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New Delhi: The government has raised duty drawback rates on certain jewellery and precious metal items to provide relief to exporters in the sector, which has been hit hard by the steep US import taxes. According to a notification issued by the Department of Revenue on Monday, the duty drawback rate on silver jewellery and articles of silver has been increased from ₹335.50 to ₹466.76 per 10 grams. The rate on gold jewellery and articles of gold has been raised from ₹4,468.10 to ₹5,234.00 per 10 grams. The relief on platinum jewellery and articles of platinum has also been revised upwards from ₹4,468.10 to ₹5,234.00 per 10 grams. US president Donald Trump’s administration has imposed a reciprocal tariff of 25% on Indian goods entering America and an additional 25% for New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil. These tariffs come into effect on Wednesday. Earlier, Mint reported on 13 August that the government was preparing a package under its Export Promotion Mission, including higher drawback rates, facilitation of export credit, and support for small businesses. The latest revision is seen as part of this initiative, which is aimed at cushioning the impact of US tariff hikes and strengthening India’s global competitiveness, particularly in the jewellery sector. Relieving pressure Duty drawback scheme rebates the incidence of Customs and Central Excise duties, chargeable on imported and excisable material respectively when used as inputs for goods to be exported. The revision comes at a time when India’s jewellery exports are under pressure from slowing global demand and changing sourcing norms in key markets. Exporters have long sought higher drawback rates to offset rising input costs, especially for gold, silver and platinum, which form the backbone of the industry. India is one of the world’s largest exporters of gems and jewellery, with the US being its biggest market. In FY25, exports from the sector to the US stood at $9.94 billion, marginally up from $9.91 billion in FY24. Shipments to the US accounted for about 33% of India’s total gems and jewellery exports, which were valued at $29.80 billion in FY25. However, shipments to the US and EU have slowed in recent months due to tariff uncertainties and softer consumer spending. Exporters are of the view that the increase in duty drawback rates would partly cushion the impact of higher costs and provide a competitive edge at a time when rivals such as Turkey and Thailand are aggressively pushing their jewellery exports. “While this is a welcome step, further support will be needed in the coming months to sustain export momentum,” said Vipul Shah, former chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council. Read More

Scammers are always looking for ways to trick investors, often by launching meme coins linked to celebrities or political figures. Over the weekend, several fake tokens popped up using Cristiano Ronaldo’s name after rumors spread that he might release a meme coin. However, there’s no solid evidence to back up those claims. One of these coins even shot up to a $143 million market cap before crashing back down, all within just 15 minutes. Fake CR7 Coin Tricks Investors The so-called CR7 token, named after Ronaldo’s famous nickname, was pushed online by a number of influencers, though many have since taken down their posts. According to blockchain research firm Bubblemaps, the token was probably the work of a coordinated group rather than random individuals. A lot of the hype came from Ronaldo’s existing partnership with Binance, which began in 2022 and included four NFT drops. But the majority of the fake tokens weren’t even on Binance, they popped up on Solana instead. At least five different CR7-themed meme coins launched there, but none of them got past a $1 million market cap. The only one that gained real traction was the token hyped by influencers, which shot up to a $143.2 million market cap in just six minutes. Also read: Fact Check: Is Cristiano Ronaldo Launching His Meme Coin “CR7” on Binance? The excitement didn’t last, though. According to DEX Screener, the token’s value crashed by 98% over the next few minutes, triggered by a wave of rapid sell-offs from multiple wallets. Data reveals that one buyer spent $9,827 on CR7 tokens, which have now plunged to just $1 in value. After Kanye West rolled out his YZY token, some influencers likely tried to ride the hype by suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo was about to release one as well. They then created an unofficial token, shared the contract address on their accounts, and drew in investors, only to pull the rug shortly afterward Is Ronaldo Actually Launching a Memecoin? Cristiano Ronaldo himself hasn’t made any social media posts about launching a token, apart from his past NFT collections with Binance. Coinpedia also reports that there’s no solid evidence to support the claims. Crypto investor Loudspotter noted that a supposed “Ronaldo Coin” briefly shot up to a $100 million market cap within minutes after being promoted online. But it turned out to be fake as the promoters quickly pulled the rug and deleted their posts. In short, the rumors about Ronaldo creating a meme coin are false. Neither the player nor his management have given any indication of such plans. The hype came shortly after Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, officially launched his own token. His YZY coin soared to a $411.23 million market cap within an hour, according to DEX Screener, before crashing 74% to $105 million in the following 24 hours. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

