence on feminism: ‘I don’t know why that word is so scary to people’

Jennifer Lawrence isn’t one to hold back opinions, and following her much-discussed essay on the gender wage gap, it should come as no surprise that she’s opening up about feminism – and people’s fear of just the word – once again.
“I don’t know why that word is so scary to people; it shouldn’t be, because it just means equality,” she said in the May issue of Harper’s Bazaar. “If we are moving forward in a society, you are feeling stronger as a woman, and you want to be taken more seriously. You don’t have to take away the wonderful traits that come with being a woman: We are sensitive. We are pleasers. We’re empathetic. All those things that can keep you from asking for what you want or making mistakes.”
Lawrence’s comments come on the heels of Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams discussing feminism in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
“[W]e should stop calling feminists ‘feminists’ and just start calling people who aren’t feminist ‘sexist’ — and then everyone else is just a human,” she said. “You are either a normal person or a sexist.”

Judge warns 50 Cent about his Instagram posts

After testifying in a bankruptcy court that most of the money he posts on IG was fake, rapper 50 Cent continued to post those money photos. The judge in the case has reportedly given the last warning to stop mocking court proceedings.

According to Page Six the judge told 50 this week,

"I am not trying to impede on anyone’s right to exercise free speech. But I would appreciate it if we can keep the tone of this case very serious.”

“You have all been advised. This is not funny.”

“I want to make this very clear, that I am discouraging the use of social media to comment on this case, especially when parties are in a courtroom or in the conference room.”

'Empire' recap

Empire recap: 'A Rose by Any Other Name'

The Lyons continue trying to oust Camilla, and Jamal deals with his unhappy fans

Jamal has his own problems — less life-threatening, but still serious for his career. Walking out of Empire with Becky, a fan asks Jamal to autograph a pair of flip-flops. Jamal is gracious… until it turns into a flash mob of gay former fans holding up flip-flops and singing a parody of “Drip Drop” to protest Jamal. When they drop their flops and disperse, Becky yells, “That’s not even his song, stupid!” But the damage has been done. Jamal goes to see Jameson, who doesn’t have much sympathy for Jamal because Lucious has been bragging about the hook-up with Skye. Jamal is like, “He did that on purpose because we’re nominated against each other for the ASAs.” Jameson, who strangely did not seem to realize this before, finally understands, and agrees to help Jamal get his fans back. Jamal says, “I still can’t believe he’d do that to me.” Really, Jamal? Lucious has never really been a shining example of fatherly love, especially to you!

Camilla’s next move? Refusing to approve another budget, this time for Tiana’s tour. But when Tiana — who is hard at work rehearsing a catchy banger while dressed in Britney Spears’ diamond bodysuit from the “Toxic” video — hears about it, she thinks Hakeem’s the one who canceled her tour to give more money to Mirage a Trois. Cookie doesn’t correct her because she has a plan.
Cookie goes straight to Camilla (but not before doing the sign of the cross — ha!) and suggests Mirage a Trois opens for Tiana: This way, not only can the artists get paid for their tour and, you know, eat, but also, Hakeem’s girlfriend Laura gets out of Camilla’s hair for months. Camilla agrees, and later Hakeem is furious at Cookie — but Laura says she and the girls agree it’s a huge opportunity. When she leaves, Cookie reminds Hakeem that he’s going to lose not only Laura but also his entire family if he doesn’t catch Camilla on tape confessing her plans to sabotage Empire.
But first, another reciprocal act of sabotage, from Jamal to Lucious: Jameson rounds up the gays for a surprise concert, where Jamal premieres an amazing new song with heavy horns and pounding percussion. “People tell me I’m just like my daddy… ‘cause I lie like I’m lying on a rug,” he sings with anger. “Made my mama lose her kids / Made her go away for 17 years.” It’s a fierce call-out, and ends on a note of betrayal: “I’d call you Mr. Lyon / If I did I would be lyin’ / ‘Cause that ain’t even your name.” A reporter calls out, “Jamal, are you saying Lucious is inauthentic?”
“I’m saying, Lucious Lyon ain’t even his real name,” Jamal says before he drops the mic and stalks offstage. I didn’t realize Lucious’ birth name was a secret (don’t these bloggers do their research?), but either way, the secret’s out.
Instead of letting it hurt him, though, Lucious decides to get out in front of it, and he calls back the loud reporter from earlier. “Has your family turned on you?” she asks immediately. “Are you going to retaliate?” Lucious shakes his head: “No, I’m going to thank him.” He realizes he doesn’t have to keep his origin story a secret anymore — and he’s giving Harper Scott the exclusive on the Dwight Walker Story, “how a homeless orphan became Lucious Lyon.” Or in other words, Hamilton!
When Rhonda and Andre get to the reverend’s office, Rhonda finds out that they aren’t there for grief counseling as much as an inquisition. Andre asks Rhonda if she’s cheating on him (hello, Othello), which is plainly ridiculous, and she tries to tell the pastor this is why Andre needs his medicine recalibrated. “Of course I’m concerned about his health,” the reverend answers, “But the difference between now and the past is that he’s also in God’s care, which is far more powerful than any medicine.” Well, unless God can prescribe Prozac, I’m not sure how well this plan is going to work out for them. Later, in Cookie’s office, Rhonda asks her to tell Andre where she was the night before, when he thinks she was cheating. “She was in my office snitching on Camilla!” Cookie says. Rhonda’s new job brings her closer to Camilla than any other Lyon — except, of course, Hakeem.

Jamal decides to convince Hakeem to take down Camilla, but Hakeem is concerned about what will happen to Empire when Camilla’s gone. “Nobody thinks I should have it,” he tells Jamal. “Who cares?” Jamal says. “I’m looking at you right now, and you’re a natural.”
This chat seems to give Hakeem the confidence to make his move: Alone with Camilla that night, he apologizes for how he’s been acting and calls her his queen and his mama (ugh… it’s not Shakespeare, but we’re getting close to Oedipus Rex territory here, don’t you think?). They do the deed, and then Camilla apologizes for not being able to see Hakeem this weekend because of Mimi. “I thought she was sick,” Hakeem says. “Not sick enough,” Camilla responds. Hakeem tells her to come clean about their relationship, but Camilla says she’s too possessive. “I’ve worked very hard for this… be patient,” she says. He sees her out — and then checks the hidden camera, where he got it all on tape.

