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NFL playoff picks: Do debuting No. 1 seeds survive divisional round?

Sport 2 Mins Read

The divisional round of the NFL playoffs is regarded as the best weekend of the season by some fans. Four games over two days, two of them including the regular season’s best teams − insomuch as one might regard the No. 1 postseason seeds as the best squads.

Saturday, the Denver Broncos, the top seed in the AFC, will host the Buffalo Bills in a rematch from the 2024 wild-card round − Josh Allen and Co. cruising best then-rookie Bo Nix and the Broncos 31-7. In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks will meet for the third time (and second in three weeks) − the ‘Hawks returning to action at Lumen Field following their bye.

Sunday afternoon, the New England Patriots will try to advance to their first AFC championship game in seven years − by beating a red-hot Houston Texans squad hoping to get that for for the first time. Ever. The final matchup of the weekend quartet will pair the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears, who will square off in the postseason for the first time in 40 years − since the legendary ’85 Bears shut out the Rams at Soldier Field.

Which teams will qualify for the NFL’s version of the Final Four? Our experts make their selections:

(Odds provided by BetMGM)

Divisional round picks, predictions, odds

  • Bills at Broncos
  • 49ers at Seahawks
  • Texans at Patriots
  • Rams at Bears
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Investing

Lead Price Forecast: Top Trends for Lead in 2026

Investing 5 Mins Read

Lead prices were volatile in 2025 amid investor uncertainty and factors like tariff threats.

The base metal is primarily consumed by lead-acid batteries, but is also used to produce radiation shielding, weights and, in the defense sector, ammunition. More recently it’s seen increased demand from the electric vehicle (EV) sector as a low-voltage auxiliary power source for lighting, windows and other essential systems.

Because lead isn’t usually mined as a primary metal, its supply is tied to other metals like zinc, silver and copper, making the lead price highly dependent on demand for these other metals — and by extension, fairly volatile.

How did lead perform in 2025?

Continuous contracts for lead on the London Metal Exchange (LME) started 2025 at US$1,921.44 per metric ton (MT) and saw steady upward momentum in Q1, rising as high as US$2,090.48 on March 18.

According to Shanghai Metals Market, lead’s early 2025 rise was supported by the end of the Chinese New Year holiday, as well as increased activity in the supply chain, which led to a limited increase in demand for lead ingot purchases. This activity coincided with destocking of lead inventories in western markets, which further fueled the price.

Lead continued to trade above US$2,000 for the remainder of March, but the start of April saw its price floor fall out — the metal hit its 2025 low of US$1,829.75 on April 9 amid a broader rout in commodities markets. This came after US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement on April 2.

LME lead price, 2025.

Chart via the LME.

Shanghai Metals Market notes that the tariff announcement came during the traditional off season for lead, with battery producers reducing production and weakening overall demand for the metal.

However, the lead price had rebounded as of the end of April, with rising demand driving down inventories in downstream industries. By the end of Q2, lead was once again trading above US$1,900.

Trade concerns remained present, and although lead ultimately wasn’t included in reciprocal tariffs, considerable uncertainty dampened sentiment during the metal’s normally peak August-to-September period.

During the year’s third quarter, a significant 45,150 MT delivery to LME warehouses in November pushed total volume to 266,125 MT, leading to a collapse in the lead price amid oversupply concerns.

Lead stabilized in the US$1,930 to US$2,050 range as the year drew to a close, spiking to US$2,078.84 on November 12 and to US$1,910.48 on December 12.

What trends will move the lead market in 2026?

According to the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG), global demand for refined lead is expected to increase by 0.9 percent to 13.37 million MT in 2026 after rising 1.8 percent in 2025.

In an October report, the organization projects a 6.6 percent rise in US lead demand for 2025, driven by higher domestic battery production. The ILZSG is also expecting greater 2025 lead usage in the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and the UK, with a 1.8 percent gain in demand across the European Union.

However, a rise in Chinese demand in the first half of 2025, supported by a government trade-in policy for cars and e-bikes, was offset by lower exports of lead-acid batteries, which fueled demand growth of just 0.9 percent.

Many of these same factors are expected to carry over into 2026, with gains in Europe, Vietnam and the US expected to be offset by a forecast 1.7 percent decrease in Chinese demand.

On the supply side, mining output is expected to increase 2.2 percent to 4.67 million MT in 2026, with a 2.5 percent rise from Chinese operations, along with further gains from Europe and output recoveries in Australia and the US.

Refined supply is forecast to increase by 1 percent to 13.47 million MT over the next year, with gains from smelters in Brazil, India and Kazakhstan partially offset by lower production in China and the UK.

Overall, the ILZSG is expecting the lead surplus to grow to 102,000 MT in 2026.

Lead price forecast for 2026

According to a report from market intelligence firm Mordor Intelligence, lead-acid batteries are set to see increasing demand from data centers and 5G applications, where they are used as back-up power systems. The firm is calling for a 0.4 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next two to four years.

In terms of EV sector demand, Mordor sees a 0.3 percent CAGR over the next two years as low-speed EVs like rickshaws and golf carts gain greater uptake in emerging markets in Southeast Asia.

Lead’s supply side could be affected by changing dynamics in the silver market.

