Latest news with #Farmer
Sky News AU
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Samantha Armytage's estranged husband Richard Lavender reportedly offered spot on revamped Farmer Wants a Wife
Samantha Armytage's ex-employer Channel 7 is reportedly 'determined' to lock in her estranged husband Richard Lavender for a revamp of Farmer Wants a Wife. Armytage, 48, announced her separation from Lavender, 61, in December just weeks before their fourth wedding anniversary. The split came months after Armytage's equally shocking professional separation from Seven in favour of a plum new gig hosting The Golden Bachelor on rival Channel 9. The Golden Bachelor is a new twist on the popular Bachelor dating franchise and will see a group of older Australians competing for the hearts of Barry 'Bear' Myrden, a widower in his 50s from Manly in Sydney's Northern Beaches. Seven is reportedly planning to revamp the 2026 season of Farmer Wants a Wife Australia – which Armytage previously hosted – to feature older farmers and take on the Golden Bachelor head on. According to a Seven production source who spoke to New Idea magazine on Monday, Armytage's estranged husband is at the top of the casting list. 'Production doesn't want the format becoming stale, and they're desperate to give the show a fresh new look and format in a bid to rival its growing competitors,' the source said. 'Channel Seven is determined to convince former Farmer host Samantha Armytage's ex-husband Richard Lavender to front a Golden Farmer series.' The source claimed that Armytage would likely see the move as an insult, especially after Lavender shunned the spotlight throughout his marriage to the ex-Sunrise host. 'Sam wouldn't love the idea of Richard being involved in Farmer, in fact she would probably see it as a bit of an insult, but she is the one that had him pose for magazine covers and put his name in the spotlight, he's of interest because of his high profile marriage and separation to Sam,' the source said. The split shocked some industry insiders, especially after Armytage herself told Woman's Day that she quit her role hosting breakfast television show Sunrise to live at Lavender's 40-hectare estate in New South Wales' Southern Highlands. Following the break up, sources told Daily Mail Australia that a contributing factor to the split was allegedly tension between Lavender's adult children and Armytage. It is understood the TV star has left the countryside and decamped back to Sydney's eastern suburbs amid her divorce.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Jeffrey Epstein accuser sues federal government for failing to protect her and other victims
Jeffrey Epstein accuser Maria Farmer filed a lawsuit against the federal government Thursday, alleging that it failed to protect her and other victims of the convicted sex offender and Ghislaine Maxwell. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, accuses the Justice Department, U.S. Attorney's Offices, and the FBI of negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress. According to the lawsuit, Farmer first reported to the FBI that she was sexually assaulted by the pair in 1996 and warned that they "had committed multiple serious sex crimes" against girls, including her minor sister. Farmer also allegedly told the FBI that Epstein stole nude and partially nude photos of two of her minor sisters who he transported across state lines and that he and others engaged in "possession, production, and distribution of sexually lascivious or exploitative images of children," which could constitute child pornography. Farmer reported these allegations to the FBI again in 2006, she told NBC News. "Despite the seriousness of Maria's allegations, the likelihood that criminal conduct was continuing, the requirements of federal regulation and mandatory express policy to investigate or conduct a serious preliminary inquiry regarding such allegations and, if indicated, refer such allegations to local investigators and prosecutors, the statutory designation of the FBI as a mandatory reporter of child sex abuse and exploitation, and the federal prioritization of investigation of child pornography and child sex abuse crimes, the FBI, in violation of its mandatory obligations under regulations and DOJ policies, chose to do absolutely nothing," the lawsuit states. Farmer and her attorneys allege that an FBI agent she was speaking to hung up on her and that no one at the agency followed up. "As a result, Epstein and others working with him were able to threaten bodily harm to Maria and her family for decades, forcing her to relocate many times and even change her name," according to the lawsuit. "In the meantime, Epstein exponentially multiplied his sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of girls and young women." In a statement, Farmer said: "It is time for the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office to address their grotesque failures regarding Jeffrey Epstein, and to finally deliver the transparency and accountability that the victims and the American public deserve." The FBI declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing its standard practice to not comment on litigation. In a 2019 lawsuit, Farmer said she first met Epstein and Maxwell when she was an art school graduate in New York and they wanted to support her budding career. She alleged in her complaint that she was "violently sexually assaulted" by Epstein and "co-conspirator" Maxwell while working on an art project at Epstein's Ohio guest house in 1996. Her sister Annie Farmer also filed a lawsuit in 2019, accusing Maxwell of groping her breasts when she was 16 and alleging the pair had groomed her. Both lawsuits were withdrawn in 2020 as part of a deal to accept restitution from a victims' compensation fund paid out by Epstein's estate. Epstein was charged by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges and faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted. He died by suicide inside the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan in 2019. Maxwell was convicted on sex trafficking charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison. In her most recent lawsuit, Farmer shared a 1997 journal entry in which she wrote that she reported Epstein and Maxwell to the FBI. The lawsuit also shared alleged FBI field notes from 2006 that prove Farmer made the report in 1996. "Those notes reveal that Maria had previously reported Epstein to the NYPD Sixth Precinct, who advised her to contact the FBI," the lawsuit alleged. Farmer allegedly wrote to the FBI, "U.S. Attorney, and Inspector General," in 2023, asking them to investigate the FBI's negligence, but her request was disregarded and ignored. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Farmer also claimed that because the FBI did not act, Epstein and Maxwell threatened that if she spoke out again, "they would find out and hurt her and her sisters." This prompted Farmer to move multiple times, sometimes even using a different name to escape the pair. "As a result of Epstein's and Maxwell's misconduct and the FBI's failures, Maria's health and well-being deteriorated and spiraled downward," the lawsuit said, adding that she's suffered from complex PTSD, depression, anxiety and chronic illness. Farmer is asking for compensation in an amount determined at trial. An attorney for Farmer, Jennifer Freeman, said the federal government should be held responsible for what happened to her client and other victims, adding that the U.S. violated the Federal Tort Claims Act, which allows people to sue the government for damages caused by negligence of their employees. "Had the federal government done their job, hundreds of victims would have been spared," Freeman told NBC News. This article was originally published on
Agriland
3 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Report: New finance models needed to ‘de-risk' climate adaptation costs on farms
The processor-farmer relationship offers 'significant potential to drive climate transformation in the Irish agri-food sector, according to a new research report published today (Friday, May 30) by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA). In the report 'Farm to Finance: The Processor–Farmer Nexus in Ireland's Agricultural Climate Transition', the IIEA said that the sector faces 'unique challenges' in balancing its climate targets against future competitiveness. But the author of the report, Matthew G. O' Neill, put forward that new 'hybrid financing models' are needed to de-risk investment by farmers because of the high costs associated with climate adaptation and mitigation measures. He also highlighted that agriculture accounts for 37.8% of Ireland's national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which puts pressure on both processors and farmers in the sector to decarbonise. The report stated that the credibility of climate action within Irish agri-food systems 'rests on a good monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system'. In a list of recommendations contained in the report, one outlined that platforms such as Teagasc's AgNav be further developed as independent, farmer-trusted systems, with transparent data governance, consent-based data sharing, and tangible feedback mechanisms to participating farmers. The IIEA also advised that blended finance models, sovereign-backed transition bonds, and tailored green loan products could be aligned with 'sector specific realities' to facilitate access for smaller farms. The third recommendation the report made was to promote the fairer distribution of transition costs across the food chain. It claims that sustainably linked price signals should be strengthened through voluntary and regulatory mechanisms. According to the report, expanding sustainability incentive structures, integrating technologies with safeguards, and sustaining legitimacy and commitment. IIEA report The IIEA hosted a panel discussion about the report in Dublin today (Mayo 30). Participants on the panel included the Irish Farmers' Association's (IFA) chief economist, Tadhg Buckley, Irish Business and Employers' Confederation's (IBEC) Dale Crammond, farmer and Talamh Beo representative, Ailbhe Gerrard and Agriland, deputy news editor, Francess McDonnell. IFA economist Buckley believes that the relationship between farmers and processors is 'incredibly integrated'. He said: 'Something we often don't realise is that the vast majority of farmers in Ireland don't actually interact with consumers. 'Their interaction with the marketplace is through their processor. So the processor plays a huge role in the overall framework.' 'In terms of incentivising farmers to the sustainability challenge, that relationship is absolutely integral, it's the most important relation of all actually, it's the processor farmer relationship,' Buckley added. IBEC's director of meat industry claimed that processors have to do 'everything they can' to try and advance the sustainability agenda. He believes the consumer has a significant influence on the relationship between the processor and the farmer. Crammond said: 'The price (consumers) are prepared to pay for sustainably produced products, my concern would be that there is a limit to that. 'We've seen a very significant increase in the price of beef, but that has created a challenge for the processing sector, in terms of being able to get those returns back in the marketplace,' the IBEC director explained. Source IIEA During the discussion on the report Ailbhe Grogan, representing Talamh Beo, also commented on key theme identified in the report highlighted the role that the retailer plays in the food processing chain. She said: 'With the centralisation of meat processing in larger and larger factories, I would love to see an EU supported and national government supported mobile abattoir for animal welfare that go to the farms. 'I think that there is absolutely a place for decentralising and denationalise things, quite a lot of it.' 'It takes time, it takes effort, it takes input and I would love to see the retailers and the meat processing industry talking with farmers, because farmers would like to have more options for animal kills and and more local processing,' Grogan added.
