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Seminole Police Department officers arrested Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison early in the morning on Jan. 12, Hillsborough (Florida) County Sheriff’s Office records show.

According to the sheriff’s office records, police arrested Addison at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa on a first-degree misdemeanor allegation of trespassing in an occupied structure or conveyance.

Police released the Vikings’ wideout at 2:40 p.m. after he paid bail for a $500 cash bond, less then 11 hours after his arrest at 3:46 a.m. and seven hours after police booked him at 7:33 a.m, according to the publicly available records.

Addison’s agent, Tim Younger, posted a statement to social media on Jan. 13: ‘On Jordan’s behalf, his legal team has already initiated the investigation, identified witnesses, and we are reviewing the viability of a claim for false arrest. He looks forward to the legal process and upon full investigation, we are confident Mr. Addison will be exonerated.’

The incident marks the third run-in with police Addison has had in the last four years.

Before his rookie year in 2023, Minnesota State Patrol cited Addison for speed and reckless driving when an officer observed the Vikings’ wide receiver driving 140 mph in a 55 mph speed limit zone. He pleaded guilty to a petty misdemeanor speeding charge and paid a $686 fine in addition to having his license suspended for six months.

In 2024, California Highway Patrol officers arrested Addison under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). An officer found the wide receiver asleep at the wheel of his car, which was blocking traffic on Interstate 105 near Los Angeles International Airport. About two weeks later, police charged Addison with two misdemeanors: driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with blood-alcohol content over California’s legal limit of .08 percent.

Addison agreed to a plea deal for a lesser, ‘wet reckless’ charge, which is a reckless driving charge acknowledging the influence of alcohol. It carries less severe penalties than a DUI and does not result in a DUI conviction being recorded on a criminal record, according to legalclarity.org. The NFL suspended Addison for the first three games of the 2025 season following his guilty plea.

The Vikings wide receiver finished the 2025 season with 12 starts in 14 games and career lows in receptions (42), yards (610) and touchdowns (3). He also rushed twice for a career-high 81 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

(This story has been updated with new information.)

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

1 Min Read

Andy Schectman: Silver Price Breaking Out, Room to Run by Every Metric

Andy Schectman, president of Miles Franklin, breaks down recent silver market dynamics, including the massive rise in entities standing for delivery of physical metal, increased CME Group (NASDAQ:CME) margin requirements and China’s silver export controls.

‘We’re beginning to see at the highest level a change of mentality, a change of perception of what these metals truly are,’ he said in the interview.

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

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6 Mins Read

Sankamap Provides Update on Late Filing of Financial Statements and Extension of MCTO

Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) (‘Sankamap’ or the ‘Company’) the Company and its auditor continue to work diligently toward the completion and filing of the Company’s annual audited financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 (the ‘Required Filings’). The Company has obtained approval from the Alberta Securities Commission to extend the Management Cease Trade Order (‘MCTO’) under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders (‘NP 12-203’) until January 31, 2026. Sankamap confirms that it has received the crucial confirmations from the Solomon Islands government, and that the majority of the audit work has now been completed, with only a limited number of minor confirmations and outstanding items remaining. The Company is actively working to provide the remaining items and is contacting any parties from whom confirmations are still outstanding. Subject to the completion of these remaining items, the audit file is expected to enter the final stages of review and be nearing completion.

The Required Filings were due to be filed by October 28, 2025. In connection with the anticipated delays in making the Required Filings, the Company made an application for a MCTO under NP 12-203 to the Alberta Securities Commission, as principal regulator for the Company, and the MCTO was issued on October 29, 2025. The MCTO restricts all trading by the Company’s CEO and CFO in securities of the Company, whether direct or indirect. The MCTO does not affect the ability of persons who are not directors, officers or insiders of the Company to trade their securities. The MCTO will remain in effect until the Required Filings are filed or until it is revoked or varied.

The Company expects to proceed with the filing of its interim first-quarter financial statements shortly after the Required Filings have been completed and submitted.

