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WNBA star’s Los Angeles home burglarized

Sport 2 Mins Read

An investigation has been opened into the burglary of New York Liberty All-Star Sabrina Ionescu’s home, the latest in a string of high-profile break-ins targeting athletes.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday that officers responded to the Los Angeles home around 8:15 p.m. ET Monday evening after two suspects smashed through a rear glass door to gain entry into the residence. The suspects later fled in a vehicle with stolen property, authorities added.

The authorities didn’t identify what was stolen, but ESPN reported several handbags worth more than $60,000 were taken from the home Ionescu shares with her husband, former NFL offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu.

Neither Ionescu or Grasu were home at the time of the burglary. No arrests have been made so far.

Ionescu is not the first athlete to deal with a home break-in. A number of professional athletes have faced similar incidents recently, including Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and Oklahoma City Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Most recently, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ home was burglarized on Nov. 16 while he was making his NFL debut against the Baltimore Ravens.

The FBI issued a formal warning to professional leagues in December 2024 about organized groups conducting a string of burglaries.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Trump Weighs Executive Order to Loosen Federal Cannabis Restrictions

Investing 4 Mins Read

US President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing a major shift in federal drug policy that would relax decades-old restrictions on cannabis, potentially injecting new life into the industry.

Six people familiar with the discussions told the Washington Post that Trump is preparing an executive order directing federal agencies to pursue the reclassification of cannabis from a Schedule I substance to Schedule III.

The effort, still under internal review, was the focus of a December 10 phone call between Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, several of the sources said. Joining the call were cannabis industry executives, Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the meeting publicly.

Johnson reportedly expressed skepticism and laid out several studies and data points opposing rescheduling, but by the end of the call, Trump appeared inclined to proceed. However, the sources emphasized that no final decision has been made and that he could still change course; this was later confirmed by another White House official.

Reclassification would shift cannabis from Schedule I status — reserved for substances deemed to have high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use — to Schedule III, which includes Tylenol with codeine and certain steroids.

The shift would not legalize recreational use under federal law, but would remove some of the most onerous constraints faced by medical researchers and by companies operating legally in dozens of states.

“This would be the biggest reform in federal cannabis policy since marijuana was made a Schedule I drug in the 1970s,” said Shane Pennington, a DC attorney who represents companies involved in rescheduling litigation.

He noted that while Trump cannot unilaterally change the drug schedule, he can instruct the Department of Justice to bypass a pending administrative hearing and finalize the rule.

The political backdrop has shifted sharply in recent years. Cannabis is legal for medical use in most states and for recreational use in 24, and has become a multibillion-dollar industry. Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed interest in rescheduling even as broader legalization remains deeply contested at the federal level.

For cannabis businesses, reclassification would be economically transformative.

Current tax rules prohibit companies that sell Schedule I substances from deducting ordinary business expenses, a barrier that industry representatives have long described as crushing.

“This monumental change will have a massive, positive effect on thousands of state-legal cannabis businesses around the country,” said Brian Vicente, founding partner at Vicente. “Rescheduling releases cannabis businesses from the crippling tax burden they have been shackled with and allows these businesses to grow and prosper.”

Policy advocates say the move would eliminate a central pillar of the federal government’s 50 year prohibition regime, while also highlighting how much work remains.

“This is the beginning of a new era of public health policy,” said Shawn Hauser, also a partner at Vicente.

She called the directive “a long-overdue acknowledgment of marijuana’s medical value and safety,” while warning that rescheduling alone will not resolve broader regulatory inconsistencies or criminal justice disparities.

Trump, who said in August that he was “looking at reclassification,” inherited a stalled proposal originally launched by then-President Joe Biden that recommended moving cannabis to Schedule III.

Rescheduling’s origins trace back to October 2022, when Biden instructed the Department of Health and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to review whether the current classification for cannabis is scientifically justified.

Health officials concluded in 2023 that it is not, prompting the DEA to propose shifting cannabis to Schedule III in early 2024. The proposed rule has been frozen since March 2025.

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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Top 5 Gold News Stories of 2025

Investing 4 Mins Read

2025 was a watershed year for gold, which set new highs as its safe-haven appeal increased.

As global uncertainty intensified, the metal began to receive mainstream attention as a standout asset.

With the year set to mark one of gold’s strongest annual performances in decades, it’s a fitting moment to look back and revisit our most popular gold news stories of 2025.

Read on to see what caught our audience’s attention over the last 12 months.

1. Germany, Italy Face Pressure to Repatriate US$245 Billion in Gold as Trust in US Custody Wavers

Publish date: June 24, 2025

In June, growing distrust in US custodianship of foreign gold reserves and political uncertainty linked to the Trump administration put pressure on Germany and Italy to repatriate their foreign bullion.