STV News
5 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Fans pay tribute as Sir Tom Farmer's hearse passes Easter Road
Fans lined the street to pay tribute as Sir Tom Farmer's hearse made its way to a private funeral service for the former Hibs stakeholder. The Edinburgh-born businessman died at his home in the city on May 9, aged 84. Born and raised in Leith, Farmer was the founder of Kwik Fit and previously held roles at ScottishPower and MyTravel Group. He owned a majority stake in Hibernian Football Club for 28 years before selling his interest to US businessman Ron Gordon in 2019. STV News Fans paid tribute to Sir Tom Farmer as his hearse drove past Hibs stadium. STV News Farmer was credited by current head coach David Gray as having 'saved the club at a time of need'. He rescued the club from financial turmoil and prevented a proposed merger with rivals Hearts. Hibs went on to claim the 2016 Scottish Cup, ending a 114-year drought in the competition for the team He was also known for his generosity to churches and community organisations. A private funeral service was attended by family and friends of Sir Tom Farmer on Wednesday. Before the service, his hearse was driven past the Hibs stadium in Leith, where fans flocked to pay their respects. A crowd of at least 200 stopped as it passed, applauding as well as throwing flowers, Hibs merchandise, and other tokens of respect for the late businessman. A memorial service for Sir Tom is planned later this year to acknowledge his contribution to civic and public life in Scotland and beyond. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Rockies Third Baseman Could Be Solution to Yankees' 'Aggressive' Search
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Yankees continue to search for a long-term, consistent answer at third base. Both DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera have spent time on the injured list this season, and now the team is recognizing something needs to be done soon. Bob Nightengale recently confirmed the organization is working diligently to make something happen relatively soon. DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 23: Kyle Farmer #6 of the Colorado Rockies takes an at-bat during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Coors Field on May 23, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 23: Kyle Farmer #6 of the Colorado Rockies takes an at-bat during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Coors Field on May 23, 2025 in Denver, Colorado."The Yankees are aggressively searching for a right-handed bat, preferably a third baseman, while also looking for another starter," wrote Nightengale. Farmer isn't the most glamorous of choices for the Yankees. However, he checks a few boxes: He's a right-handed bat, a third baseman, and would require very little for the organization to acquire him. The 34-year-old infielder entered Monday hitting .244 with two home runs and 16 RBI. His OPS+ is below league average at 80, but it's tough to judge an individual when the team is 9-45. Farmer is making just $2.5 million this season, so the Yankees would be on the hook for the remainder of it plus a potential $4 million for next year. However, the Yankees could buy him out of it for a mere $750,000. Given that the Yankees are likely to pursue a player like Alex Bregman in free agency at the end of the season, the team wouldn't have to send much to the Rockies in return. Cam Schlittler (Yankees No. 10 prospect) or Clayton Beeter (Yankees No. 20 prospect) and cash considerations should be enough for the Rockies. Farmer isn't a long-term option for the Bronx Bombers, but he could certainly do just enough to get them to squeak by at a position they neglected to address for several months. More MLB: Ex-Cardinal Paul Goldschmidt Believes Team Will 'Surprise a Lot of People'
