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March Madness bubble winners, losers: Auburn not out of the woods yet

For as hard as it is to make the NCAA Tournament, it’s really easy to take yourself out of it.

Auburn, one of the most polarizing March Madness bubble candidates, was on the brink of kissing its chances goodbye in the opening round of the SEC tournament. The Tigers were shaken by Mississippi State in the first half with a 10-point deficit, not looking remotely close to a unit that should hear its name called on Selection Sunday.

But to their credit, Auburn recovered and played like its life was on the line. It was a night-and-day performance coming out of halftime with a dominant final 20 minutes to avoid the upset and advance.

Projected to miss the tournament in the latest USA TODAY Sports Bracketology, It’s not a win that will drastically move the 17-15 Tigers into the field. Yet, it wouldn’t be possible without it.

Auburn is as confusing as it comes. You can argue why it should be in with some major wins and tough schedule, or shouldn’t be in with all of the losses. No matter which way you lean, everyone could agree it needs to impress in the SEC tournament. A Quad 3 loss and Auburn would’ve surely been out of consideration. Instead, there is hope.

The work is far from over since a win over the Bulldogs doesn’t move the needle much. However, what’s ahead surely will.

Auburn now has one of the biggest bubble games of the season in the second round against Tennessee. A win over the Volunteers would be monumental and could alter the projected field completely. Advancing to the quarterfinals against Vanderbilt and winning that could silence the critics.

But it has to get Step 1 done first and beat Tennessee. Auburn got a second life to keep its tournament hopes alive, and it cannot waste it as it leads the tournament watch winners and losers from Wednesday’s action.

March Madness bubble winners

NC State

A team trending in the wrong direction, NC State ended the regular season with four straight losses with a couple of ranked beatdowns and bad losses. The Wolfpack weren’t in danger of missing the tournament, but needed to show something to not fall into a possible No. 11 seed situation.

Against Pittsburgh in the ACC tournament second round, early it looked like a devastating Quad 3 loss was on the horizon. However, Will Wade’s offense kept pace and used a strong second half start to avoid the collapse.

It’s not an impressive victory, but one NC State needed to calm the waters. Now there really won’t be a worry for Selection Sunday, and it can just focus on moving up the seed line. It gets a chance against Virginia in the quarterfinals.

Oklahoma

On a night where so many bubble teams faltered, Oklahoma benefits from simply picking up a Quad 3 win.

The Sooners put to rest a sneaky South Carolina team in the second half to stay alive in the SEC tournament. It’s not a victory that is going to boost the resume at all, but mostly, it’s not a loss. With other hopefuls seeing their hopes dashed away with early exits, it’s opened the door for Oklahoma to sneak in after not being in the conversation for much of the season.

Five straight wins results in just being outside the projected bracket, and unlike others, Oklahoma still has a chance to boost its stock. There is a good shot with Texas A&M next. Get that victory and the bubble talk gets even more interesting.

March Madness bubble losers

Indiana

Football had a magical season. Basketball won’t get the chance to do the same.

The Hoosiers suffered another embarrassing loss to Northwestern, completely getting outclassed by the Wildcats in the second half en route to a 13-point loss. Indiana entered the week projected to play in the First Four, but this loss likely means it doesn’t make the field. It lost six of its last seven games and not only is the 3-11 Quad 1 record ugly, but a 3-3 Quad 2 record is likely worse.

Darian DeVries was supposed to bring magic back to Indiana but instead it’s about to miss the tournament the third straight year, which hasn’t happened since Tom Crean’s first years in 2008-11.

Big 12 outside shots

Cincinnati and West Virginia entered the week with a chance to make a late push, both in the first four out. They needed wins Tuesday to keep momentum going, but instead suffered crushing defeats to spoil it.

West Virginia got routed by BYU and Cincinnati had a stunning collapse a stunning collapse against Central Florida. The Bearcats were up by eight with two minutes left and made consistent mistakes to allow the Knights to force overtime, and UCF rode the wave to steal the victory.

The Big 12 has been the strongest conference this season and had a shot to send more teams to the tournament, but the shortcomings will keep the Bearcats and Mountaineers out of the field.

Texas

The Longhorns seemed like a surefire tournament team a few weeks ago but not now after a quick exit in the SEC tournament.

Texas faced a Mississippi team that finished second-to-last in the conference, but it didn’t look like it in a complete domination of the Longhorns for a wire-to-wire win. It was just the latest example of Texas not resembling a tournament team, the fifth loss in the last six games for an uncomfortable 18-14 record.

