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MILAN, Italy — The women’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics ended nine days early.

Well, for all intents and purposes it did.

The gold medals will end up around the necks of the players on the US women’s hockey team, unless something catastrophic happens. That became clear when the Americans throttled Canada, 5-0, Tuesday, Feb. 10 in the final preliminary game.

Oh, Canada. That was terrible.

The fifth US goal prompted Canada to pulls its starting goaltender. There was plenty of deserving room on the bench.

The Americans and Canadiens entered the tournament regarded as the top two teams. But the Americans looked like the best team on ice at the Milano Cortina Winter Games. Next, Team USA (4-0) will play Italy (2-0) Friday, Feb. 13.

“I think if we keep playing like we’re playing and focus on a team effort for a full 60 minutes, it’s really hard to play against us,’ US goaltender Aerin Frankel said.

In four games, the US has outscored its opponents 20-1. Twelve different players have scored for Team USA. But the victory against Canada demonstrated even more.

There was pushing.

There was shoving.

There was jostling.

There was checking.

The Americans got the best of it all, beating Canada on the scoreboard and in the game measured by physicality.

Canada’s captain, Marie-Philip Poulin, was out with an injury. But one player, no matter how talented, is not enough to topple the Americans.

In the third period, Canada did play well in spurts. But no team is going to beat the Americans by just playing well in spurts. Not when the Americans’ offense is sizzling, its defense is stifling and Frankel is in goal. She saved everything, except for Canada forward Julie Gosling from delusion.

Talking about a potential rematch with the US team, possibly in the gold medal game Feb. 19, Gosling said, “If we bring our game and our confidence the way we know we can play, then I think we have a great shot against them.’

The best shot Canada has at this point is for silver.

Those goal medals will be headed back to the United States.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

4 Mins Read

JZR Gold Announces Extension to Previously Granted Options

(TheNewswire)

February 10, 2026 TheNewswire – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – JZR Gold Inc. (the ‘Company’ or ‘JZR’) (TSX-V: JZR) today announces that subject to applicable shareholder and TSX Venture Exchange approvals, the Board of Directors of the Company has approved the amendment of an aggregate of 725,000 incentive stock options (the ‘Amended Options’) previously granted to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan (the ‘Option Amendments’). Pursuant to the Option Amendments, the expiry date has been extended to February 12, 2031, with no change to the exercise price.

For further information, please contact:

Robert Klenk

Chief Executive Officer

E: rob@jazzresources.ca
T: 604.329.9092

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which includes any information about activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the anticipated use of proceeds from the exercise of the Warrants. Forward-looking information reflects the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mineral exploration industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks related to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions; risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with the specifications or expectations, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks related to adverse weather conditions; geopolitical risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Company’s continuous disclosure documents filed with the Canadian securities regulators. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

None of the securities of JZR have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act’), or any state securities law, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or ‘U.S. persons’ (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy in the United States nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

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7 Mins Read

Earthwise Minerals Completes Private Placement and Makes Changes to the Management Team

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 10, 2026 / Earthwise Minerals Corp. (CSE:WISE,OTC:HWKRF)(FSE:966) (‘Earthwise‘ or the ‘Company‘) is pleased to announce that it has completed its non-brokered private placement financing (the ‘Offering‘) announced January 30, 2026. The Company has raised gross proceeds of $601,804.49 by issuing a total of 17,194,414 non-flow through units (‘NFT Units’) at a price of $0.035 per unit.

Each NFT Unit shall consist of one common share in the authorized share structure of the Company (‘NFT Share’) and one common share purchase warrant (‘NFT Warrant’). Each NFT Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share at an exercise price of $0.05 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. The Company issued 17,194,414 NFT warrants in the Offering.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general working capital and exploration at the Iron Range Gold Project.

