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Nvidia shares jumped on Thursday after posting a positive set of earnings, sparking a rally in global semiconductor stocks.

Shares of Nvidia were 6% higher after the company posted better-than-expected earnings and revenue on Wednesday, even as it took a hit from U.S. semiconductor export restrictions to China.

Nvidia has been seen by investors as a bellwether for the broader semiconductor industry and artificial intelligence-related stocks, with its latest strong numbers sparking a rally among global semiconductor names.

Nvidia’s earnings helped boost other chip names, with Taiwan Semiconductor, AMD and Qualcomm all up about 1%.

In Japan, Tokyo Electron closed more than 4% higher, while SK Hynix, which is a supplier of high bandwidth memory to Nvidia, was nearly 2% up at the close of markets in South Korea.

In Europe, ASM International, BE Semiconductor Industries and ASML were all in positive territory.

The semiconductor industry has faced a number of headwinds from uncertainty around tariff policy in the U.S. and chip export restrictions to China.

Companies such as ASML, which makes machines that are critical for manufacturing the most advanced chips, have seen billions wiped off their value as a result.

Nvidia on Wednesday said it wrote off $4.5 billion of H20 chip inventory that it couldn’t ship to China because of export curbs, saying it also calculated $2.5 billion of lost revenue as well.

The restrictions on China do not seem to be going away.

The U.S. has ordered a number of companies, including those producing chemicals and design software for semiconductors, to stop shipping goods to China without a license, according to a Reuters report on Thursday.

Despite this, Nvidia still managed to post financial results for the April quarter that beat market expectations, allaying fears that demand for its graphics processing units, which have become key for training huge AI models, is dwindling.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

In this must-see market update, Larry Williams returns with timely stock market analysis, trading insights, and macroeconomic forecasts. Discover what’s next for the Federal Reserve, interest rates, and inflation — and how it could impact top stocks like Tesla (TSLA), Nvidia (NVDA), Apple (AAPL), and consumer staples (XLP).

This video originally premiered on May 27, 2025. Watch on StockCharts’ dedicated Larry Williams page!

Previously recorded videos from Larry are available at this link.

In this video, Joe analyzes which sectors to focus on when selecting new stocks. He demonstrates how to use the 18-period simple moving average (SMA) on monthly, weekly, and daily charts to identify the strongest stock patterns and the best timeframes to trade. He then provides chart analysis on the QQQ, IWM, and Bitcoin, before reviewing this week’s symbol requests submitted by viewers.

The video premiered on May 28, 2025. Click this link to watch on Joe’s dedicated page.

Archived videos from Joe are available at this link. Send symbol requests to stocktalk@stockcharts.com; you can also submit a request in the comments section below the video on YouTube. Symbol Requests can be sent in throughout the week prior to the next show.

Four victories. That’s what the Oklahoma City Thunder need to win the franchise’s first championship since 1979 when they were the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Thunder reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 Wednesday in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals is Thursday, June 5, in Oklahoma City (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC), and the Thunder will play the winner of the Indiana-New York series.

Oklahoma City dominated from start to finish, jumping to a 26-9 first-quarter lead and never letting up until the outcome was guaranteed. The Thunder led by as many as 39 points, and it was never a competitive game on the scoreboard.

Shop OKC Thunder NBA Finals tickets

NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got it started with a hand in the Thunder’s first 11 points, assisting on four made field goals and making the other one, and he assisted on or scored 24 of their 26 first-quarter points.

He finished with a game-high 34 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals – marking his seventh game with at least 30 points in the past eight games. Chet Holmgren had 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, and All-NBA forward Jalen Williams generated 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal.

Oklahoma City’s league-best defense stumped Minnesota again, holding the Timberwolves to 41.2% shooting.

The Timberwolves exit the conference finals for the second consecutive season, and while deep playoff runs are the sign of a quality team, the Timberwolves aren’t yet Finals material. They didn’t have the personnel – even after trading Karl-Anthony Towns to New York for Julius Randle – to stay with the Thunder. Turnovers were a problem throughout the series.

Randle scored a team-high 24 points, and All-NBA star Anthony Edwards had 19 points.

Opinion: Sorry Pacers, Knicks. Thunder are your NBA champions

The Oklahoma City Thunder are your 2025 NBA champions.