Not only is it a bunch of losses, but a 1-4 Quad 2 record to go with a 6-9 Quad 1 mark isn’t impressive. The Longhorns could find themselves falling closer to a No. 11 seed spot without having any control of it.

SMU

Get ready for a couple of stressful days, SMU, since it was unable to boost its resume in the ACC tournament.

After finally ending a four-game skid with an opening round victory over Syracuse on Tuesday, the Mustangs needed more and had a chance against Louisville. For the majority of the day, SMU looked like it could take down the Cardinals and get a massive victory. However, it didn’t score in the final two and a half minutes and Louisville powered through for the win.

SMU is one of the last four in, but can now only hope no other team steals bids and pushes them down the line. Had the Mustangs won, they could have secured their selection. It’s a miserable feeling being unable to do anything about it, but it’s the price to pay for having such a rough end to the season.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Giants co-owner caught in Epstein files transferring stake in team

  • New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch is transferring his stake in the team to his children’s trusts.
  • Tisch’s name appeared in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, with whom he exchanged emails.
  • Tisch has stated he regrets associating with Epstein but has not been accused of a crime.

The NFL and the New York Giants have avoided discussing Giants co-owner Steve Tisch’s correspondence over the years with Jeffrey Epstein.

In the near future, Tisch and his two siblings will no longer technically be “owners” of the franchise. According to a NFL memo circulated to club presidents and chief executives on March 11, and obtained by USA TODAY Sports, the Giants are requesting of the Finance Committee to approve an intra-family stake transfer from Steve, Laurie Tisch and Jonathan Tisch into the separate trusts of their children. The trio currently own 23.1% of the club.

ESPN first reported on the transaction, which requires approval of the finance committee and is part of normal estate planning within league circles.

‘We had a brief association where we exchanged emails about adult women, and in addition, we discussed movies, philanthropy and investments,’ Tisch said of Epstein in a statement in January after one batch of files were released. ‘I did not take him up on any of his invitations and never went to his island. As we all know now, he was a terrible person and someone I deeply regret associating with.’

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at his pre-Super Bowl news conference that the league was still seeking a full finding of the facts as it related to Tisch’s name showing up more than 400 times in the files released by the DOJ.

The Tisch siblings’ father, Preston Tisch, co-founded the Loews Corporation with his brother Laurence and bought 50% of the Giants from the Mara family in 1991. The Mara and Tisch families sold 10% of the team to Julia Koch at a valuation of $10 billion.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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President Trump shares prediction about Jake Paul. Check the facts

  • President Donald Trump predicted that social media influencer Jake Paul will run for political office.
  • Paul has a history of celebrity boxing matches and co-founded a successful promotions company.

President Donald Trump has presented another opportunity to fact-check his public statements.

With the war on Iran raging and oil prices vacillating, Trump made a prediction – about Jake Paul. The 29-year-old boxer, podcaster, social media influencer, entrepreneur and former Disney Channel actor attended Trump’s March 11 rally in Kentucky. 

At one point, Trump said of Paul, “I just want to say I predict, I’m going to make a prediction, that you will be in the not too distant future, running for political office, OK. And you have my complete and total endorsement, OK?’’

Jesse Ventura, the former pro wrestling star, was elected governor of Minnesota in 1999.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former body builder, was elected governor of California in 2003.

So how farfetched would it become for someone like Paul to pursue and win political office? Especially if you have the “total endorsement’’ of Trump and a knack for public speaking?

‘What Mr. Trump has taught me is courage,’ Paul said. ‘You know, we never backed down from a fight, even if they’re much bigger than you, much, much bigger than you. And I feel all the local Kentuckians feel the same way.’

But let’s stick with the facts – the facts of Trump’s remarks about Paul.

‘He’s a courageous guy’

True.

Well, courageous or crazy, or maybe both.

In December, the 6-foot Paul stepped into the boxing ring with Anthony Joshua, the 6-foot-6 Brit who is a two-time former heavyweight champion. Paul exited the ring with his jaw broken in two places by a knockout punch and was knocked down four times in all.

Back to courageous or crazy: Paul has said he intends to resume boxing a after his jaw heals.

‘A talented guy’

True.

You don’t buy a 5,700-acre estate in Georgia and live in a mansion in Puerto Rico without some talent.