No Finders’ fees were paid in connection with the Offering. In accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, all securities issued pursuant to the Offering will have a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

In connection with the Offering, Karen Mate, the Company’s director, acquired 337,143 NFT Units (the ‘Insider Subscription’). The Insider Subscription constituted a ‘related party transaction’ within the meaning of the policies of the Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (‘MI 61-101’), but was exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101 on the basis that neither the fair market value of shares subject to the Insider Subscription nor the consideration paid in connection with the Insider Subscription exceeded 25% of the Company’s market capitalization calculated in accordance with MI 61-101. A material change report was not filed more than 21 days prior to closing of the Offering because the Insider Subscription was not finalized until shortly prior to the completion of the Offering.

None of the securities issued in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘1933 Act‘), and none of them may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

Change in Management

Earthwise Minerals Corp. is very pleased to make significant additions to our team. Karen Mate has joined the Board of Directors and Andy Randell has joined the newly created Advisory Board as Geological Advisor to our team.

Karen Mate

Karen Mate is a senior capital markets professional with more than 30 years of experience in the Canadian investment industry, including extensive leadership roles within institutional equity sales and capital markets advisory.

Over her career, Karen held senior positions at several of Canada’s leading investment banks, including Director, Global Institutional Equity Sales at Scotia Capital, and senior leadership roles at Casimir Capital, Dundee Capital Markets, Marleau Lemire Securities, and National Bank Financial. She built a reputation as a trusted advisor to institutional investors and corporate management teams across multiple market cycles.

Karen has been directly involved in raising approximately $1 billion in equity capital, with a particular focus on the natural resources sector. Her experience spans equity financings, strategic positioning, investor communications, and corporate development for publicly listed companies.

In 2016, Karen founded Capital Markets Advisory CA, where she now advises Canadian junior mining companies on capital raising, strategic communications, corporate development, and market strategy. She brings deep expertise in equity capital markets, management oversight, risk assessment, and investor relations, supported by an extensive network of long-standing institutional and industry relationships.

As a Director of Earthwise Minerals, Karen provides capital markets insight, strategic oversight, and governance support as the Company advances its exploration programs and long-term growth objectives.

Andy Randell, P.Geo

Andy Randell is a professionally registered geoscientist with more than 20 years of experience across mineral exploration, technical leadership, consulting, and industry governance.

Andy has held senior geological roles on gold-focused exploration projects in Canada and internationally, including positions as Project Geologist and Chief Geologist. His experience spans grassroots exploration through advanced-stage projects, with a strong emphasis on structural geology, disciplined targeting, and responsible exploration practices.

In addition to his operational experience, Andy is the Founder of SGDS Hive, a geoscience consultancy that advises exploration and mining companies globally on technical evaluation, project strategy, and exploration best practices.

Andy is an active contributor to the Canadian mineral exploration and professional geoscience community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) and is the Chair of a newly formed advocacy body within Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC). He has also taught senior-level university courses in Indigenous relations, sustainability, and mining law and ethics.

Andy is the Founder of Aeonian Resources Corp. and was awarded the Bedford Young Mining Professional Award by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) in recognition of his contributions to the industry.

As Geological Advisor to Earthwise Minerals, Andy provides independent technical insight and strategic guidance to support the Company’s exploration programs and long-term development objectives.

Solomon Kasirye

Earthwise Minerals announces the resignation of Mr. Solomon Kasirye as director of the Company, effective immediately. Earthwise wishes to thank Mr. Kasirye for his contributions to the Company.

About Earthwise Minerals

Earthwise Minerals Corp. (CSE:WISE,OTC:HWKRF)(FSE:966) is a Canadian junior exploration company focused on advancing the Iron Range Gold Project in southeastern British Columbia near Creston, B.C. The Company holds an option to earn up to an 80% interest in the fully permitted project, which is road-accessible and situated within a prolific mineralized corridor. The property covers a 10 km x 32 km area along the Iron Range Fault System and hosts multiple high-grade gold showings and large-scale geophysical and geochemical anomalies.

For more information, visit www.earthwiseminerals.com.

