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Bengals expect former franchise QB to pay for hotel for ceremony

Boomer Esiason is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Cincinnati Bengals history. He’s one of two Bengals players to win the NFL MVP award, winning it in 1988 as the team made a run to the Super Bowl.

The franchise created a Ring of Honor in 2021 and made him one of its early inductees in 2023.

He’s invited to the Bengals’ Ring of Honor ceremony this year on Oct. 26 when Cincinnati hosts the New York Jets. But Esiason took issue with his invitation, which he read out loud to co-host Greg Giannotti on his radio show ‘Boomer & Gio’ this week.

‘The Bengals organization is excited to celebrate our legends community and kindly invite you and a guest to join us in celebrating Dave Lapham and Lemar Parrish on Ring of Honor weekend in October, culminating at our game on Sunday, October 26, when the Bengals take on the New York Jets,’ Esiason read. ‘More details are below, and we kindly ask you to RSVP no later than Friday, August 22. You and a guest can receive two complementary tickets with an opportunity to purchase an additional one, if you wish.’

So far, so good. Esiason then got to the part of the invite he found troublesome.

‘If you are traveling in for the weekend from out of town, we have secured a block of rooms at the Renaissance Hotel at a preferred discounted rate,’ Esiason continued. ‘Rooms are limited, so please book directly for the early and the best rate. We look forward to hosting you in The Jungle for an unforgettable weekend. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me or another guy on the staff with any questions. Thank you. And Who Dey.’

‘Who Dey?’ Giannotti said. ‘Who Dey think they are making you pay for your own hotel room?’

Esiason admitted he’s unsure about attending the ceremony after receiving that invitation.

‘You think I’m an elitist if I say no to that?’ Esiason said.

This news comes as the Bengals remain in a contract stalemate with reigning NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson. The two sides seem far apart on total compensation as the season gets closer.

As that’s happening to a current Bengals player, both Esiason and Giannotti were surprised that the team won’t pay for hotel rooms for franchise legends.

Giannotti added that the email invite didn’t seem very personal – a surprise given how few people are in the Bengals’ Ring of Honor.

‘How many people are in a Ring of Honor now? Eight? All right, so they should be getting different emails than this generic email,’ he said.

There are 10 people currently in the Bengals’ Ring of Honor ahead of the 2025 class of cornerback Parrish and former guard and current radio analyst Lapham.

At least Esiason got an invite. Bengals career rushing leader Corey Dillon said on X that he didn’t receive an email invitation at all.

‘At least my guy Boomer got an invite and email ,’ Dillon wrote.

Bengals Ring of Honor members

Esiason is one of two quarterbacks in the Bengals’ Ring of Honor in addition to the team’s career passing leader Ken Anderson. Here’s a list of each member and their year of induction:

*=denotes player/coach inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • Coach Paul Brown (2021)*
  • QB Ken Anderson (2021)
  • OT Anthony Muñoz (2021)*
  • CB Ken Riley (2021)*
  • WR Isaac Curtis (2022)
  • OT Willie Anderson (2022)
  • WR Chad Johnson (2023)
  • QB Boomer Esiason (2023)
  • DT Tim Krumrie (2024)
  • RB Corey Dillon (2024)
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Secretariat jockey Ron Turcotte dies at 84

  • Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte won the Triple Crown in 1973 with Secretariat.
  • Secretariat won the 1973 Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths, a record time of 2:24 that stands today.
  • Turcotte won 3,032 races and $28,606,490 in earnings during his career.

Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, who won the Triple Crown in 1973 with Secretariat, has died at the age of 84.

Turcotte’s family announced that the jockey died from natural causes on Friday, Aug. 22, at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick. He is best known for winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes in 1973 with the legendary horse Secretariat.

Secretariat won the 1973 Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths, a record time of 2:24 that stands today.

Turcotte also won the 1972 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes aboard Riva Ridge. He won the 1965 Preakness aboard Tom Rolfe.

Turcotte won 3,032 races and $28,606,490 in earnings during his nearly two-decade career. However, his career ended in 1978 when he fell off a horse during a race, leaving him a paraplegic. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1979.

‘The world may remember Ron as the famous jockey of Secretariat, but to us he was a wonderful husband, a loving father, grandfather, and a great horseman,’ the Turcotte family’s statement said according to the Associated Press.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Grande Portage Applies for Road Easement from State of Alaska

Easement to Facilitate Near-Term Exploration Logistics for New Amalga Gold Project & Secure Road Route Spanning One-Third of Distance from Public Highway to Project Site

Grande Portage Resources Ltd. (TSXV:GPG)(OTCQB:GPTRF)(FSE:GPB) (‘Grande Portage’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it has applied for a State of Alaska easement related to its New Amalga Gold project in southeast Alaska. This easement application incorporates a proposal for development of approximately 1.3 miles (2 km) of gravel road along with two equipment staging areas.

Extending from Glacier Highway across State of Alaska property, development of this road segment will greatly facilitate the Company’s helicopter-supported exploration efforts by establishing an equipment staging area much closer to the project site. The helicopter shuttle distance for transporting drilling equipment and supplies would be reduced by over 60% for each cycle compared to the previous staging area located in the Juneau Mendenhall Valley suburbs.