At the time, both countries collectively held more than US$245 billion in gold reserves at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and local political leaders were raising concerns that the US had become a less neutral custodian.

German taxpayer advocates warned that increasing political influence over the US Federal Reserve could jeopardize access to foreign-owned bullion. Similar concerns surfaced in Italy, where critics argued that continuing to store gold abroad posed a strategic risk during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.

Germany repatriated 674 metric tons of gold from 2013 to 2017, but 37 percent of its reserves remain in New York.

2. What Does the GDX Index Change Mean for Gold Investors?

Publish date: September 19, 2025

In September, the world’s largest gold-mining stock exchange-traded fund (ETF) — the US$20.5 billion VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ARCA:GDX) — underwent a major structural overhaul.

VanEck transitioned GDX from the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index to the MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index, ending a benchmark relationship in place since 2004.

The switch adopted free-float market-cap rules that exclude locked-up or government-held shares, aligning the fund with index standards commonly used in broader equity markets.

3. Barrick’s Bristow Steps Down Following Hemlo Sale and Mali Challenges

Publish date: September 29, 2025

Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B) went through a major leadership transition this year after CEO Mark Bristow unexpectedly left the company following nearly seven years at the helm.

Bristow, who had led the company since the 2019 merger with Randgold Resources, stepped down amid strategic disagreements with Barrick Chair John Thornton and a year marked by operational challenges, including ongoing legal and political challenges in Mali, where its Loulo-Gounkoto complex is located.

Bristow’s departure also came shortly after Barrick finalized a US$1.09 billion sale of its Hemlo mine in Ontario, formally marking its exit from primary Canadian gold production to concentrate on higher-margin international operations.

Chief Operating Officer Mark Hill assumed interim CEO responsibilities as the board initiated a global search for a successor. Hill previously oversaw Barrick’s Latin America and Asia-Pacific operations, and played a key role in the company’s initial decision to explore the Fourmile gold project in Nevada.

4. Mali Enforces Gold Seizure at Barrick’s Loulo-Gounkoto Mine

Publish date: January 13, 2025

Barrick’s tensions with Mali’s military government intensified at the start of 2025 after authorities seized gold shipments from the firm’s Loulo-Gounkoto mine, which accounts for roughly 14 percent of its annual production.

At the time, officials claimed Barrick owed more than US$500 million in unpaid taxes and state dividends under a revised mining code implemented in 2023. Detentions and legal threats against local staff heightened the conflict further, and the government reportedly intercepted approximately 3 metric tons of bullion.

The year-long dispute reached a conclusion on November 24, when Barrick confirmed a settlement with the Malian government that restores full control over the Loulo-Gounkoto mine.

Under the terms, the company was to pay 244 billion CFA francs (US$430 million), with 144 billion CFA francs due within six days of signing and an additional 50 billion CFA francs applied through VAT credit offsets.

In exchange, Mali was to drop all charges against Barrick, lift state control of Loulo-Gounkoto, release four detained employees and renew the company’s mining permit for another decade.

The agreement also requires Barrick to comply with Mali’s 2023 mining code — the same legislation that triggered the original confrontation.

5. Navigating Uncertainty: How Trump’s Tariffs Are Affecting the Gold Market

Publish date: August 27, 2025

US trade policy sparked gold market turbulence after confusion surrounding import tariffs, including whether Swiss-refined 1 kilogram and 100 ounce bars would be subject to rates near 39 percent. Traders rushed to secure physical imports amid the uncertainty, widening spreads between New York futures and London spot benchmarks.

The volatility eased only after US officials clarified their position.

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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Crypto Market Update: Fed Cuts Rates Again, Traders Stay Cautious

Investing 4 Mins Read

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (December 12) 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$90,250.03, down by 2.6 percent over 24 hours. It has extended its bullish tone this week as markets absorbed the US Federal Reserve’s interest latest rate cut and reassessed risk sentiment across assets.

Bitcoin price performance, December 12, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

The Fed has now cut rates three times in three months, bringing the target range down to 3.5 to 3.75 percent.

Bitcoin dipped to US$89,000 to US$90,000 lows at the US market open, echoing post-Fed pullback patterns noted by Santiment across all three cuts since September.

Ether (ETH) was priced at US$3,084.18, down by 5 percent over the last 24 hours.

Altcoin price update

  • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$2, down by 2.1 percent over 24 hours.
  • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$131.52, down by 4.2 percent over 24 hours.