Earthwise Minerals Corp.,
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
‘Mark Luchinski’

Contact Information:
Mark Luchinski
Chief Executive Officer, Director
Telephone: (604) 506-6201
Email: luch@luchccorp.com

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes statements that constitute ‘forward-looking information’ as defined under Canadian securities laws (‘forward-looking statements’) including, without limitation, statements respecting the Offering and the intended use of proceeds therefrom. Statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Company are forward looking statements that involve various degrees of risk. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current views with respect to possible future events and conditions and, by their nature, are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific to the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual outcomes may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Additional information regarding the various risks and uncertainties facing the Company are described in greater detail in the ‘Risk Factors’ section of the Company’s annual management’s discussion and analysis and other continuous disclosure documents filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact Mark Luchinski, Chief Executive Officer and Director, at luch@luchccorp.com or (604) 506-6201.

SOURCE: Earthwise Minerals Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

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5 Mins Read

Questcorp Mining Announces Upsized Private Placement

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ,OTC:QQCMF) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Questcorp’) is pleased to announce an upsize to its previously announced non-brokered private placement to up to 15,000,000 units (each, a ‘Unit’) at a price of $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000 (the ‘Offering’). Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a ‘Share’) and one-half-of-one share purchase warrant (each whole share purchase warrant, a ‘Warrant’). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire an additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.30 for a period of thirty-six months following closing of the Offering, provided that holders will not be permitted to exercise Warrants until 60 days following closing of the Offering.

The Company expects to utilize the proceeds of the Offering for exploration work at the Company’s La Union Gold and Silver Project and North Island Copper Project, and for general working capital purposes.

The Units to be issued under the Offering will be offered for sale pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions, as amended by CSA Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 – Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (collectively, the ‘Listed Issuer Financing Exemption‘), in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and other qualifying jurisdictions, including the United States. The Units offered under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will be immediately ‘free-trading’ under applicable Canadian securities laws.

There is an offering document (the ‘Offering Document‘) related to this Offering that can be accessed under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca and at the Company’s website at https://questcorpmining.ca/. Prospective investors should read this Offering Document before making an investment decision.

In connection with completion of the Offering, the Company may pay finders’ fees to eligible third-parties who have introduced subscribers to the Offering. Completion of the Offering remains subject to receipt of regulatory approvals.

This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

About Questcorp Mining Inc.

Questcorp Mining Inc. is engaged in the business of the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in North America, with the objective of locating and developing economic precious and base metals properties of merit. The Company holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 1,168.09 hectares comprising the North Island Copper Property, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, subject to a royalty obligation. The Company also holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 2,520.2 hectares comprising the La Union Project located in Sonora, Mexico, subject to a royalty obligation.

Contact Information

Questcorp Mining Corp.

Saf Dhillon, President & CEO

Email: saf@questcorpmining.ca
Telephone: (604) 484-3031

This news release includes certain ‘forward-looking statements’ under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the intended use of proceeds from the Offering; closing of the Offering; and filing of the Offering Document. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain capital markets; and delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283532

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5 Mins Read

Geopolitics, Power and Resources Collide as Global Order Frays

Rising geopolitical tensions, intensifying competition for critical minerals and the accelerating breakdown of the postwar global order were some of the key themes at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) in late January, as investors grappled with what a volatile world means for capital, commodities and security of supply.

In a wide-ranging panel moderated by Jesse Day, legendary mining financier Frank Giustra joined retired US Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor and geopolitical analyst Dr. Pascal Lottaz to examine flashpoints from Iran to Greenland, and why resource investors can no longer separate geopolitics from the metals that underpin modern economies.

Giustra, president and CEO of Fiore Group and co-chair of the International Crisis Group, opened the discussion by warning that tensions with Iran are approaching a critical threshold, driven by competing US and Israeli objectives.

“Israel would like to see Iran taken out as a major regional power,” Giustra said. “The US would like to see a different Iran — one it could do business with and that has stable relations with its neighbours. Those objectives are not the same.”

He added that the presence of a US carrier strike group in the region underscores the risk of escalation, but questioned whether military action would achieve Washington’s goals. “Iran is simply too large for a strike to have the intended effect,” he said, pointing to the absence of a coherent long-term policy.

Colonel Macgregor was more blunt, warning the US is “on the precipice of war” with Iran and arguing that Washington’s strategic thinking mirrors failed efforts elsewhere.

“This is the same mindset that committed us to war in Ukraine,” Macgregor said. “Destroy the country, divide it, dominate it, and take its resources. It failed there, and it will fail in Iran.”