The Company confirms that it intends to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines described in NP 12-203 by issuing bi-weekly default status reports in the form of a news release until it meets the Required Filings requirement. The Company has not taken any steps towards any insolvency proceeding and the Company has no material information relating to its affairs that has not been generally disclosed.

For further information with respect to the MCTO, please refer to the Company’s news releases dated October 21, 2025, November 4, 2025, November 18, 2025, December 3, 2025, December 17, 2025 and December 30, 2025, available for viewing on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Sankamap Metals Inc.

Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) is a Canadian mineral exploration company dedicated to the discovery and development of high-grade copper and gold deposits through its flagship Oceania Project, located in the South Pacific. The Company’s fully permitted assets are strategically positioned in the Solomon Islands, along a prolific geological trend that hosts major copper-gold deposits; including Newcrest’s Lihir Mine, with a resource of 71.9 million ounces of gold¹ (310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred).

Exploration is actively advancing at both the Kuma and Fauro properties, part of Sankamap’s Oceania Project in the Solomon Islands. Historical work has already highlighted the mineral potential of both sites, which lie along a highly prospective copper and gold-bearing trend, suggesting the possibility of further, yet-to-be-discovered deposits.

At Kuma, the property is believed to host an underexplored and largely untested porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) system. Historical rock chip sampling has returned consistently elevated gold values above 0.5 g/t Au, including a standout sample assaying 11.7% Cu and 13.5 g/t Au²; underscoring the area’s significant potential.

At Fauro, particularly at the Meriguna Target, historical trenching has returned highly encouraging results, including 8.0 meters at 27.95 g/t Au and 14.0 meters at 8.94 g/t Au³. Complementing these results are exceptional grab sample assays, including historical values of up to 173 g/t Au³, along with recent sampling by Sankamap at the Kiovakase Target, which returned numerous high-grade copper values, reaching up to 4.09% Cu. In addition, limited historical shallow drilling intersected 35.0 meters at 2.08 g/t Au³, further underscoring the property’s strong mineral potential and the merit for continued exploration. With a commitment to systematic exploration and a team of experienced professionals, Sankamap aims to unlock the untapped potential of underexplored regions and create substantial value for its shareholders. For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under Sankamap’s profile.

1.Newcrest Technical Report, 2020 (Lihir: 310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred)

2. Historical grab, soil and BLEG samples from SolGold Kuma Review June 2015, and SolGold plc Annual Report 2013/2012

3. September 2010-June 2012 press releases from Solomon Gold Ltd. and SolGold Fauro Island Summary Technical Info 2012

QP Disclosure

The technical content for the Oceania Project in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person in accordance with CIM guidelines. Mr. John Florek is in good standing with the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (Member ID:1228) and a director and officer of the Company.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

s/ ‘John Florek’
John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol
Chief Executive Officer
Sankamap Metals Inc.

Contact:
John Florek, CEO
T: (807) 228-3531
E: johnf@sankamap.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved nor disapproved this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute ‘forward-looking information’ and ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to Sankamap and there is no assurance that the actual results will meet management’s expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as ‘anticipates,’ ‘believes,’ ‘targets,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘plans,’ ‘expects,’ ‘may,’ ‘will,’ ‘could’ or ‘would.’

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding management’s expectations about obtaining the MCTO and completing the Required Filings within the anticipated timeline. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Sankamap does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements or information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca .

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280320

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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7 Mins Read

Iron Ore Price Forecast: Top Trends for Iron Ore in 2026

Iron ore prices have strengthened since bottoming out in September 2024, but the base metal faced headwinds in 2025 as tariff threats and investor uncertainty weighed on the market.

Usage in steel makes iron ore one of the most widely used and essential materials in the world, and as a result its fortune is highly dependent on the strength of the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Iron ore has also seen increased demand from electric vehicle (EV) batteries over the last several years.

Among all countries, China leads the world in steel production, but lacks domestic supply to meet demand; it is also the world’s largest importer of base metals. As one of the biggest manufacturing bases and a significant source of demand for construction and EV production, China exerts considerable influence on iron ore prices.