Fear and Greed Index snapshot

Open interest eased, while US$3.1 million Bitcoin and US$3.92 million Ether long liquidations signaled deleveraging. A neutral relative strength index and low funding rates kept positioning balanced post-expiry.

CMC’s Crypto Fear & Greed Index continues to hold firm in fear territory, remaining firmly risk-averse on Friday and staying at 29 for a second consecutive day. Despite Bitcoin’s recent upward trend and stabilization at the US$92,000 mark, investors continue to exercise caution after a volatile fourth quarter, reinforcing the view that traders remain reluctant to take on aggressive positions despite improved liquidity conditions elsewhere.

CMC Crypto Fear and Greed Index, Bitcoin price and Bitcoin volume.

Chart via CoinMarketCap.

Today’s crypto news to know

Bessent prepares policy shift on crypto regulation

US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent is preparing a major policy letter that would direct the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) away from its post-2008 focus on tightening rules and toward re-evaluating whether existing regulations hinder growth. The draft letter, obtained by CNBC, says the FSOC will begin assessing whether certain oversight measures “impose undue burdens” that may undermine stability by limiting innovation.

The FSOC, originally created to prevent another financial collapse, coordinates oversight between the Fed, the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and other agencies.

If finalized, the policy would empower agencies to roll back or revise rules deemed outdated or overly restrictive.

OCC approves US trust bank approvals

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has conditionally approved national trust bank charters for Circle’s (NYSE:CRCL) First National Digital Currency Bank and the Ripple National Trust Bank. The OCC also endorsed transitions for existing state charters held by Paxos Trust Company, BitGo Bank & Trust and Fidelity Digital Assets.

With these approvals, the firms can now operate nationwide under federal oversight, enhancing stablecoin issuance and digital asset services like custody.

Pakistan clears Binance and HTX to begin licensing process

Pakistan has granted initial clearance for Binance and HTX to set up local subsidiaries and begin preparing applications for full digital asset exchange licences.

The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority issued “no objection certificates” after reviewing each platform’s governance, compliance structures and risk controls, though the approvals stop short of permitting trading activity.

The certificates also allow both companies to register on Pakistan’s anti-money-laundering system and begin establishing regulated local entities ahead of a forthcoming licensing regime.

Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority Chair Bilal bin Saqib said the phased model will admit only platforms that meet strict global standards on anti-money-laundering and counter-terror financing.

Pakistan, one of the world’s largest crypto markets by retail activity, is simultaneously developing a Virtual Assets Act, while coordinating with US-based World Liberty Financial on digital infrastructure proposals.

Phantom integrates Kalshi prediction market

Phantom has integrated Kalshi’s regulated prediction markets, allowing in-app trading on events like elections, sports, crypto trends and macroeconomics using Solana or its CASH stablecoin.

Users can access live odds, notifications, tokenized positions and community chat without external accounts, leveraging Kalshi’s CFTC oversight and recent high volumes.

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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Walker Lane Announces Board Update

Investing 7 Mins Read

TSX-V: WLR

Frankfurt: 6YL

 Walker Lane Resources Ltd. (TSXV: WLR,OTC:CMCXF) (Frankfurt: 6YL) ‘Walker Lane’) announces the resignation of John Land as a Director of the Company and the appointment of Mr. Kevin Brewer, Director and CEO as interim Chairman of the Board.

The Board wishes to thank Mr. Land for his significant contribution to the Company. 

About Walker Lane Resources Ltd.

Walker Lane Resources Ltd. is a growth-stage exploration company focused on the exploration of high-grade gold, silver and polymetallic deposits in the Walker Lane Gold Trend District in Nevada and the Rancheria Silver District in Yukon/B.C. and other property assets in Yukon. The Company intends to initiate an aggressive exploration program to advance the Tule Canyon (Walker Lane, Nevada) and Amy (Rancheria Silver District, B.C.) projects through drilling programs with the aim of achieving resource definition in the near future.

On behalf of the Board:
‘Kevin Brewer’
Kevin Brewer, President, CEO and Director
Walker Lane Resources Ltd.