Dr. Lottaz, an adjunct researcher at Waseda University in Tokyo and host of the ‘Neutrality Studies’ channel, said unpredictability has become the defining feature of US foreign policy.

“What Israel does is done in conjunction with the US — they are effectively one team,” Lottaz said. “Carrier groups sitting offshore are not just deterrence. They are also sitting ducks. Ships can sink.”

Greenland, minerals and power politics

The panel then turned to Greenland, a region increasingly viewed through the lens of critical minerals and Arctic security.

Giustra dismissed claims that Greenland poses an immediate security risk from Russia or China, arguing instead that resource competition is the real driver. “Greenland has always been open for business,” he said.

“The idea that the US needs to own it to access minerals is simply false.”

Instead, Giustra described Washington’s posture as coercive. “It’s essentially putting a gun to Greenland’s head and saying, ‘We want to buy you.’”

For mining investors, Greenland represents both opportunity and risk.

The island hosts significant deposits of rare earth elements, graphite and other strategic metals essential to clean energy technologies, defence systems and advanced manufacturing. But political uncertainty, including pressure from major powers, complicates development timelines and capital allocation.

Macgregor argued that US ambitions in Greenland and Venezuela reflect more optics than strategy. “This administration loves big gestures,” he said. “But unless you control what happens on the ground, nothing really changes.”

Europe’s energy crisis and deindustrialization

Lottaz traced Europe’s economic strain, particularly Germany’s deindustrialization, back to energy policy decisions, including the shutdown of nuclear power and the loss of Russian gas supplies.

“Political leadership in Europe is increasingly detached from national interests,” he said. “What matters more is positioning within EU and transatlantic institutions.”

That disconnect has direct consequences for resource markets, particularly energy-intensive industries such as metals refining, steel production and battery manufacturing, which depend on stable, affordable power.

Macgregor added that many global institutions, including NATO and the European Union, are approaching “block obsolescence,” forcing investors to rethink long-held assumptions about stability.

Critical minerals and the risk of conflict

As the discussion widened, Giustra pointed to critical minerals as one of the most dangerous fault lines in the emerging world order.

“The intense competition between China and the West over critical minerals is a major factor,” he said. “These are not just economic assets — they’re strategic weapons.”

China currently dominates processing of rare earth elements, lithium chemicals and battery-grade materials, giving it leverage over Western supply chains. Efforts by the US, Europe and allies to secure alternative sources — from Greenland to Africa to South America — are reshaping investment flows across the mining sector.

Giustra warned that history shows transitions between declining and rising powers are rarely peaceful. “The danger of conflict during a shift in world order is extremely high,” he said. “We may already be setting the stage for something far worse.”

Is there room for optimism?

Despite the grim outlook, Lottaz offered cautious optimism, arguing that even strained international systems retain some restraining influence.

“Everyone still claims to operate under the UN Charter, even when they violate it,” he said. “That tells us the idea of international law still matters.”

He also pointed to restraint in conflicts such as Ukraine, noting that NATO has avoided direct war with Russia. “There is still rationality at work. No one wants Armageddon.”

Macgregor closed with a stark reminder for investors and policymakers alike. “Rules only exist if someone enforces them,” he said. “As American power recedes, we’re entering a far more competitive and uncertain world.”

For the resource sector, that uncertainty translates into higher geopolitical risk, but also strategic opportunity. As governments scramble to secure supply chains for energy transition metals, defence materials and critical infrastructure, mining projects once considered peripheral are moving to the centre of global power politics.

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

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5 Mins Read

Landmark trial accusing social media companies of addicting children to their platforms begins

LOS ANGELES — The world’s biggest social media companies face several landmark trials this year that seek to hold them responsible for harms to children who use their platforms. Opening statements for the first, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, begin this week.

Instagram’s parent company Meta and Google’s YouTube will face claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children. TikTok and Snap, which were originally named in the lawsuit, settled for undisclosed sums.