How many investors will regret skipping Pepeto before the next bull run? At only $0.000000149, Pepeto is giving early buyers the kind of entry point that past meme coin millionaires wish they could find again. The presale is already nearing Stage 10 with over $6.3 million raised, and each round is closing faster than the last. What makes this stand out is that Pepeto is not just leaning on meme culture, it already has a demo exchange running, a zero-fee DEX, a cross-chain bridge, and 238% APY staking, all verified through audits by Coinsult and SolidProof. This combination is why many are calling Pepeto one of the rare presales that could truly shape the next cycle. Pepeto: Community and Adoption for the Memecoin Era Pepeto is not simply another meme coin chasing attention. It separates itself by directly tying its brand to one of the most iconic names in crypto. By using the letters P, E, P, E, T, and O, it creates an instant connection that traders recognize. This strategy has already attracted more than 100,000 followers across social platforms. Beyond branding, Pepeto plans to serve as a hub for real meme coin projects, with Phase 2 listing applications opening soon on its exchange. With trading, bridging, and staking all under one roof, Pepeto is positioning itself to support the next generation of meme tokens. Little Pepe: Scaling Memecoins with EVM Layer 2 and Upcoming Listings Little Pepe is built on an EVM Layer 2 system designed for scalability and efficiency, giving it the ability to handle heavy trading volumes during peak times. The framework is built to accommodate both casual traders and high-volume users. With its presale now closed, the project is preparing for exchange listings, a milestone it hopes will add value for holders and bring more relevance to the wider memecoin space. Demo Exchange Launch and Phase 2 Project Listings Pepeto is not just promising future products, it is already delivering visible progress. The team has launched a working demo of its exchange and completed two independent audits by SolidProof and Coinsult, giving investors added confidence in its security. On top of this, Phase 2 applications for project listings on the Pepeto exchange are about to open, offering vetted Web3 teams a launch venue even before Pepeto itself goes public. Watch YouTube Video Pepeto Surpasses $6.3 Million in Presale Funding Pepeto’s presale has now crossed $6.3 million in funds raised, proof of strong backing from meme coin enthusiasts and broader crypto investors alike. Its ecosystem is utility-focused, with PepetoSwap for zero-fee trading, a cross-chain bridge, and staking rewards of 238% APY. With the presale price still at early levels and the platform structured to support new meme coin launches, Pepeto is already separating itself as it gets ready for the next bull run. Pepeto: Building for the Future of Memecoins Pepeto’s roadmap reflects a clear balance between community growth and practical tools. From launching the demo exchange to preparing additional features, every milestone shows consistent delivery and a long-term focus. With stronger engagement, increasing capital raised, and utilities already live, Pepeto is establishing itself as one of the most important meme coin projects to watch in the coming cycle. Pepeto vs Little Pepe: A Look at Potential Little Pepe’s EVM Layer 2 may bring speed and scalability, but it does little to distinguish itself in a space crowded with similar designs. Pepeto, however, is being built with a far broader vision, combining a zero-fee DEX, cross-chain bridge technology, and PepetoSwap into one ecosystem designed for long-term dominance. Both projects have managed to attract attention, but Pepeto’s direct tie to the legendary Pepe brand and its identical 420 trillion supply give it a narrative advantage traders immediately recognize. Coupled with its audited contracts, rising presale totals, and expanding global community, Pepeto looks much more like the project with the potential to surge in the coming bull run. From a price standpoint, Little Pepe may still achieve a 2x or 3x after its listing, but that upside looks limited compared to what Pepeto is lining up to deliver. History shows that even a single utility, like Shiba Inu’s ShibaSwap, was enough to drive massive gains. Pepeto