In a December 12 article, Fastmarkets notes that a high silver price is prompting producers to accelerate project development timelines, pointing to Silver Mountain Resources’ (TSXV:AGMR,OTCQB:AGMRF) Reliquias project, which is expected to enter commercial production in Q3 2026.

As far as 2026 goes, Fastmarkets is expecting balance in the refined lead metal market, with little supply growth and the price rangebound at around the US$2,000 mark.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Mario Innecco: Gold, Silver Breakout — What Record Prices Really Mean

Investing 1 Min Read

Mario Innecco, who runs the maneco64 YouTube channel, shares his thoughts on the record runs in gold and silver, outlining what these high prices say about the world.

‘This is I think the end of this fiat currency regime,’ he said.

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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Osisko Intersects 748 Metres Averaging 0.27% Cu at Gaspé

Investing 15 Mins Read

Osisko Metals Incorporated (the ‘Company’ or ‘Osisko Metals’) (TSX: OM,OTC:OMZNF; OTCQX: OMZNF; FRANKFURT: 0B51) is pleased to announce new drill results from the Gaspé Copper Project, located in the Gaspé Peninsula of Eastern Québec.

New analytical results are presented below (see Table 1), including 35 mineralized intercepts from ten new drill holes. Infill intercepts are located inside the 2024 MRE model (see November 14, 2024 news release), and are focused on upgrading inferred mineral resources to measured or indicated categories, as applicable. Expansion intercepts are located outside the 2024 MRE model and may potentially lead to additional resources that will be classified appropriately within the next MRE update. Some of the reported intercepts have contiguous shallower infill as well as deeper expansion (noted on Table 1 below as ‘Both’). Maps showing hole locations are available at www.osiskometals.com.

Highlights:

  • Drill hole 30-1144
    • 748.0 metres averaging 0.27% Cu (0.37% CuEq – infill and expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1146
    • 729.0 metres averaging 0.21% Cu (0.29% CuEq – infill and expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1142
    • 585.0 metres averaging 0.24% Cu (0.31% CuEq – infill and expansion)
    • 245.0 metres averaging 0.55% Cu (0.70% CuEq – expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1143 (Southern Extension)
    • 163.5 metres averaging 0.47% Cu (0.50% CuEq – expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1141
    • 171.5 metres averaging 0.42% Cu (0.46% CuEq – infill)
  • Drill hole 30-0881 (historical re-assay)
    • 62.5 metres averaging 0.29% Cu (0.38% CuEq – expansion)
    • 421.8 metres averaging 0.28% Cu (0.39% CuEq – expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1135
    • 201.0 metres averaging 0.20% Cu (0.31% CuEq – expansion)

Table 1: Infill and Expansion Drilling Results

DDH No. From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu % Ag g/t Mo % CuEq* % Type**
30-881 13.7 76.2 62.5 0.29 2.20 0.020 0.38 Expansion
And 546.7 592.1 45.4 0.20 1.67 <0.005 0.21 Expansion
And 622.7 1044.5 421.8 0.28 1.24 0.026 0.39 Expansion
30-1132 304.8 320.1 15.3 0.66 2.52 0.016 0.73 Expansion
And 640.5 694.5 54.0 0.28 1.87 0.005 0.31 Expansion
And 735.0 783.4 48.4 0.32 1.91 0.011 0.37 Expansion
30-1135 7.0 33.0 26.0 0.31 1.54 <0.005 0.32 Infill
And 148.5 201.0 52.5 0.19 1.56 <0.005 0.20 Infill
And 231.0 296.5 65.5 0.28 2.43 0.005 0.31 Infill
And 329.9 495 165.1 0.28 2.17 0.051 0.48 Infill
And 528.0 729.0 201.0 0.20 1.59 0.026 0.31 Expansion
30-1137 113.0 166.5 53.5 0.19 1.82 <0.005 0.21 Infill
And 311.4 345.8 34.4 0.27 2.51 0.007 0.31 Expansion
And 424.9 449.5 24.6 0.16 1.34 0.021 0.24 Infill
And 496.5 585.4 88.9 0.33 2.27 0.015 0.40 Expansion
And 726.2 851.4 125.2 0.20 1.25 0.009 0.23 Expansion
30-1141 94.0 265.5 171.5 0.42 3.12 0.007 0.46 Infill
And 507.0 535.5 28.5 0.18 2.09 <0.005 0.19 Infill
30-1142 75.0 660.0 585.0 0.24 0.96 0.017 0.31 Both
(including) 75.0 576.5 501.5 0.26 0.99 0.017 0.32 Infill
(including) 576.5 660.0 83.5 0.12 0.83 0.018 0.19 Expansion
And 761.5 1006.5 245.0 0.55 2.25 0.035 0.70 Expansion
30-1143 21.0 184.5 163.5 0.47 3.41 <0.005 0.50 Expansion
And 265.5 313.5 48.0 0.67 6.15 <0.005 0.71 Expansion
And 490.5 517.5 27.0 0.37 3.63 <0.005 0.39 Expansion
30-1144 22.0 62.0 40.0 0.23 1.70 <0.005 0.24 Infill
And 227.0 975.0 748.0 0.27 1.84 0.023 0.37 Both
(including) 227.0 789.4 562.4 0.27 1.74 0.018 0.34 Infill
(including) 789.4 975.0 185.6 0.29 2.15 0.039 0.44 Expansion
30-1145 16.0 52.1 36.1 0.14 1.75 <0.005 0.15 Infill
And 151.5 208.6 57.1 0.23 2.40 <0.005 0.25 Infill
And 257.3 285.0 27.7 0.13 1.50 <0.005 0.15 Infill
And 334.5 374.0 39.5 0.24 1.95 0.007 0.28 Infill
And 415.3 462.5 47.2 0.18 1.47 0.009 0.23 Infill
And 477.7 627.0 149.3 0.15 1.11 0.016 0.22 Expansion
And 717.7 770.0 52.3 0.18 1.24 0.024 0.28 Expansion
30-1146 12.0 204.0 192.0 0.31 2.36 <0.005 0.32 Infill
And 264.0 399.0 135.0 0.13 1.02 0.014 0.19 Infill
And 423.0 1152.0 729.0 0.21 1.48 0.019 0.29 Both
(including) 423.0 713.5 290.5 0.21 1.37 0.018 0.28 Infill
(including) 713.5 1152.0 438.5 0.21 1.55 0.020 0.29 Expansion
                 