Additionally, as 2026 begins, the definitive period for the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is starting — it will apply levies to high-carbon imports such as steel.

How did iron ore prices perform in 2025?

Iron ore started 2025 at US$99.44 per metric ton (MT) on January 6, then hit US$107.26 on February 12.

The start of March saw a steep decline for prices as they retreated toward the US$100 mark, then climbed back to US$104.25 on April 2; a rout in the base metals market saw prices fall to US$99.05 on April 9.

While other metals recovered, iron ore continued to track lower, reaching US$97.41 on May 5 and ultimately sinking to a yearly low of US$93.41 on July 1. During the third quarter, iron ore prices gained momentum, rising above the US$100 mark in August and reaching a quarterly high of US$106.08 on September 8.

Prices were largely rangebound in Q4, dropping below US$104 only once on November 7, then recovering to post a yearly high of US$107.88 on December 4. Prices had retreated to US$106.13 by December 5.

Key iron ore price drivers in 2025

All in all, prices for iron ore didn’t fare too badly in 2025.

The biggest factor affecting growth was a significant fall-off during the first half of the year as pressures mounted from a continuing slump in the Chinese property sector and the threat of US tariffs.

The Chinese real estate sector has been in steep decline since 2021, when two of the nation’s top developers — Country Garden and Evergrande — declared bankruptcy after incurring hundreds of billions of dollars in debt. Since then, the government has introduced various stimulus measures, but has failed to turn the sector around.

As mentioned, because of the sheer size of the property market in China, it is a significant demand driver for steel products and has an outsized influence on the global iron ore market.

Another noteworthy headwind for iron ore price levels this past year was the threat of US tariffs. In early April, US President Donald Trump announced his “Liberation Day” tariffs, which applied a 10 percent levy across the board, and threatened retaliatory tariffs to close trade deficits with most countries.

The move sparked fears of a global recession and triggered a rout in equities and commodities markets, sending prices plunging. However, most markets rebounded quickly as plans were dialed back after a squeeze in the bond market that sent 10 year treasury yields up by more than half a percentage point.

Further iron ore price pressures came later in the year, when the massive Simandou mine in Guinea shipped its first iron ore, destined for smelters in China, on December 2.

Two consortia of companies own the mine. Blocks three and four have a 45/40/15 ownership split between Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO), Chinalco and the Guinea government, and blocks one and two have a 45/35/20 split between Winning International, China Hongquiao Group (HKEX:1378,OTCPL:CHHQF) and United Mining Supply.

The mine will ramp up production over the next 30 months, and is expected to produce 15 million to 20 million MT in 2026 and 40 million to 50 million MT in 2027.

What trends will move the iron ore market in 2026?

“Construction accounts for about 50 percent of steel consumption in terms of end users. The weakness of the property market has, of course, weighed on steel demand and therefore pig iron production. However, the driver for China’s steel production has been industrialisation and urbanisation during the past two decades,” he said.

Sardain went on to state that despite a shift in focus from fixed assets to manufacturing, services and technology, overall steel demand is set to move lower. Although the decline won’t last forever and the property market will stabilize, the effect of even a mild rebound on steel production will be limited:

“However, steel production and iron ore demand have been supported by strong exports in markets such as Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa, mitigating the impact of a lower domestic steel demand. Whether steel exports can increase from their current level is debatable, and we forecast a lower steel production in China over time.’

On the tariff front, US levies aren’t likely to have much impact. Sardain pointed out that while US steel demand exceeds its production capacity, Chinese imports remain a minimal factor.

Meanwhile, the US is primarily producing steel in lower-carbon electric arc furnaces from ferrous scrap.

Although steel tariffs from Canada and Brazil are set at 25 and 50 percent, respectively, both countries have exemptions for iron ore pellets, and Canadian ferrous scrap is covered under CUSMA provisions.