goes further by combining a zero-fee swap, a cross-chain bridge, and a complete exchange. With the same 420 trillion supply as Pepe, the numbers are hard to ignore. If Pepeto simply reached Pepe’s current price of $0.00001072, it would represent nearly a 100x jump from presale levels. This is exactly why analysts are calling Pepeto one of the most asymmetric opportunities of this bull run — where even small early positions could grow into life-changing returns. Disclaimer To buy PEPETO, always use the official website: https://pepeto.io. As the listing approaches, some may attempt to exploit the hype by using the project’s name to mislead investors with fake platforms. Always confirm the source before making any transactions. About Pepeto Pepeto is an Ethereum-based meme coin currently in its presale stage, merging viral meme culture with real blockchain utility. Built for investors searching for the next major presale, it delivers zero-fee trading, a cross-chain bridge, and high-yield staking opportunities, all backed by two independent smart contract audits. Designed to compete with leading Ethereum meme coins, Pepeto’s platform is focused on scalability, adoption, and long-term growth, while drawing in a global community of traders and holders. With its ultra-low entry price and clear roadmap, Pepeto is positioning itself as a high-potential meme coin ahead of its exchange listings. For more information :  Website : https://pepeto.io Telegram : https://t.me/pepeto_channel Twitter : https://x.com/Pepetocoin Disclaimer and Risk Warning The content featured on Coinpedia’s press release page is provided for informational purposes only. Coinpedia does not endorse, verify, or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any press releases or associated materials. Any views, opinions, or statements expressed in these press releases are those of the respective issuers and do not reflect the opinions or positions of Coinpedia. Coinpedia is not liable for any content, products, services, or actions

The Cardano price is bleeding intraday, but its cofounder is making some noise for the asset, building long-term hopes and fueling renewed optimism.  From Charles Hoskinson’s hints of XRP integration in the Lace wallet to the ADA price chart showing a symmetrical triangle breakout, investors are watching closely on these long-term bullish observations.  Therefore, with ADA crypto’s multichain strategy and the Leios upgrade ahead, the question is whether Cardano’s price can revisit 2021 highs. Cardano’s Lace Wallet Expands to XRP Integration In terms of fundamental growth, Cardano seems to be on the right track, and this last weekend, one of the biggest catalysts was the hint that Cardano’s multichain wallet Lace could integrate XRP support, probably by late 2025.  In the post, Charles Hoskinson, Cardano’s founder, can be seen confirming discussions with Ripple leaders, noting that Lace would soon allow XRP transactions alongside ADA and Bitcoin (BTC). This move signals an important step in blockchain interoperability, potentially driving liquidity and utility across networks.  For Cardano, expanding beyond ADA and Bitcoin into XRP reflects a growing ecosystem focus and offers investors hope for stronger cross-chain adoption. Technical Outlook: ADA Breaks Symmetrical Triangle Beyond ecosystem news, the Cardano price chart has been trending upward after a bullish technical breakout on a symmetrical triangle pattern.  An analyst has also confirmed of this pattern’s breakout on the daily timeframe on the upside, suggesting strong momentum.  Traders on X forecast that this breakout could fuel a run back to ADA’s 2021 all-time high above $3. Currently, the ADA price today shows resilience despite broader market volatility. If momentum holds, short-term ADA price prediction targets range between $2.50 to $3, making the recent breakout a key signal for traders monitoring Cardano price USD moves. Leios Upgrade: Cardano’s Big Leap Adding further strength to the Cardano price forecast, Charles Hoskinson revealed details about the Leios upgrade. He stated that Leios would make Cardano the “safest, fastest, and most powerful blockchain in the world.”  Therefore, just like what Charles Hoskinson says, if the upgrade is realized, then this would not only improve performance but also enhance adoption prospects, especially in the face of growing competition from Ethereum and Solana. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