Well, not officially.

Officially, they are just the 2025 Western Conference champs after eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves in a five-game conference finals.

But you know where this is headed. The Thunder were the best team during the NBA’s regular season. They won the Western Conference in dominating fashion. Game 5 was a demolition – a 124-94 Thunder victory that left no doubt.

Read Jeff Zillgitt’s column here.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 5: Highlights

Final: Thunder 124, Timberwolves 94

Oklahoma City dominated from start to finish, jumping to a 26-9 first-quarter lead and never letting up until the outcome was guaranteed. The Thunder led by as many as 39 points, and it was never a competitive game on the scoreboard.

End of 3Q: Thunder 88, Timberwolves 62

The Timberwolves outscored the Thunder 30-23 in the third period, but Oklahoma holds a comfortable lead.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with 28 points, shooting 12-of-23 from the field. He also has seven assists, six rebounds and two steals in 31 minutes of play.

Julius Randle added 13 of his 21 points in the quarter for the Timberwolves. He didn’t miss a shot in the period. Anthony Edwards scored 19 points through the first three quarters. He’s shot 7-of-17 from the field and has struggled from the 3-point line, going 1-for-7.

Halftime: Thunder 65, Timberwolves 32

The Thunder need just two more quarters of solid basketball, and they will be headed for the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.

Oklahoma City did not mess around in the first half, sending a message early and taking a 65-32 lead into halftime against the Timberwolves.

NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has 20 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Chet Holmgren has 15 points for the Thunder, who shot 50% in the first half. Jalen Williams has 15 points and six rebounds, and Alex Caruso added eight points and three steals in 13 minutes.

Turnovers are once again a problem for Minesota, which committed 14 leading to 14 Thunder points. Anthony Edwards has a team-high nine points on 3-for-10 shooting for the Timberwolves (31.6% from the field, 27.8% on 3-pointers).

Thunder pouring it on

Another Thunder scoring spurt and another Timberwolves timeout. Minnesota called a timeout after Jalen Williams’ layup gave the Thunder a 36-14 lead with 9:04 left in the second quarter.

Oklahoma City is 14-for-27 from the field, and Minnesota is 5-for-23, including 2-for-10 on 3-pointers – and Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle are the only Minnesota starters who have scored.

1Q: Thunder 26, Timberwolves 9

The Thunder produced a dominant performance in the opening quarter, limiting the Timberwolves’ offense to just nine points. It was the fewest points the Timberwolves had scored in any quarter this season.

Anthony Edwards scored six points and Julius Randle scored three points in the first quarter for the Timberwolves. Jaden McDaniels went 0-for-6 from the field and 0-for-3 from the 3-point line.

Mike Conley was optimistic about the Timberwolves’ outlook for the final three quarters of play when talking with ESPN.

“It’s all heart right now. … That’s all we are preaching right now to try and get back into this game,” Conley said.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to meet the standard as the regular season MVP, leading the game with 12 points, five assists and three rebounds for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren added seven points.

Thunder off to fast start

The Thunder have an 11-3 lead with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter, forcing Timberwolves coach Chris Finch to call a timeout after Chet Holmgren’s second dunk of the game. Holmgren has seven quick points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is responsible for all 11 points. He has assisted on four of the Thunder’s five made field goals and made the other shot.

What time is Timberwolves vs. Thunder?

Game 5 of the Western Conference finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder will tip at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

What channel is the NBA game on tonight? How to watch NBA playoffs

The Thunder take on the Timberwolves at 8:30 p.m. ET with coverage on ESPN.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder predictions: Expert picks for Game 5

USA TODAY: Thunder is the unanimous pick

  • Scooby Axson: Thunder 121, Timberwolves 114
  • Jordan Mendoza: Thunder 116, Timberwolves 104
  • Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder 124, Timberwolves 97
  • Heather Tucker: Thunder 112, Wolves 90
  • Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder 119, Timberwolves 104

Fox Sports: Thunder 118, Timberwolves 107

Fox Sports expects the Thunder to not only win but cover the -8.5 spread in Wednesday’s Game 5. They point at Oklahoma City’s 83.3% win rate as the favorites this season as a big reason they are riding with the Thunder.