“Mimi is too sharp to get caught by us saying stuff,” he explains to Cookie and Jamal the next morning. “I changed tactics… I made a tape and sent it to Mimi’s hotel.” Just as he’s finishing his sentence, Andre barges in. “Mimi is dumping her stock,” he announces. “We need to move fast.” But he can’t buy the stock in his name or Rhonda’s — so he ends up putting it in the trust he set up for his son, which brings on a new wave of grief. Luckily, Jamal and Hakeem have a song for that! (“We know you’re going through a hard time, and this is all we know how to do,” Jamal explains.) The song ends up being a slightly jazzy ballad, with lines like “Sometimes it’s hard to pray / Sometimes it’s hard to stay grateful… Why do bad things happen to the good people? … In the morning, it’s gonna be all right.” Hakeem delivers his verse in a half-sung rap, while letting out some tears. It’s an emotional moment for all four Lyons, and definitely makes it feel like they’re closer than ever.
And now for the shocking final scene: Camilla is in the bathroom, frantically wiping down the faucet, as Mimi’s corpse sits in the bathtub. Lucious quietly walks in, wearing scrubs over his shoes. “What was that stuff you poured in her drink?” he purrs. “Was that cyanide or arsenic?” He tells her that the police will not only get the video of her with Hakeem, but also the one he (apparently) made of her last moments with Mimi. “He’ll never forgive you,” Camilla says about Hakeem. Lucious is all too happy to correct her: Don’t you know? It was Hakeem who sent the video to Mimi.
“I would think about offing myself,” Lucious advises. “Police would think it’s a double suicide or murder.” He points a gun at her. “That feeling you’ve got right now? That’s prison. But it’s a million times worse.” He reminds her that she’ll have to worry about being raped and killed, not to mention facing Mimi’s family in court. He’s been pointing a gun at her, and Camilla implores him to just shoot her. “I don’t owe you any favors. You gon’ have to off yourself,” Lucious says. Crying and shaking, Camilla stares and him and gulps down a vial of poison (and here’s Romeo and Juliet — just sliiiightly tweaked).
“Rot in hell,” Lucious tells her on his way out. Whoa — way harsh. What’s worse, convincing someone to kill herself, or killing her yourself? Either way: His hands look clean… but is she actually dead? Guess we’ll find out next week.

Empire recap: 'A Rose by Any Other Name'

The Lyons continue trying to oust Camilla, and Jamal deals with his unhappy fans

Empire

Season 2, Ep. 12 | Aired Apr 06

We start with the new king, Hakeem Lyon, giving a press conference from his gold lion-adorned office. He announces Cookie’s new role as head of A&R for all of Empire, Andre’s continued position as CFO of Empire and president of Gutter Life Records, and Jamal’s decision to step aside as vice chairman to focus on his album (and his ASA nominations… Do Grammy nominees take time off to “focus” on their nominations?). Hakeem gives an impassioned speech about continuing to make Empire the most relevant, most innovative company on the planet — all with a red lollipop in his mouth.

When a reporter notes that Hakeem hasn’t mentioned Lucious, Cookie jumps in and reminds the press that Lucious is producing half of Jamal’s Black and White album and working on the video for his no. 1 hit, “Boom Boom Boom Boom.” Hakeem adds that Empire “will always support Lucious Lyon.” It’s a convincing show — but once the press leaves, Cookie smacks Hakeem on the back of the head and reminds him that he has to do what they discussed — get Camilla out — if he wants to stay CEO. And alive. Shortly after, Hakeem debuts a new song about “Power”… and a new logo, replacing Lucious’ face in the Empire record with his own. Bold move, young Lyon.
One of the reporters from the press conference — Harper Scott from the creatively named Q&A News — ends up covering Lucious’ video shoot, where he’s working with a King Richard II theme. He’s Richard (obviously), and protégé Freda Gatz is Bolingbroke. But Harper Scott has an ulterior motive: “How are you going to get Empire back from Hakeem?” she asks. Lucious predicts they’ll come crawling back to him in three months, the way Apple crawled back to Steve Jobs (Kanye, is that you?). When Harper remarks that Mimi and Camilla’s plan seemed a bit personal and asks if Lucious saw it coming, she gets escorted out. Later, Cookie shows up at the shoot and works her usual “Get rid of this, add this” magic on Lucious’ concept to make it better. Unfortunately, Andre brings word that a vindictive Camilla has slashed the budget for Lucious’ video — so the Lyons’ plan to depose her becomes even more urgent.

Meanwhile, Andre and Rhonda are dealing with the fallout from Rhonda’s “accident.” Rhonda wants to go back to work, and asks Andre if he can get her in with Camilla’s new high-end clothing line, Antony & Cleopatra (so-named, supposedly, for Camilla’s relationship with Hakeem). Rhonda’s also worried because Andre seems to be acting paranoid — he’s had visions that Rhonda’s fall down the stairs wasn’t an accident — but Rhonda sees it as a sign of an impending mental break. Andre swears he’s been taking his meds but asks Rhonda to come with him to see his pastor.
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Fox renews Lucifer, Rosewood for second seasons

Fox has given the go-ahead to two freshman series.
Both Rosewood and Lucifer have been picked up for second seasons, the network announced Thursday.
“We knew we had something special with Lucifer, from the engaging performances of Tom [Ellis], Lauren [German], and the rest of the charismatic cast, to Len Wiseman’s visually stunning look of the show and the amazing storytelling savvy of the Bruckheimer team,” said Fox Entertainment president David Madden in a statement.
He added: “With Rosewood, creator Todd Harthan has put a fresh, playful spin on the procedural format, infusing it with wit and warmth, while Morris, Jaina and the show’s gifted supporting cast have turned in fantastic performances. We look forward to two stand-out sophomore seasons from both series.”
Lucifer stars Ellis as the titular anti-hero, based on the character of the same name found in DC Comic series The Sandman, created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg. The series, a police procedural comedy-drama, averages 10.5 million total viewers across platforms, reports Fox. On Monday’s episode, “St. Lucifer,” the man himself will explore his good side, becoming a benefactor for the charity of a philanthropist found dead.
Rosewood stars Morris Chestnut as Beaumont Rosewood Jr., a private pathologist who works closely with law enforcement to solve cases in Miami, Florida. The series averages 7.8 million total viewers across platforms. Wednesday’s installment sees the good doctor investigating “the suspicious death of a man with medical issues similar to his own and adding to his stress, he finds himself trapped between Donna (Lorraine Toussaint) and his girlfriend/cardiologist, Dr. Erica Kincaid (guest star Joy Bryant), and their dueling opinions over what’s best for Rosewood — medically and personally.”

