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Graphite One Confirms Rare Earth Elements at Alaska Deposit

Investing 2 Mins Read

Graphite One (TSXV:GPH,OTCQX:GPHOF) announced on November 13 that it has identified rare earth elements (REEs) at its Graphite Creek deposit, located north of Nome, Alaska.

“The presence of two Defense Production Act Title III materials — graphite and REEs — in a single deposit further underscores Graphite Creek’s position as a truly generational deposit,” said President Anthony Houston.

“Given the robust economics of our planned complete graphite materials supply chain, the presence of Rare Earths at Graphite Creek suggests that recovery as a by-product to our graphite production will maximize the value.”

Geochemical analysis of drillcore samples reveals elevated levels of heavy rare earths and all five principal permanent magnet REEs: neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium and samarium.

Testwork is ongoing at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory, and at Activation Laboratories. Graphite One is also collaborating with a US Department of Energy national lab on REE extraction.

REEs are essential to modern technologies, from permanent magnets in wind turbines and electric vehicles, to high-performance fiber optics, lasers and defense systems.

China, which dominates global production of both magnet REEs and graphite, imposed export limits last year and has continued to expand these restrictions in 2025.

Graphite One is advancing a US-based graphite supply chain, including transport from Nome to an advanced graphite and battery materials plant in Warren, Ohio, with a co-located recycling facility to reclaim graphite and other materials.

Graphite Creek has received support through a US$37.5 million Defense Production Act Title III grant, as well as non-binding letters of interest totaling US$895 million from EXIM Bank.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Living Plants Offer New Path to Rare Earths Supply, Study Shows

Investing 3 Mins Read

Researchers have documented the first known recovery of naturally formed nanoscale monazite from a living plant, potentially opening up new paths to recover in-demand rare earth materials.

The study, published this month in Environmental Science & Technology, identifies nanoscale monazite crystals inside Blechnum orientale, an evergreen fern known to accumulate rare earths at unusually high concentrations.

The work was carried out by researchers at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with a geoscientist at Virginia Tech in the US.

In the paper, the authors write that the discovery “opens new possibilities for the direct recovery of functional rare earth element (REE) materials,” adding, “To our knowledge, this is the earliest reported occurrence of rare earth elements crystallising into a mineral phase within a hyperaccumulator.”

The method, known as phytomining, relies on certain plants that naturally pull unusual amounts of metals from the ground. In this case, the fern absorbed rare earths so efficiently that tiny mineral crystals formed inside its tissues.

The mineral identified — monazite — is normally created deep underground under intense heat and pressure.

The team’s analysis shows that the fern somehow produced nanoscale versions of it under normal surface conditions, with the highest concentrations found in its leaflets and roots. In this state, the plant appears to lock the metals outside its cells as a way of protecting itself, with the process enabling the mineral to crystallize.

Monazite is prized for uses ranging from lasers to electronics to materials that withstand high heat and radiation, so finding it naturally produced inside a plant could open up a new, lower-impact source of rare earths.

REEs take priority in global supply race

REEs, a group of metals used in permanent magnets, lasers, consumer electronics and advanced defense systems, are receiving renewed international scrutiny as governments race to reduce dependence on concentrated supply chains.

Earlier this month, the US Department of the Interior published its final 2025 list of critical minerals, naming 60 minerals deemed vital to the American economy and exposed to supply risk.

The list emphasizes the importance of rare earths, which the US imports heavily, and highlights neodymium, scandium and dysprosium as metals where supply disruptions would impose the “highest cost” on the US economy.

Washington has moved in parallel to strengthen access to rare earths through domestic production, expanded mapping of US deposits and agreements with partners in Australia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand.

In addition to these efforts, US officials continue to signal confidence that Beijing will adhere to commitments under a rare earths framework outlined last month.

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said in a recent interview that a deal with China will “hopefully” be done by Thanksgiving, while also rejecting a report suggesting that Beijing is planning new restrictions on US companies.

Are plants a viable source of rare earths?

The use of ferns for mineral extraction remains at an early stage, and the researchers emphasize that phytomining is not a replacement for conventional production.

But finding mineralized rare earths in a living organism offers a proof of concept that could broaden how countries approach resource development at a time when REEs remain strategically critical for major economies.

As the US, China and other nations look for secure supply routes, the possibility that plants themselves may contribute to the pipeline adds a new dimension to a field dominated by mining companies.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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East Star and Endeavour Mining to Collaborate on Kazakhstan Gold Assets

Investing 2 Mins Read

East Star Resources (LSE:EST) and Endeavour Exploration announced they have entered into a binding earn-in and joint venture (JV) agreement to advance gold exploration in Kazakhstan.