But with the trade pact set to be renegotiated in 2026, it’s uncertain what it means for steel and, by extension, iron products, in the midterm. The best-case scenario is that Canadian steel will receive an exemption.

Still, the risk remains that current CUSMA blanket exemptions will be removed, allowing the US to apply additional tariffs on Canadian goods crossing the border. Likewise, in Europe, the CBAM came into effect on January 1, 2026.

While the impact may take some time to work through the market, it will still have downstream effects for producers that want to avoid tariffs on imported products. This may be one reason Chinese steel producers are switching from higher-carbon blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces in the smelting process.

“Currently, electric arc furnaces account for about 12 percent of China’s steel production, set to increase to 18 percent by the first part of the next decade,” Sardain said, noting that China is looking to cap its emissions by 2030.

The main challenge for iron ore is waning demand, as the primary input for electric arc furnaces is scrap steel, not raw iron. “Countries which will see their steel production increasing (primarily India, but to some extent Russia, Brazil or Iran) are not iron ore importers because they are self-sufficient. Steel production in the EU is flat to lower with more production coming from electric arc furnaces as part of the decarbonisation process,” Sardain said.

Soft demand growth, however, is expected to meet increasing mine supply, further dragging on prices in 2026.

Sardain suggested that all major iron ore miners will increase their production in 2026, with the largest boost coming from Guinea’s Simandou, which could shake up supply chains.

“The blocks one and two are owned by a Chinese-Singaporean consortium. It will provide China with the opportunity to diversify its supply from the major Australian producers (something that the country tried to do for the past 15 years unsuccessfully) and it will shift the supply-demand momentum in favour of China,” he said.

Additionally, the mine is important because of its 65 percent iron content.

Iron ore price forecast for 2026

Sardain expects iron ore prices to remain muted in 2026.

“We believe that price should drop below the US$100 per MT mark, although it could stay above this level in H1 due to seasonality … so, overall, prices staying between US$100 to US$105 per MT in H1, then declining below US$100 per MT in H2, with the ramp-up of the Simandou mine being a determining factor,” he said.

This is largely in line with estimates from other firms. BMI is predicting a 2026 price of US$95, while RBC Capital Markets sees iron ore averaging US$98; the overall consensus stands at US$94.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

6 Mins Read

Cobalt Market 2025 Year-End Review

The cobalt market entered 2025 under pressure from a prolonged supply glut, but the balance shifted sharply as the year unfolded, due almost entirely to intervention from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

After starting the year near nine year lows of US$24,343.40 per metric ton, cobalt metal prices had risen to US$53,005 by the end of December, pushed upward by supply concerns stemming from export limits in the DRC.

“The cobalt market in 2025 was characterised by a significant price recovery following the DRC banning the export of all cobalt from its borders in February,” said Aubry. “By the end of 2025, sulphate prices increased 266 percent, hydroxide increased by 328 percent and metal prices by 130 percent year-to-date.”

Q1: Cobalt moves from glut to supply shock

As mentioned, cobalt metal prices hit their weakest level since 2016 in January. Global mine output had more than doubled over five years, far outpacing demand growth from electric vehicles and other end uses.

That dynamic changed abruptly in late February, when the DRC — which supplies roughly three-quarters of the world’s cobalt — imposed a four month suspension on cobalt hydroxide exports.

The news lifted cobalt from US$24,495 at the start of the year to above US$34,000 by the end of March, with intra-month highs nearing US$36,300. The move marked the sector’s first meaningful rebound in nearly two years.

As the DRC exhibited control over cobalt supply, the market began to look to the world’s second largest cobalt-producing nation: Indonesia. Indonesia’s cobalt output is largely a by-product of its laterite nickel industry, produced through high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) plants that process nickel-rich ores.

These facilities generate mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), an intermediate containing both nickel and cobalt that can be further refined into battery-grade materials. The model has enabled Indonesia to rapidly scale its cobalt supply, leveraging its dominant nickel position and integrated processing infrastructure.