Charlize Theron joins 'Fast & Furious 8'

 

Charlize Theron knows cars. In The Italian Job, she drove a Mini Cooper like a boss. In Mad Max: Fury Road, she drove a War Rig, which is similar to a Mini Cooper in the sense that a rampaging four-armed Tyrannosaurus Rex is similar to your pet frog. And now Theron will join the next installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, the neverending saga of flying cars and the humans who wield them, as the franchise’s “greatest adversary ever.”

 

Our crew will face its greatest adversary ever in our next film as we welcome Charlize Theron to the Fast family. 4.14.17. #F8
Posted by Fast & Furious on Thursday, April 7, 2016

As originally reported by Variety, Theron will join the as-yet-untitled film, which will hit theaters 53 weeks from now on April 14, 2017, as the . Plot details are scarce, but the film – which we will henceforth refer to as Fast & Furiosa or Fast 8: Fury Road or maybe Young Fast Adult Furious because Theron was the bomb in Young Adult – will supposedly begin what star-producer Vin Diesel has referred to as “one last Trilogy to end the saga.”
This could mean that Theron will be around for multiple films. Or it could mean that Theron will play the villain in the eighth movie, then die, then return to life in the ninth movie, which let’s call Furious: Winter’s War. Also entirely possible: Fast & Furiosa will end with Charlize Theron racing down the side of Mount Everest on a Ferrari on a firetruck on a freight train on an oil tanker, shooting a machine gun at a biplane being flown by The Rock, whilst simultaneously engaging in a boxing match with Michelle Rodriguez and a kung fu battle with Michelle Yeoh.
This is all just a theory. The point is: Charlize Theron, Fast & Furious, yes.

source: EW

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris on Romantic Date

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris Hold Hands on Romantic Date After She Thanks Him in Heartfelt Speech

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris are the "New Romantics."

On Wednesday, the couple stepped out for dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, California.

Swift, 26, and Harris, 32, left the Italian eatery hand-in-hand, as she glanced up at him with an adoring smile.

Taylor Swift (left) and Calvin Harris

Continuing the new era in her fashion evolution, the "Style" singer donned a black mini-dress with black heels, a black clutch purse and her signature red lipstick.


Meanwhile, the Scottish deejay/producer opted for a casual look, donning a button-down shirt with jeans and sneakers.

Swift and Harris are big fans of the restaurant, where a young fan crashed one of their date nights in January.

"They are the cutest couple," a Giorgio Baldi source recently told PEOPLE.

Taylor Swift (left) and Calvin Harris

The romantic outing comes just days after Swift gave Harris an extra special shoutout at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles, where she took home four awards, including best tour.

"For the first time I had the most amazing person to come home to when the crowds were all gone and the spotlight went out, so I'd like to thank my boyfriend Adam for that," she said, calling Harris by his real name, Adam Richard Wiles.

Last month, the couple celebrated their one-year anniversary during a tropical getaway.

And while the couple's picture-perfect romance has been heating up, a source told PEOPLE in March that they are taking things nice and slow.

"Of course they love each other, but they are not the type of people to rush down the altar," the source said. "They are both very solid people."

 

People 

40-Year-Old Woman Who Struggled With Infertility for 20 Years Gives Birth 4 Weeks After Learning She Was Pregnant

Udona Hebert gave birth only 4 weeks after discovering she was pregnant

Shortly after getting married in 1995, Udona and Chuck Hebert were told they would never have children. Doctors informed the newlyweds that Udona's body "naturally aborted embryos" and that kids "just weren't in the cards" for the Kaplan, Louisiana, couple.

So when Udona began having stomach pains, dizziness and cramps in January 2016, she feared they were symptoms of cancer. Never "in a million, million years," did Udona think she was pregnant – let alone four weeks away from her due date.

"It was unexpected, because we tried for 20 years," Udona, 40, tells PEOPLE. "But it was the best surprise we could have ever gotten."

The parents consider Brooks Major Hebert, now 7 weeks old, their "miracle baby."

Chuck, Udona and Brooks Major Hebert

Udona Hebert

Struggles with Infertility

It took Chuck and Udona years to finally accept that they would never have kids, but eventually the couple had come to terms with the fact.

"We were both really bummed, of course," says Udona. "Chuck was so good with kids and I knew he would be amazing as a dad, so it has always upset me."

They filled the void by hosting exchange students in their home for a year at a time.

"We just had so much love to give and we wanted to share that with somebody," says Udona. "We would also babysit and hang out with nieces and nephews."

"I had always wanted children, but we moved on with life in our own way" Chuck, 40, tells PEOPLE. "We get along and love each other, of course, but it always felt like there was something missing from our lives."

Brooks Major Hebert was born on February 15, 2016

Udona Hebert

A Shocking Surprise

Udona began experiencing "fluttering" feelings in her stomach around Thanksgiving 2015.

"It sounds silly, but I thought I had some form of cancer or infection," she says. "I didn't tell anyone about my ailment because I didn't want Chuck to make a fuss over me. I prayed every night, in silent prayer, that I would get better."

She adds, "It never even crossed my mind that I was pregnant. We had tried for over 20 years to get pregnant and nothing ever happened."

Chuck and Brooks Major Hebert

Udona Hebert

Two months later, Udona began having stomach aches and morning nausea. She finally consulted with her mother and friends, who suggested she take a pregnancy test – just in case.

"And boy, were they right!" says Udona with a laugh. "I took two and immediately FaceTimed Chuck when they both came out positive."

Chuck thought he was being pranked when he received the call on January 15.