Dimers: Thunder 114, Timberwolves 106

The Thunder are expected to win the series against the Timberwolves according to Dimers. Their model gives the Thunder a staggering 76% chance to win Wednesday night, leaving the Timberwolves just a 24% chance of extending the series.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder odds, lines:

The Thunder are favored to beat the Timberwolves in Game 5, according to BetMGM.  Here is a look at the latest spread, moneyline and points total for the contest:

All odds as of Wednesday, May 28.

  • Spread: Thunder (-8.5)
  • Moneyline: Thunder (-375); Timberwolves (+290)
  • Over/under: 221.5

Where to watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 5: TV, stream

  • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City
  • TV: ESPN
  • Stream:  ESPN+, Fubo

Watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 5 on Fubo

Minnesota Timberwolves Game 5 starting lineup

  • Jaden McDaniels
  • Julius Randle
  • Rudy Gobert
  • Anthony Edwards
  • Mike Conley

Oklahoma City Thunder Game 5 starting lineup

  • Jalen Williams
  • Chet Holmgren
  • Isaiah Hartenstein
  • Lu Dort
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Timberwolves star duo must step up

Anthony Edwards and Julius Randall were limited to just a combined 21 points in the Game 4 loss to the Thunder. The Timberwolves managed to get the best of the Thunder of in Game 3 after the duo combined for 54 points.

Timberwolves face difficult scenario

The odds are against the Timberwolves who trail 3-1 in the West finals. Just 13 teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a series. Denver was the last team to do it, eliminating two 3-1 deficits in the 2020 bubble playoffs. The last team to do it in a normal season is Cleveland in the 2016 NBA Finals against Golden State.

“I don’t sense any panic in the group,’ Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said before Game 5. ‘A lot of positivity, a lot of connectivity, a lot of belief.’

Thunder keeping focus on Game 5

The Thunder are one victory from reaching the NBA Finals. But OKC coach Mark Daigneault isn’t concerned about that.

“It’s a distraction,” Daigneault said about two hours before tip-off. “It’s obviously something positive, but it’s a distraction nonetheless because it’s something that can take us out of the present moment, the next possession, the next game and that’s how you stack up to whatever you want to accomplish. That’s what we have to do tonight. This team’s done a great job of growing through those types of experiences and staying present in those types of circumstances. Tonight’s a new challenge, and that’s what we have to do if we want to win the game.”

Where is Timberwolves-Thunder Game 5?

  • The Thunder will host the Timberwolves from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. 

NBA championship odds 

BetMGM odds forNBA Finals winner as of Wednesday, May 28: 

  • 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (-425) 
  • 2. Indiana Pacers (+450) 
  • 3. New York Knicks (+3000) 
  • 4. Minnesota Timberwolves (+5000) 

When are the 2025 NBA Finals? Schedule

*-if necessary

  • Game 1, June 5: 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 2, June 8: TBD, ABC
  • Game 3, June 11: TBD, ABC
  • Game 4, June 13: TBD, ABC
  • Game 5, June 16: TBD, ABC*
  • Game 6, June 19: TBD, ABC*
  • Game 7, June 22: TBD, ABC*

NBA conference finals bracket 

Eastern Conference finals 

  • No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 4 Indiana Pacers (Indiana leads series 3-1) 

Western Conference finals 

  • No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves (OKC leads series 3-1) 

NBA conference finals schedule 

New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Pacers lead series 3-1)

  • Game 1: Pacers 138, Knicks 135 
  • Game 2: Pacers 114, Knicks 109 
  • Game 3: Knicks 106, Pacers 100 
  • Game 4: Pacers 130, Knicks 121
  • Game 5, May 29: Pacers at Knicks | TNT, Sling TV | 8 p.m. 
  • Game 6, May 31: Knicks at Pacers | TNT, Sling TV | 8 p.m.* 
  • Game 7, June 2: Pacers at Knicks | TNT, Sling TV | 8 p.m.* 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Thunder win series 4-1)

  • Game 1: Thunder 114, Timberwolves 88 
  • Game 2: Thunder 118, Timberwolves 103 
  • Game 3: Timberwolves 143, Thunder 101 
  • Game 4: Thunder 128, Timberwolves 126 
  • Game 5: Thunder 124, Timberwolves 94

NBA’s new era of parity

If the impending NBA Finals matchup of the league’s 23rd and 27th-ranked media markets is supposed to spell doom for the league, it is a doom the NBA’s owners intentionally brought on themselves. 