Cautionary and Forward Looking Statements

This press release and related figures, contain certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to as forward-looking statements). These statements relate to future events or our future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words ‘anticipate’, ‘plans’, ‘continue’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘predict’, ‘potential’, ‘should’, ‘believe’ ‘targeted’, ‘can’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘likely’, ‘should’, ‘could’ or grammatical variations thereof and similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this presentation. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: our strategy and priorities including certain statements included in this presentation are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the Tule Canyon, Cambridge, Silver Mountain, and Shamrock Properties in Nevada (USA), and its properties including Silverknife and Amy properties in British Columbia, the Silver Hart, Blue Heaven and Logjam properties in Yukon and the Bridal Veil property in Newfoundland and Labrador all of which now comprise the mineral property assets of WLR. WLR has assumed other assets of CMC Metals Ltd. including common share holdings of North Bay Resources Inc. (OTC-US: NBRI) and all conditions and agreements pertaining to the sale of the Bishop mill gold processing facility and remain subject to the condition of the option of the Silverknife property with Coeur Mining Inc. (TSX:CDE). These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to the Company and assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. The Company has made various assumptions, including, among others, that: the historical information related to the Company’s properties is reliable; the Company’s operations are not disrupted or delayed by unusual geological or technical problems; the Company has the ability to explore the Company’s properties; the Company will be able to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute its business plan; the Company’s current corporate activities will proceed as expected; general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; and budgeted costs and expenditures are and will continue to be accurate.

Actual results and developments may differ materially from results and developments discussed in the forward-looking statements as they are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties, including: public health threats; fluctuations in metals prices, price of consumed commodities and currency markets; future profitability of mining operations; access to personnel; results of exploration and development activities, accuracy of technical information; risks related to ownership of properties; risks related to mining operations; risks related to mineral resource figures being estimates based on interpretations and assumptions which may result in less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently anticipated; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; changes in operating expenses; changes in general market and industry conditions; changes in legal or regulatory requirements; other risk factors set out in this presentation; and other risk factors set out in the Company’s public disclosure documents. Although the Company has attempted to identify significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other risks that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the Company’s control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurances that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or benefits to, or effect on, the Company.

The information contained in this presentation is derived from management of the Company and otherwise from publicly available information and does not purport to contain all of the information that an investor may desire to have in evaluating the Company. The information has not been independently verified, may prove to be imprecise, and is subject to material updating, revision and further amendment. While management is not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry data presented herein, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made or given by or on behalf of the Company as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions contained in this presentation and no responsibility or liability is accepted by any person for such information or opinions. The forward-looking statements and information in this presentation speak only as of the date of this presentation and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, prospective investors should not read forward-looking information as guarantees of future performance or results and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Nothing in this presentation is, or should be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the future. To the extent any forward-looking statement in this presentation constitutes ‘future-oriented financial information’ or ‘financial outlooks’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, such information is being provided to demonstrate the anticipated market penetration and the reader is cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and the reader should not place undue reliance on such future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking statements generally, are, without limitation, based on the assumptions and subject to the risks set out above. The Company’s actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from management’s current expectations and, as a result, the Company’s revenue and expenses. The Company’s financial projections were not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of International Financial Reporting Standards and have not been examined, reviewed or compiled by the Company’s accountants or auditors. The Company’s financial projections represent management’s estimates as of the dates indicated thereon.

SOURCE Walker Lane Resources Ltd

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2025/16/c7861.html

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Crypto Market Update: JPMorgan Launches Tokenized Money Market Fund, Strategy Buys the Dip

Investing 6 Mins Read

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (December 15) 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$85,873.25, down by 3 percent over 24 hours.

Bitcoin price performance, December 15, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

A bruising bout of weekend volatility pushed Bitcoin to a two week low near US$87,500 amid thin liquidity. Buyers emerged early on Monday to briefly lift prices toward the US$89,500 to 89,700 range, but both DeFi and traditional markets slipped in early trading after Greg Jensen, co-CIO of hedge fund giant Bridgewater Associates, issued a client note warning that Big Tech’s heavy reliance on external capital for artificial intelligence (AI) investments has entered a “dangerous” phase, amplifying AI bubble fears and exacerbating last week’s tech selloff into Monday.

Bitcoin fell to lows around US$85,400, and the global crypto market cap saw a 24 hour decrease of 3.2 percent.

In a post on X, veteran trader Peter Brandt highlighted that Bitcoin’s advance has fractured after failing to hold support following October highs. He warned that this breakdown could trigger “exponential decay” since each bull cycle has yielded smaller gains. Based on historical precedents, Bitcoin could see a drop to US$25,000.

Ether (ETH) was priced at US$2,930.31, down by 5.1 percent over the last 24 hours.

Altcoin price update

  • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1.89, down by 5.2 percent over 24 hours.
  • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$125.43, down by 3.6 percent over 24 hours.

Crypto derivatives and market indicators

Bitcoin futures open interest rose slightly to US$59.63 billion, while Ether open interest dipped to US$38.2 billion, signaling modest Bitcoin accumulation amid Ether caution.

Heavy long liquidations confirm capitulation selling pressure. Positive funding rates show some bulls hanging on despite pain, but a relative strength index of 27.03 marks extreme fear, historically preceding sharp reversals in crypto.