"I figured it was one of Udona's friends pulling a practical joke on me," he says. "In my head, I was thinking there was no way we were being blessed with a child!"

Posted by Udona Hebert on Saturday, February 20, 2016

Chuck and Udona confirmed the surprise pregnancy with several doctors in Louisiana.

"We found out we were 33 weeks, give or take, pregnant," says Udona. "And I was four weeks away from my due date."

The couple immediately dove into preparing for their baby. They read dozens of maternity books, arranged for last-minute prenatal care and set up high-risk doctor consultations.

Lafayette maternal fetal medicine specialist, Dr. Paul Gibbs, treated Udona during her last weeks of pregnancy.

"Unfortunately, when she found out she was pregnant, she was on medicine for high blood pressure that typically causes the kidneys to shut down in babies and can lead to the loss of an unborn baby," Dr. Gibbs tells PEOPLE. "She was very lucky, though."

The doctor explains that Udona's case is "very rare."

"Here she was, some 20 years later, and she gets pregnant," he says. "Every now and then I see someone that has struggled with fertility for years and by the grace of God they get pregnant. It's hard to explain."

Posted by Udona Hebert on Monday, February 15, 2016

Brooks Major Hebert was born on February 15, exactly four weeks after Udona took her pregnancy test.

The baby, who suffered from lung issues shortly after delivery, stayed in the neonatal intensive-care unit for nine days, but today, he is "doing great," the proud mom says.

"God had a plan for us – a longterm plan – but a plan nonetheless!" says Udona.

"I don't let him out of my sight," adds Chuck. "It's hard to describe this feeling – this love I have. The love for my child is something I hadn't known and now I'm so glad I do."

Panama Papers: Iceland names new PM amid poll calls

Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson

Iceland’s government has named a new prime minister and called for early elections later in the year, a day after Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson quit, becoming the first politician brought down by the “Panama Papers” leaks.
The two coalition partners, the Progressive Party and the Independence Party, agreed after talks on late Wednesday to hand the prime ministerial post to the agriculture minister Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, 53, of the former.
“It is a big burden in this situation. It is not the most happy situation when I am taking the prime minister’s seat but I will try to do my best and I am hoping that the people of Iceland will see that the new government will increase the stability both in politics and in governance,” Johannsson told reporters.
The government said the decision to hold elections in autumn would give it time to follow through on one of the biggest economic policy changes in decades – the ending of capital controls introduced to rescue the economy from the 2008 financial crisis.
The opposition has been trying to force a new election with a vote of no confidence in the government, which could lead to a radical political shift.
Undisclosed firm
Gunnlaugsson quit as prime minister on Tuesday after leaked documents from a Panamanian law firm showed his wife owned an offshore company that held millions of dollars in debt from failed Icelandic banks.
The Panama documents revealed that Gunnlaugsson’s wife owned a previously undisclosed firm with what the government says is $4.1m in claims on the island’s collapsed banks. His opponents have said that represents a conflict of interest, because the government is negotiating the value of such claims.
“I feel that it is proper on this night to let the new prime minister have the stage, that the next prime minister is a solid and a good man so there is a good reason to congratulate Icelanders,” he said before Johannsson spoke to the press.
Iceland has struggled to recover from the 2008 collapse of its highly indebted banks, which led to popular protests, the fall of a government and the jailing of many bankers. Many Icelanders still harbour a strong distrust of their leaders.
A few thousand demonstrators gathered for another evening of protests in front of the parliament building on Wednesday, some pelting parliament with yoghurt and eggs.

Behind the Scenes of 'Captain America: Civil War' with Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen and the Women of Marvel

Marvel's heroines are gearing up for some serious action in Captain America: Civil War, and now the film's biggest stars are giving a sneak peek into their evolving roles.

In this exclusive behind-the-scenes clip from the film, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen and Emily VanCamp explain where their characters are in the latest installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Johansson, reprising her role as Natasha Romanoff (aka Black Widow), finds herself caught in the middle of the feud between Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.).

"Natasha is a bit torn between either side," she explains. "With Cap they really have a relationship where she wants to reason with him. But she sees Tony as a path of least resistance."

Black Widow (left), Scarlet Witch

Marvel Studios (2)

VanCamp's character, Sharon Carter (aka S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Agent 13), will play a larger role in Civil War than her appearance in 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where she spent most of her time undercover as Cap's literal girl next door.

"I'm really glad to be a part of it," VanCamp says. "Sharon Carter, she's a little sassier. We get to do a little bit of fighting in this, it's awesome."

Olsen returns as Wanda Maximoff (aka Scarlet Witch), and after her villainous turn in Avengers: Age of Ultron, this will be her first full film as one of the good guys – and one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most powerful superheroes.

"What I like about Wanda is the idea of her being terrified of her own abilities, it's really fun to play with," she explains.

In addition to the exciting new opportunities for her character, Johansson adds that she's equally thrilled to team back up with Civil War's all-star cast.

"There's been a few moments where you kind of look around and go, 'Oh I'm in good company. This is rad.' "

Dad Donates Kidney – and Plans to Donate Part of His Liver – to Ailing 2-Year-Old Daughter

New Jersey Dad Donates Kidney – and Plans to Donate Part of His Liver – to Ailing 2-Year-Old Daughter: 'I Would Give Her All My Organs If It Helped'

Paul and Madeline Rybkin

Paul Rybkin and Karen Rodas knew the challenges ahead of them when they discovered their baby had a rare genetic disorder – but they were ready to face them.

The Saddlebrook, New Jersey, couple's 2-year-old daughter Madeline has autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). The disorder, which results in the deterioration of kidney and liver function, can be fatal.

The couple's first child, Nathaniel, died from the same condition just 36 hours after his birth in 2012 – but it's not a "death sentence," Karen says.

"The kidneys form large, water-filled cysts, and these cysts start to prevent the kidney from working normally," Karen tells PEOPLE. "They become really enlarged and the function decreases because of these cysts. The kidneys control a whole slew of things, so these cysts start to interfere with that."

