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But perhaps the most striking difference between the two houses was the sense of peace and tranquility that pervaded the west side home. The air was clean and fresh, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the chirping of birds. In the east side house, the air had been stale and musty, with the constant hum of traffic and industry polluting the atmosphere. It was like moving from a city smog-ridden with noise and pollution to a pristine mountain retreat.The young talent, whose name has quickly become synonymous with goals and assists, played a pivotal role in guiding his team to glory in the MLS championship. With a staggering tally of 17 goals and 13 assists in 33 matches, he proved to be a constant threat to opposing defenses and a creative force in the attacking third.
PlayStation fans in China have a million reasons to celebrate as PlayStation China marks its 10th anniversary in the gaming industry. This milestone not only signifies a decade of providing top-notch gaming experiences to millions of players but also represents a journey filled with groundbreaking innovation, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable memories. To commemorate this special occasion, PlayStation China is going all out with an unprecedented event - a live broadcast where they will be giving away a brand-new PS5 console every five minutes!Former Liverpool player Ragnar Klavan, aged 39, has announced his retirement from professional football. Klavan, who earned a reputation for his solid defending during his time at Liverpool, made the announcement ahead of his next career move – running for the position of President of the Estonian Football Association next year.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Right when the Los Angeles Rams' offense has dropped into a disconcerting slump, their defense has held three straight opponents under 10 points for the first time in decades. Although the Rams (10-6) are closing in on an NFC West title and another playoff berth with a five-game winning streak, the way they're doing it makes their postseason prospects quite unpredictable. The methodology has been strange, but the results are not: After holding off Arizona 13-9 on Saturday night, Los Angeles has won nine of 11 and is very close to claiming its fourth division title and sixth playoff berth in coach Sean McVay's eight seasons. “I’m proud of this group and the way they battled back,” Matthew Stafford said. “A lot of people doubted us, and a lot of people wrote us off at 1-4. To be able to sit here with our record what it is right now, I feel proud of this group.” The Rams hadn't held three straight opponents to single-digit scoring since 1975, but rookie coordinator Chris Shula's defense has done it with a strong front and a little luck on the back end, including the last-minute interception by Ahkello Witherspoon on a pass that deflected off star Arizona tight end Trey McBride's head at the goal line. Kyler Murray threw it before McBride was probably ready because Shula had called a zero blitz on first down at the Los Angeles 5. “I want to make more plays to make sure they don’t have to do as much as they did (against Arizona), but I’m proud of them,” Stafford said of the Rams' defense. "It’s awesome to watch where they were in training camp to where they are now. Shula is doing a hell of a job. We all knew he would. Those guys are playing hard for him.” But the Rams have scored more than 21 points just once during their five-game winning streak, their longest since their Super Bowl championship season in 2021. They’ve managed only three touchdowns in their last three games while scoring fewer than 20 points each time out, although that stretch includes games played in the rain (San Francisco) and in subfreezing temperatures (New York Jets). Against the Cardinals in Inglewood's ideal weather, the Rams’ offense still produced one TD, a season-worst 12 first downs and only 257 total yards — 139 fewer than Arizona. The running game struggled again, as it often does when all five starting offensive linemen aren't healthy, while the entire roster aside from Puka Nacua combined for just seven receptions for 60 yards — a surprising number for a McVay offense. “I don’t think there’s one thing I can point to,” McVay said Sunday. “I could go on and on about some of the things, starting with me, but then also about our execution in terms of getting connected in the run game, targeting the right way, making sure that the ball is going where it should go, and guys that I know are capable of playing the way that we’ve seen. If they do that, then I know that it’s not