“This was only the first case — there are hundreds of parents and school districts in the social media addiction trials that start today, and sadly, new families every day who are speaking out and bringing Big Tech to court for its deliberately harmful products,” said Sacha Haworth, executive director of the nonprofit Tech Oversight Project.

At the core of the case is a 19-year-old identified only by the initials “KGM,” whose case could determine how thousands of other, similar lawsuits against social media companies will play out. She and two other plaintiffs have been selected for bellwether trials — essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury and what damages, if any, may be awarded, said Clay Calvert, a nonresident senior fellow of technology policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute.

It’s the first time the companies will argue their case before a jury, and the outcome could have profound effects on their businesses and how they will handle children using their platforms.

KGM claims that her use of social media from an early age addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Importantly, the lawsuit claims that this was done through deliberate design choices made by companies that sought to make their platforms more addictive to children to boost profits. This argument, if successful, could sidestep the companies’ First Amendment shield and Section 230, which protects tech companies from liability for material posted on their platforms.

“Borrowing heavily from the behavioral and neurobiological techniques used by slot machines and exploited by the cigarette industry, Defendants deliberately embedded in their products an array of design features aimed at maximizing youth engagement to drive advertising revenue,” the lawsuit says.

Executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify at the trial, which will last six to eight weeks. Experts have drawn similarities to the Big Tobacco trials that led to a 1998 settlement requiring cigarette companies to pay billions in health care costs and restrict marketing targeting minors.

“Plaintiffs are not merely the collateral damage of Defendants’ products,” the lawsuit says. “They are the direct victims of the intentional product design choices made by each Defendant. They are the intended targets of the harmful features that pushed them into self-destructive feedback loops.”

The tech companies dispute the claims that their products deliberately harm children, citing a bevy of safeguards they have added over the years and arguing that they are not liable for content posted on their sites by third parties.

“Recently, a number of lawsuits have attempted to place the blame for teen mental health struggles squarely on social media companies,” Meta said in a recent blog post. “But this oversimplifies a serious issue. Clinicians and researchers find that mental health is a deeply complex and multifaceted issue, and trends regarding teens’ well-being aren’t clear-cut or universal. Narrowing the challenges faced by teens to a single factor ignores the scientific research and the many stressors impacting young people today, like academic pressure, school safety, socio-economic challenges and substance abuse.”

A Meta spokesperson said in a recent statement that the company strongly disagrees with the allegations outlined in the lawsuit and that it’s “confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”

José Castañeda, a Google Spokesperson, said that the allegations against YouTube are “simply not true.” In a statement, he said, “Providing young people with a safer, healthier experience has always been core to our work.”

The case will be the first in a slew of cases beginning this year that seek to hold social media companies responsible for harming children’s mental well-being.

In New Mexico, opening statements begin Monday for trial on allegations that Meta and its social media platforms have failed to protect young users from sexual exploitation, following an undercover online investigation. Attorney General Raúl Torrez in late 2023 sued Meta and Zuckerberg, who was later dropped from the suit.

Prosecutors have said that New Mexico is not seeking to hold Meta accountable for its content but rather its role in pushing out that content through complex algorithms that proliferate material that can be harmful, saying they uncovered internal documents in which Meta employees estimate that about 100,000 children every day are subjected to sexual harassment on the company’s platforms.

Meta denies the civil charges while accusing Torrez of cherry-picking select documents and making “sensationalist” arguments. The company says it has consulted with parents and law enforcement to introduce built-in protections to social media accounts, along with settings and tools for parents.

A federal bellwether trial beginning in June in Oakland, California, will be the first to represent school districts that have sued social media platforms over harms to children.

In addition, more than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, claiming it is harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. The majority of cases filed their lawsuits in federal court, but some sued in their respective states.

TikTok also faces similar lawsuits in more than a dozen states.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

5 Mins Read

Pitt women’s basketball coach facing 6 lawsuits by former players

Six former women’s basketball players from the University of Pittsburgh are suing the school and its coach, Tory Verdi.

The six individual civil suits were filed in the U.S. District Court for Western Pennsylvania on Friday, Feb. 6. Each player is represented by the same attorney, Keenan Holmes. Each suit alleges Title IX violations and that Verdi inflicted ’emotional, psychological, and physical abuse’ against the players and that he created a “hostile, discriminatory, and retaliatory environment.’