* See explanatory notes below on copper equivalent values and Quality Assurance/Quality Controls.
** ‘Both’ indicates drill holes that have contiguous shallower infill as well as deeper expansion intercepts.

Discussion

Drill hole 30-0881, located on the western margin of the Copper Mountain pit, was a historical hole that was re-analyzed from available core to include sections that had not been previously assayed. New results added three new significant mineralized intervals (expansion) including 62.5 metres averaging 0.29% Cu, 2.20 g/t Ag and 0.020% Mo, followed by 45.4 metres averaging 0.20% Cu and 1.67 g/t Ag and an additional 421.8 metres averaging 0.28% Cu, 1.24 g/t Ag and 0.026% Mo. The last portion of 144.4 metres of the latter intersection confirmed previously reported results, and this historical hole will now constitute a depth expansion in the upcoming MRE update.

Drill holes 30-1132 and 30-1137, located near the eastern margin of the 2024 MRE model, cut multiple intersections of mineralization, 15 to 125 metres thick and distributed in ‘layer cake’ fashion from surface, including 125.2 metres averaging 0.20% Cu, 1.25 g/t Ag and 0.009% Mo (expansion in 30-1137), extending mineralization in this area to vertical depths of 783 and 851 metres, respectively.

Drill hole 30-1135, located in the south-central portion of the 2024 MRE model, cut multiple intersections of mineralization, 26 to 201 metres thick and distributed in ‘layer cake’ fashion from surface, including a deeper intersection of 201.0 metres averaging 0.20% Cu, 1.59 g/t Ag and 0.026% Mo (expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 729 metres.

Drill hole 30-1141, located on top of Copper Mountain near the centre of the 2024 MRE model and inclined 61 degrees to the north, cut 171.5 metres averaging 0.42% Cu and 3.12 g/t Ag (infill) as well as multiple short 10 to 28 metre intersections to a depth of 695 metres.

Drill hole 30-1142, located near the southwestern lip of the Copper Mountain open pit, cut one mineralized interval of 585.0 metres averaging 0.24% Cu, 0.96 g/t Ag and 0.017% Mo (infill and expansion), followed by 245.0 metres averaging 0.55% Cu, 2.25 g/t Ag and 0.035% Mo (expansion). This hole confirmed mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 1006 metres.

Drill hole 30-1143, located 50 metres south of the southern margin of the 2024 MRE model in the Southern Extension Zone, cut 163.5 metres averaging 0.47% Cu and 3.41 g/t Ag followed by 48.0 metres averaging 0.67% Cu and 6.15 g/t Ag, once again confirming the higher copper and silver grades of mineralization in this zone.

Drill hole 30-1144, located on the western flank of Copper Mountain and inclined 67 degrees to the north, cut two mineralized intervals including 40.0 metres averaging 0.23% Cu and 1.70 g/t Ag (infill) followed by 748.0 metres averaging 0.27% Cu, 1.84 g/t Ag and 0.023% Mo (infill and expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 895 metres.

Drill hole 30-1145, located between holes 30-1135 and 30-1137, cut five intersections of mineralization, 28 to 57 metres thick and distributed in ‘layer cake’ fashion from surface to a depth of 462 metres (all infill), followed by 149.3 metres averaging 0.15% Cu, 1.11 g/t Ag and 0.016% Mo (expansion) and 52.3 metres averaging 0.18% Cu, 1.24 g/t Ag and 0.024% Mo (expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 770 metres.

Drill hole 30-1146, located on top of Copper Mountain near the centre of the 2024 MRE, cut 192.0 metres averaging 0.31% Cu and 2.36 g/t Ag (infill) followed by 135.0 metres averaging 0.13% Cu, 1.02 g/t Ag and 0.014% Mo (infill) and then 729.0 metres averaging 0.21% Cu, 1.48 g/t Ag and 0.019% Mo (infill and expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 1152 metres.