Paul wasn’t nominated for an Emmy for his work as a Disney Channel actor. But his stint with the Disney Channel from 2005 to 2007 along with his YouTube pranks and boxing press conferences are clear evidence Paul is a talented actor. He also co-founded Most Valuable Promotions, which has elevated women’s professional boxing and partnered with Netflix on Paul’s fight with Tyson and other high-profile events.

‘A hell of a fighter too’

False.

Paul is 12-2 with 7 knockouts and, before his KO loss to Joshua, benefitted from careful matchmakers.

He built his record with victories over aging MMA fighters, an ancient Mike Tyson, a retired NBA player and a YouTuber.

This is not to say Paul is terrible boxer. But ‘a hell of a fighter’ is a big stretch.

The prediction: Jake Paul as politician

In Trump’s words, “I’m going to make a prediction that (Paul) will be in the not too distant future, running for political office.’

Of course, it’s premature to know if this is true or false, but early enough to speculate.

At the recent Winter Olympics, Paul attended a women’s hockey game.

He happened to be sitting next to Vice President JD Vance.

Is the Vance-Paul ticket coming in time for the 2028 elections?

Or might that be Paul-Vance?

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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WNBA’s Rickea Jackson files protective order against Falcons’ James Pearce Jr.

Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson has filed a protective order against Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman James Pearce Jr., in response to a Feb. 7 altercation where Pearce allegedly drove his vehicle into hers as she was trying to flee to a Doral, Florida, police station.

Jackson, who has played three seasons in the WNBA, said she was ‘in fear of my life’ and believed ‘James will kill me,’ according to an ESPN report.

Jackson filed a separate notice stating she’d be willing to testify against Pearce in court proceedings.

In her statement, Jackson wrote that she had been ‘verbally and physically abused’ by Pearce ‘on more than one occasion’ and he even threatened to harm, injure and kill her and place a bag over her head, according to the court documents obtained by ESPN.

Jackson’s protection request was granted and a hearing is set for April 21, according to ESPN. Pearce may not contact Jackson nor be within 500 feet of her, her home, her vehicle or her place of work.

Jackson’s attorneys did not immediately return messages left by USA TODAY Sports.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Additional Strong Assays Results Extend High-Grade Antimony Mineralisation at Oaky Creek

Red Mountain Mining Limited (ASX: RMX, US CODE: RMXFF, or “Company”) a Critical Minerals exploration and development company with an established portfolio in Tier-1 Mining Districts in the United States and Australia, is pleased to announce that it has received continued strong assay results from the second tranche of assays for its auger soil sampling program at the Oaky Creek prospect at the Company’s 100% owned Armidale Antimony-Gold project in New South Wales.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Red Mountain has confirmed the presence of multiple drill-ready Antimony targets at the Oaky Creek Prospect following the second batch of analytical results from its comprehensive auger soil sampling program at the Armidale Antimony-Gold Project
  • Newly discovered stibnite vein rock samples return up to an exceptionally high grade of 28.1% Sb. The new samples collected ~600m NNW of the Oaky Creek South workings, highlight the potential for a new extension to the current mineralised system at Oaky Creek
  • Conventional and auger soil sampling and rock analytical results of up to 39.3% Sb and 1.09ppm Au for Oaky Creek indicate the potential of a large-scale orogenic Antimony-gold vein system with a strike extent of ~3km at surface, which is analogous to Larvotto Resources’ Hillgrove project, Australia’s largest known Antimony deposit
  • Previously identified 200m x 30m Antimony-arsenic anomaly near the Oaky Creek South Main Grid has been extended by a further 30% and remains open to the northeast, with values of up to 251ppm Sb and 1,443ppm As returned
  • Soil sampling from southern end of Oaky Creek North has further supported the NNW- trending Antimony anomaly, with values of up to 137ppm Sb and 334ppm As. Aligning with previously identified conventional soil anomaly and mineralised stibnite-bearing rock sampling, providing further evidence for widespread antimony mineralisation at Oaky Creek
  • Results for approximately 900 further auger soil samples collected during January and February are pending and expected to be received before the end of March. These samples will expand auger coverage at both Oaky Creek North and Oaky Creek South, including the newly collected anomalous rock sample, and will be used in conjunction with existing datasets to refine multiple orogenic Antimony vein targets ahead of planned drill-testing
  • Further assays pending for Thompson Falls Antimony Project in the US following recently announced initial high-grade Antimony results

Assay results from the January-February field program across Oaky Creek North and Oaky Creek South have reported numerous highly anomalous samples including a stibnite vein sample collected ~600m NNW of the Oaky Creek South workings returning 28.1% Sb. 42 rock samples now exceed 0.5% Sb at Oaky Creek, further supporting the presence of widespread antimony mineralisation across the Oaky Creek Prospect and potentially indicating an extension to the Oaky Creek South mineralised system (see below).