Much of the allegations in the six lawsuits — which USA TODAY Sports obtained copies of — read similarly and cite the same instances to back up their allegations that Verdi “weaponized his authority to manipulate, demean, and emotionally destabilize players through targeted mistreatment, verbal abuse, gaslighting, and retaliatory conduct.”

“Verdi used his position of authority to engage in emotionally abusive conduct, retaliation, and psychological manipulation that transcended poor coaching and entered into constitutional violations,” one lawsuits reads. “The program was defined by fear and emotional volatility as players were routinely demeaned, psychologically isolated, and pressured to perform under abusive conditions.”

Spokespersons for Pitt’s athletic department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night.

The lawsuits were filed by Favor Ayodele, Raeven Boswell, Makayla Elmore, Brooklynn Miles, Isabella Perkins and Jasmine Timmerson. Their suits also claim that Pitt knew about the players’ complaints about Verdi, but took no action.

Concerns, according to the lawsuits, were raised with Senior Woman Administrator Jennifer Tuscano, former athletic director Heather Lyke, and Laurel Gift — Pitt’s Assistant Vice Chancellor for Compliance, Investigations, and Ethics. Lyke is now the Special Advisor to the Chancellor and Athletic Director at Syracuse.

Often the first specific incident cited in the lawsuits is one that allegedly occurred after a practice during the 2023-24 season when Verdi told the team, “Every night I lay in bed I want to kill myself because of you.” The former players say this “caused fear, emotional distress, and confusion among players.”

Four of the six lawsuits cite another incident where, before playing a game against Clemson, Verdi allegedly “directed xenophobic and culturally insensitive remarks” toward a foreign-born player, telling her to “go back home because ICE is coming.” One lawsuit claims that Verdi told foreign-born players, “We speak English here,” when they would use their native languages or accents.

In her lawsuit, Perkins alleges that Verdi once told her during the summer of 2024 in a private meeting, “I don’t like you as a player, but I’d let my son date you.”

Perkins also says that she was “routinely denied adequate medical care” and forced to play while injured. Perkins said she confided in the team doctor about the “hostile and abusive environment perpetuated by Coach Verdi.” That disclosure was reported to Verdi, Perkins alleges, and it was met with retaliation. Perkins adds that her request for a medical redshirt was denied because Pitt mishandled her submission to the ACC.

Two lawsuits make the allegation that Verdi berated the team after the death of one player’s father, allegedly telling them, “I knew you guys were bad basketball players, but I didn’t know you were bad people too.”

Four of the six players also claim that Verdi mocked one player’s appearance and weight, telling her “you look pregnant,” while she was recovering from injury. The six players also claim that Verdi “intentionally created and exploited racial division” and that “players of color were subjected to harsher discipline, less patience, and fewer opportunities than similarly situated white teammates.”

One former player, Elmore, says she “made a good-faith report” to Pitt’s compliance office regarding repeated NCAA practice-hour violations by Verdi. Elmore claims that the compliance office disclosed her identity to Verdi and nothing was done.

Another former player, Ayodele, says that when she was injured, Verdi didn’t speak to her for nearly six months and ignored “her medical and emotional needs and isolating her from team support.”

Some of the former players say they have had to seek mental health treatment and therapy after playing for Verdi. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and a declaration that Pitt violated Title IX.

Verdi is in his third season coaching the Panthers, who currently have an overall record of 8-17, a mark that includes a loss to Division III Scranton. He has a record of 29-60 while leading Pitt. The Panthers have not posted a winning record in ACC play since the 2014-15 season, which is also the last time they made the NCAA tournament.

Previously, Verdi was the head coach at UMass and Eastern Michigan, where he won a combined 200 games. Verdi signed a six-year contract with Pitt when he was hired in 2023.

Riding an eight-game losing streak, Pitt is scheduled to play again on Thursday night at home against Syracuse.

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2 Mins Read

Steph Curry won’t play in 2026 All-Star Game

SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors veteran superstar Stephen Curry missed the Monday, Feb. 9 game against the Memphis Grizzlies with right knee soreness as he felt pain in his right patellofemoral.