Endeavour Exploration, a subsidiary of top gold producer Endeavour Mining (LSE:EDV,TSX:EDV,OTCQX:EDVMF), will have the right to earn up to an 80 percent interest in a new JV company via staged investments.

Stage 1 includes a US$5 million payment within two years, equivalent to a 51 percent interest. If an additional US$20 million is given over three years, its interest will increase to 70 percent.

The last 10 percent will be given to Endeavour if it funds and completes a prefeasibility study.

During the initial phase, East Star will act as manager of the JV.

The area of interest for the partnership includes two proven, underexplored mineral belts.

‘This agreement with Endeavour is a transformational milestone for East Star that validates the quality of our exploration programme and provides a clear pathway to unlock the full potential of our gold exploration strategy,” said East Star Resources CEO Alex Walker in a November 13 press release.

While the JV will focus on gold, East Star is also pursuing copper in Kazakhstan.

Its assets include a volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit with a JORC-compliant resource estimate of 20.3 million metric tons at 1.16 percent copper, 1.54 percent zinc and 0.27 percent lead.

An investor webcast is scheduled for Tuesday (November 18) to discuss the terms of the JV.

Both parties will fund the JV company in proportion to their ownership share after the earn-in period.

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Rio Tinto and Calix to Partner on Zero Emissions Steel Technology Plant

Investing 2 Mins Read

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) said on Monday (November 17) that it has signed a joint development agreement with environmental technology company Calix (NYSE:CALX,ASX:CXL) to develop Calix’s Zero Emissions Steel Technology (Zesty) green iron demonstration plant in Western Australia.

If approved, the plant will be built at a site in Kwinana, south of Perth, that was previously earmarked for Rio Tinto’s BioIron research and development facility and associated pilot plant.

Under the deal with Calix, Rio Tinto will invest more than AU$35 million, pending project milestones. Funding from the mining giant will include both in-kind and financial contributions.

The plant received AU$44.9 million in Australian Renewable Energy Agency support in July.

Rio Tinto’s work will include helping Calix reach a final investment decision through technical support, engineering services and advocacy. Subject to a final investment decision and successful project construction, Rio Tinto will provide up to 10,000 tonnes of various Pilbara iron ores for plant commissioning and the initial testing phase.

The miner will also provide introductions to potential customers for downstream use of the Zesty product.

“The world needs low-emissions steel if it is going to decarbonise, and we continue to look at a range of ways Pilbara iron ores can help to do this as new technologies emerge,” said Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Matthew Holcz.

He added that Rio Tinto will keep progressing BioIron with its partners, the University of Nottingham and Metso. However, the company has decided that the current furnace design requires additional development.

“Both projects are part of our work to reduce emissions and support the future of iron ore in Australia and the communities that depend on it,’ Holcz added, referring to Zesty and BioIron.

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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‘He’s part of our family forever’: Cowboys honor Kneeland in MNF win

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  • Both teams participated in tributes, including wearing special T-shirts, helmet decals, and observing a moment of silence.
  • The Cowboys played an inspired game, defeating the Raiders 33-16 in their first contest since Kneeland’s passing.
  • Quarterback Dak Prescott, whose brother also died by suicide, emphasized the importance of supporting one another and remembering that life is bigger than football.

This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

LAS VEGAS – Monday night was bigger than football. It was apparent by the atmosphere before kickoff.

The Dallas Cowboys wore custom Marshawn Kneeland T-shirts during pregame warmups. Members of the Las Vegas Raiders had on suicide prevention shirts with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Cowboys had decals on their helmets to honor Kneeland, and members of the team’s staff wore pins with his No. 94. Allegiant Stadium conducted a moment of silence for Kneeland just prior to kickoff.

It would’ve been understandable if the emotional toll from Kneeland’s death by apparent suicide on Nov. 6 was too much to bear for the Cowboys as they took the field for the first time since his passing. But the Cowboys played inspired in a convincing 33-16 victory in what might’ve been their most complete performance of the season.

“So proud of these guys. I mean, the way that they grieved, cried (and) laughed. But they wanted to honor (Kneeland), and we’re not done honoring him. He’s a part of our family forever,” Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said postgame. “But it’s been tough, man. I mean, these past 11 days been really tough. I’m proud of those guys, because just the way they played (Monday). They played with Marshawn’s to play style.”