The stablecoin market is rapidly gaining attention from industry leaders, regulators, and Wall Street giants. New regulations, growing institutional interest, and increasing real-world utility are driving its growth.  Let us have a look at what the experts have to say. Utility and Institutional Demand To Drive The Next Wave Reece Merrick, Senior Executive Officer and Managing Director in the Middle East and Africa at Ripple, highlights that the stablecoin market, currently valued at around $300 billion, is on track for remarkable growth. He says that the rapid growth is being driven by new regulations, like the U.S. GENIUS Act, and stronger connections with fintech, showing how stablecoins are becoming increasingly important for stability and liquidity across the volatile financial ecosystems. The stablecoin market, currently valued at approximately $300 billion, is projected to experience significant growth, potentially reaching $1.2 trillion by 2028, with some forecasts reaching up to $2.8 trillion by 2028 This robust expansion, underpinned by regulatory… — Reece Merrick (@reece_merrick) August 25, 2025 As stablecoins become central to the global financial system, the next wave of adoption will be driven by real-world use and institutional demand. Ripple Leading the Push In Stablecoin Market Ripple is at the forefront, taking full advantage of this growing market. It recently partnered with SBI VC Trade, a subsidiary of SBI, to bring RLUSD to the Japanese market. SBI VC Trade has been a leader in Japan’s crypto space, handling stablecoins with an official license. This move will make stablecoins more accessible, reliable, and convenient for users in Japan. Experts Weigh In On Stablecoin Market Potential Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes that stablecoins will increase demand for U.S. Treasuries. He has also highlighted that the GENIUS Act provides the regulatory clarity needed for the stablecoin market to grow into a multitrillion-dollar industry. Implementing the GENIUS Act is essential to securing American leadership in digital assets. Stablecoins will expand dollar access for billions across the globe and lead to a surge in demand for U.S. Treasuries, which back stablecoins. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved:… https://t.co/p5nRQpBfnw — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) August 18, 2025 “It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved: stablecoin users, stablecoin issuers, and the U.S. Treasury Department,” he said.  Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicts the stablecoin market could jump nearly tenfold, from $250 billion to $2 trillion, in a few years. Market Outlook By Wall Street Giants Goldman Sachs says that we are at the start of a “stablecoin gold rush.” The bank notes that stablecoins currently make up a $271 billion global market, with USDC expected to grow $77 billion by 2027. It also points out that the potential total market for stablecoins is in trillions.  Coinbase predicts that the U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin market could grow to $1.2 trillion by 2028. Standard Chartered is even more bullish, projecting it could hit $2 trillion by 2028. However, JPMorgan sees stablecoins reaching $500 billion by 2028, driven mostly by crypto trading and DeFi (88%), with payments at just 6%. Overall, it sees moderate, crypto-driven growth, not a mainstream adoption boom. Whether driven by payments, trading, or institutional demand, the stablecoin industry is on track for a multi-trillion-dollar future. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

Home/Short News/Ethzilla Unveils $250M Share Buyback, Reveals $ETH Holdings Short News Sohrab Khawas Sohrab Khawas Author Sohrab is a passionate cryptocurrency news writer with over five years of experience covering the industry. He keeps a keen interest in blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize finance. Whether he’s trading or writing, Sohrab always keeps his finger on the pulse of the crypto world, using his expertise to deliver informative and engaging articles that educate and inspire. When he’s not analyzing the markets, Sohrab indulges in his hobbies of graphic design, minimal design or listening to his favorite hip-hop tunes. Aug 25, 2025 13:49 UTC Less than a minute Ethzilla revealed a $250 million share repurchase plan to enhance shareholder value. The company currently holds 102,237 Ethereum tokens, valued at approximately $489 million, purchased at an average price of $3,948.72 per coin. Ethzilla aims to grow its Ethereum treasury while offering an aggressive stock buyback program to support its financial strategy and maximize returns for investors. The move highlights Ethzilla’s commitment to Ethereum accumulation and value creation in the crypto market. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