Mineralization at Gaspé Copper is of porphyry copper/skarn type and occurs as disseminations and stockworks of chalcopyrite with pyrite or pyrrhotite and minor bornite and molybdenite. One prograde and at least five retrograde vein/stockwork mineralizing events have been recognized at Copper Mountain, which overprint earlier, bedding replacement skarn and porcellanite-hosted mineralization throughout the Gaspé Copper system. Porcellanite is a historical mining term used to describe bleached, pale green to white potassic-altered hornfels. Subvertical stockwork mineralization dominates at Copper Mountain whereas prograde bedding-parallel mineralization, which is mostly stratigraphically controlled, dominates in the area of lower Copper Mountain, Needle Mountain, Needle East, and Copper Brook. High molybdenum grades (up to 0.5% Mo) were locally obtained in both the C Zone and E Zone skarns away from Copper Mountain.

The 2022 to 2024 Osisko Metals drill programs were focused on defining open-pit resources within the Copper Mountain stockwork mineralization (see May 6, 2024 MRE press release). Extending the resource model south of Copper Mountain into the poorly-drilled prograde skarn/porcellanite portion of the system subsequently led to a significantly increased resource, mostly in the Inferred category (see November 14, 2024 MRE press release).

The current drill program is designed to convert the November 2024 MRE to Measured and Indicated categories, as well as test the expansion of the system deeper into the stratigraphy and laterally to the south and southwest towards Needle East and Needle Mountain respectively. The November 2024 MRE was limited at depth to the base of the L1 skarn horizon (C Zone), and all mineralized intersections below this horizon represent potential depth extensions to the deposit, to be included in the next scheduled MRE update in Q1 2026.

Most holes are being drilled sub-vertically into the altered calcareous stratigraphy that dips 20 to 25 degrees to the north. The L1 (C Zone) the L2 (E Zone) skarn/marble horizons were intersected in most holes, as well as intervening porcellanites that host the bulk of the disseminated copper mineralization.

Table 2: Drill hole locations

DDH No. Azimuth (°) Dip (°) Length (m) UTM E UTM N Elevation
30-0881 91.9 -86.0 1044.5 315110 5426797 599.2
30-1132 0.0 -90.0 783.4 316403 5426390 667.5
30-1135 0.0 -90.0 846.0 316218 5425935 618.6
30-1137 0.0 -90.0 930.0 316498 5426089 652.6
30-1141 1.0 -61.0 843.0 316151 5426415 742.6
30-1142 0.0 -90.0 1011.0 315401 5426545 584.2
30-1143 0.0 -90.0 714.0 316585 5425554 560.9
30-1144 0.0 -67.0 975.0 315811 5426423 658.5
30-1145 0.0 -90.0 948.0 316465 5426040 656.8
30-1146 0.0 -90.0 1173.0 316000 5426300 741.6
             

Explanatory note regarding copper-equivalent grades

Copper Equivalent grades are expressed for purposes of simplicity and are calculated taking into account: 1) metal grades; 2) estimated long-term prices of metals: US$4.25/lb copper, $20.00/lb molybdenum, and US$24/oz silver; 3) estimated recoveries of 92%, 70%, and 70% for Cu, Mo, and Ag respectively; and 4) net smelter return value of metals as percentage of the price, estimated at 86.5%, 90.7%, and 75.0% for Cu, Mo, and Ag respectively.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Bernard-Olivier Martel, P. Geo. (OGQ 492), an independent ‘qualified person’ as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (‘NI 43-101’).

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Mineralized intervals reported herein are calculated using an average 0.12% CuEq lower cut-off over contiguous 20-metre intersections (shorter intervals as the case may be at the upper and lower limits of reported intervals). Intervals of 10 metres or less are not reported unless indicating significantly higher grades. True widths are estimated at 90 – 92% of the reported core length intervals.

Osisko Metals adheres to a strict QA/QC program for core handling, sampling, sample transportation and analyses, including insertion of blanks and standards in the sample stream. Drill core is drilled in HQ or NQ diameter and securely transported to its core processing facility on site, where it is logged, cut and sampled. Samples selected for assay are sealed and shipped to ALS Canada Ltd.’s preparation facility in Sudbury. Sample preparation details (code PREP-31DH) are available on the ALS Canada website. Pulps are analyzed at the ALS Canada Ltd. facility in North Vancouver, BC. All samples are analyzed by four acid digestion followed by both ICP-AES and ICP-MS for Cu, Mo and Ag.

About Osisko Metals

Osisko Metals Incorporated is a Canadian exploration and development company creating value in the critical metals sector, with a focus on copper and zinc. The Company acquired a 100% interest in the past-producing Gaspé Copper mine from Glencore Canada Corporation in July 2023. The Gaspé Copper mine is located near Murdochville in Québec‘s Gaspé Peninsula. The Company is currently focused on resource expansion of the Gaspé Copper system, with current Indicated Mineral Resources of 824 Mt averaging 0.34% CuEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 670 Mt averaging 0.38% CuEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals’ November 14, 2024 news release entitled ‘Osisko Metals Announces Significant Increase in Mineral Resource at Gaspé Copper’. Gaspé Copper hosts the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America, strategically located near existing infrastructure in the mining-friendly province of Québec.

In addition to the Gaspé Copper project, the Company is working with Appian Capital Advisory LLP through the Pine Point Mining Limited joint venture to advance one of Canada‘s largest past-producing zinc mining camps, the Pine Point project, located in the Northwest Territories. The current mineral resource estimate for the Pine Point project consists of Indicated Mineral Resources of 49.5 Mt averaging 5.52% ZnEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 8.3 Mt averaging 5.64% ZnEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals‘ June 25, 2024 news release entitled ‘Osisko Metals releases Pine Point mineral resource estimate: 49.5 million tonnes of indicated resources at 5.52% ZnEq’. The Pine Point project is located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, NWT, close to infrastructure, with paved road access, an electrical substation and 100 kilometres of viable haul roads.