as far as sometimes it can feel like. But ultimately, we’ve got to do it.” What's working The young front four remains the strength of the defense. Jared Verse had a tremendous game on the edge against Murray and Arizona's running game, while fellow rookie Braden Fiske and second-year pros Kobie Turner and Byron Young all recorded sacks. What needs help The Rams again failed to establish the running game despite never trailing Arizona. Kyren Williams got his second-fewest carries of the season (13, with just five in the second half), while rookie Blake Corum was barely involved. Los Angeles' 3.9 yards per rush is the second-lowest mark in the NFL even though Williams began Sunday third in the league with 1,299 yards. Stock up Witherspoon not only made the game-saving interception, but the eight-year veteran who went unsigned until September also has seized the starting cornerback job from Cobie Durant, who didn't play on defense against the Cards despite being healthy again. McVay said Witherspoon's play during Durant's brief injury absence resulted in the change. Stock down Cooper Kupp had one catch against Arizona, and he has just 12 receptions in the past five games, matching the least productive five-game stretch of his eight-year career. Stafford has said the Rams need to get their Super Bowl 56 MVP more involved, and Kupp says he's healthy — yet it isn't happening. Injuries McVay believes the Rams stayed healthy outside of a stinger for rookie safety Kam Kinchens, but they felt the absence of RT Rob Havenstein, who injured his shoulder last week during an unpadded practice. Backup Joe Noteboom committed three holding penalties and got beaten repeatedly. Key number 4 — Stafford's consecutive games without taking a sack. That's the longest streak of his 16-year career, yet he has only one 200-yard passing game in that stretch. Next steps The Rams began Sunday preparing as if they'll play the Seahawks (9-7) next Saturday, although the game could happen a day later. McVay won't show his cards, but if the Rams have clinched, they seem likely to rest several regulars for the playoffs. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL Greg Beacham, The Associated PressLove, lust and billion-dollar trust funds: How one of Australia's richest dynasties is about to have its dirty laundry aired for all to see - and then there is bombshell nude pics row... Late billionaire Richard Pratt's daughter at war with ex-husband Heloise Pratt suing Alex Waislitz over alleged business dealings Heiress dating Jodhi Meares' former fiancé, rock star Jon Stevens Also locked in legal tussle with her father's lovechild, Paula Hitchcock Waislitz engaged to pop singer and actress Rebekah Behbahani Couple being sued by Behbahani's Real Housewives sister Venus All comes in the midst of an unrelated sordid nude photo extortion scandal By STEVE JACKSON FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 21:40, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 21:40, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments The dirty laundry of one of Australia's richest dynasties is set to be exposed in a series of explosive court cases after a vicious feud erupted between billionaire divorcees Héloise Pratt and Alex Waislitz. The former couple have begun trading barbs in the Supreme Court of Victoria, with the legal action threatening to expose all their juicy romantic and financial secrets. The sensational tussle centres around control of the $1.3bn stock investment empire run by Mr Waislitz which is co-owned by Ms Pratt. But the estranged lovers now also find themselves engaged in fierce legal battles on multiple fronts. And it comes in the midst of a sordid nude photo 'sextortion' scandal involving one of their new lovers. Ms Pratt is the eldest daughter of late billionaire cardboard king Richard Pratt, chair of the philanthropic Pratt Foundation and, according to the 2024 Forbes Rich List, the country's 29th richest person with a personal net worth of $1.93b. She is also the sister of Donald Trump-confidante Anthony Pratt, who recently donated $15million to the president-elect's campaign earlier this year. Ms Pratt, 62, married Mr Waislitz in 1994, with the businessman turning $1.15m lent to him by his Rich List father-in-law into a billion-dollar funds management company and a personal net worth of $1.48b. Although the couple officially separated in 2015, they initially maintained amicable relations over joint ownership of Thorney Investments, and their shared custody of their three children, Jake, Milly and Joseph. They both moved on romantically following their split, with Ms Pratt coupling up with newly-single rock star Jon