Elevated Bitcoin funding rates reflect pricier long bias persisting, but decay could accelerate if shorts pile in.

Overall market sentiment skews fearful, with Bitcoin holding firmer than Ether.

Today’s crypto news to know

Strategy expands Bitcoin holdings amid price slump

Michael Saylor’s Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) announced on Monday that it has acquired an additional 10,645 BTC for US$980.3 million, paying an average price of $92,098 per coin.

That brings Strategy’s total holdings to 671,268 BTC. “As of 12/14/2025, we hodl 671,268 $BTC acquired for ~$50.33 billion at ~$74,972 per bitcoin,” the company said in an X post.

JPMorgan launches tokenized money market fund

JPMorgan Chase’s (NYSE:JPM) US$4 trillion asset management arm is launching its first tokenized money market fund, the My OnChain Net Yield Fund, on the public Ethereum blockchain. The fund runs on JPMorgan’s Kinexys platform as a private placement under Rule 506(c), targeting institutions via the Morgan Money trading system.

“Active management and innovation are at the heart of how we deliver new solutions for investors navigating today’s financial landscape,” said George Gatch, CEO of JP Morgan Asset Management. “By harnessing technology alongside our deep expertise in active management, we’re able to provide clients with advanced, innovative, and cost-effective capabilities that help them achieve their investment goals.”

Bitget launches TradFi private beta for traditional assets

Monday saw Bitget announce the private beta launch of Bitget TradFi, a new feature enabling crypto users to open bets on traditional assets using the stablecoin USDT. Fees start at US$0.09 per lot.

Positions will be margined and settled in USDT, eliminating the need for separate brokers or currency conversions, with up to 500x leverage, a tight spread and regulation by Mauritius’ Financial Services Commission.

“The shift in wealth management is happening now, assets that were previously only available on certain niche markets are now on Bitget,’ said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, in the company’s announcement

‘This is historic; crypto, stocks, gold, forex and commodities now coexist under a single system. This is what a universal exchange merging wealth management under a roof looks like; it’s now present-day finance.’

UK moves to place crypto firms under full regulation

UK officials are preparing legislation that would move crypto companies fully inside the country’s financial regulatory framework. According to the Guardian, the plan involves putting crypto service providers under regulation like other financial firms, subject to the Financial Conduct Authority’s rules on consumer protection, governance, transparency and market conduct. Treasury officials say the shift is meant to close longstanding gaps as crypto activity becomes more entwined with mainstream finance rather than operating at the regulatory edges.

Legislation is expected by October 2027 to give firms time to adjust to the more demanding compliance environment.

If enacted, the move would mark a structural change for UK-based crypto startups, which until now have largely operated without full product-level regulation.

HashKey prices Hong Kong IPO at top end at US$206 million

HashKey Holdings, Hong Kong’s largest licensed crypto exchange, is set to raise about US$206 million after pricing its initial public offering near the top of its marketed range, according to a source familiar with the deal.

The company priced shares at 6.68 Hong Kong dollars, valuing the exchange operator as it prepares to debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Wednesday (December 17). HashKey operates across trading, asset management, brokerage and tokenization, and runs the city’s biggest regulated crypto exchange.

While Mainland China continues to warn against crypto speculation, Hong Kong has taken the opposite approach, positioning itself as a regulated gateway for digital finance.

North Korean hackers drain wallets using fake online meetings

North Korean cybercrime groups are using fake Zoom (NASDAQ:ZOOM) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) Teams meetings to steal crypto, draining more than US$300 million through the tactic so far, according to security researchers.

According to CryptoNews, the scam typically starts with a message from a compromised Telegram account that appears to belong to someone the victim already knows. Victims are then invited to what looks like a legitimate video call, complete with convincing video feeds that are actually pre-recorded footage.

During the call, attackers claim there is an audio problem and send a supposed software “patch” that installs malware. The malware can extract passwords, private keys and internal security data, allowing attackers to empty crypto wallets.

Global crypto thefts have already surpassed US$2 billion this year, with North Korea-linked groups remaining among the most active and sophisticated actors in the space.

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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NBA Cup championship game predictions, odds: Who wins Spurs vs. Knicks?

Sport 4 Mins Read

The NBA Cup championship game is set and Victor Wembanyama helped the San Antonio Spurs crash the party.

The Spurs set up a fascinating championship game for the NBA’s in-season tournament by upsetting the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Wemby and company will face the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Dec. 16 in Las Vegas with $530,933 awarded to each player on the winning team (players already received $53,093 for reaching last Friday’s NBA Cup semifinal round).