For further information on this news release, visit www.osiskometals.com or contact:

Don Njegovan, President
Email: info@osiskometals.com
Phone: (416) 500-4129

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as ‘expects’, or ‘does not expect’, ‘is expected’, ‘interpreted’, ‘management’s view’, ‘anticipates’ or ‘does not anticipate’, ‘plans’, ‘budget’, ‘scheduled’, ‘forecasts’, ‘estimates’, ‘potential’, ‘feasibility’, ‘believes’ or ‘intends’ or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results ‘may’ or ‘could’, ‘would’, ‘might’ or ‘will’ be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, among other things: the tax treatment of the FT Units; the timing of incurring the Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation of the Qualifying Expenditures; the ability to advance Gaspé Copper to a construction decision (if at all); the ability to increase the Company’s trading liquidity and enhance its capital markets presence; the potential re-rating of the Company; the ability for the Company to unlock the full potential of its assets and achieve success; the ability for the Company to create value for its shareholders; the advancement of the Pine Point project; the anticipated resource expansion of the Gaspé Copper system and Gaspé Copper hosting the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company’s public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Metals’ issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/704df619-458e-4636-a360-a7c147b0444c
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e312e542-f64b-4ee5-a179-e0cd809917ed

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Crypto Market Update: US Senate Sets January Clock on Crypto Structure Bill

Investing 6 Mins Read

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (January 14) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ether price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$97,611.39, up by 3.3 percent over 24 hours.

Bitcoin price performance, January 14, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Ether (ETH) was priced at US$3,380.29, up by 5.5 percent over the last 24 hours.

Altcoin price update

  • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$2.15, up by 0.6 percent over 24 hours.
  • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$147.38, up by 2.7 percent over 24 hours.

Today’s crypto news to know

Senate Committee puts crypto bill on January clock

The US Senate Committee on Agriculture has scheduled January 27 for its markup of a sweeping crypto market structure bill aimed at clarifying regulatory oversight of digital assets.

The bill text is due to be released on January 21, giving lawmakers less than a week to review and propose amendments before the committee vote. Committee Chair John Boozman said the compressed schedule is designed to balance transparency with momentum as Congress looks to reduce regulatory uncertainty.

The agriculture committee plays a central role because it oversees the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which would gain expanded authority under the proposal.

If approved, the bill would still need to clear the Senate Banking Committee, pass the full Senate and House and ultimately be signed into law. While momentum has improved compared to last year, unresolved disputes remain around stablecoin yield and decentralized finance provisions.

Polygon to acquire Coinme, Sequence for ‘one-stop shop’ payments

Polygon Labs has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Coinme and Sequence, bringing together licensed fiat on- and off-ramps, enterprise wallets and onchain orchestration in one integrated solution.

Coinme provides licensed cash-to-digital at retail locations, while Sequence has the simplified ‘smart wallet’ technology needed to move that money easily. By acquiring these two companies, Polygon believes it is building a “one-stop shop” for moving money, allowing users to turn physical cash into digital money, and vice versa, at over 50,000 retail locations in the US; they can also create a digital wallet using an email or social media account.

In addition to that, Polygon said the acquisition will allow crypto users to send money across the world in seconds, without the need for complicated background steps.

Figure launches OPEN, a blockchain-based stock exchange network

Figure Technology Solutions (NASDAQ:FIGR) has launched a new system called the On-Chain Public Equity Network (OPEN), providing a new way for companies to list and trade shares using blockchain technology.

According to the announcement, OPEN is a new system where official stock ownership is recorded directly on a public blockchain, meaning the blockchain record is the stock, unlike a digital copy. It allows continuous, peer-to-peer trading via a limit order book, eliminating reliance on traditional banks and clearinghouses that close.

Investors can self-custody their stocks in a digital wallet, which aims to reduce fees and costs.

The network also allows shareholders to use their stocks as collateral for borrowing or lending, a role typically held by prime brokers. Figure said it is planning for these blockchain stocks to be ‘exchangeable’ with Nasdaq-traded stocks, ensuring price parity and liquidity across both markets.

Figure is the first company to use OPEN, and is offering some of its own shares to demonstrate the technology’s viability for large-scale public investing.

CleanSpark expands into AI data centers with Texas acquisition

CleanSpark (NASDAQ:CLSK), a company primarily known for Bitcoin mining, announced an expansion to build data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) with the purchase of 447 acres of land in Brazoria County, Texas.

This is its second major land purchase in the area following a similar deal nearby in Austin County.

The company has secured a long-term deal to get up to 600 megawatts of electricity for this new site, enough power to run hundreds of thousands of homes.

While the company is known for mining Bitcoin, it is now using its expertise in building large “computer warehouses” to support the AI boom. These new sites are being designed as AI factories, places filled with powerful computers that process the complex data needed for things like ChatGPT and other advanced tech.

The deal is expected to close in early 2026. Once finished, CleanSpark will have nearly 1 gigawatt of potential capacity in the Houston area, making it a major player in the infrastructure that runs the modern internet.