Ian Klassen, President and CEO comments: ‘The submission of this easement application is an important step for the project. The proposed road development and equipment staging areas will not only enhance the efficiency of our exploration efforts but will also reduce the impact of helicopter noise on residential areas of the Mendenhall Valley. Furthermore, this road segment will comprise a significant proportion of the overall road development required to ultimately establish surface access to the project site.’

This initial road segment would span approximately one-third of the total distance from Glacier Highway to the project site, ending at the boundary between State of Alaska and US Forest Service land. Further road development will require separate federal environmental review and permitting. Baseline environmental studies are ongoing in order to support future federal submissions.

The future facilities at the project site are envisioned to include a small-footprint underground mining operation without an ore processing plant or tailings disposal landfill. Due to the resource location near tidewater and less than 4 miles (6.5km) from existing paved highway (Fig. 1), the Company considers off-site processing by a third party to be the most favorable configuration for the project.

Kyle Mehalek, P.E.., is the QP within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Mehalek is independent of Grande Portage within the meaning of NI 43-101.

About Grande Portage:

Grande Portage Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on advancing the New Amalga Mine project, the outgrowth of the Herbert Gold discovery situated approximately 25 km north of Juneau, Alaska. The Company holds a 100% interest in the New Amalga property. The New Amalga gold system is open to length and depth and is host to at least six main composite vein-fault structures that contain ribbon structure quartz-sulfide veins. The project lies prominently within the 160km long Juneau Gold Belt, which has produced over eight million ounces of gold.

The Company’s updated NI#43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) reported at a base case mineral resources cut-off grade of 2.5 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) and consists of: an Indicated Resource of 1,438,500 ounces of gold at an average grade of 9.47 g/t Au (4,726,000 tonnes); and an Inferred Resource of 515,700 ounces of gold at an average grade of 8.85 g/t Au (1,813,000 tonnes), as well as an Indicated Resource of 891,600 ounces of silver at an average grade of 5.86 g/t Ag (4,726,000 tonnes); and an Inferred Resource of 390,600 ounces of silver at an average grade of 7.33 g/t silver (1,813,000 tonnes). The MRE was prepared by Dr. David R. Webb, Ph.D., P.Geol., P.Eng. (DRW Geological Consultants Ltd.) with an effective date of July 17, 2024.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

‘Ian Klassen’
Ian M. Klassen
President & Chief Executive Officer
Tel: (604) 899-0106
Email: Ian@grandeportage.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain ‘forward-looking statements’ under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company’s future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as ‘believes’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘estimates’, ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘would’, ‘will’, or ‘plan’. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties as described in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators. There can be no assurance that such 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 information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Please note that under National Instrument 43-101, the Company is required to disclose that it has not based any production decision on NI 43-101-compliant reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments, or feasibility studies, and historically production decisions made without such reports have increased uncertainty and higher technical and economic risks of failure. These risks include, among others, areas that are analyzed in more detail in a feasibility study or preliminary economic assessment, such as the application of economic analysis to mineral resources, more detailed metallurgical and other specialized studies in areas such as mining and recovery methods, market analysis, and environmental, social, and community impacts. Any decision to place the New Amalga Mine into operation at levels intended by management, expand a mine, make other production-related decisions, or otherwise carry out mining and processing operations would be largely based on internal non-public Company data, and on reports based on exploration and mining work by the Company and by geologists and engineers engaged by the Company.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED UNDER THE POLICIES OF THE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE

Source

Click here to connect with Grande Portage Resources Ltd. (TSXV:GPG)(OTCQB:GPTRF)(FSE:GPB) to receive an Investor Presentation

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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OPINION — Goldenomics 104: Trump’s Tariffs and Gold

By Darren Brady Nelson

One of former President Ronald Reagan’s most famous quotes is “trust, but verify.” He made that remark on December 8, 1987, to then-Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev as the audience gathered on that historic day for a nuclear arms treaty.

In the wake of US President Donald Trump’s April “Liberation Day” tariffs, it is time once again to “trust, but verify.” That is, that the economy is still on track for a new “golden age of America.” And that we will continue in a “golden age,” pun intended, for investing in gold.

Source: the White House.

Tariffs are not inflation

Trump’s tariffs have added to uncertainty, but they are not inflationary per se. The famous Nobel Prize-winning monetary economist, Milton Friedman, summarized what he had learned from the most comprehensive empirical study ever undertaken on inflation in the following quote:

“Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon in the sense that it is and can be produced only by a more rapid increase in the quantity of money than in output. A steady rate of monetary growth at a moderate level [may allow] little inflation and much growth.”

Another monetary economist of the 20th century, but not quite as famous as Friedman, was Ludwig von Mises. He agreed with the first half of the quote above, but not the second. He also supported a gold standard, as seen below, as protection from inflation and accompanying boom-bust cycles:

“All economic activity is based upon an uncertain future. It is therefore bound up with risk.” Thus: “There is no such thing as a safe investment.” But: “The…gold standard alone is a truly effective check on the power of the government to inflate the currency.”

Tariffs are just taxes

A student of Mises was Murray Rothbard. The latter wrote in Power and Market that the burden of a sales tax falls entirely on the supplier and supply chain, not the consumers, yet tariffs inexplicably do the opposite. The former is closer to the truth, depending on elasticities.

Media pundits often claim that businesses pass forward tax increases, like tariffs, to consumers. This is a half-truth. The other half of this half-truth is that businesses take a hit, so that they invest and hire less. This means foreign businesses, more than American consumers.