Decision time for 700 million Windows users. AFP via Getty Images Microsoft’s updates this month are something of a nightmare. Multiple fails, an emergency update and warnings on streaming sand saving files has created a minefield for affected users. But in the midst of this, there’s also a major decision to make. This is all about Windows 10 and the 700 million (a number now increasing) users sticking with Windows 10 despite a 60-day warning that October’s security update will be their last. That’s unless and until they enroll in a 12-month security lifeline. ForbesDo Not Use These Networks On Your Phone, TSA Warns—Here’s WhyBy Zak Doffman Per Windows Latest, all those users will now “see full-screen ‘it’s time to upgrade your PC before the end of support’ banner more often. Windows Latest observed this behavior across dozens of our PCs and virtual machines using Windows 10.” This begins “immediately” after you install August’s security update. “It’s quite obvious that you can’t ‘escape’ these full banners if you choose to keep running Windows 11.” You can exit the nag but it’ll come back. And it will always include a helpful button that “instantly begins installing Windows 11.” There is a much smaller link to decline the upgrade and keep Windows 10, “which doesn’t really quit the campaign.” If you do decline the upgrade, “Microsoft tries to convince you again with a slideshow of Windows 11’s new features.” You can then either download Windows 11 while using your PC or decline the upgrade offer.” That’s where the decision making kicks in. ForbesFBI Warning—Do Not Call Any Of These Phone NumbersBy Zak Doffman Again with August’s update, the free 12-month support offer has been issued to millions more Windows 10 users. You will see the enrollment button (if it’s made its way onto your PC) on the Windows 10 update screen. You can then select the option that works for you. If you use your account and OneDrive, you can do this for free. Microsoft has confirmed that October’s security update will be your last unless you enroll in an extension option or upgrade to Windows 11. Don’t leave it too late and make sure that’s done well ahead of the deadline. It’s just not worth the risk. Read More

FLa-Z-Boy furniture stores are to expand following a recent acquisition in the southeast. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) Getty Images What a difference a few days make, even for that most horizontal of retailers, La-Z-Boy Inc. The Michigan-based company that has come to define the recliner chair sector was feeling anything but relaxed when its shares plummeted earlier this week after setting guidance below expectations. Come post-trading on Friday those shares were heading upright once again after the intervention of President Trump – who else? – who warned that furniture tariffs were coming along the line once his administration had completed a 50-day investigation into the sector. But La-Z-Boy, unlike competitors such as Wayfair, Restoration Hardware and Williams Sonoma, manufactures primarily in the U.S. and as a result is unlikely to be impacted by any tariff threats, which was enough to boost its stock right back. So what exactly happened in an unexpectedly turbulent week for La-Z-Boy? First up, the furniture manufacturer reported a mixed set of results for its fiscal first quarter 2026, with total sales declining 1% year-over-year to $492 million. While the company’s retail segment drove growth, posting a 5% increase in overall sales and a 2% gain in delivered sales, the wholesale segment improved a paltry 1%. Adjusted operating margin narrowed to 4.8% from 6.6% a year prior, and adjusted earnings per share dropped 24% to $0.47 versus a $0.53 analyst consensus. Cash flow from operations totaled $36 million, while $22 million was returned to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. The retail division consists of nearly 210 company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores and is part of a broader network of nearly 370 La-Z-Boy stores. Joybird, an omni-channel retailer and manufacturer of modern upholstered furniture, has 14 stores in the U.S., with one new store opened in fiscal Q2 2026. La-Z-Boy Warns on Earnings In its trading update, the company highlighted a planned acquisition of 15 stores in the southeast, expected to close October, and a successful transition of its Arizona distribution center to a new west coast hub. But looking ahead, La-Z-Boy forecast Q2 sales between $510 million and $530 million, with even the upper figure short of the consensus expectation of $532 million. “While continuing to advance our Century Vision strategy and drive long-term shareholder value, we are balancing our optimism in the long-term industry fundamentals and our competitive positioning with a pragmatic approach to current uneven consumer demand. In addition to strengthening our core business, we are also evaluating all alternatives to address financial pressure from non-core parts of our enterprise,” CEO Melinda Whittington admitted in a company statement. “Our iconic brand, vertically integrated business model, and robust balance sheet are foundational to our continued strategic growth and position us to disproportionately benefit when industry tailwinds reemerge,” she added. La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores could benefit from U.S. manufacture. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Getty Images Come Friday and, enter stage left, the Trump administration announced that it had launched an investigation into imported furniture, setting the stage for new tariffs on a broad range of products. “Within the next 50 days, that Investigation will be completed, and Furniture coming from other Countries into the United States will be Tariffed at a Rate yet to be determined,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “This will bring the Furniture Business back to North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, and States all across the Union.” La-Z-Boy To Ride Tariffs While new tariffs could ramp up costs for many major furniture brands, La-Z-Boy has most of its manufacturing located in the U.S., even though it was unclear Friday whether any new tariffs on furniture would be applied on top of country specific tariff rates. But any new tariffs would come at a challenging time for the U.S. furniture industry. Companies like Wayfair have been seeing demand weaken for some time on big ticket furniture items, in part because of a slower overall housing market in the U.S. as buyers wait for The Fed to drop interest rates. With fewer new homes being bought, inevitably consumers have fewer reasons to buy new furniture. But don’t tell La-Z-Boy, the company that saw its stock recline and then rise in a distinctly strange week even for U.S. retail right now. Read More

Aboubakar Gakou Of Angola Supplied/FIBA Africa The arenas in Namibe and Luanda have been electric every time Angola, hosts and now title favourites, took to the court in pursuit of their 12th FIBA AfroBasket Championship. Every rebound, every defensive stop, every shot is magnified, while any touch from their opponents is met with a chorus of boos from the crowd. The semifinal against Cameroon was no different. The game swung back and forth, with nine lead changes and 11 tied scores, each possession ratcheting up the tension. In the final seconds of the game, Angola’s place in the final came down to three free throws, taken by none other than Aboubaker Gakou. “In my mind, I was like, I just need to make one,” he shared with Forbes.com, recalling the tense moment. “I missed the first, made the second, and the coach told me to miss the third. That’s what happened.” The calm in his words belied the intensity of the situation and the journey it represented. From Late Starter to National Star KIGALI, RWANDA – MAY 29: Aboubakar Pedro Gakou #15 of Petroleos De Luanda drives to the basket during the game against the Cape Town Tigers during the 2024 Basketball Africa League Playoffs on May 29, 2024 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nacer Talel/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images For a player who only picked up basketball at 17, Gakou’s ascent has been remarkable. Within a year, he earned a spot with Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, one of Angola’s most storied clubs. Since joining in 2015, he has become a cornerstone for the team, helping them secure six Angolan Basketball League titles, three Angolan League MVP awards, multiple national cups and super cups, and a Basketball Africa League (BAL) championship in 2024. His versatility as a power forward, able to score, rebound, and defend with intensity, has made him indispensable in high-stakes games. “Sacrifice is the first word that comes to mind,” he said. “It was a tough game, very tough, but we didn’t give up. We were at a very low level at points, but we won by one point. That point was one of the most important of the game.” Angola’s rich basketball culture provided fertile ground for his rapid development. Growing up surrounded by the energy of packed arenas and inspired by local role models, he dreamed of one day wearing the national jersey. “I’ve dreamed about this since I was a kid,” he shared a day prior, following a tough game against Cape Verde. “It’s all for me, but it’s also for everyone who supported me along the way.” Resilience Under Pressure Gakou During Angola’s Second Group Game Against Supplied/FIBA Africa The semifinal victory over Cameroon, razor-thin as it was, highlighted the team’s resilience. Despite Cameroon’s high expectations and potent offense, Angola’s defence carried the day. “Defence won us the game,” Gakou explained. “We didn’t let down, we didn’t go down ahead. The last three throws were tough. I missed one, but made the ones that mattered. That’s what won us the game.” This mentality, a combination of skill and mental fortitude, has defined Gakou’s career. The game mirrored his journey: late start, rapid progression, and the ability to thrive under pressure. “The lesson we learned today is that to win, we need to play defence hard,” he said. “That’s what happened today. We play defence, we won the game.” Moments That Define a Career The semifinal tested nerves as much as skill. In the final seconds, Gakou stood at the free-throw line, every eye in the arena on him, knowing a single shot could decide the outcome. “In my mind, I was like, I just need to make one,” he recalled. “I missed the first, made the second, and the coach told me to miss the third. That’s what happened.” The stakes went far