Results for approximately 900 further auger soil samples collected during January and February remain pending, with assays expected before the end of March. These results will significantly expand coverage at both Oaky Creek North and Oaky Creek South (Figure 1) and will be used in conjunction with datasets for additional expected orogenic antimony vein targets ahead of planned drill testing in Q2 2026.

New Auger Assay Results Extend Antimony-Arsenic Anomaly at Oaky Creek South

As was reported in November 20251, initial auger sampling at the Oaky South Main Grid, located approximately 400m north-northwest of the small historical pits and shafts at Oaky Creek South, defined a coherent NE-striking ~200m x 30m Sb-As anomaly that remained open to the northeast.

Newly received results from sampling completed in late 2025 returned values of up to 251ppm Sb and 1,443ppm As (Appendix 1) and extend this anomaly ~60m further to the northeast (Figure 2). The anomaly remains open in that direction, with analytical results for sampling completed in January and February 2026 pending and represents a priority target for planned drill testing in Q2 2026.

The new results comprise approximately 180 auger soil samples collected over conventional soil anomalies at Oaky Creek South and Oaky Creek North, expanding coverage from the initial ~250 auger samples collected at Oaky Creek South in November 20252 (Figure 1).

Click here for the full ASX Release

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Jeffrey Christian: Gold, Silver Prices to Rise, Risk Highest Since WWII

Jeffrey Christian, managing partner at CPM Group, sees gold and silver prices continuing to rise as global political and economic risks persist.

‘We look at the world right now and we see a world where the risks and uncertainties are greater now than at any time since Pearl Harbor. December 1941,’ 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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Uranium Market Facing Supply Crunch as Nuclear Fleet Grows

The global uranium market is entering what industry leaders describe as a pivotal phase, with strengthening nuclear demand colliding with tightening supply and rising geopolitical competition for fuel.

At the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto, an executive from Cameco (TSX:CCO,NYSE:CCJ) and an analyst from UxC warned that the nuclear fuel cycle is undergoing a structural shift; one that could reshape uranium pricing and supply security over the coming decades.

During a presentation titled “Reviving the Nuclear Life Cycle,’ Grant Isaac, president and COO of Cameco, said the market often underestimates uranium demand because much of it is driven by long-term government and utilities agreements that are negotiated outside the public market.

“The sovereign interest in where nuclear fuel is coming from over a very long period of time is probably one of the most unrecognized pieces of uranium demand out there,” he said.

Unlike most commodities, uranium is rarely traded through large spot exchanges. Instead, utilities typically secure fuel years in advance through long-term contracts tied to reactor operations.

“Uranium is a product for which there is no substitute,” Isaac said.

“We don’t produce uranium to dump into a spot market or to sell to a smelter or metals exchange. That’s not how our market works … the market works on long-term planning tied directly to reactor demand.”

Nuclear expansion reshaping uranium demand

The global nuclear fleet currently includes roughly 441 reactors generating about 400 gigawatts of electricity, according to data from UxC. By 2040, that capacity could grow to more than 580 gigawatts as new reactors come online and existing units receive license extensions.

China alone operates about 60 reactors and has another 38 under construction, representing nearly 40 gigawatts of additional capacity. India is also expanding rapidly as part of its energy security strategy.

Elsewhere, nuclear demand is being supported by reactor restarts in Japan and steady generation in France, as well as new projects in the US and across Central and Eastern Europe.

Isaac noted that many reactors originally slated for closure are now being upgraded and extended, adding new fuel requirements that were not anticipated just a few years ago. Utilities are investing in upgrades that can boost output by 50 to 100 megawatts per reactor, he said — changes that require additional uranium.

“That alone is significant demand for uranium that nobody was talking about three or four years ago,” Isaac said.

Uranium supply challenges intensifying

While demand is strengthening, speakers at PDAC warned that uranium supply faces a range of structural constraints, from geopolitical disruptions to project development risks.