And rather than just a 50/50 split between supply and demand, as per the graph below, economics and history show it is more like an 80/20 situation. That 80 includes a pass backward in the supply chain. This means foreign supply chains, more than American supply chains.

Source: SlidePlayer.

Rationale for Trump’s tariffs

Trump’s tariffs have created extra uncertainty, but not nearly as much as the neoliberals, on the left or right, would suggest by their outrage and alarm. Firstly, imports and import elasticities are relatively low in the US.

Secondly, Trump’s strategy is consistent with the same three exceptions to free trade, and in the same order, as did the classical liberal, and godfather of free trade economics, Adam Smith.

The first exception is not only about directly decoupling from communist China, for targeted defense purposes, but also indirectly, for broader strategic purposes, by weakening the Communist Party of China to the point of regime change, as Reagan did to the USSR.

The second and third exceptions, of reciprocity and retaliation, are part of the “art of the deal.” This three-pronged strategy, despite the outcry as being anti-free trade, is not only trying to put America first, but also to restore genuine free trade. It is a well-calculated risk.

Impact of these tariffs

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in its press release of July 17: “Import prices ticked up 0.1% in June, following a decrease of 0.4% in May, and an advance of 0.1% in April.”

The BLS added that: “Prices for US imports fell 0.2% from June 2024 to June 2025, matching the 12- month decline for the year ended May 2025. Those were the largest annual decreases since the index fell 0.9% for the year ended February 2024.”

The BLS also provided an interactive chart of the Import Price Index (IPI). Highlights from the Trump 47 era for “all imports” include: IPI increased, but at a declining rate, by 1.7 percent in February, 0.8 percent in March and 0.1 percent in April; then decreased by -0.2 percent in May and -0.2 percent in June.

“Consumer goods” are also illuminating: IPI dropped from 1.2 percent in November 2024 to -0.8 percent in March 2025; then sunk further to -1.2 percent in May before rising to -0.6 percent in June, but still negative.

The story with “industrial supplies and materials” was that: IPI grew at 5.7 percent in February, then plunged to 1.9 percent in March; followed by shrinking down into negative territory of -2 percent in April, -3.6 percent in May and -3.2 percent in June.

Source: BLS.

Conclusion

Many Main Street investors, and even those on Wall Street, are aware that gold is a great hedge against both inflation and uncertainty; and it is. But few on either streets also know that it is a great investment that outperforms the S&P Index; and it does.

Gold is very rare indeed, and not just in terms of its physical scarcity, but in its unique ability to be both a safe-haven investment and a performance investment as well. The two charts at the end demonstrate gold’s protection and gold’s growth over the decades.

Therefore, for American investors it is still the right time to “trust” in gold growth to come, “but verify” through gold protection in the meantime. Thus, when one has gold, “heads” you win and “tails” you don’t lose.

Sources: FRED (CPI) (GDP) (M3); Shiller Data (S&P); World Bank (gold).

About Darren Brady Nelson

Darren Brady Nelson is chief economist with Fisher Liberty Gold and policy advisor to The Heartland Institute. He previously was economic advisor to Australian Senator Malcolm Roberts. He authored the Ten Principles of Regulation and Reform, and the CPI-X approach to budget cuts.

Read the rest of the series: Goldenomics 101: Follow the Money, Goldenomics 102: The Shadow Price of Gold, Goldenomics 103: Gold Protects and Performs.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Gold Price Rises as Powell Boosts Rate Cut Expectations in Jackson Hole Speech

Citing a shifting economic situation in the US, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that the central bank is ready to adjust interest rates during his speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium.

Powell indicated that the Fed’s dual mandate goal is essentially in balance, saying the labor market remains close to maximum employment and that inflation has eased from post-pandemic highs, although it remain elevated.

However, the Fed head also noted that “the balance of risks appears to be shifting,” with significant uncertainty in the economy as a result of higher tariffs, tighter immigration and a slowdown in the pace of growth in the labor market.

“Over the longer run, changes in tax, spending, and regulatory policies may also have important implications for economic growth and productivity,” Powell added in his Friday (August 22) address.

The biggest challenge for the Fed is maintaining its dual mandate of ensuring too much slack doesn’t enter the labor market, which Powell said could happen quickly, while also attempting to ease inflation to the target 2 percent.

“A material slowing in employment growth may not be a signal that the economy is entering a downturn, but a symptom of structural shifts in the economy. For this reason, Powell and others in the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) have pointed to the unemployment rate as a more useful indicator of the health of the labor market,” she said.

Although tariffs are likely to take some months to work their way through the economy, with Powell suggesting there is still high uncertainty, he also indicated that “the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance.”

His remarks are in line with analysts’ expectations of a 25 basis point cut to the benchmark rate in September.

In 2024, the Fed made three cuts: a 50 basis point cut in September, followed by two 25 basis point cuts in October and November. So far, it has not made reductions in 2025; however, it faced dissent from two committee members at its July meeting, the first time more than one member has voted against the committee since December 1993.

The gold price jumped following Powell’s remarks on Friday, gaining nearly 1 percent in morning trading, reaching US$3,370 per ounce by 1:00 p.m. EDT. Silver rose more than 2 percent to hit US$38.94 per ounce.

Equity markets were also in positive territory during morning trading.