Stevens, who had just broken up with fiancée Jodhi Meares. Billionaire socialite Heloise Pratt is now in a relationship with rock star Jon Stevens Billionaire businessman Alex Waislitz is engaged to singer Rebekah Behbahani The former Noiseworks singer's 18-month engagement to James Packer 's first wife ended in a torrid row at their mansion in Sydney 's eastern suburbs in February 2015. Meares, now 53, had Stevens, 63, charged with common assault and domestic-related assault, and slapped with an apprehended violence order, following the argument, with the allegations effectively confirming the end of their relationship. Police eventually dropped the charges, which Stevens described as 'ridiculous', two months later - but by then the singer had been booted out of his new band, the Dead Daisies, and had more than 30 appearances cancelled as a result of the accusations. Around the same time, Mr Waislitz was spotted in Ibiza with UK nightclub singer Vanessa Von Tain but, despite calling the Melbourne investor her 'loved one' on social media during the trip, the romance soon fizzled out. Mr Waislitz, 66, has now found a new partner in the arms of 34-year-old singer and actress Rebekah Behbahani. The couple moved in together in February 2019 and welcomed a daughter, Storm, later that year before briefly breaking up. They are now being sued by Ms Behbahani's sister, former Real Housewives of Melbourne star Venus Behbahani in Victoria's Supreme Court. The 40-year-old lawyer and mother-of-four claims her younger sibling promised to gift her a townhouse in Melbourne's exclusive Toorak in exchange for helping her launch her pop career and caring for her and her daughter throughout her brief estrangement with Mr Waislitz. Heloise, with brother Anthony, is the eldest child of late cardboard king Richard Pratt Jon Stevens was engaged to Jodhi Meares until their acrimonious split in 2015 Meares is the first wife of billionaire James Packer Stevens rocking with his band the Dead Daisies According to court documents, Venus Behbahani claims Mr Waislitz agreed to give Rebekah two townhouses and $2.5m as part of a separation agreement after they broke up in October 2019. She alleges her sister agreed to then give her one of the homes as part of a Deed of Gift and Confidentiality agreement they drew up that December. However, Mr Waislitz and Rebekah ended up reconciling a couple of months later in February 2020 and their separation agreement was never enforced. They instead went on to announce their engagement in November that year. Despite the couple's reconciliation, Venus maintained her sister's promise to gift her the Toorak townhouse still stood and commenced legal action against them last year after placing a caveat on the property. In their defence filed with the Supreme Court, Rebekah claimed she was in a distressed state when she signed the agreement with her sister while Mr Waislitz denies they have any obligation to give Venus anything. In a counterclaim, Mr Waislitz accused his soon-to-be sister-in-law of living in the home with her family without permission since November 15, 2022 and sought orders to force her out and have the caveat she placed on the property removed. That case has been listed for trial on May 27 and is expected to run for 15 days. In the meantime, Ms Pratt has also launched legal proceedings against her ex-husband, filing her own explosive claim in the Victoria's Supreme Court last month. She has accused Mr Waislitz of 'acting 'dishonestly' by paying himself and his charitable foundation $1.147m without her knowledge or approval. Sisters Venus Behbahani and Rebekah Behanhani are fighting over a Toorak townhouse Venus Behbahani starred in season four of The Real Housewives of Melbourne Read More Ex-Real Housewives of Melbourne star is dragged into messy court battle with her sister over luxury house in one of Australia's wealthiest suburbs Ms Pratt also accused him of withholding board documents and financial information from her in relation to Thorney Investments, which Mr Waislitz runs and she co-owns, and their other related companies. The heiress commenced the action following a breakdown in their one-time friendly relationship after finalising their divorce and spending much of the past two years trying to divide their financial interests through lawyers. Mr Waislitz hit back at his ex-wife on Christmas Eve when he filed his defence with the Supreme Court furiously rejecting her allegations. In it, he described her case against him as 'embarrassing' and insisted she had failed to involve herself with their business and that her claims against him were liable to be struck out. Like Mr Waislitz and his