Schottenheimer delivered a postgame message to the team about how proud Kneeland would’ve been of the team’s performance. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott threw four touchdown passes. The much-maligned Cowboys defense sacked Raiders quarterback Geno Smith four times, intercepted him once and recorded a safety in the fourth quarter.

“Because of the type of person, teammate and friend he was and is, he definitely will be proud. We were running to the ball. We were playing hard, we were celebrating together as a defensive line,” said Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku, who preferred to speak of Kneeland in present tense. “He’s with us. He’s in our team meetings, he’s in our defensive line meetings. He’s practicing there with us, and he’s not going to be forgotten.”

Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa carried Kneeland’s 94 jersey to the visitors’ locker room after the win.

“It means the world to me to be able to honor him and honor his memory,” Odighizuwa said. “Being able to carry his jersey and carry his light and take it with us moving forward. He’s with us every step of the way.”

Kneeland’s jersey hung at a locker besides Cowboys players as they celebrated the win.  

Prescott had “one love” – a phrase Kneeland liked to say – written on his wrist tape during the game. The Cowboys quarterback appropriately sported a hat that read “Love your people” after the game. Prescott’s brother, Jace, died by suicide in 2020.

The Cowboys quarterback delivered a message for the masses at his postgame press conference. He reminded everyone able to listen that everything that transpired in front of a prime-time national audience was bigger than just a game.

‘It’s one of these moments you realize this is just a game, and life is what’s important, and our connections, our relationships. You know, what we say to each other, how we can lift each other up, how we can be a helping hand, how we can be a true neighbor, a true brother, a true sister, and love one another. One love, like Marshawn lived by,” Prescott explained. “Hopefully we’d all continue to look at our neighbors, look at ourselves and ask, how can we be better? How can we help better them? And just a moment like I said, to understand that it’s much bigger than this game, and it’s about life.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Here are 16 players to start or sit for fantasy football Week 12

Sport 7 Mins Read

Fantasy football managers are set to navigate one of their most difficult weeks of the season so far. Not only are there four teams on bye – the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders – but a plethora of prominent fantasy players are dealing with injuries that could knock them out of action.

Notably, running backs Josh Jacobs and Jaylen Warren suffered injuries in Week 11 and didn’t return to action. The same was true of Drake London, who is expected to miss Week 12 at the very least, while quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Michael Penix Jr. may both be sidelined by injuries.

That will leave fantasy managers scouring the waiver wire for potential streamers and fill-ins to help their lineups remain competitive. There are a handful of pickups who can immediately be plugged into lineups, while the recent returns of some other fantasy assets could create some difficult start ’em, sit ’em decisions.

Who can you start and sit in fantasy football for Week 12 of the NFL season? USA TODAY Sports outlines eight players to start and eight to sit.

Fantasy football players to start in Week 12

Quarterbacks

  • Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

Brissett has been the epitome of consistency for fantasy managers since taking over for Kyler Murray in Week 6. He has thrown two touchdowns in all five of his starts and is averaging 314 passing yards per game, never throwing for less than 258 across his outings. The Jaguars are coming off an elite-level performance against Justin Herbert and the Chargers, but Jacksonville has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to quarterbacks this season.

  • Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Purdy finally returned to action against the Cardinals and looked healthy, throwing for 200 yards and three touchdowns in a blowout win over Arizona. Like Brissett, Purdy is hyper-consistent, as he is averaging 262 yards and has multiple touchdowns in each of his three starts this season. Carolina’s defense has been solid of late against quarterbacks – the unit has allowed just three passing touchdowns over its last five weeks – but Purdy still figures to be a strong start on ‘Monday Night Football.’

Running backs

  • Woody Marks, Houston Texans (vs. Buffalo Bills)

Marks didn’t quite live up to expectations against the Titans, totaling just 51 yards and failing to score. However, he out-touched Nick Chubb 19-3, signaling he has taken over in full as the lead back in Houston. The Texans have a favorable matchup against a Bills team that has allowed a league-high 14 rushing touchdowns to running backs and was just gashed by Sean Tucker. That should make Marks a rock-solid RB2 for Week 12.

  • Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers (vs. Minnesota Vikings)

Josh Jacobs avoided a serious knee injury against the Giants, but he is still expected to be week-to-week because of it. Wilson seems likely to be a workhorse if Jacobs doesn’t play, as third-string running back Chris Brooks has logged just three carries this season. The Vikings rank middle-of-the-pack against running backs, so Wilson figures to be a low-end RB2 based on volume alone.

