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NBC2 Information is discovering potential discrepancies in authorities contracts value lots of of tens of millions, which had been awarded to well-known Collier County businessman and Republican political influencer Alfie Oakes.

The information comes greater than 24 hours after Oakes’ residence and packing heart was raided by federal brokers.

NBC2 has discovered first {that a} lawsuit claims Seed to Desk Proprietor Alfie Oakes agreed to pay again a $4.5 million mortgage by August of this yr or danger having his property seized by the creditor.

Secondly, we’ve discovered Oakes was awarded a authorities contract with the Division of Protection value $238 million to offer contemporary vegatables and fruits to authorities companies.

Nevertheless, there are questions on how the contract was awarded.

Oakes distribution plant, which was raided Thursday, could have been related to an Oakes Farm firm that represented itself as a “small enterprise” as a way to get a authorities contract.

Federal bid paperwork present that Oakes Farms Meals and Distribution was awarded a contract that was to be solely for small companies outlined by the Small Enterprise Administration as having 700 staff or much less.

In the meantime, Oakes boasts on his web site that he has 3,500 staff company-wide, together with his packaging plant. It isn’t clear if the Oakes packaging plant is expounded to the corporate awarded the contract, or employs any of these 3,500 staff.

Sunbiz paperwork present Oakes Farm Distributions transferred possession to longtime worker Jawan Hames in 2021

Proper round that point, the federal government introduced it was searching for small companies to award contracts to.

Nevertheless, impartial journalist David Silverberg, writing for the progressive journal Mom Jones interviewed Oakes who offered COVID-19 protocols as motive for shedding his enterprise.

“He instructed me on the time that he had offered off the divisions of his corporations that handled federal procurement,” Silverberg stated.

He continued that Oakes, on the time, was very a lot towards assembly any form of COVID-19 mandates.

“This might have made his enterprise dealings with the federal authorities very problematic,” Silverberg stated.

If that firm was not really impartial from Alfie Oake’s different corporations with 3,500 staff, there could also be questions on whether or not Oakes Farms meals distributions was even eligible for the contract.

The contracts concerned the Division of Protection, the company that investigates crimes for the division, which was amongst these looking out Oakes residence and the packaging plant.

Silverberg, who investigated authorities contracts as a journalist, known as the scene regarding.

“That is unusually massive scale,” he stated.

NBC2 did attain out to Oakes by cellphone, textual content and left a message for him. He has not returned our messages.

This is not the primary time Alfie Oakes has had an issue with authorities contracts.

He had a contract with Lee County Faculties, his firm was supplying them with meals. He was dropped as a result of he did not meet COVID-19 protocols. He filed a lawsuit which was in the end dismissed by the choose.

Police in Amsterdam arrested 62 individuals after violence unfolded within the metropolis on Thursday night time.

It got here on the identical day Ajax hosted Israeli facet Maccabi Tel Aviv within the Europa League.

Amsterdam’s mayor, police drive, UK international secretary David Lammy and different officers have condemned the violence as antisemitic.

Sky Information has verified the footage the screengrabs come from under to point out how occasions unfolded.

On Thursday morning, a clip was posted on social media exhibiting three males tearing down a Palestinian flag from a residential constructing someplace within the metropolis.

Two of the lads, wearing tracksuits, raise the third man so he can take away it from the window, as somebody might be heard shouting encouragement within the background.

Someday through the day earlier than the sport, one other clip was uploaded exhibiting males being attacked and chased at a tram cease. Sky Information has geolocated the clip to town centre.

One man seems to be sporting a conventional keffiyeh scarf and might be seen chasing a lot of different males.

Somebody is heard shouting “F*** Israel” in English, earlier than a lady shouts: “Hey cease”.

The footage was uploaded with a caption in Dutch that learn: “Watch and revel in 6 Zionists chased away. Free Palestine.”

Footage from the stands on the Cruyff Enviornment exhibits Israeli supporters refusing to watch a minute’s silence for the victims of Valencia’s current flooding earlier than kick-off at 9pm (8pm UK). Chanting may also be heard within the background.