Strategy’s US$1.3 billion Bitcoin haul lifts price

Bitcoin climbed back above US$95,000 after Michael Saylor’s Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) disclosed a US$1.3 billion Bitcoin purchase, its largest single acquisition since July.

The purchase pushed Strategy’s shares up about 7 percent, reinforcing its reputation as a high-beta proxy for Bitcoin. The company now holds roughly US$66 billion worth of Bitcoin at an average purchase price near US$75,000.

Strategy funded the purchase by issuing more than US$1 billion in new shares rather than tapping existing cash.

The rally was reinforced by a surge in institutional demand, with US-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recording their strongest single-day inflows since October.

European crypto exchange Bitpanda targets 2026 Frankfurt IPO

European crypto exchange Bitpanda is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in the first half of 2026, with a potential valuation of up to 5 billion euros.

Bloomberg reported that the Vienna-based firm is said to be eyeing a Frankfurt listing, positioning itself in one of Europe’s deepest capital markets. Founded in 2014, Bitpanda has grown into a major retail platform with more than 7 million users and a dominant share of Austria’s domestic crypto trading activity.

The company has reportedly engaged major investment banks to advise on the deal, though it has yet to formally confirm its IPO plans. A Frankfurt listing would align Bitpanda with a broader trend of European firms prioritizing liquidity and investor depth over traditional UK venues

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

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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Who are the NHL’s 5 youngest players ever to win the Hart Trophy?

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Teenager Macklin Celebrini is doing his utmost to become only the third teenager to win the NHL’s Hart Trophy.

Celebrini broke out in a big way this season, recording 24 goals and 70 points in the first 45 games. He already has more points than the 63 he had in 70 games last season, and he has more than double the number of points as the second-highest scorer on San Jose.

Unfortunately for him, the 19-year-old phenom has Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon standing in his way.

While Celebrini has his work cut out to join the exclusive teenager Hart Trophy club, his quest provides the perfect platform to discuss the NHL’s five youngest-ever MVPs.

Five youngest Hart Trophy winners in NHL history

5. Bobby Orr (22 years old)

Bobby Orr won his first of three straight Hart Trophies in his fourth season after turning 22 late in the season. He finished the 1969-70 campaign with 33 goals, 87 assists and 120 points. That was 21 more points than second-place Phil Esposito. 

Orr had 125 penalty minutes, the second-most in his venerable career. He put up 51 power-play points, one fewer than his career-best 52 in 1974-75. 

4. Eric Lindros (22 years old)

Eric Lindros won his only Hart Trophy in the lockout-shortened 1994-95 campaign. He notched 29 goals and 41 assists for 70 points in 46 games, tying the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Jaromir Jagr for the scoring lead. 

Lindros, who turned 22 in February 1995, scored the most points per game (1.52) en route to winning MVP honors in his third season. Lindros’ storied career was cut short due to repeated concussions, with the star retiring in 2007. He reportedly sustained six concussions from 1998 to 2000. 

3. Connor McDavid (20 years old)

McDavid won his first of three Hart Trophies in 2016-17, his second year in the NHL. McDavid also won the Art Ross Trophy, finishing with 100 points (30 goals and 70 assists) in 82 games, 11 points ahead of Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane. 

The Oilers captain finished that campaign with a plus-27, the third-best plus-minus rating of his career thus far. He also took MVP plaudits in 2020-21 and 2022-23.

2. Wayne Gretzky (19 years old)

It didn’t take long for people to realize Wayne Gretzky would become the Great One. In fact, Gretzky won his first of a record nine Hart Trophies in his first NHL season in 1979-80. 

However, he wasn’t eligible to win the Calder Trophy due to spending a season in the World Hockey Association beforehand. That technicality doesn’t take away from Gretzky’s wondrous first NHL season, where he scored 51 goals and added 86 assists, tying Marcel Dionne for the most points. 

It was the first of eight successive Hart Trophies for Gretzky, a record that probably won’t be broken. 

1. Sidney Crosby (19 years old)

When he could still be referred to as ‘Sid the Kid,’ Crosby became the second teenager to take home the Hart Trophy, following in Gretzky’s footsteps. The then-19-year-old scored 36 goals and 84 assists for 120 points in 79 games during the 2006-07 campaign, the most of his illustrious career thus far.

Over 50 percent of Crosby’s overall point production came on the power play, with his 61 power-play points being a career high. His first of two Hart Trophies came a year after losing out on the Calder Trophy to Alex Ovechkin. 

Crosby also won the Hart Trophy in 2013-14.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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With Dante Moore returning to Oregon, how do Jets pick up the pieces?

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Wednesday, Moore announced he’ll forego the 2026 NFL Draft in order to play another season for the Ducks – in what’s very likely the best decision for him … and the New York Jets.

Moore, who’s started just 20 games in college – 15 in Oregon’s just completed season and five for UCLA in 2023 – was widely projected to be a top-five pick in this year’s draft, quite possibly second overall to the quarterback-starved Jets. (The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to take Indiana star and recently crowned Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza in the top spot.)

Still, some NFL scouts believe Moore could have more professional upside than Mendoza.