The S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) climbed 1.49 percent to 6,465 points, and the Nasdaq 100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) rose 1.48 percent to 23,485 points. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) surged 2 percent to trade in record territory at 45,687 points.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Crypto Market Update: World Liberty Gets Coinbase Approval with Stablecoin Listing

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (August 22) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

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

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$116,546, a 3.9 percent increase in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$112,019, and its highest was US$117,310.

Bitcoin price performance, August 22, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

The crypto market rallied after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium offered clues that the Fed may be preparing to lower interest rates in September.

Bitcoin jumped from US$112,000 to US$116,000 in just over an hour. The current situation with inflation and the labor market, Powell said, “may warrant adjusting” the Fed’s monetary policy stance.

Powell cited a “curious balance” in the labor market, with reduced worker supply and demand increasing employment risks, while also noting that tariffs’ visible impact on consumer prices is likely to be short-lived.

However, he signaled that the central bank remains cautious of potential lasting inflation, emphasizing the need to balance its dual mandates when goals conflict.

The Fed also revised its monetary policy, stating that low unemployment alone will not trigger rate hikes. They removed language suggesting tolerance for inflation above 2 percent to offset past undershoots and no longer described low interest rates as a “defining feature” of the economy, offering greater flexibility in a volatile post-pandemic economy.

According to the CME Group Fedwatch tool, the probability of an interest rate cut at the September 17 FOMC meeting has surged to over 83 percent, up from 75 percent just yesterday.

Likewise, Ether (ETH) gained over 10 percent following Powell’s remarks, rising above the week-long US$4,600 resistance and forming a bull flag pattern, with analysts projecting potential highs around US$6,000.

ETH was priced at US$4,843.61, up by 14.5 percent over the past 24 hours, and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest valuation was US$4,254.24.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$199.01, up by 10.5 percent over 24 hours to its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest was US$178.52.
  • XRP was trading for US$3.09, up by 7.9 percent in the past 24 hours, and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest was US$282.
  • Sui (SUI) was trading at US$3.74, up by 9.5 percent over the past 24 hours, following market trends by reaching its highest valuation as the markets wrapped. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3.33.
  • Cardano (ADA) was also trading at its highest valuation on Friday at US$0.9334, up by 9.5 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation for the day was US$0.8332.

Today’s crypto news to know

Coinbase approves Trump-backed stablecoin

Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) has listed USD1, a stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial, the crypto project linked to US President Donald Trump and his sons. The exchange announced the move on Thursday (August 21), while Eric Trump reposted the news on X and hinted that additional updates on the project are coming soon.

With the addition, Coinbase now offers US users a wide range of stablecoins, including USDT, USDC, PYUSD, DAI and others. World Liberty launched USD1 earlier this year as part of its push into decentralized finance, positioning the token for use in a forthcoming platform built on Ethereum with Aave technology.

The platform is not yet live, but the company has said it will eventually support lending and borrowing services.

The listing comes as the US stablecoin sector gains momentum following the passage of the GENIUS Act, which set national standards for stablecoin issuance and trading.

Still, World Liberty’s political connections remain controversial, especially after reports linked USD1 to a multibillion-dollar investment in Binance from an Abu Dhabi sovereign fund.

House moves to prohibit Fed from issuing CBDC

The US House of Representatives has added a provision to a defense policy bill for the 2026 fiscal year that would ban the Fed from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC). On Thursday, the House Rules Committee released a revised version of HR 3838, the House’s rendition of a bill enacting the National Defense Authorization Act.

It incorporates extensive wording that prohibits the Fed from researching or developing digital currency.

In July, the House narrowly passed the Republican-backed Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, which aims to prevent the Fed from issuing a digital currency, with a vote of 219 to 210. Its fate in the Senate remains uncertain.

The National Defense Authorization Act and its associated appropriations bills are considered essential national security legislation. They detail the military’s funding and budget allocation. Adding this provision from the anti-CBDC bill is a strategic maneuver by supporters of the CBDC ban to increase the likelihood of it passing into law.

CFTC seeks public input on spot crypto trading regulations

Caroline D. Pham, acting chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is calling for public input from crypto market participants on how the agency can better regulate spot crypto trading.

“The public feedback will assist the CFTC in carefully considering relevant issues for leveraged, margined or financed retail trading on a CFTC-registered exchange as we implement the President’s directive,” Pham said on Thursday.

Comments may be submitted via the commission’s website until October 20.

This marks the second leg of the CFTC’s “crypto sprint,” an initiative to fast track the implementation of a new regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets in the US. Last month, the agency announced that it would explore enabling the trading of spot crypto asset contracts on CFTC-registered futures exchanges.

Ripple, SBI to bring RLUSD to Japan

Ripple and SBI Holdings (TSE:8473) unveiled plans on Thursday to bring Ripple USD (RLUSD) to Japan.

Their aim is to launch the stablecoin in early 2026. The rollout will be handled by SBI VCTrade, a licensed digital payments provider, under Japan’s new regulatory framework for stablecoins.

RLUSD, first introduced in December 2024, is backed by dollar deposits, short-term US treasuries and cash equivalents, with monthly attestations from an independent firm. Ripple says this design ensures regulatory clarity and sets the coin apart as an institutional-grade product. SBI executives described the partnership as a milestone for Japan’s financial system, stressing that the stablecoin will enhance trust and convenience for users.

Ripple officials framed RLUSD as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized networks, particularly just days after Japan approved its first yen-based stablecoin.