fiancé, Ms Pratt is also fighting a separate legal battle with a sibling. The socialite's half-sister, Paula Hitchcock, won a small legal battle in her separate fight to claim a slice of the Pratt family's vast multi-billion-dollar fortune in October The 27-year-old love child of Ms Pratt's late father and his mistress Shari-Lea Hitchcock is suing her half-siblings, Ms Pratt, her brother Anthony Pratt and sister Fiona Geminder, after being cut out of the Pratt Family Trust. Ms Hitchcock has asked the NSW Supreme Court to nullify a deed of exclusion that prevented her from claiming inheritance as a Pratt child under the terms of the Trust. She argued she was always acknowledged and accepted as a full family member by both her late father and his wife, Jeanne. Paula Hitchcock is suing her half-siblings for a share of the vast Pratt family fortune Ms Hitchcock is the love child of late billionaire Richard Pratt and mistress Shari-Lea Hitchcock Richard Pratt and wife Jeanne both acknowledged Ms Hitchcock as his daughter Jeanne Pratt with her three children, Anthony, Heloise and Fiona She claimed Mrs Pratt assigned a bedroom to her at the couple's family homes, regularly invited her to attend the weekly family Shabbat and that the couple had listed her as their financial dependent in 2007. Her half-siblings argued Ms Hitchcock's case should be dismissed because she was not a child of both their parents as required under the Trust and insisted their mother's acceptance of Ms Hitchcock didn't 'convert' her into Mrs Pratt's child. However, Justice Michael Meek rejected their argument and granted Ms Hitchcock time to amend her claim that she fits the criteria of a 'child' of the Pratt family. 'I reject the siblings' submission that there is no rational basis to conclude that (Ms Hitchcock) being acknowledged by Mr Pratt as a member of his family implies that she could be considered as a 'child' of Mrs Pratt,' he determined. 'What seems to be relatively clear is that the definition of 'child' ... is cast in broad terms that may include a child who is not the biological child of both Mr Pratt and Mrs Pratt'. Meanwhile, on yet another unrelated legal front, Rebekah Behbahani was forced to call in police earlier this year after a trove of 'intimate images' of her were posted online on June 20 by an anonymous social media account without her permission. A second cache was uploaded by the account the following day before the profile disappeared, with Ms Behbahani telling police she was the victim of an 'extortion' attempt. There is no suggestion that any members of the Pratt family, Ms Behbahani's sister or Mr Waislitz were responsible for posting the images. 'I am deeply distressed by this malicious invasion of my privacy. No one deserves to be subjected to such appalling acts,' Ms Behbahani said in a statement at the time. 'This unlawful conduct is part of a long running and escalating campaign which is now the subject of investigation by the police. 'It has been a living nightmare. We will not give in to the extortion. I trust that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law.' Share or comment on this article: Love, lust and billion-dollar trust funds: How one of Australia's richest dynasties is about to have its dirty laundry aired for all to see - and then there is bombshell nude pics row... e-mail Add comment
Tech billionaire Elon Musk spent at least $270 million to help Donald Trump win the US presidency, according to new federal filings, making him the country's biggest political donor. SpaceX and Tesla CEO Musk, the world's richest person, was an ardent supporter of Trump's White House campaign -- funneling money into door knocking operations and speaking at his rallies. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Tech billionaire Elon Musk spent at least $270 million to help Donald Trump win the US presidency, according to new federal filings, making him the country's biggest political donor. SpaceX and Tesla CEO Musk, the world's richest person, was an ardent supporter of Trump's White House campaign -- funneling money into door knocking operations and speaking at his rallies. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Albany scores 24 4th-quarter points to overtake Hampton 41-34In a stunning display of strength and technique, the North Korean team surged ahead, setting a new world record of 12:13 in the competition. Their performance was nothing short of awe-inspiring, as they lifted with precision and power, leaving spectators in awe of their mastery of the sport. The team's coach beamed with pride as his athletes dominated the competition, demonstrating their unwavering dedication and skill.