Nick Carter, executive vice president at UxC, said Asia will account for much of that demand growth, particularly in China and India. In terms of supply, global uranium production totaled about 173 million pounds in 2025, according to UxC. The largest producer was Kazakhstan, followed by Canada, Namibia and Australia.

Yet even with new projects planned, UxC forecasts significant deficits beginning around 2030.

“We do start seeing supply gaps starting around 2030 and extending through 2040. Filling that gap will be quite challenging,’ Carter said. Several factors are complicating the supply outlook.

Political instability has already disrupted production in parts of Africa. In 2023, the government of Niger took control of uranium assets previously operated by French nuclear group Orano.

“That is material that used to come into the west that is not coming into the west anymore,” Isaac said.

At the same time, China has aggressively secured uranium supply through overseas investments and long-term contracts. Carter estimates that the Asian nation now controls or has access to nearly 40 percent of global primary uranium production through imports and equity stakes in foreign mines.

“China imported nearly 70 million pounds of open market supply last year,” Carter said, adding that large volumes of Russian material are also being redirected to Chinese buyers.

New mines need higher incentive prices

Despite strong demand fundamentals, uranium prices have not yet fully reflected tightening supply conditions across the nuclear fuel cycle. Downstream services such as enrichment and conversion have already experienced significant price increases, Isaac said, suggesting the uranium market itself could follow.

“We need to see price discovery in our industry,” he said, adding that the era of extremely cheap uranium is likely over.

“We’re out of US$20 uranium, and we’re probably out of US$40,” he said. “And I think we’re running out of US$80.”

Higher uranium prices may ultimately be required to incentivize new mines and ensure long-term fuel availability for the expanding nuclear sector.

“If we treat nuclear fuel as the long-lead item that it actually is,” Isaac said, “Then the industry can transition smoothly into this period of growth.” Otherwise, he warned, the market may face a more abrupt reset.

“It will reset,” he said. “But it may reset more violently than any of us would like.”

Uranium prices enter new phase of volatility

Also speaking at PDAC, Treva Klingbiel, president of TradeTech, said the uranium market is entering a new phase marked by stronger prices and increasing volatility. She noted that uranium prices have historically moved in pronounced “supercycles,” a pattern visible in price data dating back to the late 1960s.

The most recent cycle has been particularly dramatic, she said, highlighting how the market has rebounded from the prolonged downturn that followed the Fukushima accident.

In 2016, uranium prices fell to a low of about US$17.75 per pound as early reactor closures, production costs well above market prices and supportive policies for gas and renewable energy weighed heavily on the sector.

Since then, the market has staged a sharp recovery.

“Since that low point, the price has more than quintupled,” Klingbiel said.

Today, TradeTech’s daily spot price sits around US$85, while the long-term contract price has climbed to about US$90. She added that TradeTech’s exchange value, a monthly pricing indicator, briefly reached US$100 in late January, a level that has been recorded only a handful of times since the firm began tracking uranium prices in 1968.

Looking ahead, Klingbiel said the uranium industry is now grappling with how quickly supply and demand can respond to geopolitical and policy shifts. In her view, the velocity is ‘very different from the past.’

Recent political developments, particularly shifting trade policies and evolving alliances, have already disrupted longstanding nuclear fuel supply chains. While some government initiatives are boosting nuclear power, other policies have placed pressure on available supply of uranium and enrichment services.

Limited investment over the past decade has contributed to what TradeTech views as a widening structural deficit.

“The demand is there,” Klingbiel told listeners at PDAC.

“What we need now is the capital to develop new production to bridge that supply gap.”

Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, 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: Iran War Drives Oil Derivatives Boom on Crypto Exchange

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (March 11) 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 (BTC) was priced at US$70,624.29, up by 0.6 percent over the last 24 hours.

Bitcoin price performance, March 11, 2026.

Chart via TradingView.

Bitcoin volatility remains elevated amid macro and oil price shocks. Amberdata’s recent analysis pins Bitcoin’s prolonged correction, which began after its October 2025 peak, partly on carry trade unwind, which has caused the 30 day basis to compress from over 15 percent in January 2025 to just over 5 percent on Wednesday.

Rania Gule, senior market analyst at XS.com, reads the current US$70,000 stall as a bottoming and rebalancing, not an endless correction, with short squeeze and scarcity setting up the next leg up.

Ether (ETH) was priced at US$2,075.44, up by 1.7 percent over the last 24 hours.