Wide receivers

  • A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles (at Dallas Cowboys)

Brown saw a season-high 11 targets in Week 11 after airing his grievances about the Eagles’ lack of consistent offensive success. If he continues to see that type of volume, Brown should have a chance for a big game against a Cowboys team that has allowed a league-high 16 receiving touchdowns to wideouts this season.

  • Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons (at New Orleans Saints)

Mooney has just 16 catches this season, but he’s a nice sleeper option with Kirk Cousins taking over for the injured Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback. Mooney averaged 4.1 catches for 62.4 yards in 14 games with Cousins last season and figures to see a high volume of targets with Drake London expected to miss Week 12 with a knee injury.

Tight end

  • Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (at Cincinnati Bengals)

The Bengals did not allow a touchdown to the Steelers’ tight end room in Week 11, but they did let Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth combine for 86 yards on five catches. Cincinnati still leads the league in touchdowns surrendered to the position (12) so Henry should be in line for a big game.

Defense/special teams

  • Cleveland Browns (at Las Vegas Raiders)

The Browns have generated 14 takeaways during the 2025 NFL season, tied for the seventh-most league-wide, and are averaging 3.2 sacks per game thanks to another standout season from Myles Garrett. Geno Smith has been one of the NFL’s most turnover-prone quarterbacks this season, so Cleveland could have a huge outing in this matchup.

Fantasy football players to sit in Week 12

Quarterbacks

  • Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

The Eagles haven’t allowed an opposing quarterback to log multiple passing touchdowns against them since Week 4. Prescott was unable to score while throwing for just 188 yards in his team’s Week 1 game against Philadelphia – a game where the Eagles did not have top defensive tackle Jalen Carter at their disposal after he spit at Prescott. As such, it’s hard to recommend trusting Prescott in this matchup.

  • Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts (at Kansas City Chiefs)

Jones has been a viable fantasy starter at times this season, but he faces a tough Week 12 matchup with the Chiefs. Kansas City has allowed just nine passing touchdowns to quarterbacks this season, tied for the fewest in the league. Jones has thrown for two touchdowns compared to four interceptions in his last two starts, so he has a low floor playing against what should be a desperate Chiefs team.

Running backs

  • Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Los Angeles Rams)

Tucker just starred during a 140-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Bills. He now gets a much tougher matchup in Week 12 against a Rams defense that has allowed just three total touchdowns to running backs this season. Add in the pending return of Bucky Irving and Tucker may not have the volume needed to be anything more than a touchdown-dependent flex play in a tough matchup.

  • Devin Singletary, New York Giants (at Detroit Lions)

Singletary is averaging just 57 scrimmage yards per game since Cam Skattebo’s injury, so his fantasy value figures to hinge significantly on his ability to score. He did so twice against the Packers, but he may find trouble repeating that feat against a Lions team that has allowed the second-fewest FPPG to running backs this season.

Wide receivers

  • Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills (at Houston Texans)

The Texans are one of just three teams to allow fewer than 100 receptions to wide receivers through Week 11. Shakir has often been a safety valve for Josh Allen, but it’s worth wondering whether the two will be able to connect on offense against a Houston defense that leads the NFL in EPA, per the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.

  • Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Carolina Panthers)

The good news: Pearsall made his return to action against the Cardinals in Week 11. The bad news: he had just one catch for zero yards. Pearsall may need time to work back into game shape, so feel free to keep him on the bench one more week against a Panthers defense that is weaker against RBs and TEs but has allowed the fifth-fewest FPPG to wide receivers.

Tight end

  • Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (vs. Buffalo Bills)

The Bills have allowed the fewest receptions (25) and receiving yards (270) to tight ends this season, while also allowing just one touchdown. Schultz has averaged 5.8 catches and 60.5 receiving yards per game since Week 5, but he has a much lower ceiling than usual in this matchup.

Defense/special teams

  • Los Angeles Rams (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

The Rams are legitimate Super Bowl contenders, but they have surprisingly generated just one sack over their last three games. Continued struggles to generate pressure will lower their fantasy floor, as will a matchup against a Buccaneers team that is averaging 25.2 points per game, tied for 10th-best in the NFL.

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This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Surging USMNT faces Uruguay in its final game of 2025

Sport 3 Mins Read

The U.S. men’s national soccer team will play its final friendly of 2025 as it continues to build toward what it hopes will be a successful 2026 World Cup.