Both Karen and Paul, who have been together for five years, carry the recessive gene that causes ARPKD, which ultimately occurs in 1 in 20,000 individuals, according to the PKD foundation. Despite knowing that they had a 1 in 4 chance of passing it on to their children, they still opted against doctors' suggestions to terminate their pregnancy at 20 weeks.

"We thought our chances were good that our next baby would be healthy," says Karen, who owns a deli with Paul.

Paul and Madeline Rybkin

YouCaring

A Devastating Diagnosis

Madeline was born prematurely at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on November 7, 2013, and was immediately hooked to a ventilator to help her lung tissue development. Karen says that she and Paul, both 38, knew early on that their daughter would eventually need a transplant.

"It was not a matter of if, it was a matter of when," she says.

Both parents were immediately tested and Paul ended up being a perfect match for Madeline.

"I decided if I was a match, in a heartbeat I would donate with no questions asked," Paul tells PEOPLE. "It was one of the happiest moments of my life – there are so many people out there that suffer and wait for a transplant, and they suffer the entire time they are waiting."

As the concerned parents watched their daughter get sicker, they were devastated when doctors told them they had to wait for the transplant procedure.

"We had to watch her get worse before we could watch her get better," Karen says, noting that because Madeline's kidneys still functioned, and she was just a baby, an invasive surgery would be dangerous.

Madeline continued to grow – as did her kidneys. And at 6 pounds, 3 ounces each, they ballooned to nearly triple the size of a normal adult's kidneys.

Madeline before (left) and after (right) her transplant

YouCaring

"She had trouble breathing, she had trouble eating, she was just very tired all the time – she struggled doing basic things like sitting up," Karen remembers. "We had to watch her not do well, and not be a normal baby."

Adds Paul, "Madeline has been through a lot and she's been through more than any individual should have to go through – let alone somebody under the age of 2."

Preparing for the Transplant

Madeline could barely eat, and she threw up almost every night. It was then that Karen and Paul decided to get a second opinion. The couple met with Ron Shapiro, surgical director of the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program at Mount Sinai's Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute in the summer of 2015, and after a few months of testing, Madeline's transplant was scheduled for January 19.

By the time the surgery rolled around, however, Madeline had grown so sick that she had to be on emergency dialysis.

"It was terrible, I hated it. Thinking about it now – she wasn't really living her life, she was just kind of existing," Karen says through tears. "Madeline was always happy, as sick as she felt through everything, she always smiled."

The surgery – performed by Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Scott Ames – was a success, and while Paul had a painful recovery, Madeline did beautifully.

"She is a completely different child. It's like a light went on," Karen says. "She wants to move, and she's got energy, and now she fights it when you put her down for a nap. She laughs, and laughs and laughs," she adds.

Paul says Madeline is "obsessed" with the Cookie Monster and loves going to the park just to sniff the flowers with her "daddy."

"Flowers are her favorite things, I bring her some after I come home from work every day," says Paul through tears. "We don't allow much time to pass without spending time together."

Madeline, post-op

Karla Rodas Photography

The Long Road to Recovery

Madeline isn't completely out of the woods, however. While the toddler hasn't had any issues with her new kidney, she's had a few unrelated infections that are more dangerous due to her suppressed immune system. She'll take immunosuppressants for the rest of her life, and will always face the chance of rejection. Dr. Shapiro also says that it's hard to pinpoint an exact expiration date for Madeline's kidney, but noted that it could last between 10 and 20 years. "Oddly enough, if you look at small kids getting kidneys from parents, they tend to do exceptionally well, so this kidney may last longer," he explains.

In addition, Madeline's liver has some thickening, a sign of cirrhosis. She will eventually need a transplant.

"We found out that I can donate part of mine to her when that time comes," Paul says. "I would do that without blinking. We went through the compatibility test and are all set. I'm expecting to and I would give her all my organs if it helped."

While Paul manages the family's deli, Karen devotes all of her time to care for Madeline, something Dr. Shapiro applauds. "It's of enormous importance having a parent who is so skilled at taking care of their child," he says. "Taking your medications perfectly all the time, forever, is the whole show. Karen is really with the program, and it makes a huge difference."

The couple hopes to offset some of their steep medical costs through a YouCaring crowdfunding campaign.

Paul and Karen are also balancing being parents to two children under three. Karen and Paul welcomed a second daughter, Penelope, in January 2015. Karen says that when she unexpectedly got pregnant, she and Paul were concerned about the baby being born with ARPKD.

Karen's pregnancy was closely monitored, and at around 20 weeks, Penelope was deemed ARPKD-free. Karen says her doctors were cautiously optimistic, and after the baby's birth, an ultrasound showed she was perfectly healthy. Karen's older son Jackson, 9, (from a previous marriage) was also born without ARPKD.

Paul and Karen are now settling into life as a family of five – and they're grateful for Madeline's improved health.

"I don't think I did anything any other parent wouldn't do given the opportunity," Paul says. "Knowing it was successful was the best feeling I've ever had. I saved her life – that's the bottom line. It's a feeling that's difficult to describe – knowing that I was able to give her a second chance at life."

And at just 2 years old, Madeline knows about her dad's sacrifice. "She loves her daddy, they have a special bond," Karen says. "If we say the word 'Dada,' she pats her belly… she understands more than we give her credit for."

"I can't put into words how much I feel for her," Paul says. "She's daddy's little girl. We're best buddies."

Lady drags man to court over refusal to pay after sex, alleged assault

One Umar Lawal, 37, has appeared before a Kado Grade 1 Area Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja for allegedly refusing to pay a lady, Augustus Janet after having sex with her.The Prosecutor, Salisu Khaleel, told the court on Thursday that one Augustus Janet of Mpape Village in Abuja reported the matter at the Maitama Police Station on March 21.
Khaleel said that the accused of 12, Negbo Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, picked Janet and promised to pay her N10, 000 to have sex with her.
“When Janet demanded for her fee after the sex romp, Lawal beat her up.
“He stabbed her with a bottle on the face and still refused to pay the complainant the agreed sum after having sex with her.”
The prosecutor added that the offense contravened Section 247 of the Penal Code, stating that the accused is facing a count charge of causing grievous hurt.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Judge, Malam Abubakar Sadiq, granted the accused bail in the sum of N20, 000 and a surety in like sum, ruling that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
Sadiq adjourned the case till May 19 for mention.