Altcoin price update

  • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1.39, up by 0.4 percent over 24 hours.
  • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$87.19, up by 1.3 percent over 24 hours.

Today’s crypto news to know

Oil trading surges on crypto derivatives platform

Volatility in global energy markets is spilling into crypto trading platforms, where oil derivatives are now among the most active markets. On decentralized exchange Hyperliquid, an oil-linked perpetual futures contract tracking West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude has generated about US$1.32 billion in trading volume over the past 24 hours.

The surge made oil the second most traded contract on the platform after Bitcoin.

It followed the escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, which sent oil prices briefly soaring above US$118 per barrel before retreating. Prior to the conflict, the contract typically saw about US$21 million in daily trading.

Data from Hyperliquid shows Bitcoin still dominates trading activity with roughly US$3.64 billion in daily volume, but the WTI contract has now leapfrogged assets such as Ether, silver and gold.

Strategy adds nearly 18,000 Bitcoin in US$1.28 billion purchase

Michael Saylor’s Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) continued its aggressive accumulation strategy last week, revealing that it purchased 17,994 BTC for about US$1.28 billion between March 2 and 8.

According to a regulatory filing, the company paid an average price of roughly US$70,946 per coin. The latest purchase lifts Strategy’s total holdings to 738,731 Bitcoin, acquired at a combined cost of about US$56.04 billion.

Circle launches nanopayments on testnet for AI agent commerce

Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL) launched nanopayments on a testnet on Tuesday (March 10), enabling artificial intelligence (AI) agents and machines to handle instant, gas-free payments of fractions of a cent using USDC. This financial rail allows machine-to-machine commerce, or “agentic economic activity,” by bundling many tiny off-chain transactions for free and settling them periodically on EVM chains like Arbitrum or Base.

Agents sign an off-chain authorization for immediate service. Following the x402 standard, it requires no accounts, just programmable USDC flows. This enables use cases like robots paying to recharge or AI paying per data crawl.

It is currently available for developers on testnet only.

Foundry Digital to launch Zcash mining pool

Foundry Digital, a company that builds infrastructure for digital asset mining, said it is planning to launch a specialized mining pool for Zcash in April of this year, expanding beyond their Bitcoin focus.

A spokesperson for Foundry told Cointelegraph that the company decided to build the new mining pool because “Zcash addresses something we believe is genuinely important: the idea that financial privacy is foundational to economic freedom, and that privacy and compliance can coexist.”

In addition, “When institutional and public miners can mine Zcash through infrastructure built to their standards, it brings new hashrate to the network and strengthens its security.”

Strive allocates US$50 million to Strategy

Strive Asset Management announced a US$50 million allocation of its corporate treasury to Strategy variable-rate perpetual preferred stock on Wednesday, with Chief Risk Officer Jeff Walton saying the company sees the stock as “a high-quality credit, offering material yield, higher liquidity, and attractive risk profile over traditional credit instruments for moderate duration capital.” The firm projects over US$3.9 million in returns per year compared to T-bills.

China’s top court warns of tougher penalties for crypto crime

China’s Supreme People’s Court has signaled a harder line against cryptocurrency-related financial crime, pledging stricter penalties for individuals using digital assets to launder money or move funds overseas.

Chief Justice Zhang Jun issued the warning in the court’s annual report to the National People’s Congress, highlighting the growing role of crypto in cross-border financial offenses.

Authorities say the crackdown is part of a broader campaign against technology-enabled crime, which increasingly includes AI-driven fraud and coordinated online harassment campaigns known as “human flesh search.”

Despite the ban, enforcement agencies say criminals have continued to exploit digital assets to bypass China’s strict capital controls, which limit individuals to transferring US$50,000 abroad each year.

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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Syntholene Selects Papadakis Engineering as Integration Partner for Novel Thermal-Hybrid Synthetic Fuel Demonstration Facility Heat Exchanger System

Experienced Thermal Integration Specialist Team Adds Depth to Syntholene’s Construction and Operational Roster

Syntholene Energy CORP (TSXV: ESAF,OTC:SYNTF) (FSE: 3DD0) (OTCQB: SYNTF) (‘Syntholene’ or the ‘Company’) announces that it has selected Papadakis Engineering (‘Papadakis’), the advanced fabrication and systems division of Papadakis Racing, as its development and integration partner for the geothermal heat exchanger system supporting Syntholene’s planned thermal-hybrid synthetic fuel Demonstration Facility.