The team’s performance of late has been encouraging.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad has gone unbeaten in four consecutive friendly matches against World Cup-bound teams, including a feisty 2-1 win over Paraguay on Nov. 15. The most promising aspect of the win was the play of Gio Reyna, who made his first USMNT start in 16 months. Reyna scored a goal and assisted on another in the victory.

The USMNT’s next opponent will be the biggest test yet among the team’s recent opponents. Uruguay is a World Cup regular; it has qualified for five of the last six World Cups and is ranked No. 15 in the latest FIFA rankings. The USMNT is rated one spot below Uruguay. It was Uruguay that prevented the U.S. from advancing beyond the group stage at the 2024 Copa America, a disappointment that resulted in the firing of then-coach Gregg Berhalter.

Here’s everything you need to know for the USMNT’s friendly soccer match against Uruguay on Tuesday, Nov. 18:

How to watch USMNT vs. Uruguay: Time, TV, streaming

  • Date: Tuesday, Nov. 18
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET
  • Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida)
  • TV channel: TNT (English); Telemundo, Universo (Spanish)
  • Streaming: Max, Sling TV (English); Peacock (Spanish)

Stream USMNT vs. Uruguay on Sling TV

USMNT roster for November friendlies

Goalkeepers (4): Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena/Italy), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)

Defenders (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse FC/France), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/Germany), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel/Germany), Auston Trusty (Celtic/Scotland)

Midfielders (6): Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/England), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach/Germany), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/France), Timmy Tillman (LAFC)

Forwards (5): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/England), Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco/France), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands), Haji Wright (Coventry City/Englan

USMNT 2025 schedule and results

  • Jan. 20 (friendly) — United States 3, Venezuela 1
  • Jan. 22 (friendly) — United States 3, Costa Rica 0
  • March 20 (Concacaf Nations League) — Panama 1, United States 0
  • March 23 (Concacaf Nations League third-place match) — Canada 2, United States 1
  • June 7 (friendly) — Türkiye 2, United States 1
  • June 10 (friendly) — Switzerland 4, United States 0
  • June 15 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 5, Trinidad and Tobago 0
  • June 19 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 1, Saudi Arabia 0
  • June 22 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 2, Haiti 1
  • June 29 (Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal) — United States 2, Costa Rica 2 (U.S. won penalty shootout, 4-3)
  • July 2 (Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal) — United States 2, Guatemala 1
  • July 6 (Concacaf Gold Cup final) — Mexico 2, United States 1
  • Sept. 6 (friendly) — South Korea 2, United States 0
  • Sept. 9 (friendly) — United States 2, Japan 0
  • Oct. 10 (friendly) — United States 1, Ecuador 1
  • Oct. 14 (friendly) — United States 2, Australia 1
  • Nov. 15 (friendly) — United States 2, Paraguay 1
  • Nov. 18 (friendly) — United States vs. Uruguay, 7 p.m. ET (Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida)
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What are the best NBA games to watch this week? Five to stream

Sport 4 Mins Read

The NBA season is fully in swing. With some teams already having played 15 games, we’re starting to determine exactly who could compete for a title this season.

The early-season surprises are mostly behind us at this point, but that doesn’t mean teams like the Chicago Bulls, losers of five in a row heading into the week, can’t bounce back and remind us why the entire league feared them for the first two weeks.

Meanwhile, other squads are starting to find their groove. After starting the year just 6-6, the Golden State Warriors have won three straight, including two wins over the talented San Antonio Spurs.

Here are the top-five games to watch for the upcoming week of NBA:

Best NBA games to watch Nov. 18-23

1) Detroit Pistons at Atlanta Hawks

  • Date: Tuesday, Nov. 18
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • How to Watch: NBA League Pass, FanDuel Sports Network, Bally Sports Southeast

The Detroit Pistons were expected to be good this year, but very few people expected them to be at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. They’ve posted some impressive wins thus far, but have yet to face a serious Eastern Conference contender like the Atlanta Hawks could be, and to make matters even more difficult, the Pistons will be playing this game as the second of a back-to-back.

2) Houston Rockets at Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Date: Wednesday, Nov. 19
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET
  • How to Watch: ESPN, Fubo, NBA League Pass, FanDuel Sports Network

The Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers both appear to be in that second-tier of team in their respective conferences. Neither can seem to take over first-place in the East or West, but they are both teams that are feared by every competitor they face. Now, they square off against one another on an ESPN clash.