ECB explores public blockchains for digital euro

The European Central Bank (ECB) is reportedly exploring major public blockchain networks, including Ethereum and Solana, in connection with its digital euro design.

Sources familiar with the matter told the Financial Times that EU officials are accelerating plans for a digital euro after the passage of the GENIUS Act deepened concerns regarding the competitive viability of a European digital currency.

Sources familiar with the matter told the news outlet that while a private blockchain was widely expected for the digital euro, a public option is now being considered more seriously.

Meanwhile, the ECB informed the Financial Times that it is exploring both centralized and decentralized technologies, including distributed ledger technologies, in the lead up to a final decision.

Austrac directs Binance to appoint external auditor

Binance is facing renewed scrutiny in Australia after the country’s financial watchdog directed it to appoint an external auditor. AUSTRAC said the exchange has failed to meet standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing controls, citing gaps in oversight and risk management. The agency also pointed to Binance’s high staff turnover and limited senior management presence in Australia as red flags.

AUSTRAC Chief Brendan Thomas warned that global crypto exchanges must adapt to local compliance requirements, regardless of their size. The action adds to a growing list of regulatory challenges for Binance worldwide, including a record US$4.3 billion fine in the US last year for failing to block illicit users.

The company’s founder, Changpeng Zhao, is serving a four month prison sentence related to those violations. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Binance is still battling tax evasion and illegal foreign exchange allegations, with a court trial pushed back to October.

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Cracker Barrel shares plummet after pushback on new logo, brand refresh

Shares of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store plummeted roughly 10% on Thursday after the restaurant unveiled its new logo earlier this week as part of a larger brand refresh.

The new logo removes the image of a man leaning against a barrel that was prominently featured in the original, leaving behind just the words Cracker Barrel against a yellow background. The phrase “old country store” has also been removed.

The company said the colors in the logo were inspired by the chain’s scrambled eggs and biscuits.

Cracker Barrel’s new logo.Cracker Barrel

The change is part of a “strategic transformation” to revitalize the brand that started back in May 2024. Under that mission, Cracker Barrel’s brand refresh includes updates to visual elements, restaurant spaces and food and retail offerings.

Cracker Barrel said in March that the refresh will still maintain the brand’s “rich history of country hospitality” and “authentic charm that has made the brand a beloved destination for generations of families.”

“We believe in the goodness of country hospitality, a spirit that has always defined us. Our story hasn’t changed. Our values haven’t changed,” Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Moore said in a media release.

However, many social media users have criticized the new logo, especially those in conservative circles. The president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., amplified a post on Wednesday suggesting that the logo change was led by CEO Julie Felss Masino to erase the American tradition aspect of the branding and make it more general, as a way of leaning into diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Conservative activist Robby Starbuck added his commentary on Thursday, writing in a post on X, “Good morning @CrackerBarrel! You’re about to learn that wokeness really doesn’t pay.”

The company has a relatively small market cap of about $1.2 billion compared with other restaurant chains.

Customers have also complained on social media about the interior redesign of many Cracker Barrel restaurants, saying that the new decor favors a more sterile and modern style over its tried-and-true country feel.

On the restaurant’s latest earnings call in June, Masino said Cracker Barrel had completed 20 remodels and 20 refreshes. She said the company will be sharing more information about the remodeling initiative in September.

“Employees had given us great feedback about working in those newly remodeled and refreshed stores and guests continue to tell us that they’re lighter, brighter, more welcoming and they’re enjoying them,” Masino said on the call.

Cracker Barrel is not the only stock to see large swings based on political social media posts.

Earlier this month, shares of American Eagle soared after Trump posted that an ad featuring Sydney Sweeney, which faced significant social media pushback from the left, was “the ‘HOTTEST’ ad out there.”

Back in 2023, Anheuser-Busch InBev faced heavy criticism from conservatives after a collaboration between Bud Light and social influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who is transgender.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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Follow Giants vs Patriots live

For the first time in nearly two years, the New York Giants and New England Patriots will face off in an NFL game. It may be a preseason matchup but there’s a lot for both franchises to sort out ahead of roster cuts over the next few weeks.

New York’s enjoyed an exciting preseason thanks to rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart. The quarterback from Ole Miss led the team on three scoring drives in their last contest, a 31-12 win over the Jets. Dart went 14-of-16 passing with 137 yards and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) to lead the way even as four Giants quarterbacks attempted at least four passes.

New England open their preseason slate with a bang in a 48-18 win over the Commanders. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson took the opening kickoff – his first career NFL touch – 100 yards for a touchdown and New England never looked back. The Patriots earned another win a week later, 20-12 over the Vikings, thanks in no small part to backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs’ connection with rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III.

The starters on both teams aren’t expected to play much, if it all. It’s down to the backups and depth players to decide which of these 2-0 teams will leave MetLife Stadium with a win tonight.

USA TODAY Sports is tracking live updates from the Patriots vs. Giants contest. Here’s a look at the major highlights and scoring updates from the preseason Week 2 NFL battle:

Giants-Patriots score update: Greg Dulcich hauls in second TD

It’s the last preseason game and none of the starters are out there, but Giants fans have to be happy to seeing the scoring continue. Dulcich snags his second touchdown of the night to take a 32-point lead. Giants 42, Patriots 10

End of third quarter: Giants up big with 15 minutes to go

After a pair of touchdown drives led by DeVito and a defensive score, this one has gotten away from New England. The Giants take a 25-point lead into the final quarter as just 15 minutes remain in the preseason for each side.