'I am not dead,' Ernest Azuzu dispels vicious rumors. AGN abandoned me

Former Nollywood actor Ernest Azuzu has dispelled rumors circulating in some sections of the media that he is dead.

The actor who has been battling with stroke for while now, took to his Facebook page to let fans know that he is alive.

He wrote:

"My name is ernest chidozie azuzu pls am not dead for the people carrying rumours that my enemyis dead i just wish t5hem long life but this has proven what god said that people like me willnot die because GOD is the maker of life".

Azuzu who has been living a lacklustre life since he stopped gracing screens disclosed in a recent interview that he has been hospitalized and abandon by the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Speaking with Daily Independent, he was quoted as saying:

"I was in LASUTH for two months, three days and for that long, nobody from Nollywood, not even Ibinabo Fiberesima, visited me. And she heard that I was admitted there. My friends told her that I was down with stroke and she pretended as if she didn’t hear. It’s not fair. I’m a human being too. I am limping right now, because I have stroke. I am limping because my people don’t care. I’m limping because the industry is already messed up. I don’t know what Ibinabo is doing. Ibinabo is just gallivanting. She is having fun and that is not the reason we put her there. She should go out there and fight for our people."

This is not the first time rumors about the condition of the actor will be making headlines. It could be recalled that a fan claimed he saw the actor begging for money to eat at a popular mall in Lagos recently.

Risk of Collapse at Jesus’ Tomb Unites Rival Christians

The shrine holding the tomb of Jesus in Jerusalem’s Old City. The shrine, an unsteady 206-year-old structure held together by an iron cage, has become an uncomfortable symbol of Christian divisions. Credit Gali Tibbon/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

JERUSALEM — It was a typical day at the shrine around what many believe is the tomb of Jesus in Jerusalem’s Old City. A Greek Orthodox choir sang inside a room facing the baroque structure. But the voices were drowned out when chanting Armenian priests and monks circling the shrine raised theirs.

“Sometimes they punch each other,” Farah Atallah, a church guard wearing a fez, observed with a shrug.

Mr. Atallah is a seasoned witness to the rivalries among the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox and Roman Catholic communities that jealously share — and sometimes spar over — what they consider Christianity’s holiest site, inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Amid the rivalry, the unsteady 206-year-old structure, held together by a 69-year-old iron cage, is an uncomfortable, often embarrassing symbol of Christian divisions, which have periodically erupted into tensions. In 2008, monks and priests brawled near the shrine, throwing punches and pulling one another’s hair not far from the tomb where Christians believe Jesus was resurrected.

But in recent weeks, scaffolding has gone up a few feet from the shrine in the gloomy shadows of the Arches of the Virgin, the first step in a rare agreement by the various Christian communities to save the dilapidated shrine, also called the Aedicule, from falling down.

The March 22 agreement calls for a $3.4 million renovation to begin next month, after Orthodox Easter celebrations. Each religious group will contribute one-third of the costs, and a Greek bank contributed 50,000 euros, or $57,000, for the scaffolding, in return for having its name emblazoned across the machinery.

The idea is to peel away hundreds of years of the shrine’s history, clean it and put it back together. Simple enough, but delayed for decades because of the complicated, centuries-old rules and minute traditions — called the status quo — that define the way Jerusalem’s holy sites are governed, in which the very act of repairing something can imply ownership.

“One of the serious issues in the church is that the status quo takes place over every other consideration, and it’s not a good thing,” said Athanasius Macora, a Franciscan friar. “Unity is more important than a turf war.”

A woman praying at the tomb where most Christians believe Jesus was placed after he was crucified. Renovations at the tomb, in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, will begin in May. Credit Uriel Sinai for The New York Times

The inspiration for this unity was the threat of losing the shrine altogether. Alarmed by reports that the shrine was at risk of collapse, the Israeli police barricaded it for several hours on Feb. 17, 2015, throwing out the monks who guard it and preventing hundreds of pilgrims from entering.

The message was clear: Fix it, or else.

So after a year of much study and negotiation, monument conservation experts plan to first remove the iron cage that Jerusalem’s colonial British rulers built in 1947 in a prior effort to keep the Aedicule from collapsing, after a 1927 earthquake and rain left the structure cracked, its marble slabs flaking.

They will take apart, slab by slab, the ornate marble shell built in 1810, during Ottoman rule of Jerusalem. The conservationists will then tackle the remains of the 12th-century Crusader shrine that lies underneath. That was erected after the Shiite ruler of Egypt, al-Hakim, destroyed the first Aedicule in 1009. The original was built by Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, the Christian Roman emperor who did much to elevate the status of Christianity through the empire.

Finally, the workers will repair cracks in the remains of the rock-hewed tomb underneath, where most Christians believe Jesus was placed after he was crucified. (There is a rival Tomb of Christ just outside the Old City walls, patronized mainly by Protestants. But that is another story.)

Antonia Moropoulou, the conservation expert heading the project, said the shrine would remain open to visitors during most of the painstaking process.

Hundreds of pilgrims waited to enter one recent day as Catholics said Mass near the Aedicule, blocking the entry with wooden pews. The shrine is topped with a large gray cupola, and it is decorated with gold, icons, pillars, candles, heavy bronze lamps, inscriptions and a large painting of Christ.

“This is a very super experience of my spirit,” said Anil Macwan, 30, a lay Catholic preacher from India. “The world cannot give me the feeling I get from this tomb, this place. It is a very sacred place.”

Two women from the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, in Nigeria, wearing matching blue dresses and head scarves, walked shoeless into the Aedicule, crossing the Chapel of the Angel, with its walls of elaborately carved marble and proclamations in Greek. They bent through the low door into the Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, where, under oil lamps, two white marble slabs denote the location of Jesus’ rock tomb.

The two women fell to their knees, raised their arms in supplication and fervently whispered prayers. They wiped their hands and photographs of children on the slabs.

Photo

Pilgrims waiting in line to visit the tomb. The site will remain open to visitors during most of the painstaking renovation, the conservation expert leading the project said. Credit Uriel Sinai for The New York Times

Another day, a line of Indian Muslims squished against South Korean tourists, Indian nuns and Arab-American Christians stretched past the Chapel of the Copts, a room attached to the back of the Aedicule, where a monk guarding the site was engrossed in his smartphone.