Papadakis Engineering is a U.S.-based engineering and fabrication firm with deep expertise in high-performance thermal systems, precision manufacturing, and complex system integration.

The Papadakis organization is internationally recognized for its championship-winning motorsports engineering program, having designed and built record-setting powertrains and vehicle systems for top-tier professional racing series, including multiple Formula Drift titles.

The firm is known for translating extreme performance requirements into reliable, precision-engineered systems operating under continuous thermal and mechanical stress, a pedigree that directly informs its approach to advanced industrial thermal and integration challenges.

‘Thermal integration is one of the most important levers for Syntholene’s vision of lowering the cost of electrolytic hydrogen and, by extension, synthetic fuels,’ said Dan Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Syntholene Energy Corp. ‘Papadakis brings an uncommon combination of thermal engineering, fabrication discipline, and execution speed. Their experience delivering tightly integrated, high-performance systems makes them an ideal partner as Syntholene moves from design into physical system validation.‘

The Company’s engagement of Papadakis is pursuant to a written project proposal dated January 28, 2026. The project scope covers detailed engineering, fabrication, containerized integration, and electrical scope associated with a geothermal heat exchanger skid designed to provide low-grade process heat to Syntholene’s Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC)-based hydrogen production system. Under the proposal, Papadakis has agreed to provide electrical and heat exchanger integration services for a total contract value of US$289,026 payable in tranches during the term, with delivery of services expected to be complete by June 1, 2026. The work is intended to support factory acceptance testing and delivery of a fully integrated demonstration-scale system. This proposal was entered into by the Company in the ordinary course of its business in furtherance of the previously announced proposed Demonstration Facility. Papadakis and the Company are arm’s length parties.

‘Syntholene’s proposed Demonstration Facility represents the kind of engineering challenge we’re built for: integrating complex subsystems into a cohesive, performance-driven platform,‘ said Stephan Papadakis, Founder of Papadakis Engineering. ‘My team is excited to apply our high-performance engineering discipline to a program aimed at improving the efficiency and economics of synthetic fuel production.’

The selection of Papadakis represents a key milestone in the execution of Syntholene’s thermal-hybrid production architecture, which aims to integrate electricity with process heat to reduce net electrical demand and improve overall SOEC system efficiency. The proposed Demonstration Facility is designed to validate this approach and to generate operating data required to inform future commercial deployment plans.

The proposed Demonstration Facility is intended to serve as a validation platform for Syntholene’s thermal-hybrid production system, enabling the Company to de-risk system integration, operating performance, and unit economics ahead of targeted future commercial scale-up. Data to be generated from the facility is expected to inform subsequent project development, engagement with strategic partners, and discussions with policymakers and capital providers.

About Papadakis Engineering

Papadakis Engineering is an agile engineering, procurement, and construction firm specializing in advanced design, prototyping, precision fabrication, and integrated system development. The company bridges the gap between engineering and execution, enabling clients to move efficiently from concept through validated hardware.

Papadakis Engineering has deep experience solving complex mechanical, thermal, and electrical integration challenges under compressed timelines and high-performance requirements. Originally founded by champion Stephan Papadakis in the high-performance environment of professional motorsport, the firm applies that same discipline to industrial, energy, and advanced technology programs requiring precision, reliability, and secure operations.

About Syntholene Energy Corp

Syntholene is actively commercializing its novel Hybrid Thermal Production System for low-cost clean fuel synthesis. The target output is ultrapure synthetic jet fuel, which the Company seeks to manufacture at 70% lower cost than the nearest competing technology today. The Company’s mission is to deliver the world’s first truly high-performance, low-cost, and carbon-neutral synthetic fuel at an industrial scale, unlocking the potential to produce clean synthetic fuel at lower cost than fossil fuels, for the first time.

Founded by experienced operators across advanced energy infrastructure, nuclear technology, low-emissions steel refining, process engineering, and capital markets, Syntholene aims to be the first team to deliver a scalable modular production platform for cost-competitive synthetic fuel, thus accelerating the commercialization of carbon-neutral eFuels across global markets.