As the news of Enzo's unique celebration spread, it sparked a trend among other players in the league. More and more goal scorers began to opt for meaningful gestures of appreciation towards their assisting teammates, rather than flashy displays of individual achievement. The shift in attitude towards teamwork and mutual respect resonated with fans and players alike, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the football community.IRVING, Texas , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RumbleOn, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMBL) (the "Company" or "RumbleOn") announced today that it has commenced a $10.0 million fully backstopped registered equity rights offering (the "Rights Offering"), pursuant to which the Company is expected to receive aggregate gross proceeds of $10.0 million , less expenses related to the Rights Offering. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Rights Offering for general corporate purposes which may include repayment of the Company's convertible senior 6.75% promissory notes due January 1, 2025 . The proceeds raised will also satisfy, in part, the additional capital financing obligations of the Company pursuant to a recent amendment to the Company's credit agreement with Oaktree. The Company is distributing at no charge to the holders of (i) its Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Class A common stock"), and (ii) Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Class B common stock" and, together with the Class A common stock, the "common stock"), in each case as of the close of business on November 25, 2024 (the "Record Date"), non-transferable subscription rights (the "Subscription Rights") to purchase up to 2,392,344 shares of Class B common stock at price of $4.18 per share (the "Subscription Price"). The aggregate subscription value of all shares of Class B common stock available for purchase in the Rights Offering is $10.0 million . Each holder of common stock as of the Record Date (each, an "Eligible Stockholder") will receive one Subscription Right for each share of the common stock owned as of the Record Date. Each Subscription Right entitles the holder to purchase 0.0677 shares of Class B common stock. The Company will not issue any fractional shares of Class B common stock in the Rights Offering. Instead, the Company will round down the aggregate number of shares of Class B common stock the Eligible Stockholders are entitled to receive to the nearest whole number. Accordingly, as each Subscription Right represents the right to purchase 0.0677 shares of Class B common stock, an Eligible Stockholder must hold at least 15 shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock to receive sufficient Subscription Rights to purchase at least one share of Class B common stock in the Rights Offering. Eligible Stockholders will not be entitled to exercise an over-subscription privilege to purchase additional shares of Class B common stock that may remain unsubscribed as a result of any unexercised Subscription Rights. The Subscription Rights will expire and will have no value if they are not exercised prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time , on the expiration time for the Rights Offering (the "Expiration Time"), which is currently expected to be 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on December 12, 2024 , unless the Company, in its sole discretion, extends the period for exercising the Subscription Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Support and Standby Purchase Agreement (defined below), the Company reserves the right to cancel, terminate, amend, or extend the Rights Offering at any time prior to the Expiration Time. On November 26 , 2024, the Company entered into a support and standby purchase agreement (the "Support and Standby Purchase Agreement") with Stone House Capital Management, LLC, which is a holder of Class B common stock and is managed by Mark Cohen , a member of the board of directors of the Company (together with its affiliates, the "Standby Purchaser"), and Mark Tkach and William Coulter , each of whom is a holder of the Class B common stock and a member of the board of directors of the Company (collectively, the "Support Purchasers" and, together with the Standby Purchaser, the "Investors"). The Support and Standby Purchase Agreement provides, among other things, that (i) the Standby Purchaser will purchase from the Company in a private placement any shares of Class B common stock included in the Rights Offering that are not subscribed for and purchased by Eligible Stockholders (collectively, the "Backstop Securities") for the same per share Subscription Price payable by the Eligible Stockholders electing to exercise their Subscription Rights in the Rights Offering; and (ii) each Support Purchaser will exercise all of his respective Subscription Rights in full prior to the Expiration Time. Other Important Information The Subscription Rights will not be listed for trading on any stock exchange or market. Therefore, there will be no public market for the Subscription Rights. However, the shares of Class B common stock issued upon the exercise of the Subscription Rights will remain listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol "RMBL." The Company expects that Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC, the subscription and information agent for the Rights Offering, will distribute subscription documents for the Rights Offering to Eligible Stockholders beginning on or about November 26, 2024 . Holders of shares of common stock held in "street name" through a brokerage account, bank or other nominee should contact their broker, bank or other nominee for details regarding participation in the Rights Offering. For any questions or further information about the Rights Offering, please contact the information agent, at (888) 789-8409 (Toll-Free), or via email at shareholder@broadridge.com . Neither the Company nor its board of directors has made or will make any recommendation to holders regarding participation in the Rights Offering. Holders should make an independent investment decision about whether to participate in the Rights Offering based on their own assessment of the Company's business and the Rights Offering. The offering of the Class B common stock pursuant to the Rights Offering is being made pursuant to the Company's existing effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (Reg. No. 333-281862) on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and a prospectus supplement (and the accompanying base prospectus) filed with the SEC on the date hereof. The information in this press release is not complete and is subject to change. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. The Rights Offering will be made only by means of the prospectus supplement (and the accompanying base prospectus) filed with the SEC on the date hereof. About RumbleOn RumbleOn, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMBL), operates through two operating segments: our Powersports dealership group and Wholesale Express, LLC, an asset-light transportation services provider focused on the automotive industry. Our Powersports group is the largest powersports retail group in the United States (as measured by reported revenue, major unit sales and dealership locations), offering over 500 powersports franchises representing 50 different brands of products. Our Powersports group sells a wide selection of new and pre-owned products, including parts, apparel, accessories, finance & insurance products and services, and aftermarket products. We are the largest purchaser of pre-owned powersports vehicles in the United States and utilize RideNow's Cash Offer to acquire vehicles directly from consumers. For more information on RumbleOn, please visit rumbleon.com . Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements The Company's press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those regarding the Company's plans to launch a Rights Offering, the anticipated final terms, timing and completion of the proposed Rights Offering, and the use of proceeds from the proposed Rights Offering. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "continues," "could," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "hopes," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predicts," "projects," "should," "targets," "would" and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from current expectations and beliefs, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: whether the proposed transactions will be completed in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that all of the closing conditions for the proposed Rights Offering are not satisfied; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could cause the Company not to proceed with the Rights Offering; the determination of the final terms of the proposed Rights Offering; the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the proposed Rights Offering; risks related to the diversion of management's attention from RumbleOn's ongoing business operations; the impact of general economic, industry or political conditions in the United States or internationally, as well as the other risk factors set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in the registration statement, as amended, and in RumbleOn's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 30, 2024 , June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and in any other subsequent filings made with the SEC by RumbleOn. There can be no assurance that RumbleOn will be able to complete the proposed Rights Offering on the anticipated terms, or at all. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and RumbleOn specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rumbleon-announces-commencement-of-10-0-million-fully-backstopped-registered-rights-offering-302316964.html SOURCE RumbleOn
Not a typo – Amazon's all-new Omni Mini-LED Fire TV is up to $320 off for Black FridayNigeria is expected to earn N4.2 trillion ($2.64 billion) from cashew nut export from its major buyers, India and Vietnam in 2025. This is due to a new price, which has increased by 80.1 per cent. Additional key markets for cashew exports from the country are United States, United Arab Emirates, Belgium, China, Turkey and Norfolk Islands. Findings revealed that price of the nuts rose from $1,300 to $6,560 per tonnes within one year, leading to 80.1 per cent price increase as the country’s production capacity reached 400,000 tonnes in 2024. Also, prices for Indian cashews, which was $7,990/tonne Freight on Board (FoB) at the beginning of the month, have already risen to $8,015/ tonne FoB. Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) explained that there were many reasons for the latest price increases, saying that the decline in Vietnamese imports of raw cashew nuts by 10 per cent was the major contribution. It complained that the shortage of supply was partly due to poorer crops in some West African growing countries, adding that strong competition was also driving up prices. Also, it stressed that to make matters worse, exchange rate fluctuations and unfavourable weather conditions had driven up production costs considerably and made them difficult to predict. However, in a move to boost Africa’s cashew production, the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) has partnered with Cambodia on cashew growth and development across the continent. Also, the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) said that the country was making moves to increase production to one million tonnes in the coming years. The President of the association, Dr Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, explained that NCAN was building a national cashew policy to increase production, saying that currently the youth and women had been trained in the value chain as well. He explained: “We have a projection and that is why we are building cashew nurseries, our target is to hit 1 million tonnes annually and we are looking at spreading Ogbomosho Variety in Oyo State across because it is widely accepted. “Also in Kwara because it is high yield and we want to spread it round the country so in one hectare of land, you can harvest as high as 800-1,000 kilogrammes. “We are to use the arable land and plant cashew, and by the time we produce cashew to two million metric tonnes which we can do in the country we would have generated enough