While two glitz-free Midwestern cities in the Finals might not have the celebrity pull the NBA has largely enjoyed through its historically successful franchises, it was an inevitable outcome once the league designed a collective bargaining agreement that dismantled its traditional cycle of superteams and dynasties. 

Welcome to the new NBA, where championship windows are smaller, the life cycle of a roster is shorter and the number of teams that can win a title in any given year is beyond anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes. — Dan Wolken

Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards in Game 4

Edwards had 16 points on 5-for-13 shooting and was just 1-for-7 on 3s. That’s not enough – the Timberwolves need more shooting and scoring from Edwards. It’s the second time Edwards, who averaged 27.6 points during the regular season, has scored fewer than 20 points in this series.

Oklahoma City executed another strong defensive gameplan, keeping Edwards from dominating.

Jalen Williams shines before Game 5

Williams surpassed his previous playoff high (32 points against Denver in overtime earlier this month) with 34 points – 14 coming in the fourth quarter when the Thunder needed his offense to hold off a Minnesota rally. He was 13-for-24 from the field and 6-for-9 on 3-pointers, including a key 3 with 3:34 left in the fourth quarter that pushed OKC’s lead to 116-109 and another with 1:21 to play that gave the Thunder a 123-116 lead. He also had five assists, three rebounds and three steals.

Find out more about Thunder-Timberwolves winners and losers with Jeff Zillgitt’s breakdown of Game 4.

Anthony Edwards pushes back against struggle narrative

After going just 1-of-7 Monday night, Edwards is 5-of-24 (20.8%) across the three Timberwolves series losses.

It’s difficult to see the Timberwolves becoming the 14th team in NBA playoff history to overcome a 3-1 deficit without Edwards drastically improving his 3-point efficiency.

Minnesota must also fix its turnovers issue, after committing 23 Monday night, five by Edwards.

“I don’t look at it like I struggled,” Edwards told reporters after the game. “They had a good game plan, making us get off the ball — especially for me, man, they was super in gaps. I made the right play all night. So I don’t look at it like I struggled. I didn’t get enough shots to say I struggled. That might be how you guys look at it, but, yeah, I didn’t struggle at all, I made the right play.” More from Lorenzo Reyes on Anthony Edwards in Game 4.

NBA star Russell Westbrook expands role in giving back to Oklahoma City

Westbrook, despite leaving in 2019 to join the Houston Rockets in a trade, continues to shape the future of Oklahoma City. His partnership with Echo, a multi-strategy investment firm, helps to continue to grow the city’s sports and entertainment investments, particularly its future professional soccer team’s stadium. He has also taken on an expanded role as the creative director for the stadium district. — Elizabeth Flores

2025 All-NBA team 

Oklahoma City Thunder guard and league Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic were unanimous selections from a panel of 100 global reporters and broadcasters who cover the NBA and voted on the squad. View the complete list. 

NBA champions by year

Winners over the past 20 years. For a full list of champions, visit NBA.com.

  • 2023-24 — Boston Celtics 
  • 2022-23 — Denver Nuggets
  • 2021-22 — Golden State Warriors
  • 2020-21 — Milwaukee Bucks 
  • 2019-20 — Los Angeles Lakers 
  • 2018-19 — Toronto Raptors 
  • 2017-18 — Golden State Warriors 
  • 2016-17 — Golden State Warriors 
  • 2015-16 — Cleveland Cavaliers 
  • 2014-15 — Golden State Warriors 
  • 2013-14 — San Antonio Spurs 
  • 2012-13 — Miami Heat 
  • 2011-12 — Miami Heat 
  • 2010-11 — Dallas Mavericks 
  • 2009-10 — Los Angeles Lakers 
  • 2008-09 — Los Angeles Lakers 
  • 2007-08 — Boston Celtics
  • 2006-07 — San Antonio Spurs 
  • 2005-06 — Miami Heat 
  • 2004-05 — San Antonio Spurs 
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Baylor defensive lineman Alex Foster has died after being shot multiple times in Greenville, Mississippi, the Washington County Coroner’s Office confirmed to the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He was 18.