The one that posted the clip claimed “unlawful fireworks” had been additionally set off and that the protest was the results of Spain cancelling an arms take care of an Israeli firm.

After the sport, which ended at round 11pm native time, massive numbers of Maccabi followers had been escorted into the Metro at Amsterdam Centraal station – round five-and-a-half miles away from the stadium.

As police information them down the escalators, footage exhibits them singing anti-Arab songs.

Sooner or later on Thursday night, a pro-Palestine march passed off on the outskirts of town.

Sky Information has geolocated social media footage to the Biklmermeer neighbourhood – round 5 miles south of town centre.

Males are seen carrying Palestinian flags and flares.

One other clip from Thursday night exhibits a gaggle of males being chased down a facet avenue within the centre of town.

The boys being focused seem scared and are heard shouting as they’re struck by somebody out of shot.

One man is seen on the ground repeatedly shouting: “I am not Jewish!”

A second Palestinian flag was pulled down from a constructing in a clip Sky Information has geolocated to town centre after darkish on Thursday.

Crowds of individuals are seen watching under – with chants of “Ole, Ole” and “f*** you” heard.

Two social media movies present preventing close to Centraal station on Thursday night.

In each clips, a big group of hooded males wearing black are seen working down a important avenue earlier than blocking visitors and putting individuals at random.

Editor’s Word: The video on this piece is a re-edit of a earlier model which did not meet Sky Information’ requirements for steadiness and impartiality.

DUBLIN, Eire — Any speak of New Zealand dropping their worry issue has been grossly untimely.

This 23-13 win not solely ended Eire’s 19-match profitable run at dwelling, but in addition strengthened the All Blacks as being as formidable a crew as ever. This efficiency of managed aggression and set-piece superiority was a message to the game: Scott Robertson’s post-World Cup regeneration is heading in the right direction.

These nice All Blacks like Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith all left on their shields after the final World Cup. All of them sit within the pantheon of Kiwi greats, however the weight of that silver fern means there is no let-up in expectation and demand. Robertson, in his first 12 months as All Blacks coach, needed to construct one other crew, moulding outdated, grizzled warriors and fresh-faced Kiwis.

They got here to the northern hemisphere with the hosts smelling blood, trying to knock over a crew in transition that received simply three from six within the Rugby Championship. However after final week’s 24-22 win at Twickenham over England — helped partly by George Ford’s late missed penalty and subsequent drop-goal, they doubled down on that with a splendidly managed and efficient efficiency in Dublin with Damian McKenzie steering them splendidly from fly-half. He completed with 18 factors, alongside Will Jordan’s second-half strive. For Eire, Jack Crowley kicked over eight factors and Josh van der Flier scored their sole strive.

The pre-match narrative was judging how Eire would look with out Tadhg Furlong, and with a pair of hookers who had simply 12 minutes of match-time this season between them. Then there was the extremely spectacular Caelan Doris — probably the person who might find yourself main the British & Irish Lions subsequent 12 months — as Eire’s new captain. New Zealand have been with out Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor — each choosing up head accidents at Twickenham — however had extra familiarity, enjoying eight Checks since Eire final ran out of their 25-24 win in South Africa again in July.

Eire have been favourites for this match, however there was one more subplot, courting again to October final 12 months in what’s now an intriguing rivalry. There was speak of revenge within the air this week. For therefore lengthy the All Blacks had Eire’s quantity, going 111 years unbeaten till the 2 met on a wonderful afternoon in Chicago in 2016.

Since then Eire have received 5 of their 9 clashes with the All Blacks, however their final assembly in Paris final 12 months stung the Irish. That night time within the World Cup quarterfinal, the All Blacks broke Irish hearts, profitable 28-24. However the embers of that conflict 13 months in the past have been rekindled once more within the build-up to Friday’s match with Johnny Sexton’s autobiography reigniting the row.

The e book referenced an expletive-laden change between Rieko Ioane and Sexton after the ultimate whistle blew in what was Sexton’s closing skilled rugby match. A day might be a very long time in sport, however nonetheless that incident was referenced this week so one of many loudest cheers of the primary half inside the marginally chilly Aviva Stadium was when Ioane was on the fallacious finish of a superbly timed Garry Ringrose hip-splitting sort out. However that was one of many few occasions the Irish crowd had issues to cheer within the first 40.