The three Christian communities vigilantly guard the property they already control to an extent that can feel baffling to outsiders coming to the Holy Sepulcher, a cavernous jumble of Byzantine and Crusader architecture, with soaring domes, sunken rooms, gloomy light, heavy bronze lamps, squat buttresses and elegant arches.

In the church entryway is a gaudy gold mosaic on a wall, owned by members of the Greek Orthodox Church, that distracts from the nearby Stone of Unction, the marble slab covering the site where Jesus was anointed.

Beside the mosaic is a ladder owned by Catholics, who will not move it. It is next to an Armenian-controlled walkway of a few feet leading to the Aedicule, where non-Armenian priests in vestments may pass, but not stand, because that would suggest they are challenging Armenian control.

The last significant renovation began in the 1950s, when the Jordanian authorities who controlled East Jerusalem at the time pushed Christian representatives into forming a technical bureau to address the 1927 quake damage. But the process broke down more than a decade later, according to Father Macora.

After the last embarrassing dust-up, in 2008, which was captured on YouTube, the rival communities began trying to fix their relations in earnest, repairing the toilets as a good-will measure. In 2014, Pope Francis met the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, at the Aedicule, to promote unity.

Still, “somebody had to push us,” said the Rev. Samuel Aghoyan, the Armenian Patriarchate’s representative at the Holy Sepulcher, who took to fisticuffs with a previous Greek Orthodox patriarch, Irineos I, inside the Aedicule on Holy Saturday, before Easter, in 2002. “If the Israeli government didn’t get involved, nobody would have done anything.”

Ms. Moropoulou, the conservationist leading the renovation, said she hoped it would maintain the intangible spirit “of a living monument.”

“This tomb is the most alive place,” Ms. Moropoulou said. More so, she added, “than anything I have seen in my life.”

She continued, “The greatest challenge is to preserve that.”

New York Times

Argentina displaces Belgium at top spot in new FIFA rankings, Nigeria slips to 67

South American football power house, Argentina has recaptured its number one position in the monthly FIFA rankings released on Thursday, displacing Belgium, while Copa America champions, Chile rose to an all-time high to occupy the third place.Having won three out of three of their 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Argentina returned to the top, five months after they were supplanted by Belgium.
The rankings saw Chile which was formally on fifth position moved to third place while another South America country, Colombia climbed from eighth to fourth and also Uruguay moving back into the top 10 having started their South American qualifiers strongly.
Defending European champions, Spain moved three steps backward to sixth position.
Also on the down-sliding are world champions Germany, Brazil, Portugal and England.
FIFA Rankings top 10:
1. Argentina (+1)
2. Belgium (-1)
3. Chile (+2)
4. Colombia (+4)
5. Germany (-1)
6. Spain (-3)
7. Brazil (-1)
8. Portugal (-1)
9. Uruguay (+2)
10. England (-1)

Ibinabo Fiberesima granted N2m bail

Nollywood actress, Ibinabo Febrisima, has been granted bail.The actress was recently slammed a 5-year jail term by the Court of Appeal in Lagos after losing an appeal over the death of one Dr Giwa Suraj who she allegedly killed in an auto accident along Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, 10 years ago.
Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur of the Appeal court said he was granting the actress bail pending the determination of a suit filed by her at the Supreme court.

Panama Papers: My hands are clean – Mark, threatens Lawsuit

The immediate past president of the Senate, Senator David Mark has debunked reports in the media linking him to Panama papers which alleged that he operated offshore companies, insisting that he has no connection, whatsoever, to any of the companies registered, operated or managed by the Mossack Fonseca Law Firm. In a statement seen by THE SUMMONS MAGAZINE on Thursday that was signed by Paul Mumeh, the lawmaker representing Benue South maintained that his name is not listed anywhere in the database of Mossack Fonseca Law Firm in the released materials of the Panama Leaks.
The statement reads, “We challenge all those behind this propaganda and Media outburst to prove or show that Senator Mark’s name was mentioned in the leaks. He is prepared to stand and defend himself against any accusation in relation to this matter.
“Senator Mark’s Media team has carried out its own search of the Mossack Fonseca database and found no statement, item or any connection to Senator David Mark or his family. It follows that there is no record, whatsoever, of any impropriety or wrongdoing.
“We recall that in his quest for Senate Presidency in 2007, there was an attempt to bring a similar issue to the fore in order to stop him. So what are their fears now in 2016 for regurgitating the same issue?
“Once more, Senator Mark has distanced himself and any member of his family from the said Mossack Fonseca Firm and has no affiliation, whatsoever, with any company operated, registered or managed by Mossack Fonseca.
“Senator Mark has not contravened any laws of the land and he is treating this for what it is, an attempt to blackmail and tarnish his hard earned image by some political elements.
“As a public officer, Senator Mark has maintained a high level of decorum, respects and observes the laws of the land and believes in the sanctity of the rule of law. He will not be distracted by what is clearly a deliberate mischief and propaganda.
“Records of all his assets are available with the relevant government agencies and can be verified.
“He has consulted his legal team and will take this up accordingly.”

I am losing hope in Buhari – Omotola Ekeinde

Nollywood diva, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has expressed grief over the ongoing electricity crisis, among others rocking the country.Omotola, who is known for addressing issues and directing them with the hashtag “#dontpushme,” says she is beginning to doubt the Buhari-led government.
On her Twitter handle ‏@Realomosexy, the mother of four stated, “I supported Buhari, but power instability and petrol scarcity are making me doubt him.
“#DontPushMe: I’m losing hope in Buhari.
“He’s the first president I chose to support because of his past record and trusted testimonies, however, I believe he’s started making a few mistakes that his attention must be brought to (because I want to believe he means well).
“I believe in the man Buhari. I am not ‘yet’ condemning the Federal Government. My immediate grouse NOW is:
“With an insensitive state government who knows the ‘many’ issues and still wants to impoverish the people.
“A monotonous power generating body left unchecked by the government which is allowed to exploit and extort from the people,” she added.
“As for the fuel queues and power outages… Research still on #dontpushme,” Omotola tweeted.