‘We are heartbroken by the unexpected loss of Alex Foster, a beloved teammate, friend and a cherished part of the Baylor Family,’ vice president and director of athletics Mack B. Rhoades and head football coach Dave Aranda said in a joint statement on Wednesday. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family and all those who loved him.’

Authorities responded to a call of shots fired in the early morning of May 28 at 12:11 a.m., the Greenville Police Department confirmed to the Clarion Ledger. Officers found a male victim who had been shot multiples times in a car at the scene. He was transferred to Delta Health Center, where he died from his injuries less than an hour later.

‘In this time of deep sorrow, we draw strength from our faith and the unwavering love of the Baylor community,’ the university added in a statement. ‘Our immediate focus is on supporting Alex’s family and his teammates through this devastating loss. Alex’s memory will forever be a part of Baylor University.’

The 6-foot-5, 292-pound defensive lineman is a native of Greenville, Mississippi and attended St. Joseph High School, where he was a three-star recruit and the No. 13 overall recruit in Mississippi, according to 247sports. Foster received offers from multiple colleges, including Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Kentucky and Texas before ultimately signing with the Baylor Bears in July 2023. He redshirted his freshman year and was set to enter his sophomore year this season.

John Baker, head coach of the St. Joseph Catholic football, told the Clarion Ledger that Foster was back home in Greenville for summer break. Baker added that Foster was scheduled to return to Baylor in Waco, Texas this weekend.

‘He was just a great guy,’ Baker told the newspaper. ‘Real quiet, soft-spoken guy, you know. Had his head on right and was wanting to make it out. He was a good dude, man.’

In a follow-up posted on X, Aranda described Foster as a ‘beloved member of our Baylor Family.’ He added, ‘In his time at Baylor he made a long-lasting impact on all of us in the program. Our hearts are broken, and our prayers are with his family, friends and all those who loved him so deeply.’

The Big 12 also shared condolences, writing, ‘The Big 12 Conference extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Baylor football student-athlete Alex Foster. We are deeply saddened by his passing and join the entire Baylor community during this time of mourning.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – SEC officials arrived here this week with a goal of zeroing in on a conference schedule format for football for 2026 and beyond. And they probably will leave here Thursday without approving a format.

Two factors continue to hold up a vote on a schedule format.

One: There’s not consensus behind a model. Some stakeholders want to stay at eight games. Others want to move to nine. Generally, the SEC’s coaches sound mostly interested in staying at eight, while the conference’s athletic directors seem to leave the door cracked a little wider toward nine. But, even within those groups, there’s not consensus.

LSU’s Brian Kelly said he’d favor nine conference games. Arkansas’ Sam Pittman prefers eight.

Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte would like nine, but he acknowledged he doesn’t speak for the room.

Back and forth the Ping-Pong ball goes.

The other element delaying the vote? The SEC is not up against a hard deadline. The conference’s 2025 schedule is set, and it retains some runway to drag out the decision for 2026. Amid the pandemic in 2020, the SEC scrapped its schedule and devised a new one less than six weeks before kickoff.

Don’t expect the SEC to repeat that 2020 timeline, but also don’t expect that all these diverging opinions will coalesce behind a solution within the conference’s spring meetings that end here Thursday.

Also affecting the decision: The College Football Playoff format for 2026 and beyond remains undecided, and multiple SEC coaches and administrators expressed reluctance to decide the conference schedule model until more information comes to light about the future playoff format and selection process.

Even Kelly, a proponent of nine conference games, says he’d slow-play this conference schedule vote, if it were up to him, and not give up that chip before knowing more about the playoff’s future.

The SEC has considered increasing to nine conference games for many years but consistently stayed at eight. The Big Ten and Big 12 play nine conference games. The ACC plays eight.

Around the conference, there remains “a variety of perspectives,” Sankey said.

“Some would say, ‘Let’s just go play nine games. More SEC games is better,’’ Sankey said. ‘Some would say, ‘Wait a second, I’m looking at bowl qualification, and it’s going to be harder to get to that six-win threshold as I build my program.’

“And then you have some who look at last year and say, ‘Our interpretation is, under the current selection criteria, losing weighs more (on the committee’s decision) than winning a solid game. Losing a game is more problematic, and until we have a better understanding on the future criteria or entry points for the CFP, we’re not willing to go to nine games.’