The primary half noticed New Zealand dominate possession and territory, Wallace Sititi once more placing in an age-defying efficiency behind the All Blacks’ scrum. New Zealand dominated within the set piece and usually received the arm-wrestle. However for all that endeavour and gut-busting effort, they solely had a three-point benefit at half-time.

Referee Nic Berry was scorching on the brand new World Rugby regulation directive round gamers shielding team-mates catching excessive balls — successfully eliminating escort runners — with that inflicting points for each groups. Nevertheless it was such a name in the beginning of the second half that gave Eire the platform for his or her first strive.

Although Eire’s lineout was removed from easy after they kicked for contact, Sam Cane was bundled again over his personal line by James Lowe and Bundee Aki forcing a five-metre scrum. The shaky Irish front-row managed to carry agency to present Van der Flier the platform to burrow over within the forty second minute. From there it appeared like Eire multiplied, the All Blacks out of the blue scattered round Dublin, and the house facet discovered that type which has taken them to the primary spot on the earth. Nevertheless it was a fleeting reminder of their undoubted capability.

Repeatedly, dealing with errors allow them to down. Everytime you felt like they have been going to construct a dominant spell, they’d knock the ball on. Andy Farrell, the Eire head coach, appeared more and more annoyed within the coaches’ field as his gamers made uncharacteristic errors. The pitch was slippery after the afternoon drizzle, but it surely felt just like the match was going to be known as by whoever discovered extra precision.

The match swung within the All Blacks favour within the sixtieth minute when the unlucky tight-head alternative Tom O’Toole lasted simply two minutes earlier than being compelled off with a head harm. That meant Finlay Bealham must go 78 minutes.

Having seen O’Toole head off, the All Blacks introduced on their front-row replacements and Ofa Tu’ungafasi turned Bealham inside out and McKenzie knocked over his fifth penalty to present the All Blacks a 15-13 lead. After including one other three factors three minutes later, Jordan darted over within the nook within the 68th minute and the guests had a 10-point buffer.

A outstanding Lowe 50/22 torpedo gave Eire a platform, however identical to they’d performed so usually, the All Blacks wall was unbowed, and Eire have been pushed again. It should’ve felt like Eire have been drowning on this New Zealand mass, hope slowly extinguishing.

McKenzie ended up with the participant of the match award. His management and goal-kicking was exemplary, whereas Sititi put in one more monumental displaying alongside Savea. They’re the current and way forward for the All Blacks. When Berry blew the ultimate whistle, the response was muted. The All Blacks might have misplaced their flawless report towards Eire within the final eight years, however previously 13 months they’ve swung the stability of this fixture again of their favour.

Eire would’ve hoped for 4 from 4 this November. This was a disappointing night, for a crew who’re often so immaculate. They made uncharacteristic errors, coughed up possession within the worst areas attainable and simply trying somewhat rusty. New Zealand pounced and for a lot of this, had the sport within the palm of their hand. This rivalry will solely warmth up over the approaching years, however this was a deserved victory for the All Blacks and a reminder but once more of why they merely will not go away.

Who’s Alfie Oakes? He is a Florida farmer-slash-grocery retailer owner-slash MAGA Trump supporter who’s getting nationwide consideration − once more.

Two days after Election Day 2024, federal and state legislation enforcement automobiles surrounded Oakes’ house in North Naples, Florida, and his enterprise in Immokalee, Florida. Half grocery, half bakery, half butcher store, half bar, Oakes’ $30 million Seed to Desk is the clubhouse for a rising group of Make America Nice Once more Republicans in addition to a magnet for space foodies attracted by natural broccoli and craft beer.

Earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, residents of Lee County and Collier County, Florida, had been conversant in the political firebrand that’s Alfie Oakes. And on the time, he made headlines as an anti-vaxxer, for feedback he made about George Floyd and Black Lives Matter and for submitting an anti-mask lawsuit in his hometown. Oakes additionally organized bus journeys to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, for the Riot − or what he known as “probably the most peaceable lovely demonstration from properly over a million those that I’ve ever witnessed,” in response to the Naples Each day Information, a USA TODAY Community newspaper.

As of Friday, Nov. 8, a day after state and federal legislation enforcement visited Oakes’ house and enterprise, the explanations stay unknown. Nevertheless, when reached by cellphone, Oakes declined to remark to the Naples Each day Information, apart from saying, “We’re trying into it, however every part’s good.”

On Thursday, Nov. 7, many Florida Freeway Patrol automobiles had been noticed on the home and enterprise, in response to WINK Information, however Florida Freeway Patrol directed inquiries to the U.S. Secret Service.

The Secret Service declined to remark. 

“The U.S. Secret Service is not going to affirm the existence or the standing of an investigation,” the company stated by way of e mail.

Oakes Farm troubles?Alfie Oakes faces potential property seizure by Farm Credit score after foreclosing on $4.5 million loans

Alfie Oakes described as ‘our mini-Trump’ and ‘MAGA Grocery King of Southwest Florida’

David Silverberg, a political pundit in Naples, Florida, and former managing editor of The Hill, described Alfie Oakes as “our mini-Trump,” labeling him “the MAGA Grocery King of Southwest Florida” in a 2022 Mom Jones story.

Who’s Alfie Oakes? What to know

• Most lately, in Collier County, the farmer and grocery retailer proprietor held a hurricane occasion at Seed to Desk forward of Hurricane Milton’s landfall, providing hurricane specials on food and drinks. He informed the Naples Each day Information that “the vitality was wonderful. We had one of many busiest meals and bar gross sales nights we’ve ever had within the historical past of Seed to Desk. It was unbelievable.”
• Alfie Oakes owns Oakes Farms, one of many largest agribusinesses in South Florida, which began when its namesake was a 15-year-old promoting watermelons from the again of a pickup. Oakes Farms has grown right into a 3,500-employee enterprise that ranges from supplying navy cafeterias to promoting linen sundresses.
• Although Alfie Oakes hasn’t run for a authorities place, he holds elected workplace as Collier County’s Republican State Committeeman.

Click on right here to learn an in depth Naples Each day Information profile on Alfie Oakes.

(This story was up to date to incorporate new info: A photograph gallery was added.)

A Liverpool child hospice has been saved after the town helped elevate very important funds for a brand new residence.

Zoe’s Place, a charity that cares for kids with life-limiting circumstances from start to the age of 5, was based in Liverpool in 1995 by Prof Jack Scarisbrick. The title was chosen as a result of Zoe means “reward of life” in Greek. The charity wanted to lift £5m in a matter of weeks to discover a new constructing to name residence, whereas an additional £1.4m was wanted to assist the hospice keep open within the meantime.

Ian Byrne, the Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby, introduced the excellent news on Friday. Byrne and the hospice’s trustees had launched the Save Zoe’s Place marketing campaign in an try to stop its closure and safe its new constructing.

Byrne stated: “Ever since that preliminary name to arms, the response from throughout the town and past has been unbelievable.” He added that he “knew proper from the beginning, with the backing of our unbelievable area people, we may attain this goal for the hospice, the great workers, youngsters and households”.

“It was clearly an enormous ask to lift £5m in just some weeks, however as I stated on the time, if any metropolis can do it, Liverpool can. And I’m delighted that Liverpool has certainly delivered,” he stated.

Zoe’s Place is a necessary lifeline for Merseyside and surrounding boroughs. It’s one in all three child hospices within the UK which assist youngsters with life-limiting circumstances, in some instances providing end-of-life care. The Liverpool service helps about 50 households annually.

Supporters took half in sponsored walks and runs to lift cash to avoid wasting the charity. Native celebrities, together with the previous Liverpool FC footballers Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher and the actor Claire Sweeney, made pledges to the marketing campaign.

Followers of Liverpool soccer membership unfurled a “Save Zoe’s Place” banner at Anfield earlier than the crew’s Premier League sport in opposition to Chelsea in October, after elevating £150,000 for the hospice.