Prostitutes protest after new law is passed making it illegal to pay for sex in France (photos)

Prostitutes in France marched to the front National Assembly building in Paris, France to protest after a new law was passed that penalizes the patronage of prostitutes.The French parliament on Wednesday passed a law that now makes it illegal to pay for sex in France making them the 5th European country ( after Sweden, Norway, Iceland and the U.K) in the world to criminalize prostitution.

Under the new law, pimping and brothels remain illegal, while it is legal to offer your body for sale but illegal for someone to buy it.

Offenders may be fined up to €3,750 (about $4,300) and required to attend classes about the conditions of sex workers.
The law also establishes measures to help prostitutes find new work, and makes it easier for foreign sex workers to acquire temporary residency permits.

France’s Socialist government welcomed the new legislation. The bill’s architect
Maud Olivier told AFP: “This law is essential to ending the idea that it is normal to buy someone’s body.”

"The goal is to diminish [prostitution], protect prostitutes who want to quit, and change mentalities. We will succeed in changing the mentality, but new efforts are needed to raise awareness, to train police officers and magistrates.”

But some of France’s nearly 30,000 prostitutes did not share Olivier’s conviction. About 60 demonstrators, including sex workers, protested the new law outside the Parliament, some carrying a sign that read, “Don’t Liberate Me, I’ll Take Care of Myself!”

 

 

 

 

 

House rent should be paid on a monthly basis and affordable to all – FCT Minister

The Federal Government has expressed its worries over the high cost of house rent in the country, especially in Abuja, the nation’s capital territory, saying that it would soon put in place a law that would force downward, cost of accommodation in the Federal Capital Territory.FCTA Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, was speaking yesterday when he received members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV in his office, explaining that the current Buhari-led administration was deeply concerned with the high cost of housing in the territory and was working out modalities that would guarantee access to decent accommodation by the masses and less privileged.
The Minister who tasked members of NIESV on a viable solution to end high cost of accommodation in Abuja, also challenged the body to have a downward review of their professional fee, stressing that although the concept of estate development was a very commendable one, the industry was facing many challenges in the capital city, questioning the rationale behind payment of rent on annual basis in the country.
He further pointed out that as a professional body that was primarily concerned with provision of houses, the NIESV has a burden of ensuring that accommodation does not get out of the reach of the common man.
Bello said, “As a body, you must take deliberate steps to bring down the cost of accommodation through reduction of your charges and commissions.
“I know that you charge between 10-15% but I think that rate needs to come down, else at some point in the future, legislation will force you to bring it down.’’
The Minister wondered why Nigerian citizens would pay rent on a yearly basis whereas in developed countries such as United Kingdom and United states, tenants pay rents on a monthly basis.
He queried, “Why should we pay rent annually in Nigeria; why should we pay two, three years in advance.
“All the people you see here including the Minister get their rent allowance on a monthly basis, only very few organisations in Nigeria pay rent allowance annually in bulk.
“Why can’t we start asking our tenants to pay rent monthly even if they are in Asokoro, Maitama or wherever?”
The Minister disclosed that as part of the moves to make housing affordable in Abuja, the FCT Administration has put the necessary measures in place to ensure that all plots of land not developed within a stipulated period would be revoked and re-allocated to willing developers, adding that the number of uncompleted buildings and empty estate houses in the city was very alarming and a committee would soon be set up to look into the issue.

Full statement: Fifa president Infantino responds to Panama Papers scandal

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has released a statement saying that he welcomes the investigation into an incident over TV rights sales a decade ago. 
Infantino, who recently replaced Sepp Blatter as FIFA president, saw his name dragged into the Panama Papers reveal with the Guardian reporting that he sold TV rights in South America a decade ago before letting the company that bought them to sell them on for three or four times that amount.
Swiss police raided FIFA offices today as part of the investigation and now Infantino has now released a statement saying that he welcomes the investigation.

 

Jorge Mendes to contact Ed Woodward this week over Jose Mourinho to Man United deal

JORGE MENDES is set for talks with Ed Woodward over Jose Mourinho's prospects of becoming Manchester United's next manager.

AFP TALKS: Mourinho's agent is set to speak with United

It's claimed the Portuguese super agent will contact the United executive vice-chairman after claims Louis van Gaal may keep his job.
Mourinho had been widely expected to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford next season.
Reports from Spain claim a deal in principle is in place for the ex-Chelsea man to take the reigns this summer.

And according to the Manchester Evening News, Mourinho has asked Mendes to make sure he's still in line for the role.
United have closed to within a point of fourth-place Manchester City after back-to-back wins in the top flight.
Along with the upturn in form, club bosses have shown their support for Van Gaal by including him in their pre-season plans.

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Reports in the Dutch press also claim the veteran coach will be allowed to see out the final season of his three-year contract.
And according to the MEN, that will lead to Mendes picking up the phone and asking Woodward where Mourinho stands.
It's claimed after February's dismal Europa League defeat to Midtjylland, United officials contacted Mendes to make sure Mourinho wasn't thinking of a return to former club Inter Milan.

European giants are ready to wrestle Man United for influential midfield ace

MANCHESTER UNITED could face a huge summer battle to sign Mexico starlet Hirving Lozano.

 
Hirving Lozano

Spanish media outlet Don Balon claim five clubs, including United, are closely monitoring the Pachuca starlet.
Lozano, 20, is reportedly being tracked by PSV Eindhoven, Schalke, Porto, Real Madrid and the Red Devils.

“Their scout has been coming here to do special reports on our players but especially Chucky”

Jesus Martinez

Club president Jesus Martinez revealed last week that Louis van Gaal’s staff have been scouting Lozano, who is also known as Chucky.
Martinez said: “Their scout has been coming here to do special reports on our players but especially Chucky.
“We would love it if he had to go that it would be to a team like Manchester United or Porto.”

Related videos

Lozano has been capped twice by Mexico and United are expected to strengthen their attacking options in the summer.
Since breaking into the Pachuca first team he has made 79 appearances, scoring 19 goals.
It's understood the Premier League giants are also eyeing Erick Pizarro and Rodolfo Gutierrez from the Mexican outfit.