foreign exchange for the country. “This is our projection and if we are able to hit it we are making another 500kg, we will make it 1,500kg, and in no time we will be able to get to two million metric tonnes which is our full target.” Meanwhile, it was revealed that more than 50 per cent of Nigerian cashew nuts were being smuggled to Benin, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire as prices spiked in Vietnam for raw cashew nuts. Recall that in 2023, Nigeria produced an estimated 300,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts (RCN), however, this year, the country has seen significant growth in cashew production by 25 per cent, becoming the second largest producer in West Africa after Cote d’ Ivoire. Also, data from the VINACAS revealed that Nigeria exported 273,143 tonnes of raw cashew nuts to Vietnam in the first 10 months of 2023, compared to 124,044 tonnes exported in the same period in 2022, while India imported 80,000 tonne from Nigeria in the period. The President of the association, Tola Faseru, who led a delegation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cashew nut Association of Cambodia in February 2024 for collaboration and cooperation on Cashew growth and development, covering areas of research, science and technology sharing and transfer, training and exchange of scientists said that the step taken was to enable Africa to double its production and productivity in five years. According to ACA, price started to increase in the last two week of May 2024 to N950 and N1,000/kg or $624 and $656.82 per tonne for raw cashew nuts in some states as farm gate is causing demand to exceed supply, leading to increase in price as shipment for export ranges between $1,150 to $1,300 tonne. It said: “Though there are fewer crops at the farm gate, our analysts in Nigeria are anticipating more raw cashew nuts trading in warehouses in the coming weeks.” Also, Volza’s data obtained by New Telegraph indicated that 369 Nigerian exporters made 4,056 shipments of cashew between March 2023 and February 2024 to 380 buyers, marking a growth rate of 21 per cent compared to the preceding twelve months. It noted: “Within this period, in February 2024 alone, 122 cashew export shipments were made from Nigeria. This marks a year-on-year growth of 408 per cent compared to February 2023 and a -20 per cent sequential growth from January 2024. Most of the cashew exports from Nigeria go to the Vietnam and India. “Cashew is exported globally to over 203 countries from Nigeria. We have detailed information on over 40,662 active global Cashew buyers, with 1,109 buyers importing from Nigeria.”Commitment to disqualify lying politicians stands – deputy first minister
Thiruvananthapuram: The ultimate loser in the byelections to two assembly seats and Wayanad Lok Sabha segment in Kerala is BJP. The party's dismal performance in the byelections, especially Palakkad, took the sheen out of the emphatic win it clinched in the last Lok Sabha election at Thrissur. It's not a secret that the loss of C Krishnakumar in Palakkad did not come as a shock to a number of BJP leaders in Kerala. While a section of the leaders thought that Krishnakumar was the wrong choice in Palakkad this time since he came third as the party candidate in Palakkad in the recently-held Lok Sabha elections. "Being an overexposed candidate, tried and tested by BJP in several elections, Krishnakumar failed to attract voters in a way that could catapult him to victory. Sobha Surendran, who was more than willing to contest from Palakkad, would have been a better candidate to put up a better fight, at least," said a senior BJP leader. Until the day of vote counting, those who ran the election campaign in Palakkad for BJP were under the impression that the party would significantly improve its tally in municipal areas and thus overcome the possible surge of Congress in rural parts of the constituency. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 Results Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Results : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue The failure of the saffron party to improve its position in Palakkad also questions the claim that it would be an advantage for BJP if there is a tightly-contested tri-party fight. Party leaders said that the support extended by SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami had benefited Congress in winning the votes of those who subscribe to the ideology of political Islam. But the fact that the difference in votes polled in favour of Krishnakumar and LDF's independent candidate P Sarin is just 2,256 votes and so there is not much scope for BJP to blame minority consolidation alone for its defeat. The landslide victory of Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad Lok Sabha byelection and the resounding victory of Rahul Mamkootathil in Palakkad byelection are confidence boosters for Congress and UDF. The formidable victory of UR Pradeep in Chelakkara is a face-saver for CPM and LDF. But, for BJP and NDA, the defeat in this tight contest in Palakkad doused its hope that the victory of Suresh Gopi in Thrissur could have a domino effect in constituencies considered as its stronghold.Jimmy Carter wore many hats in his life, from navy lieutenant to U.S. president and humanitarian, but perhaps the cap he donned most proudly was his . The 100-year-old, former U.S. president, who had a long list of accomplishments before, during and after his one-term tenure in the White House (1977-1981), , surrounded by his family. Carter, the longest-lived president in U.S. history, had been in . “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, his son, . “My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” Watch this touching tribute to President Carter’s life of love and service: — The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) Carter's passing occurred a little more than a year after , on Nov. 19, 2023. The Carters were married for close to 80 years. The source of his love affair with the natural world can be traced back to his childhood roots . “My thoughts on conservation are grounded in a lifelong love of the natural wonders of Georgia and our responsibility to pass on the land, water, and forests in a