Indonesia produced about 31,000 metric tons of cobalt in 2024 — roughly 10 percent of global supply — cementing its position as the world’s second largest producer behind the DRC.

Output growth is being driven by HPAL projects targeting up to 500,000 tons per annum (tpa) of mixed hydroxide precipitate, potentially yielding 50,000 tpa of cobalt, though scaling up may prove challenging.

Indonesian MHP, a lower-cost intermediate that is rich in nickel and cobalt, is increasingly viewed by Chinese refiners as a substitute for DRC-sourced cobalt hydroxide.

Q2 and Q3: A fragile equilibrium forms

The DRC’s export ban continued to underpin prices through the second quarter.

Standard-grade cobalt metal was trading near US$15 to US$16 per pound at the time, while cobalt sulfate posted even sharper gains. Despite the rally, sentiment remained cautious. Chinese refiners drew on existing inventories, and trade data showed cobalt units still flowing into China, particularly from Indonesia.

By June, prices had begun to ease as uncertainty mounted over how long the DRC would maintain controls.

Although China imported significant volumes earlier in the year, analysts warned Indonesian supply would be insufficient to fully offset reduced DRC cobalt shipments. Later that month, the DRC extended its export restrictions through September, reinforcing expectations that the market would move toward balance.

By mid-year, Chinese import data confirmed the impact — cobalt hydroxide inflows had fallen sharply, with analysts projecting constrained refinery feed into late 2025 or early 2026.

Prices stabilized in a broad US$33,000 to US$37,000 range through Q3, supported by tightening supply and diminishing inventories. Market participants increasingly viewed the DRC’s actions as a structural shift rather than a temporary correction, signaling the end of the cobalt surplus that had defined the previous two years.

By late 2025, the cobalt market had transformed from one of chronic oversupply to one approaching equilibrium — a reset driven not by demand growth, but by decisive supply-side intervention.

Q4: Cobalt quotas replace DRC ban, prices climb

After months of supply disruption, the DRC lifted its full cobalt export ban in mid-October, replacing it with a rigid quota system that will shape the market through 2026.

Under the new framework, annual DRC exports are capped at about 96,600 metric tons, roughly half of 2024 levels, with just 18,125 metric tons scheduled for shipment in Q4 2025.

This structural tightening helped sustain elevated prices that surged above US$47,000 by late October, levels not seen since early 2023, amid persistent feedstock shortages and constrained exports.

DRC quotas have provided a degree of market clarity, with major producers like CMOC Group (OTCPL:CMCLF) receiving significant allocations that underpin production plans. Despite robust output guidance, inventories outside the DRC remain tight, and market participants see continued upward price pressure as the quota system curtails supply.

“The DRC’s quota system is set to squeeze supply in the next two years — unless the country revises quotas higher,” wrote Fastmarkets’ Oliver Masson in a December market update.

“Prices are already considerably higher than they were at the beginning of the year, and they are likely to remain elevated for as long as current quota levels remain in force,’ he said. ‘Cobalt is mostly used in batteries, and the longer prices remain elevated, the more likely it is that EV manufacturers will seek to move to low-cobalt or cobalt-free chemistries where feasible. This could slow demand in the medium term.”

Cobalt price forecast for 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, analysts see the cobalt market shifting into a deficit as export caps bite and global feedstock availability shrinks. Fastmarkets projects a structural shortfall of about 10,700 metric tons against demand near 292,300 metric tons, driven by DRC quota limits and ongoing drawdowns of stocks.

Industry forecasters also anticipate that reduced shipments, combined with a stubbornly tight pipeline, will support stronger average prices next year. Some forecasts suggest cobalt could average near US$55,000 in 2026 as export quotas supplant the 2025 ban. Indonesian supply is emerging as a secondary source, with production climbing, but most analysts agree it will be insufficient to offset DRC constraints in the near term.

After a year of dramatic swings driven by supply policy in the DRC, 2026 is shaping up as the first sustained deficit environment in the cobalt market, with prices expected to remain elevated amid structural tightening.