It’ll be a matchup featuring one of the Western Conference’s rising contenders and an entrenched Eastern Conference powerhouse trying to get over the hump and into the NBA Finals this year. The Spurs just successfully navigated through more than a month of their schedule without Wembanyama as he recovered from a calf injury, while the Knicks are playing their best basketball of the season under new coach Mike Brown.

Picks and predictions are split on a potential winner, with experts starting to weigh in now that Spurs vs. Knicks is the NBA Cup championship game. Here’s a breakdown of the current odds and USA TODAY Sports predictions for Tuesday’s game:

NBA Cup predictions: Spurs vs. Knicks picks

Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY Sports: Spurs 111, Knicks 106

‘This should be a fascinating matchup, and could sneakily be a surprise Finals preview — if not this season, perhaps in the future. Both teams are playing extremely well, but I’m going to give the Spurs a slight edge, assuming Victor Wembanyama will play more than he did during the semifinal upset over the Thunder, when he was on a tight minutes restriction. The Spurs are playing with confidence and swagger, and they’re finally healthy. Their speedy guards push tempo and are a matchup nightmare, but adding Wembanyama to the mix makes them a huge threat. And, defensively, Wembanyama changes the dynamic; he should complicate and foil Jalen Brunson’s attempts to get into the paint.’

Mark Giannotto, USA TODAY Sports: Knicks 125, Spurs 121

Last year’s NBA Cup served as validation of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s ascension to the top of the NBA, and it feels like the 2025 version of the league’s in-season tournament could potentially be about the rise of Victor Wembanyama to NBA superstardom. His return to the lineup helped push the Spurs past the Thunder in the semifinals, and his presence could be the deciding factor against a more battle-tested Knicks team. But New York has won nine of its past 10 games and its powerful starting five is especially dangerous in a winner-take-all scenario like this.

Jon Hoefling, USA TODAY Sports: Knicks 118, Spurs 110

While I do love the Spurs whenever Victor Wembanyama is on the floor, this is still one of the youngest teams in the NBA, and it’s hard to bet on a team so inexperienced in high-pressure situations. Furthermore, the Spurs are coming off arguably their biggest win of the season, and the biggest win of Wembanyama’s career, meaning they are probably due for a letdown in the championship – which isn’t that hard to predict considering how hot Jalen Brunson and the Knicks have been. New York has won nine of its last 10, and Brunson is averaging 37.5 in the NBA Cup knockout rounds.

NBA Cup odds for Spurs vs. Knicks

The New York Knicks are considered favorites over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup championship game.

Odds according to BetMGM as of December 15:

  • Spread: Knicks (-2.5)
  • Moneyline: Knicks (-140); Spurs (+115)
  • Over/under: 228.5

NBA Cup MVP odds

Odds according to BetMGM as of December 15:

  • Jalen Brunson (-115)
  • Victor Wembanyama (+325)
  • De’Aaron Fox (+475)
  • Karl-Anthony Towns (+3000)
  • Devin Vassell (+6600)
  • OG Anunoby (+10,000)
  • Mikal Bridges (+10,000)
  • Josh Hart (+10,000)
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Washington beats NC State for first men’s soccer NCAA title

Sport 4 Mins Read

Playing in nearby Cary, N.C., NC State clawed back from a 2-0 deficit and tied the score at 2-2 with three minutes left in regulation to force overtime. But the Huskies managed to get the winner in dramatic fashion, scoring a few minutes into the first overtime period.

‘We told them it was going to be hard… there are going to be twists and turns. To give up a goal with three minutes to go and put their heads back up and go out there again, it’s incredible,’ Washington coach Jamie Clark told ESPN afterward.

Clark admitted he didn’t know who scored the winner, which was under review for a possible offside. When ESPN told him it was Huskies center back Harrison Bertos, Clark exclaimed, ‘Harry? Oh, we live be the Bertos, we die by the Bertos! That was our saying all year!’

Washington knocked out five of the tournament’s 16 national seeds during its run to the title.

Here’s how it happened:

College Cup final score

College Cup final live updates

Washington 3, NC State 2

GOAL! The Huskies win their first national title two minutes into overtime. A loose ball in the box is turned in by Harrison Bertos. Video review. Will it stand? They’re checking a possible offside call.

It stands. Washington wins it.

End of regulation: Washington 2, NC State 2

And we’re going to overtime. Two 10-minute periods, golden goal. If we’re still tied after that, we go to PKs.

Washington 2, NC State 2, 87′

GOAL! With less that four minutes left, Taig Healy guides one into the corner. Washington goalie Jadon Bowton gets a fingertip to it but can’t keep it out. Cary, NC is going bananas.