better condition than we inherited them,” Carter wrote in his acceptance of the Georgia Conservancy’s Distinguished Conservationist Award on Nov. 7, 2019, at . Carter's affinity for the environment blossomed as an adult with the lending of his support to the launch of the Georgia Conservancy as a founding member in 1967. “Growing up on a farm, I understood the protection of the Earth was the individuals’ responsibility, and that we must carefully manage and enhance nature rather than degrade it. I am proud to have had the opportunity to share these ideals with the Georgia Conservancy," said Carter. "Their leadership in environmental preservation, protection, and policy enactment was helpful to me as state senator, governor of Georgia, and then president of the United States.” Carter aided the creation of the at a time when the U.S. was faced with an energy crisis. , but the Iranian revolution in 1979 was a flashpoint for upheaval in global oil markets, leading to a major decrease in production and resulting jump in cost, according to Reuters. The then-president responded by pledging to decrease reliance on foreign oil imports and focus on improving energy efficiency, but public confidence was irreparably shaken. Carter on the White House roof in 1979 in a national push for renewable energy. Used to heat water in the White House while Carter was president, the panels were then removed by Ronald Reagan in 1986 during roof repairs and moved to storage instead of being reinstalled. To encourage Americans to make the switch solar energy, for panels used to heat water in their homes. The Georgia-born politician also called for renewable energy to comprise 20 per cent of the country’s power usage by 2000, but it only accounted for just seven per cent of it that year, according to the . His plan was an attempt to deter America’s reliance on foreign oil after the 1973 oil embargo, but it ultimately failed to get Congress’ seal of approval, . The crisis was marked by long lines at gas stations, putting a significant damper on his approval ratings and hurting his bid for a second term in office. While the 39th U.S. president was a solar-power advocate, Carter also promoted coal as an answer to the country's reliance on foreign oil. According to , he referred to coal as “the most formidable weapon in our defence arsenal” in a 1978 speech. Just before Carter departed the office, his that recommended countries should limit temperature increases to 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This goal was eventually adopted, 35 years after the report, . He then continued to be a champion of renewable energy in recent years, Among some of Carter's other contributions include the addition of to the National Wilderness Preservation System, a designation that protects them from human development. The Democrat also signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980, . “Future generations of conservation leaders must remember that we are stewards of a precious gift, which is not an unpleasant duty but rather an exciting challenge,” said Carter. “We must safeguard our land so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy fresh water, clean air, scenic mountains and coasts, fertile agricultural lands, and healthy, safe places to live and thrive.” In a 2023 interview with The Weather Network, author , who wrote , called him one of the "greatest environmental presidents," perhaps only rivalled by Theodore Roosevelt. "He saw us as God's stewards of the Earth," Alter said. "He was an outdoorsman from the time he was very young. As soon as he got the chance, as an adult [and] before he was even in politics, he became a land-use planner. He did that with an eye toward the environment." He said Carter's passion stemmed from a "deep love, not just of nature, but of the land." "He does deserve to be reappraised, reassessed and appreciated for being not just a great environmental president, but a far-sighted president in many different areas," said Alter. "If he had been re-elected in 1980, and not had to leave office in early 1981, we would be in a very different place now." Under Carter's watch while in the Oval Office, there . He of the National Park Service during his tenure. In addition to his environmental achievements, Carter was admired for his volunteerism with . He was also recognized for his tireless efforts to resolve international conflicts, advance democracy and human rights, and promote economic and social development. He was awarded the
During the procedure itself, adherence to strict aseptic techniques and infection control practices is essential to minimize the risk of complications, such as infection and scarring. The use of high-quality, FDA-approved products and devices is also crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. He was 100 years old . The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday afternoon, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. The center said he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocacy for the disadvantaged as an example for others. “To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement. “He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.” Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. A moderate Democrat, Carter ran for president in 1976 as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to eradicate guinea worm infections as one of many health initiatives. Swinging hammers into their 90s, the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians revisit his presidency and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief" and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America's dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. Emphasizing human rights , he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise" speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter's diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. married fellow Plains native Rosalynn Smith in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and they soon turned their ambitions to politics . Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said. “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.”
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