Giants-Patriots score update: New York pouring it on with pick-six

And 16 seconds later, the Giants are back in the end zone. Wooldridge throws one behind his receiver into the arms of TJ Moore, who returns the interception 44 yards for six. Giants 35, Patriots 10

Giants-Patriots score update: Jonathan Ward takes screen pass for 41-yard TD

It was just a harmless screen from DeVito, but his short toss to Ward ends up with a celebration in the end zone for the 41-yard touchdown. New York takes an 18-point lead with about a minute to go in the third quarter. Giants 28, Patriots 10

Giants-Patriots score update: Tommy DeVito extends the lead

‘Tommy Cutlets’ has entered the program and promptly marched the Giants down the field for a touchdown to push the lead back to 11. The 11-play, 74-yard drive ends with the seventh-round rookie, Thomas Fidone II on the receiving end of the DeVito touchdown pass. Giants 21, Patriots 10

Patriots come up empty to open second half

The second half is underway and the Patriots can’t keep the momentum going to start the third quarter. A pass interference penalty put them behind the sticks and forces an early punt.

Halftime: Giants up by four at the break

The Giants were in control for nearly the entire first half, but the Patriots snuck their way back into it with 10 unanswered points. New England will try to complete the comeback in the second half while the Giants, and their fans, will likely continue replaying Jaxson Dart highlights for the next two quarters to close the preseason.

Giants-Patriots score update: Ben Wooldridge finds Jeremiah Webb for TD

Wooldridge marched the Patriots down the field for a touchdown before halftime, capping it off with a touchdown to Webb. New England took six minutes off the clock, using 14 plays to travel 80 yards, cutting further into the New York lead. Giants 14, Patriots 10

Kyle Dugger intercepts Jameis Winton on fourth down

The Giants aren’t settling for field goals in the preseason, so they opted to let Winston throw on fourth down. It naturally ended up in the arms of Dugger in the end zone, who didn’t have any competition for that ball from the quarterback. New England takes over with about six minutes to go in the opening half.

Giants-Patriots score update: Patriots cut into Giants lead

Borregales missed his first field goal, but didn’t miss this one. He connects on a 30-yarder, cutting the deficit to 11. New England benefited from a muffed punt from New York, which set them up at the Giants’ 12-yard line. It may only be preseason, but Mike Vrabel likely won’t be satisfied abut his offense’s performance after being given a gift. Giants 14, Patriots 3

End of first quarter: Giants up by 14

Only 45 minutes to go in the final preseason game for both sides and the Giants wasted no time getting out to a lead. Jaxson Dart put together another solid performance in limited action before giving way to Jameis Winston.

Giants-Patriots score update: Jameis Winston to Jalin Hyatt for six

One play after Dart exited, Winston delivered a 27-yard touchdown to Hyatt to put the Giants up by two scores. New York has been in control since the opening kickoff, especially with the clear quarterback advantage. Giants 14, Patriots 0

Jaxson Dart injury update

Dart was removed from the game by the officials after his head hit the turf on a run late in the first quarter. He was taken into the blue medical tent and evaluated before being cleared, according to Prime Video’s Kaylee Hartung.

Andy Borregales missed field goal

It’s a tough moment in the kicking battle for Borregales, as the rookie pushes the 49-yard field goal wide to the right. A sixth-round pick out of Miami, Borregales is competing with Parker Romo for the kicking job on the Week 1 roster. The Giants remain in control with a seven-point lead.

Who is Ben Wooldridge?

Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs have solidified their spots on the New England depth chart, checking in as QB1 and QB2. That allows the spotlight to shine on Wooldridge for one night in the preseason finale.

Undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Wooldridge has seven years of college experience – spending three seasons at Fresno State and four at Louisiana, but didn’t play in the 2018 or 2021 seasons. The 6-foot-2, 214-pound quarterback has dealt with his fair share of injuries, however. Wooldridge dealt with a torn ACL, Lisfranc injury, sprained AC joint and a broken collarbone in recent years.

In 29 career college games, Wooldridge completed 60.9% of passes and threw for 4,769 yards, 38 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.

Patriots can’t answer, go three-and-out on opening drive

Ben Wooldridge is getting the start for New England tonight, but he can’t replicate the success Dart and the Giants had to open things up. A quick three plays forces a punt for the Pats.

Giants-Patriots score update: Jaxson Dart fires a dart for the lead

A star is being born in the Meadowlands. It may just be the final preseason game, but the Giants might’ve found something in Dart. His fingerprints were all over that opening drive, marching the Giants 65 yards in just five plays for an early touchdown. Dart was 2 of 3 for 57 yards, including the seven-yard touchdown to Greg Dulcich. Giants 7, Patriots 0

Patriots vs Giants start time

  • Date: Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET

The New England Patriots and New York Giants kick off their final preseason matchup at 8 p.m. ET Thursday.

Patriots vs Giants TV channel, streaming

  • Cable TV: N/A
  • Local TV:
    • Boston: ABC 5 (WVCB)
    • New York: NBC 4 (WNBC)
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

The Patriots vs. Giants preseason game will not be broadcast nationally as it’s being carried by Prime Video. Al Michael (play-by-play) and Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) will be calling the game with Kaylee Hartung reporting from the sidelines.