“Around the league, there’s a debate on who’s one or who’s two,” ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller recently told USA TODAY Sports. “Some people love Mendoza – pocket passer, super accurate, poised, never seems to get rattled. He’s more of a distributor – he allows his guys to go make plays. I think there’s a lot of people that see that and like it. He’s kind of Jared Goff-esque … or Kirk Cousins-plus.

“Dante, I think he’s a little more explosive, he’s a little more dynamic. … He’s really not quite as experienced. And so it’s more of an upside bet.”

Mendoza thoroughly outplayed Moore in last Friday’s Peach Bowl, the Hoosiers scalding the Ducks 56-22. Mendoza’s performance, which included five touchdown passes and three incompletions, aligned with Miller’s description of him. However Moore threw an ugly pick-six on the first play from scrimmage, didn’t deal with Indiana’s defensive pressure effectively and – despite a promising second drive capped by a 19-yard TD pass to Jamari Johnson – wasn’t able to keep Oregon competitive in the CFP semifinal round, his 285 passing yards largely cosmetic.

The game was but a snapshot of Moore, who was third-team All-Big Ten 2025 and typically has a strong and accurate arm, and hardly a microcosm of his breakout season. Yet it was also more indicative of what he’ll see on an Sundays than a Saturday in Eugene or Corvallis.

Moore’s decision likely spares the perpetually rebuilding Jets – and a roster that began getting stripped of talent at November’s trade deadline – from a mistake. Though the NYJ touted the consistency of their offensive line at the end of the season, which they ended by losing a record five consecutive games by at least 23 points apiece, they hardly have the look of a team that’s one young quarterback away from competing. And for a franchise that’s failed to support and/or develop Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, Sam Darnold, Zach Wilson and Justin Fields – and that’s just over the past 15 years – asking Moore to deliver in the pressure cooker that is the New York market without a reputable QB sensei would have been a highly suspect decision.

Also, the NFL has done no favors to inexperienced passers taken as top-five picks in recent years – think Mitch Trubisky, Trey Lance or Anthony Richardson.

So while Moore returns to school in hopes of further polishing his game – and, make no mistake, it’s a decision quite likely to cost him significant draft position (and money) in the 2027 draft, though could ultimately render him a better football player – where do the Jets go from here?

Here are four suggestions for Gang Green:

Bring in a veteran QB with upside

Hard to imagine Fields is sticking around for the second year of the deal he signed last year – especially given his ongoing inability to develop as a passer, and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand’s inability to consistently deploy the dual threat in a way that leverages Fields’ talents as a runner.

As is typically the case, the crop of free agent quarterbacks is going to be thin. Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell and Malik Willis – and he might actually have a fairly robust market – seem like the best options (and, no, we’re not advocating for Daniel Jones to return to New York).

Even though he’ll be 38 next season, maybe Cousins could be a temporary option – given the relative strength of the Jets’ line and his desire to remain a starter in the league, even if only in a bridge capacity. He’s certainly closer to Jared Goff, whom Engstrand worked with in Detroit, than anyone else on this list. And the rebooting Falcons could more easily trade Cousins now from a salary cap perspective – though they might be compelled to retain him as Michael Penix Jr. recovers from his most recent knee injury.

But maybe the sweet spot solution is Mac Jones. A failed 2021 first-rounder alongside Wilson, Lance and Fields, Jones – like Darnold before him – has seemingly benefited from a year in Kyle Shanahan’s quarterback halfway house with the San Francisco 49ers, winning five of eight starts this season while crafting a career-best 97.4 passer rating. Jones is a fiery competitor and has a demeanor teammates tend to gravitate toward. And as flush with draft capital as the Jets are after offloading Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner in November, sending, say, a third-rounder to the Niners for Jones, who’s already under contract for 2026, could be a worthwhile gambit.

Draft a quarterback … but not early

The Jets have two first-round picks this year. They should use both with the always prudent “best player available” approach in mind to build out this roster. And unless the Raiders pass on Mendoza for some hard-to-fathom reason, that means the NYJ should be steering clear of QBs on Day 1 of the draft. The Jets also possess two second-round picks. But even then, using one on Alabama’s Ty Simpson, for example, seems misguided given his own limitations. But if Simpson or LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier or Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, for example, are available in the middle rounds, any might be worth a flier given their upside and the general lack of expectations they’d carry forward from college at this point.

Draft a playmaker … early

Even if the Jets have no business taking a QB with the second pick, laying the groundwork for the eventual face of the franchise makes sense. WR Garrett Wilson and TE Mason Taylor, a second-round pick by this regime last year, could be the start of a nice suite of weapons.

But the Jets have probably over-targeted and overburdened the wispy Wilson in recent years – and he only played in seven games in 2025. Taking another Ohio State receiver, Carnell Tate – perhaps a similar, if slightly bigger (6-3, 195) version of Wilson – could be the right play. Buckeyes pass catchers translate very well to the NFL, and creating a tandem that could be a nice 1/1A combo would be sensible.

And though it’s quite lofty for his position, perhaps lengthy consideration should be given to Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. The caveat is having a plan here – not tossing him into an unfortunate situation like the one Las Vegas’ Ashton Jeanty found himself in as a rookie. But remember, this offense – at least based on how it operates in Detroit – heavily relies on two backs, and the Jets may not have one frontliner if Breece Hall jets in free agency. Regardless, the dynamic Love might be perfectly utilized in some kind of time-share here, especially since his skills as a receiver would absolutely benefit any kind of quarterback − but especially a young one.