“Prices have substantially recovered over 2025 and are expected to remain elevated in 2026 as the DRC limits exports,” said Aubry. “There is a significant potential upside risk as dwindling ex-DRC stocks present the risk of demand destruction towards the end of the year.”

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

3 Mins Read

CoTec to Host Investor Update

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSX-V:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) (‘CoTec’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that the Company’s CEO, Julian Treger, will host an investor update on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PST / 11:00 a.m. EST.

The update will highlight recent platform and strategic developments across the CoTec portfolio. Management will provide a high-level update on progress at MagIron, a CoTec investment advancing a U.S.-based iron ore and metallics strategy, as well as HyProMag USA, and discuss other key initiatives currently being advanced by the Company. The presentation will also include management’s outlook for 2026, outlining priorities, upcoming milestones, and areas of focus for the year ahead. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Investors who wish to attend the presentation may do so by clicking here to register.

Should the above link not work, please copy and paste the following link to your web browser: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0NBXb4IIRXOVP0d2l7j5Vg#/registration

About CoTec

CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSX-V:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) is redefining the future of resource extraction and recycling. Focused on rare earth magnets and strategic materials, CoTec integrates breakthrough technologies with strategic assets to unlock secure, sustainable, and low-cost supply chains for the United States and its allies.

CoTec’s mission is clear: accelerate the energy transition while strengthening U.S. economic and national security. By investing in and deploying disruptive technologies, the Company delivers capital-efficient, scalable solutions that transform marginal assets, tailings, waste streams, and recycled products into high-value critical minerals.

From its HyProMag USA magnet recycling joint venture in Texas, to iron tailings reprocessing in Québec, to next-generation copper and iron solutions backed by global majors, CoTec is building a diversified portfolio with long-term growth, rapid cash flow potential, and high barriers to entry. The result is a differentiated platform at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and strategic materials.

For more information, please visit www.cotec.ca

For further information, please contact:
Eugene Hercun, VP Finance, +1 604 537 2413

Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement

Statements in this press release regarding the Company and its investments which are not historical facts are ‘forward-looking statements’ that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to management’s expectations with respect to its current and potential future investments and the benefits to the Company which may be implied from such statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. For further details regarding risks and uncertainties facing the Company, please refer to ‘Risk Factors’ in the Company’s filing statement dated April 6, 2022, a copy of which may be found under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca

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

SOURCE: CoTec Holdings Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

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4 Mins Read

NASCAR announces new championship format for 2026, return of The Chase

NASCAR announced Monday, Jan. 12, its new championship format for the 2026 season and beyond, bringing back the Chase for the Championship and emphasizing winning with a return to a full-regular season points system.

NASCAR utilized the Chase format from 2004 to 2013 when it first introduced a postseason. During this time, Jimmie Johnson won six of his seven championships.

The top racing series in the United States is looking to get past a turbulent offseason that culminated in a nasty federal antitrust trial that ultimately settled, but the company was accused of being a family-owner bully and ruffled feathers when a former commissioner’s emails disparaging long-term owners were discovered during the trial.

In the new Cup Series format, there will be a 10-race Chase – nine races for the O’Reilly Series (formerly the Xfinity Series) and seven for the Craftsman Truck series – with 16 drivers based on points. (The O’Reilly Series Chase field will be set at 12 drivers, while the truck field will be 10.) No driver will earn an automatic entry into the Chase – as was the case in previous playoff editions with the ‘win and you’re in’ – and there are no driver eliminations every three races in the postseason.

Also, NASCAR will no longer use the terms ‘playoffs’ or ‘regular-season champion.’

Race winners will receive 55 points for any victory across the season – up from 40 – and stage points will still be awarded.

Another change is the elimination of playoff points, which will be reset at the beginning of the Chase. The top driver will start with 2,100 points in the Chase, and have a 25-point lead over second and a 35-point lead over third. Five points will separate the rest of the drivers from fourth to 16th.

The driver with the most points after the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 8 will be crowned the champion.