Curry’s injury, a common overuse injury causing pain around or behind the kneecap, is expected to keep him out of action in the immediate future.

During a pregame press conference, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters that Curry would be out, missing upcoming games, including the 2026 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 15 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

‘He will not play against San Antonio, he will not play in the All-Star Game,’ Kerr said about Curry’s timeline for return from injury.

Curry is averaging 27.2 points, which is the eighth most in the NBA for the 2025-26 season. He is shooting 47% from the field, 40% from deep and 93% from the free throw line. He’s appeared in 39 games for Golden State this season.

Who will replace Curry in 2026 NBA All-Star Game?

The NBA has not announced who will replace Curry in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

However, that hasn’t stopped NBA experts and fans from providing their two cents on who should take Curry’s place.

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1 Min Read

Kansas stuns No. 1 Arizona, hand Wildcats first loss of season

The No. 1 men’s college basketball team in the country has fallen.

The Arizona Wildcats, ranked No. 1 in USA TODAY’s coaches poll, were toppled, 82-78, by the No. 9 Kansas Jayhawks after they mounted a second-half comeback to give the Wildcats their first loss of the season 24 games in.

Kansas — without potential top NBA draft pick Darryn Peterson for the 11th time this season — trailed by three at halftime and found themselves down by as many as 11 at the 17-minute mark. They responded with a 9-2 run over the next two minutes to come within three points of Arizona before taking the lead on a Flory Bidunga layup with nine minutes to go.

Bidunga led the Jayhawks in both scoring (23 points) and rebounds (11). The sophomore big man also had a critical block with 17 seconds left in the game on Koa Peat’s layup attempt to protect a three-point lead. Tre White sealed the win by draining a pair of free throws in the final five seconds.

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3 Mins Read

Family announces death of Lions star, suspects CTE

Former Detroit Lions defender Tracy Scroggins has died at the age of 56.
His family stated that he battled the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Scroggins played 10 seasons for the Lions and ranks seventh in franchise history with 60.5 sacks.
He was one of nearly 5,000 players to file concussion-related lawsuits against the NFL.

Former Detroit Lions defender Tracy Scroggins has died at the age of 56, his family announced Feb. 9.

‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins,’ his family said in a statement provided to TMZ.

‘Tracy was a devoted father, cherished family member, and loyal friend whose life was marked by remarkable strength and perseverance. While many knew him for his career as a professional football player in the NFL, those closest to him knew him as a kind-hearted and generous man who cared deeply for his family and friends.’

The family also said in its announcement of Scroggins’ death that the 56-year-old had suffered symptoms suspected to be from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) during his post-playing career.

CTE is only diagnosable through a neuropathological autopsy performed after a person’s death. It was not immediately clear whether Scroggins’ family would have his brain tested.

‘Playing in the NFL gave Tracy the opportunity to pursue his lifelong dream and to rise from poverty,’ the statement read. ‘However, unfortunately, the NFL was also ultimately the cause of his untimely demise. Tracy spent every moment of retirement courageously battling the devastating effects of CTE. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace.’

Scroggins was one of nearly 5,000 players to file concussion-related lawsuits against the NFL before the league’s sweeping concussion settlement in 2015.

Scroggins filed an additional claim against the NFL in 2016. His lawyer at the time – Tim Howard – stated his client was suffering from symptoms consistent with CTE.

‘He can’t remember where he is or where he’s going,’ Howard told USA TODAY Sports in 2016. ‘He hasn’t been able to hold a job over the last six years. Beyond memory issues, he suffers from depression and has angry outbursts.’

Scroggins was a defensive mainstay for Detroit

Scroggins played 10 NFL seasons, all for the Lions, after being selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft. The Tulsa product played 142 games and made 89 starts while playing both defensive end and linebacker.

Scroggins racked up 60½ career sacks – seventh-most in franchise history – and was named the No. 90 player in the ranking of the greatest players franchise history by the Free Press in 2019.

The Lions paid homage to Scroggins with a social media post shortly after his death was announced:

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