Watch Cavaliers vs. Rockets on Fubo

3) Chicago Bulls at Portland Trail Blazers

  • Date: Wednesday, Nov. 19
  • Time: 10 p.m. ET
  • How to Watch: NBA League Pass, CHSN, BlazerVision

The Chicago Bulls have lost five straight heading into the week and now face a Portland Trail Blazers team that has beaten some of the best teams in the league. The Blazers have also lost to the Los Angeles Clippers and barely squeaked by against the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz. In other words, Portland seems to play up to the level of their competition, and the Bulls might be able to take advantage.

4) Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks

  • Date: Thursday, Nov. 20
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET
  • How to Watch: NBA League Pass, FanDuel Sports Network, NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Milwaukee Bucks are perennial contenders in the Eastern Conference, and they were expected to take a big leap forward this year with the addition of Myles Turner. However, through 14 games, they sit right next to the Philadelphia 76ers in the standings, who just got Paul George back from injury. A blowout loss to Philadelphia could be indicative that Milwaukee’s window has come and gone.

5) Portland Trail Blazers at Oklahoma City Thunder

  • Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET
  • How to Watch: NBA League Pass, FanDuel Sports Network, BlazerVision

The Oklahoma City Thunder have just one loss on their resume thus far. It came to the Portland Trail Blazers back on Nov. 5. This is an opportunity for revenge for the Thunder, or worse, a reminder that the reigning NBA champions, while obviously the favorites, are still capable of losing. The result of this game could be a beacon of hope to the rest of the league or a reminder that you might get in a solid punch against this Thunder squad, but you won’t win the fight.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Trump threatens to move 2026 World Cup games at ‘sign of any trouble’

Sport 4 Mins Read

United States President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to move 2026 World Cup matches from cities with Democratic mayors and crime problems during a news conference in conjunction with an Oval Office meeting of the White House’s FIFA Task Force on Monday, November 17.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino also did not completely rule out the possibility after a reporter asked Trump about Seattle’s new Democratic Socialist mayor-elect Katie Wilson, and whether her agenda and pre-existing crime issues there, could affect the city hosting six World Cup games at Lumen Field next year.

It prompted Trump to again suggest World Cup matches at United States venues could be changed if the administration is concerned about safety at the game site. He previously said he had the authority to move World Cup games from Boston last month.

“If we think there’s going to be a sign of any trouble, I would ask (Infantino) to move that to a different city,’ Trump said.

‘I don’t think we will have this problem, but we will move the event to some place it will be appreciated and safe,’ he added.

Trump also posed the hypothetical question directly to Infantino.

The FIFA president did not rule out the possibility of having to move a match for safety concerns, though he emphasized early ticket sales suggest fans are not concerned about safety and security at this point.

‘Safety and security are the No. 1 priority for a successful World Cup,’ Infantino said in response. ‘We can see today that people have trust in the United States and we see the ticket sales, tickets sold, are record-breaking. Almost 2 million sold already out of 2 million … because people, they know, they will be coming here and they will experience a safe and secure World Cup. It’s of course the responsibility of the government … and obviously we will, we will discuss, we are working together. We have a Task Force for this and we must ensure that all fans coming from abroad here can experience a celebration of coming together, of the sport, and this goes on with 100% safety.’

When asked a follow-up about the logistics of potentially moving a match and whether there was a deadline to do so, Trump called on local officials hosting World Cup matches to ask for federal help to ensure the safety around the games. He pointed specifically to the state of California and Governor Gavin Newsom. World Cup matches are scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium outside Los Angeles and Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area next summer.

“The governors are going to have to behave, the mayors are going to have to behave.’ Trump said ‘… I love Los Angeles. If they want help during this, I would love to send in National Guard or whoever is necessary during that. I want it to be great. I would love it to be in Los Angeles. I love the place. It’s a natural for Los Angeles. If we think there’s going to be crime, if we’re obstructed by the Governor – maybe he won’t obstruct, maybe he’ll be great – but I’d love for him to call and say could I have some extra help.’

‘Because if there’s even a hint of a problem, we want to get in there before the problem occurs,’ Trump continued. ‘We want to make it totally safe for … all of the great people that are going to be there, and I think it’s going to happen. I would be honored to help California if they’re going to have a problem. … We can be in there in 24 hours notice.’

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Nick Hodge: Copper is My Top 2026 Pick, but Gold, Silver Run Not Done

Investing 1 Min Read

Nick Hodge, publisher at Digest Publishing, is most bullish on copper and uranium in 2026, but also believes gold and silver prices have further to go despite recent gains.

‘We are in the middle of a precious metals bull market,’ he said. ‘Silver hasn’t had its day yet, so I think that’s a pretty good indicator that we’ve still got some time to go.’

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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