“I think those are three philosophies, but I think there are some who are ready to go to (nine).”

A majority vote would be required to reach a decision.

Will the SEC break camp on Thursday without making a decision?

“That’s my expectation,” Sankey said on “The Paul Finebaum Show.”

And, so, the can is kicked, a little further down the road. In the past, this familiar road always ends at eight.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Jalen Ramsey and the Miami Dolphins mutually agreed to seek a trade for the veteran cornerback in the weeks ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Despite this, Ramsey remains on Miami’s roster. That may not be the case for long, if some of Ramsey’s recent social media posts are to be believed.

Ramsey took to X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday and made a few cryptic posts about his future. His final one ended with him saying ‘a new chapter awaits.’

The timing of Ramsey’s posts is noteworthy. They came just days ahead of June 1, which is a key date on the NFL’s yearly calendar.

Once June 1 passes, NFL teams are able to split a player’s dead-cap hit – which is guaranteed money allocated to a player no longer on a roster – over two seasons. Players traded or released before June 1 see all of their dead-cap hit accelerate onto the current year’s salary cap, unless an NFL team uses one of its two post-June 1 release designations on a player.

With that in mind, it would be more palatable for Miami to trade Ramsey after June 1, if possible. The Dolphins would actually save $5.9 million in cap space by trading Ramsey after that date, per Spotrac. If they move him before June 1, it would cost them more than $12.5 million in 2025 cap space.

The cost to release Ramsey would also decrease after June 1. The Dolphins would lose just $14.3 million in 2025 cap space by cutting him after that date instead of the roughly $32.8 million it would cost them to do so before then.

Given the timing of Ramsey’s social media posts – including one that just read ‘5…,’ five days ahead of June 1 – his status will be worth monitoring over the coming days.

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

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

There could be two winners in some girls events this weekend at the California state high school track and field meet − a transgender athlete and a cisgender athlete.

The scenario is part of rule changes made after President Donald Trump demanded a transgender athlete not be allowed to compete in girls track and field events.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the state’s governing body for high school athletics, clarified the new rules in a press release May 28.

A new division will not be created to separate transgender athletes from cisgender athletes. But athletes assigned female at birth will receive medals based on where they would have finished if a transgender athlete had not competed in the same event − part of what the CIF is calling a ‘pilot entry process.”

Governor Gavin Newsom’s spokesman, Izzy Gardon, in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports, said, “CIF’s proposed pilot is a reasonable, respectful way to navigate a complex issue without compromising competitive fairness. The Governor is encouraged by this thoughtful approach.”

AB Hernandez, a 16-year-old transgender athlete, won titles in the triple jump and long jump at the southern California regional championship last weekend and is scheduled to compete in those events and the high jump in girls’ varsity.

On May 27, Trump threatened to withhold federal funds from California if the state does not follow an executive order seeking to bar transgender athletes from women’s sports. His post on social media referred to a trans athlete who competes in girls track and field.

Later in the day, the CIF changed the rules for the championship, which will be held May 30-31 in Clovis.

‘The CIF values all of our student-athletes and we will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law and Education Code,” the federation said in a statement. ‘With this in mind, the CIF will be implementing a pilot entry process for the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships.

As part of the changes, additional female athletes were invited to compete in the 2025 state championships.

Medals at the state meet

Hernandez, a top contender in the girls triple jump and long jump, could end up standing on the medal podium next to the athlete who finishes second in the overall standings. Both would receive a first-place medal.

A duplicate medal would be created to accomodate the two athletes.

Hernandez would receive a medal based on her finish in the overall standings while the other athletes will receive medals based on their finish in the standings excluding Hernandez’s results.

The CIF awards nine medals to the top boys and girls finishers in each event. (By contrast, other states create up to five divisions for each event to accomodate the athletes representing schools with a wide range of enrollments.)

Hernandez also is expected to contend for a medal in the high jump.

Also, as part of the rule changes, the CIF said in a statement that it would invite ‘any biological female student-athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark’ to compete in the state championships.