The Liverpool-based retailer TJ Morris Ltd, which trades as Dwelling Bargains, donated £2.5m of the £6.4m goal, and native companies additionally raised a whole lot of 1000’s of kilos for the trigger.

Michelle Wright, the top of care at Zoe’s Place, stated: “Phrases can not specific how I really feel. The truth that we will proceed to assist our youngsters and households means all the pieces and is all each member of the crew has needed to do.”

Wright added that the charity was proud to be from Liverpool and would face the problem of operating a brand new hospice “with the spirit and teamwork now we have proven in the previous few weeks. We sit up for supporting many extra future households in our new residence.”

Bronny James is slated to hitch the G League’s South Bay Lakers quickly, however he remained with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night time for a house sport towards the Philadelphia 76ers.

He received simply over a minute of enjoying time after Lakers coach JJ Redick emptied the bench late in a 116-106 win over the Sixers. Although the followers in Los Angeles have been fired up for James to enter the sport, he didn’t document any counting stats.

James scored two factors in his final in-game motion towards the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. The rookie second-round decide is predicted to make his G League debut Saturday.

Here is what James did Friday night time within the NBA:

Bronny James stats tonight vs. 76ers

James formally received 1:28 of enjoying time after Redick emptied the bench. James didn’t document any statistics exterior a minus-4 within the plus/minus column, a mark he shared with the opposite 4 gamers who entered the sport alongside him: Max Christie, Maxwell Lewis, Jalen Hood-Schifino and Christian Koloko.

Bronny James’ subsequent sport

James is predicted to hitch the South Bay Lakers for Saturday’s G League sport towards the Salt Lake Metropolis Stars at UCLA Well being Coaching Heart in El Segundo, California.

It has not been introduced what his deliberate utilization for the sport will probably be.

Stuart Hogg’s estranged spouse has mentioned “it is time to begin my subsequent chapter” after the previous Scottish rugby captain admitted abusing her.

Gillian Hogg thanked supporters in a Fb submit after her husband, 32, pleaded responsible to a single cost of home abuse over 5 years between 2019 and 2024 on Monday.

Mrs Hogg mentioned she had been “utterly overwhelmed” and the “abundance of help and love has swamped me in essentially the most constructive method”.

Selkirk Sheriff Courtroom heard Hogg, who made 100 appearances for his nation, berated his spouse for “not being enjoyable” after occurring ingesting binges along with his colleagues.

Mrs Hogg was mentioned to have suffered a panic assault after he despatched “in extra of 200 textual content messages in a couple of hours regardless of having been requested to depart her alone”.

Prosecutor Drew Lengthy mentioned the couple argued about the place they’d dwell and Mrs Hogg was “scared” of her husband when he turned offended and would “want it was morning so he would sober up”.

The court docket additionally heard Hogg, who now performs for French membership Montpellier, used an app to trace his spouse and “questioned her whereabouts” whereas she was dropping the youngsters off.

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Hogg and his spouse have 4 youngsters collectively and are within the means of getting a divorce.

Mrs Hogg mentioned she had thought “lengthy and onerous” about posting on Fb, including: “However there’s nothing extra necessary that should come from this than a thanks.

“Thanks to each single one that has reached out to me in methods of affection, kindness and help – who’ve textual content, messaged, referred to as, visited, despatched flowers.

“Who’ve gave me a hello, a smile, a hug and even only a look to point out they care.

“My family and friends have picked me up and carried me by means of this all and I will be grateful endlessly for all of them.

“I’ve been utterly overwhelmed this week particularly. The abundance of help and love has swamped me in essentially the most constructive method. Thanks.”

Hogg, who made his Scotland debut in 2012 and unexpectedly introduced his instant retirement from worldwide rugby in July final 12 months, is because of be sentenced subsequent month.

His lawyer Angela Grey KC instructed the court docket the incidents in isolation “would have been unlikely to achieve the edge required for a prosecution within the legal courts” however that he accepted that they had “fallen quick of what’s anticipated of a husband”.