beyond the scoreboard. The pressure on Gakou and his teammates reflected the nation’s expectations. Coach José Claros Canals acknowledged the significance of the moment: “Because this country has been waiting for this moment for so long. It’s not only the basketball community that is following the team; it’s absolutely the whole country that is behind us. The support that we are feeling really helps.” For Gakou, the expectation sharpened his focus, turning pressure into fuel. Home-Court Advantage Topshot View Of A Sold Out Game At Pavilhão Multiúsos de Luanda During AfroBasket Supplied/FIBA Africa Playing at home added another layer of intensity. Angola has only lost one AfroBasket game on home soil, and the packed stands amplified every moment, each cheer a reminder of the shared dream between players and supporters. “The fans have helped us a lot,” he said, glancing toward the crowd. “Tomorrow is the last day. We need 100% of your strength. We will give our 200% to win the AfroBasket.” That connection with fans reflects more than support; it embodies community and shared purpose. Basketball in Angola is not just a sport; it is a national celebration, a tradition passed down through generations. For him, performing in front of his home crowd is both surreal and grounding. “It was a tough game, but we didn’t give up,” he said. “We will give our all tomorrow. We want to win, and we will try our best.” Redefining the Role Model Aboubakar Gakou During The 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Media Day Supplied/FIBA Africa Beyond the court, Gakou’s story resonates because it defies the conventional narrative. Many players are lauded for early talent, but he started late and relied on perseverance and discipline to reach the highest level. “Did I imagine starting basketball at 17 and reaching this level? Not at all,” he reflected. “But now I hope I can be a role model, showing that hard work

Cartman in “South Park.” Comedy Central/Paramount+ More delays are planned for Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s South Park Season 27 after two breaks in the first three weeks. Parker and Stone’s $1.5 billion deal with Paramount Global to produce 50 new episodes of South Park and to make Paramount+ its new streaming home was announced on July 23, just in time for the new season’s cable premiere on Comedy Central later in the evening. ForbesRecap: ‘South Park’ Season 27, Episode 3 – ‘Sickofancy’ And How To WatchBy Tim Lammers Season 27, Episode 1 — the President Donald Trump-skewering Sermon on the ‘Mount — premiered as promised on July 24, but then the show went on a one-week hiatus. South Park then continued Aug. 6 when the show took aim at Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Vice President JD Vance with Episode 2 — Got a Nut — before going on hiatus for another week before the premiere of the tech bro-ChatGPT-Trump episode Sickofancy on Comedy Central on Aug. 20. ForbesMarvel’s ‘Thunderbolts*’ Arrives On Disney+ This WeekBy Tim Lammers Now, after a month of guessing when new episodes of South Park would be released, Comedy Central has given some clarity regarding the upcoming schedule. According to The Hollywood Reporter and other publications, South Park Season 27’s episodes will be released every other week, at least through September. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: (L-R) Matt Stone and Trey Parker speak onstage during Comedy Central Adult Animation’s: South Park, Beavis & Butt-Head, Digman! panel at San Diego Comic-Con at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Paramount+) Getty Images for Paramount+ When Will The Upcoming Episodes Of ‘South Park’ Be Released? Unlike the mystery of when viewers would see the second and third episodes of South Park Season 27, Comedy Central has given some clarity to when the next two episodes will air. Per THR, Comedy Central has announced that the fourth episode of South Park Season 27 will not air until Wednesday, Sept. 3, and after another week break, Season 27, Episode 5 will be released on Sept. 17. Forbes‘Peacemaker’ Season 2: James Gunn On That Wild Orgy Scene In Episode 1By Tim Lammers Since the next two episodes of South Park are arriving in two-week intervals, it appears to be a sign that the one week on-one week off pattern will go on all season. If that ends up being the case, then Season 27 of South Park won’t conclude until Nov. 19 on Comedy Central and Nov. 20 on Paramount+, since new episodes don’t stream until the next day. To date, neither Trey Parker, Matt Stone nor Comedy Central has given a reason for stretching out episode releases to one every two weeks — apart from Comedy Central’s explanation, per THR, that Aug. 13 was reserved to celebrate “South Park Day.” On that day, Comedy Central aired a marathon of South Park favorites, along with interview footage from Parker and Stone from San Diego Comic-Con in July. ForbesEminem Music Documentary ‘Stans’ New On Streaming This WeekBy Tim Lammers Read More