“Under this pilot entry process, any biological female student-athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark for one of their Section’s automatic qualifying entries in the CIF State meet, and did not achieve the CIF State at-large mark in the finals at their Section meet, was extended an opportunity to participate in the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships,” the CIF said in a statement. “The CIF believes this pilot entry process achieves the participation opportunities we seek to afford our student-athletes.”

The CIF did not say how many athletes that could impact.

Trump’s post on social media

Although the CIF did not cite Trump, the rule changes took place hours after his social media post that in part read, ‘THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS.’

Trump isn’t the only one who has sounded off on the matter. So has Hernandez.

 “I’m still a child, you’re an adult, and for you to act like a child shows how you are as a person,’’ she told Capital & Main in a story published May 15.

Certain things remain unknown. Such as how many female athletes will be impacted by the new rules and whether they’ll be applied only in events in which Hernandez is competing.

The CIF did immediately respond to requests for information submitted by USA TODAY Sports.

In March, Newsom said on his podcast that it is ‘deeply unfair’ to allow transgender girls and women to compete in women’s sports.

California law prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, including at schools. State law also allows trans student athletes to compete on sports teams that align with their gender identity.

Last month Democratic state lawmakers blocked two bills that would have banned transgender athletes from girls sports.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Strategic financing deepens alignment with industry leader as Quimbaya advances drill-ready Colombian gold portfolio

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Quimbaya Gold Inc. (CSE: QIM) (OTCQB: QIMGF) (FSE: K05) (‘Quimbaya Gold’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 5,714,286 units of the Company (each, a ‘Unit’), at a price of C$0.35 per Unit, to raise gross proceeds of up to approximately C$2,000,000 (the ‘Offering’), including a lead order of C$500,000 from Mr. Serafino Iacono, an influential figure in Colombian mining, Co-founder of Gran Colombia Gold Corp. (now Aris Mining Corporation) and Executive Chairman of Denarius Metals Corp.

Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a ‘Share‘) and one common share purchase warrant (a ‘Warrant‘). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one Share at a price of C$0.60 per Share for a period of 36 months from the issuance date of the Offering. The remaining Units issued under the Offering will be limited to other strategic investors with deep experience in Latin American exploration and project development.

‘Seeing our hard work over the past few years recognized by industry leaders like Serafino Iacono is a real validation of our strategy and our assets,’ said Alexandre P. Boivin, CEO of Quimbaya Gold. ‘With strong exploration results, a drill-ready portfolio, and the right people around the table, we’re incredibly excited about what lies ahead, especially as we prepare to kick off drilling at Tahami South. This is a pivotal moment for Quimbaya, and we’re just getting started.’

Strategic Alignment and Validation

The participation of Mr. Iacono, who played a pivotal role in the revival of the Colombian gold sector, signals high conviction in Quimbaya’s assets and leadership. His investment marks a strong endorsement of the Company’s solid Portfolio and in particular its drill-ready Tahami Project in the Middle Cauca Belt, one of Colombia’s most prolific gold districts.

‘I believe Quimbaya is uniquely positioned at the intersection of geology, timing, and leadership. The team is aligned, the land is exceptional, and in this rising gold environment the moment is now,’ said Mr. Iacono. ‘I’m excited to support a company that understands what it takes to build a real gold story in Colombia.’

The net proceeds raised from the sale of the Units will be used for general exploration expenses and for general working capital purposes. Completion of the Offering is subject to applicable regulatory approvals. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month and one-day hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Offering is expected to close on or about June 6th 2025.

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

About Quimbaya

Quimbaya aims to discover gold resources through exploration and acquisition of mining properties in the prolific mining districts of Colombia. Managed by an experienced team in the mining sector, Quimbaya is focused on three projects in the regions of Segovia (Tahami Project), Puerto Berrio (Berrio Project), and Abejorral (Maitamac Project), all located in Antioquia Province, Colombia.