Keep the phone lines open

Are the Jets likely to field an offer at No. 2 the way the Cleveland Browns did last year, when they traded down so the Jacksonville Jaguars could reel in Heisman Trophy winning WR/CB Travis Hunter? Seems rather unlikely – especially in a draft so seemingly devoid of quarterback talent. But if the Jets can move out of the second spot – even if it means taking a bit less than a premium package – to slide back a handful of spots, they should. They have too many needs, especially defensively, to stick and pick in this draft unless they’re absolutely convicted about someone like Love or a defender such as Buckeyes pass rusher Arvell Reese. But given the obvious signal the team sent that it’s embarking on a lengthy rebuild, stockpiling assets – especially if that means extra ammo in what’s expected to be a loaded 2027 draft – seems like the chess move for GM Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Greg Biffle home burglarized three weeks after fatal plane crash

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Three weeks after Greg Biffle, his wife and their two young children died in a plane crash, sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the estate where the retired NASCAR driver and his family lived in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Thus began an investigation into an alleged break-in and theft reported Jan. 8, and Iredell County Sheriff Dan Campbell told the Associated Press $30,000 in cash was stolen.

The investigation continues at the same time “A Gathering in Remembrance” is scheduled to be held Friday, Jan. 16, to honor the lives lost in the Dec. 18 plane crash.

In addition to the death of Biffle, his wife Cristina and his two children — daughter Emma and son Ryder — three other people died in the crash of the Cessna Citation. According to WTVD in Durham, North Carolina, the plane hit the ground short of the runway at Statesville Regional Airport and then burst into flames.

As the grieving continues, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office now is tasked to determine what happened during the apparent burglary of the Biffles’ home.

Campbell told the Associated Press that no arrests have been made and that investigators think someone entered a safe in the home. In addition to $30,000 missing, some guns and memorabilia also are gone, according to the Associated Press report.

Biffle, who won 19 races on the Cup Series, retired from full-time competition in 2016.

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What to know about the NBA’s European league plans

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It’s not bold to say the NBA’s intrigue in Europe is large right now. Fifteen percent of players currently in the NBA are European. Furthermore, three of the league’s top-five preseason MVP favorites were European — Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. I haven’t even mentioned San Antonio’s young superstar Victor Wembanyama.

All this is to say that it should come as no surprise that the NBA is looking to enter the European market. In December, the NBA, alongside FIBA, announced that they are moving forward with plans to introduce a new league in Europe as early as 2027, claiming that they would begin speaking with teams and owners interested in joining the league in January.

USA TODAY Sports reached out to the NBA to get updates on the unnamed European league. Here’s what to know:

What will the league entail?

Leah MacNab, NBA Senior Vice President and Head of International Strategy, told USA TODAY Sports, ‘We are planning to launch a 16-team league with 10 permanent teams and at least four rotational spots.’

MacNab expanded, claiming that the rotational spots will work similarly to the relegation system many European soccer leagues use.

‘It is a very European system,’ said MacNab. ‘We want to introduce a merit-based pathway into the league so that even teams in lower leagues can have the opportunity to play at the highest level of competition.’

According to MacNab, the 10 permanent teams will never fall out of the league. The rotational spots, meanwhile, will give more teams and players the opportunity to play on the largest stage, which will help expand the basketball market and share the rising interest with other teams that normally wouldn’t get such exposure.

Are there any teams currently lined up?

Not currently.

Although early reports claimed that the NBA would start speaking to teams and owners this month, MacNab claims that no such conversations have happened. MacNab even claimed that if the NBA had already begun speaking with teams, it would have been ‘unlawful.’ The process for finding teams to fill the league will begin soon, but has not begun.

Why are they choosing to start this league now?

Basketball is growing in popularity in Europe. That’s the bottom line. According to National Media Partnerships and International Communications Lead Mark Pozin, basketball has become the second-most popular sport in Europe with over 270 million fans across the continent. Furthermore, the top two most-viewed players globally on NBA social media are European: Luka Dončić (Slovenia; 845M+ views; 1st overall) and Victor Wembanyama (France; 708M+ views; 2nd overall).

Pair those popular players with the NBA playing two games in Europe as well, and there’s plenty of reason to believe the NBA could expand its market substantially with a league across the Atlantic.

Will we see NBA teams in Europe soon?

MacNab was intrigued by this idea but said that such a concept is still a long ways away. The league is not considering that an option for the near future. That said, even Americans have become more intrigued with international basketball. After all, this year’s All-Star Game bears the theme of USA vs. the world.

As it stands, future plans including more international preseason games, with potential matchups between NBA squads and teams in the newly formed European league. MacNab also hinted that tournaments between the two leagues could be in play as well, although details on the tournament, such as time of year, format, etc. are still in the works.

Will this affect NBA teams’ ability to sign international players?

It does not appear so. According to MacNab, most of the systems currently in place will remain in place until further notice. When asked whether or not an NBA-backed league in Europe could persuade some players to remain home rather than travel to the United States to play in the NBA, MacNab admitted that it was a possibility.

Per MacNab, the salaries in the NBA will still be larger, which will likely push many players into the NBA, but ultimately it will be up to the player to determine what they want from their basketball career and whether or not staying in Europe is in their best interest.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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