For further information, please contact:
Dan Sutton, CEO
comms@syntholene.com
www.syntholene.com
+1 608-305-4835

X: @Syntholene
Linkedin: Syntholene Energy
Youtube: Syntholene Energy

Investor Relations
KIN Communications Inc.
604-684-6730
ESAF@kincommunications.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words ‘expect’, ‘anticipate’, ‘aims’, ‘continue’, ‘estimate’, ‘objective’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘should’, ‘believe’, ‘plans’, ‘intends’, ‘targets’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including but not limited to statements regarding the proposal with Papadakis and proposed services, the timeline and cost for service delivery pursuant to the Papadakis proposal, proposed Demonstration Facility, testing planned at the proposed Demonstration Facility and the proposed use of data from such testing, commercial scalability,proposed benefits to the project from the skills of the engaged service providers, economic benefits of the Company’s products relative to competitive products; protection of the Company’s intellectual property through provisional patents and patents; the Company’s ability to execute on its plans for advancement and commercialization of its technology; technical and economic viability, anticipated geothermal power availability, anticipated benefit of eFuel, and future commercial opportunities, are forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able to execute its business plan in the manner and timeline set forth in its public disclosure or at all, that the engaged service providers have the skills to advance the Company’s business plans, that Papadakis will be able to complete the propsal on time and budget, that the eFuel will have its expected benefits, that there will be market adoption, that the Company’s review of the competitive landscape and that its understanding of being the world’s first Company to have geothermal-SOEC integration remain accurate, that any potential competitors to the Company would not be able to develop or execute geothermal-SOEC integration as quickly or as well as the Company, that the Company will be able to produce the eFuel at competitive pricing in the range anticipated in this news release or at all, that the proposed validation testing will be able to be completed, and that the results from such tests will validate the Company’s technology and support further commercialization, that geothermal heat will be available to the Company at the necessary levels, that the proposed Demonstration Facility will be completed on time and on budget, that the Company will continue to have access to skilled personnel with relevant experience, that regulatory requirements remain favourable for the Company, and that the Company will be able to access financing as needed to fund its business plan. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties.

Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including, without limitation, Syntholene’s ability to complete the testing, that the results of the testing will support continued commercialization and the Company’s technology, that the engaged service providers do not have the necessary skills to and do not advance the Company’s business plan, that Papadakis is not able to complete the scope of services on time and on budget or at all, that there are competitors in geothermal-SOEC integration that are unknown to the Company, that the Company may not be able to produce eFuel at the targeted prices or at a price that is lower than potential competitors, that definitive commercial purchase orders for Syntholene’s eFuel may not materialize, Syntholene’s ability to meet production targets, realize projected economic benefits, overcome technical challenges, secure financing, maintain regulatory compliance, manage geopolitical risks, and successfully negotiate definitive terms. Syntholene does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws.

This news release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, ‘FOFI’) about the cost and pricing of the eFuel product that Syntholene is seeking to commercialize, which is subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth in the above paragraphs. FOFI contained in this news release was made as of the date hereof and was provided for the purpose of describing the anticipated effects of advancement of Syntholene’s business operations. Syntholene’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such FOFI. Syntholene disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FOFI contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant to applicable law. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained herein should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.

Readers are advised to exercise caution and not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and FOFI in this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288190

News Provided by TMX Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Luka Doncic, fiancée break up; Lakers star in custody battle

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is separating from his fiancée and is in a custody battle for their two daughters, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported Tuesday afternoon.

Doncic had been engaged to Anamaria Goltes, a fashion and fitness model, since 2023. The two had known each other since childhood and started dating in 2016. Their first daughter, Gabriela, was born in 2023 in the United States while Doncic was a member of the Dallas Mavericks and their second child, Olivia, was born this past December.

‘I love my daughters more than anything and I’ve been doing everything I can for them to be with me in the U.S. during the season, but that hasn’t been possible, so I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement,’ Doncic told McMenamin in a statement provided to ESPN on Tuesday. ‘Everything I do is for my daughters’ happiness and I will always fight to be with them and give them the best life I can.’

Doncic traveled to Slovenia for the birth of Olivia, missing two games before returning to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 7. According to the ESPN report, it was here where things took a sour turn.

Doncic reportedly expressed a desire to bring Gabriela back to Los Angeles with him, and a disagreement between he and Goltes escalated to the point where police were called. Doncic ‘left peacefully’ according to ESPN, and flew back to the United States later that day. Doncic has reportedly not seen Goltes or his daughters since.

Earlier Tuesday, TMZ reported that Goltes had filed a petition for child support. The petition, filed in California according to ESPN, seeks only child support and attorney fees but not custody orders. Doncic reportedly ‘had no idea’ about the petition.

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