Contact Information

Alexandre P. Boivin, President and CEO apboivin@quimbayagold.com

Jason Frame, Manager of Communications jason.frame@quimbayagold.com +1-647-576-7135‎

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Cautionary Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute ‘forward-looking information’ as that term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘intends’, ‘expects’ or ‘anticipates’, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘should’, ‘would’ or ‘occur’. Forward-looking statements herein include statements and information regarding the Offering, including its timing, intended closing date, intended use of proceeds and intended gross proceeds, any expected issuance of the Units or the Shares and Warrants which comprise them, a commitment by any person to purchase Units pursuant to the Offering, receipt by the Company of any applicable regulatory approval, the future plans for the Company, future expectations for the gold sector generally, the Colombian gold sector more particularly, or how global or local market trends may affect the Company, intended exploration on any of the Company’s properties and any results thereof, the strength of the Company’s mineral property portfolio, aims and goals of the Company, and other forward-looking information. Forward-looking information by its nature is based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Quimbaya to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, that the Offering as described herein will close on terms materially similar to the terms described herein. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: future planned development and other activities on the Company’s mineral properties; an inability to finance the Company; obtaining required permitting on the Company’s mineral properties in a timely manner; any adverse changes to the planned operations of the Company’s mineral properties; failure by the Company for any reason to undertake expected exploration programs; achieving and maintaining favourable relationships with local communities; mineral exploration results that are poorer or better than expected; prices for gold remaining as expected; currency exchange rates remaining as expected; availability of funds for the Company’s projects; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; the Offering proceeds being received as anticipated; all requisite regulatory and stock exchange approvals for the Offering are obtained in a timely fashion; investor participation in the Offering; and the Company’s ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Although Quimbaya’s management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Quimbaya as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Except as required by law, Quimbaya does not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change.

Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider 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/253731

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In what is believed to be the largest European pre-seed funding round of the year, UK fintech startup Velocity has emerged with US$10 million in early backing to develop a stablecoin infrastructure platform.

The initiative is aimed squarely at large enterprises grappling with outdated cross-border financial systems.

The round, led by US-based Activant Capital, brings together global investors and fintech insiders, underscoring growing confidence in stablecoins as a practical tool for enterprise-grade settlement — not just crypto speculation.

Founded by payments veterans Tom Greenwood (Volt, IFX) and Eric Queathem (Worldpay, McKinsey & Company), Velocity aims to modernize the back-end plumbing of global money movement.

Rather than displacing traditional finance, the startup sees itself as a connective layer between banks and the blockchain, offering modular infrastructure that enables businesses to operate seamlessly across fiat and digital currencies.

“We’re not chasing crypto hype,” Greenwood, who serves as CEO, said in a statement. “We’re leveraging stablecoins to remove friction, accelerate settlement, and drive improved performance in real-world financial operations.”

That friction remains a massive challenge in today’s corporate finance landscape.

Large businesses routinely rely on patchwork systems for international payments, liquidity and currency management — often involving multiple banking partners, outdated software and opaque fees.

Velocity says it is addressing that complexity with a programmable, artificial intelligence-enabled platform that integrates stablecoins into traditional financial operations without requiring companies to overhaul their existing systems.

Greenwood and Queathem bring decades of experience to the table. Greenwood previously founded Volt, a fintech firm focused on real-time payments, and IFX, a foreign exchange and payments firm. Queathem spent nearly 10 years at Worldpay, where he led global strategy during its expansion into both legacy and crypto-enabled markets.

“We’ve experienced first-hand the financial complexity of operating a global business — the fragmentation of providers, the lack of transparency, and the workarounds,” said Queathem, who holds the position of president.

“Velocity is built to eliminate that friction with infrastructure that scales, adapts, and solves the real-world problems large enterprises face every day when moving and managing money around the world.”

Their pitch appears to have resonated with investors who see a broader shift underway. Fuel Ventures (LSE:FVV), Triton Capital, Fabric Ventures, Commerce Ventures and Preface Ventures all joined the round, alongside strategic angels from companies like Visa (NYSE:V), PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL), Circle and Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL).

For lead investor Activant Capital, the startup’s timing aligns with what it sees as a generational opportunity to reshape how capital flows. “Tom and Eric bring the rare technical depth and regulatory fluency needed to build and scale a product like this,” said Andrew Steele, partner at Activant, in Wednesday’s (May 28) release.

“We’ve shared this vision for years — and now is the time to bring it to life.”

Far from being a headwind, Velocity sees that regulatory movement as validation that the infrastructure moment for stablecoins has arrived. While Velocity hasn’t disclosed specific clients or product launch dates, early pilot programs are underway, with large enterprises exploring digital treasury functions and cross-border liquidity optimization.

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

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