Washington 2, NC State 1, 72′

NC State pushing hard for an equalizer. Huskies goalkeeper Jadon Bowton has been called into action for a few key saves. Buckle up, it’s going to get wild. It’s one-way traffic right now. Crowd is into it.

Washington 2, NC State 1, 66′

GOAL! NC State gets one back. There’s been a ton of traffic in the Washington box and Donavan Phillip is able to turn the ball into the net after a deflection off a defender. Goal was reviewed, but stands. Game on.

Washington 2, NC State 0, 61′

GOAL! Washington doubles its lead. Richie Aman gets to the endline and gets a cross in and Joe Dale gets in front of his defender to tap the ball into the net. It’ll be an all-out Wolfpack attack from here on out.

Washington 1, NC State 0, 55′

The partisan North Carolina crowd is trying to will the Wolfpack to an equalizer, but so far the Washington defense has done its job. A few shots from the Huskies serve as a warning.

HALFTIME: Washington 1, NC State 0

Both teams have had chances, but Zach Ramsey’s goal is the difference at the break. The Huskies are 12-0-0 this season when scoring first.

Washington 1, NC State 0, 44′

GOAL! A long ball is misplayed in the back by the Wolfpack and NC State goalie Logan Erb rushes out to clean up, but his clearance falls to Washington’s Zach Ramsey who chips the ball into the empty net for the opening goal.

Washington 0, NC State 0, 40′

Yellow card for Washington’s Osato Enabulele for a nasty tackle. NC State’s Riley Moloney lucky to avoid serious injury there.

Washington 0, NC State 0, 25′

Still scoreless midway through the first half. Wolfpack have come close a few times.

What time does College Cup final start?

  • Date: Monday, Dec. 15
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET
  • Where: First Horizon Stadium (Cary, North Carolina)

NC State and Washington will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 15 from First Horizon Stadium in Cary, North Carolina in the College Cup final.

What TV channel is College Cup final on today?

  • TV channel: ESPNU
  • Livestream: Fubo (free trial)

The College Cup final between Washington and NC State will be broadcast on ESPNU. Streaming options for the game include Fubo, which carries ESPNU and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

College Cup final predictions

Craig Meyer, USA TODAY Sports: NC State 2, Washington 1

The Wolfpack have been among the most balanced teams in the country all season, with a stout defense and one of the best goal-scorers in the country. That will be enough to get them by the Huskies in what should be a hard-fought, closely contested match.

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Sienna Betts injury update: Will top UCLA recruit make debut Tuesday?

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Close said she’s ‘hopeful’ freshman forward Sienna Betts will make her collegiate debut in UCLA’s matchup against Cal Poly on Tuesday at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. Betts, the younger sister of first-team All-American center Lauren Betts, has been sidelined for the first 10 games of the season with a lower leg injury suffered during a scrimmage against UC Riverside in October, delaying the five-star recruit’s highly anticipated debut.

‘We’re really hopeful that we’re getting close,’ Close said after UCLA’s 80-59 win over Oregon on Dec. 7. ‘Sienna (Betts) is going to be a really big part of where we’re going. She is incredibly impactful for us. … We need her for us to go where we need to go and want to go, and we’re going to need her growth and productivity.’

If Betts does suit up on Tuesday vs. Cal Poly, expect her to be on a minutes restriction.

‘My hope is that she’s going to be able to get some minutes against Cal Poly,’ Close added. ‘As she progresses back, there are certain percentages she has to meet without symptoms to be able to work her way back. And so I would expect that she’ll be really mad at me when I take her off the court.’

Lauren Betts said she’s ‘super excited’ to play alongside her sister: ‘When she gets to be on the court with me for the first time, that’s going to be a really special moment.’

‘This has been a really up and down process for (Sienna),’ Lauren Betts told USA TODAY over the weekend at the Team USA training camp. ‘Obviously no one wants to be injured, especially going into your first year in college. So she’s been amazing. She’s been putting in a lot of hard work and I’m so excited for her.’

Lauren Betts said she’s been Betts’ biggest cheerleader throughout her recovery and has constantly reminded her ‘how valuable she is,’ even if her younger sister doesn’t listens to her much. ‘(Sienna) is very stubborn, and even though I’m the older one, she doesn’t really want to listen to me,’ Lauren Bets joked.

‘She’s very much needed on this team and she’s an amazing basketball player, and just because she’s out right now doesn’t mean that she’s left out and that she’s behind,’ said Lauren Betts, who is averaging 14.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks through 10 games. ‘She’s done the work. We see it every single day, and she continues to get shots up. They have to force her to get off the court.’