Fans in local markets can catch it on TV, though, with Patriots fans in Boston tuning in to ABC 5 and Giants fans in New York watching on NBC 4.

Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with Amazon Prime

Patriots vs Giants odds, moneyline, over/under

The Giants are favorites to defeat the Patriots, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2025 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code. 

  • Spread: Giants (-6.5) 
  • Moneyline: Giants (-275); Patriots (+230) 
  • Over/under: 37.5

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered. 

New to sports betting? USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the best online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.

Are the Giants starters playing tonight?

New York Giants coach Brian Daboll hasn’t specified if the Giants will play their starters but they’ll likely play little, if at all. The final preseason game is traditionally for teams to make decisions farther down the roster and the Giants will likely fall into that mode.

Is Jaxson Dart playing tonight?

Yes. The rookie quarterback is expected to get at least a quarter of action as he has in the team’s prior two preseason games. Free agent signee Russell Wilson, the starter for the regular season, is not expected to play, giving more time for Dart to get reps against opposing NFL defenses.

Is Rob Gronkowski coming back to the Patriots?

One of the best players in Patriots history was back in Boston for the opening of ‘Gronk Playground’ earlier this week. Susan Hurley, who helps run his charity, has been pushing for him to sign a one-day contract to retire with the Patriots.

‘I like that a lot. The reason why we’re really going to do that is because of Susan Hurley,’ Gronkowski said. ‘She wants to see that happen. She’s been dreaming about that happening for a while… [Robert Kraft] gave her the thumbs up, so we’re going to make it happen in the future. It’s going to be a special moment. Come back for a day, a weekend, whatever it is. We’ll make it happen.’

Gronkowski won three Super Bowls in his nine seasons with the Patriots. He retired for the 2019 season but came back for a two-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and won a fourth Super Bowl in the 2020 season.

Is there Thursday Night Football today?

Tonight’s Giants-Patriots matchup from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts will be the first ‘Thursday Night Football’ game on Prime Video of the season. Al Michael (play-by-play) and Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) return to the booth for the first time this season. Kaylee Hartung will be reporting from the sideline as well.

‘Thursday Night Football’ is off for Week 1 of the NFL regular season as NBC will carry the season opener. Michael, Herbstreit and Hartung will be back in action on Prime Video for ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 2 when the Green Bay Packers host the Washington Commanders.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Mississippi, Auburn lead SEC teams needing to update non-conference schedule

  • Each SEC team will be required to play a ‘high-quality’ non-conference opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or Notre Dame.
  • Some schools, like Mississippi and Auburn, will need to quickly adjust their future non-conference schedules to meet the new requirement.
  • Other teams, such as Florida, Georgia and Alabama, meet the requirement in the next decade.

SEC schedules are now required to get even tougher.

The league announced it will finally make the move to a nine-game conference slate starting with the 2026 season along with requiring its teams to schedule one additional ‘high quality’ non-conference opponent from the ACC, Big Ten or Big 12 or Notre Dame each season.

In short, every SEC school now will be mandated to play 10 games a season against a Power 4 team. It should up the strength of schedule of its programs, and it’s no coincidence it came after the College Football Playoff selection committee announced a day prior it would put greater emphasis on strength of schedule.

‘The SEC has established itself as the leader in delivering the most compelling football schedule in college athletics,” commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. ‘Fans will see traditional rivalries preserved, new matchups more frequently, and a level of competition unmatched across the nation.’

With the non-conference schedule requirment set to be in place for 2026, it’s time to look to see if SEC teams will already meet the standard, or if they’ll soon have to figure out who to play.

Which SEC teams have a Power 4 non-conference team scheduled?

The good news is everyone, as all 16 SEC teams are scheduled to play at least four games against a Power 4 non-conference foe within the next 10 years, according to FBSchedules.

However, some of them are going need to quickly figure out who to put on their schedule. Most notably is Mississippi, which doesn’t have a Power 4 non-conference game in 2026 through 2031. This comes as the Rebels also don’t have a Power 4 non-conference game in 2025.

Another team that will need to figure out its immediate schedule is Auburn, which doesn’t have one scheduled in 2027 and 2028. The Tigers also don’t have any non-conference Power 4 teams set to play after the 2030 season.

Other teams that have a few years to figure out their schedules in include:

  • Mississippi State: Power 4 non-conference team scheduled through 2029
  • Texas A&M: Power 4 non-conference team scheduled through 2029
  • Kentucky: Power 4 non-conference team scheduled through 2030
  • Oklahoma: Power 4 non-conference team scheduled through 2030 and in 2035-36
  • Tennessee: Power 4 non-conference team scheduled through 2030
  • Texas: Power 4 non-conference team scheduled through 2029 and in 2032-33
  • Vanderbilt: Power 4 non-conference team scheduled through 2031
  • LSU: Power 4 non-conference team scheduled through 2032
  • Arkansas: Power 4 non-conference team scheduled through 2033

Meanwhile, there are some SEC teams that benefit from having annual rivalries with teams in Power 4 conferences, like Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, who already meet the requirement through the 2037 season. The Gators and Bulldogs have gone to the extreme with three Power 4 non-conference games scheduled; Florida has it in 2028 and 2031 while Georgia will do it in 2027, 2030 and 2033.

Other teams that won’t have problems are Alabama and Missouri. The Crimson Tide and Tigers meet the requirement all the way through 2035.