Betts, the No. 2 player in ESPN’s 2025 class, received offers from many schools, including South Carolina, Notre Dame, USC, UConn and Michigan, before ultimately choosing to team up with her sister at UCLA. In her senior season at Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado, Betts averaged 23.5 points, 16.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 3.4 blocks. She was named the 2024-25 Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year for the third consecutive season.

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Top 10 prospects for the 2026 PWHL Draft

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With another round of expansion expected in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, the league’s 2026 draft will be key to welcoming more talent.

For the PWHL, it’s a potentially generational draft. There will be strong players, like Finland’s Petra Nieminen, heading to the PWHL from international sources, but the bulk of that talent is coming from the NCAA.

The 2026 PWHL Draft class is headlined by senior national team members from top-ranked NCAA women’s hockey programs, such as Wisconsin and Minnesota. Here’s a look at the current top 10 NCAA women’s hockey prospects who will be high selections at the draft.

Top 10 PWHL Draft prospects playing NCAA hockey

1. Wisconsin defender Caroline Harvey

Harvey is arguably the best defender on the planet. Already a two-time World Championship Best Defender, back-to-back WCHA Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-American. Her mobility, physicality, and ability to control the pace of play with the puck are elite. Harvey currently sits seven points up, leading the NCAA in scoring with 41 points in 20 games. She’s a generational talent.

2. Minnesota right wing Abbey Murphy

She’s a pest, walking the line between physical and penalty, and above all, she’s one of the best goal scorers in the world. Murphy combines speed, a wicked shot, and an agitator mindset into a highly effective package. Murphy, a star for USA’s national team, projects as a top-10 scorer for years.

3. Wisconsin right wing/defender Laila Edwards

Edwards is a versatile and unique prospect who transitioned to defense from forward after being named the 2024 World Championship MVP as a forward. She will have one of the most potent shots in the PWHL, and her 6-foot-1 frame is a unique attribute among women’s hockey players. Edwards sees the ice well, and while she can score from anywhere with her shot, she’s also an adept playmaker.

4. Penn State center Tessa Janecke

Power and speed are Janecke’s calling cards. She’ll be a top-line player in the PWHL as a rookie, and she is a key member of USA’s national team, scoring the golden goal in overtime at the 2025 World Championship. Janecke combines a two-way presence and high-end compete level to form a style that should meld perfectly into the PWHL. She’s helped build Penn State from a program toiling in a weaker AHA conference to a nationally ranked contender.

5. Minnesota defender Nelli Laitinen

In a league lacking defensive talent, Laitinen, already a longtime veteran of Finland’s senior national team, will be a welcome addition to any PWHL blueline. She plays a more conservative game than some prospects but is an intelligent transitional player, making smart puck choices at the offensive blueline and strong outlets from her zone. She’s shown significant offensive growth this season.

6. Wisconsin right wing Lacey Eden

A scorer at the NCAA level, Eden has mastered her role as a two-way checking line forward for USA’s national team. She’s effective on the forecheck, using her speed and willingness to engage in puck battles along the wall. Offensively, Eden should factor into a PWHL second line next season, but when games get tight, she can shift to a checking-line role to help maintain a lead.

7. Wisconsin left wing Kirsten Simms

A final-three candidate for the Patty Kazmaier Award, Simms is a wizard with the puck. She uses heel-to-heel skating to keep the ice open in front of her but can pivot on a dime and makes opponents look silly with deceptive stickwork. Last year, she scored the tying goal for Wisconsin with 18 seconds remaining on a penalty shot and the winner only minutes into overtime to secure a national title for the Badgers.

8. Ohio State defender Emma Peschel

Peschel uses her 5-foot-10 frame effectively in all three zones. She’s quietly been one of the best defenders in NCAA hockey, contributing on both sides of the puck and using her mobility to take away time and space while defending. Peschel earned recognition by winning a spot in USA’s 30-player Olympic pool ahead of dozens of American PWHL defenders.

9. Minnesota defender Sydney Morrow

One of the best offensive defenders in NCAA hockey, Morrow is a threat to join the rush and loves to slide in from the blueline to find soft space as a shooting option. Unafraid to use her body, Morrow’s physicality will translate well to the hard-hitting PWHL. Morrow is scoring at a point per game this season with the Golden Gophers and does a lot of her damage at 5-on-5.

10. Princeton center Issy Wunder

Wunder is a power forward overlooked by Canada’s national program despite being one of the top scorers in NCAA women’s hockey the past two seasons. Wunder uses her 5-foot-11 frame and is equal parts playmaker and power forward, attributes that will lend well to the PWHL game. Has immense upside.

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