SEC future Power 4 non-conference games

Alabama

  • 2026: at West Virginia, Florida State
  • 2027: West Virginia, at Ohio State
  • 2028: Ohio State, at Oklahoma State
  • 2029: at Notre Dame, Oklahoma State
  • 2030: at Georgia Tech, Notre Dame
  • 2031: Georgia Tech, at Boston College
  • 2032: Arizona, at Minnesota
  • 2033: at Arizona, Minnesota
  • 2034: at Virginia Tech, Boston College
  • 2035: Virginia Tech

Arkansas

  • 2026: at Utah
  • 2027: Oklahoma State
  • 2028: at Notre Dame
  • 2029: Utah
  • 2030: at Texas Tech
  • 2031: Texas Tech
  • 2032: at Oklahoma State
  • 2033: Oklahoma State

Auburn

  • 2026: Baylor
  • 2029: at Miami
  • 2030: Miami

Florida

  • 2026: at Florida State
  • 2027: Florida State
  • 2028: Colorado, at Arizona State, at Florida State
  • 2029: at Colorado, Florida State
  • 2030: at Central Florida, at Florida State
  • 2031: Arizona State, at Notre Dame, Florida State
  • 2032: Notre Dame, at Florida State
  • 2033: Central Florida, Florida State
  • 2034: at Florida State
  • 2035: Florida State
  • 2036: at Florida State
  • 2037: Florida State

Georgia

  • 2026: at Louisville, Georgia Tech
  • 2027: at Florida State, Louisville, at Georgia Tech
  • 2028: Florida State, Georgia Tech
  • 2029: at Clemson, at Georgia Tech
  • 2030: Clemson, Ohio State, Georgia Tech
  • 2031: at Ohio State, at Georgia Tech
  • 2032: Clemson, Georgia Tech
  • 2033: at Clemson, NC State, at Georgia Tech
  • 2034: at NC State, Georgia Tech
  • 2035: at Georgia Tech
  • 2036: Georgia Tech
  • 2037: at Georgia Tech

Kentucky

  • 2026: Louisville
  • 2027: at Louisville
  • 2028: Louisville
  • 2029: at Louisville
  • 2030: Louisville

LSU

  • 2026: Clemson
  • 2027: Houston (neutral)
  • 2028: Southern Methodist
  • 2029: at Southern Methoidst, Arizona State
  • 2030: at Arizona State
  • 2031: at Utah
  • 2032: Utah

Mississippi

  • 2032: at Virginia Tech
  • 2033: Purdue
  • 2034: at Purdue
  • 2035: Virginia Tech

Mississippi State

  • 2026: at Minnesota
  • 2027: Minnesota
  • 2028: Texas Tech
  • 2029: at Texas Tech

Missouri

  • 2026: at Kansas
  • 2027: Illinois
  • 2028: at Illinois
  • 2029: Illinois
  • 2030: Colorado
  • 2031: at Colorado
  • 2032: at Kansas
  • 2033: Illinois
  • 2034: at Illinois
  • 2035: at Brigham Young, Illinois

Oklahoma

  • 2026: at Michigan
  • 2027: at Southern Methodist
  • 2028: at Houston
  • 2029: Nebraska
  • 2030: at Nebraska
  • 2035: at Clemson
  • 2036: Clemson

South Carolina

  • 2026: Miami, at Clemson
  • 2027: at Miami, Clemson
  • 2028: North Carolina, at Clemson
  • 2029: at North Carolina, Clemson
  • 2030: NC State, at Clemson
  • 2031: at NC State, Clemson
  • 2032: at Clemson
  • 2033: Clemson
  • 2034: Virginia Tech, at Clemson
  • 2035: at Virginia Tech, Clemson
  • 2036: at Clemson
  • 2037: Clemson
  • 2038: at Clemson

Tennessee

  • 2026: at Georgia Tech
  • 2027: Georgia Tech
  • 2028: West Virginia (neutral)
  • 2029: Washington
  • 2030: at Washington

Texas

  • 2026: Ohio State
  • 2027: Michigan
  • 2028: at Notre Dame
  • 2029: Notre Dame
  • 2032: at Arizona State
  • 2033: Arizona State

Texas A&M

  • 2026: Arizona State
  • 2027: at Arizona State
  • 2028: Louisville
  • 2029: at Louisville

Vanderbilt

  • 2026: NC State
  • 2027: at Stanford
  • 2028: at NC State
  • 2029: Purdue
  • 2030: at Stanford
  • 2031: Stanford
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Giants QB avoids injury after hit vs. Patriots

Jaxson Dart gave the New York Giants and their fans a scare on Thursday night in the team’s final preseason game.

After earning the start for ‘Big Blue,’ the rookie out of Ole Miss had his chance to shine against the New England Patriots in front of the home crowd. Dart responded with an opening drive touchdown, continuing to showcase the talent that has everyone in blue excited for the future.

However, Dart took a hit late in the first quarter that threatened his availability going forward. The rookie landed awkwardly and had his head and shoulder driven to the turf, which caused a trip to the medical tent.

Here’s the latest on Dart:

Jaxson Dart injury update

Dart was cleared for a return to play after being evaluated for a concussion, according to Prime Video’s Kaylee Hartung.

The rookie quarterback was taken into the blue medical tent after having his head slammed into the turf on a run late in the first quarter of Thursday night’s preseason game against the New England Patriots.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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