“As NASCAR transitions to a revised championship model, the focus is on rewarding driver and team performance each and every race,” NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell said. “At the same time, we want to honor NASCAR’s storied history and the traditions that have made the sport so special. Our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and this format is designed to honor their passion every single race weekend.”

In 2014, NASCAR announced it would adopt a four-round, 10-race elimination-style playoff, with the top 16 drivers advancing to the postseason based on points, but putting the emphasis on actually winning races, where a win in a regular-season race would automatically secure a playoff berth. The round of 16 would feature three races, and at the end, the field would be cut to 12, then to eight, with the final four competing for the title in the last race of the season – with the highest finisher taking home the series championship.

From 1948 until 2014, the sport had no playoffs, relying on a points system to determine the overall season winner.

The new changes followed a study by industry leaders, drivers and broadcast partners, among others, as fans grew more and more discontent about how a champion was crowned, especially after last season when Denny Hamlin led 208 of the 319 laps at the season-finale at Phoenix, only to be undone by a caution with three laps to go, forcing the race into overtime. Kyle Larson ultimately won the title, finishing third in the race, while Hamlin came in sixth behind race winner Ryan Blaney.

Monday’s press conference was attended by former drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mark Martin, and current drivers Blaney, Chase Briscoe and Chase Elliott, all of whom applauded the changes.

‘What I believe it does is it makes it simpler for our fans to follow,’ Earnhardt Jr. said. ‘I’m a fan of the sport, and now I’m compelled to plug in every single week because I know there’s a long-form objective for my driver to accomplish to be able to give himself the opportunity to win the championship.

‘Every single race, every single lap will have more importance. I think it’s fun for the drivers to have a more clear objective for how to get to the championship and easier for our fans to follow.’

The 10-race Chase will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock for three races and USA Network for the seven other races. The 2026 season starts with the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15 which will be broadcast by FOX.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

3 Mins Read

Former LIV Golf star is defecting back to PGA Tour through new program

Brooks Koepka is returning to the PGA Tour this year, and there’s a deadline if other prominent LIV Golf members want to take advantage of the quicker-than-expected path he’s using to get back there.

It was created in response to Koepka applying for reinstatement to the PGA Tour, as well as research that showed fans wanted to see the best golfers competing together more often. Koepka is eligible for the PGA Tour again through his 2023 PGA Championship win, though the new program also includes a steep financial penalty.

Returning players will not receive any payment from the FedExCup bonus program for the 2026 season and will be ineligible to earn equity from the player equity program for the next five years (2026-2030). Koepka could miss out on approximately $50-85 million in potential equity earnings, according to the PGA Tour, depending on his competitive performance and the Tour’s growth. He also agreed to make a $5 million charitable contribution to an agreed-upon organization.

Koepka will still have to play his way into the lucrative signature events on the PGA Tour schedule. He is ineligible for sponsor exemptions into those fields. Other tournament fields will be expanded to accommodate Koepka’s presence in order to ensure PGA Tour golfers don’t lose a spot this season due to his return.

‘The penalty is significant but I understand why they’ve done it. It hurts but it’s supposed to,’ Koepka told Golfweek. ‘I’ve got a lot of work to do with the players and I want to do that one-on-one. I want to have those conversations, but behind closed doors.’

Koepka announced he was forgoing the final year on his contract with LIV Golf on Dec. 23 and left ‘amicably,’ according to LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil. Koepka was the first golfer to win a major while playing for LIV Golf at the 2023 PGA Championship.

There are three other LIV Golf members eligible to return to the PGA Tour based on the criteria of the Returning Member Program: Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith. The PGA Tour said those golfers have until Feb. 2 to accept the terms of the program and still be eligible to participate in the 2026 season. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized, however, that this alternative route won’t necessarily exist in the future.

‘This is a one-time, defined window and does not set a precedent for future situations. Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again,’ Rolapp wrote in a letter to fans. ‘We will continue to aggressively pursue anything that enhances the fan experience and makes the PGA Tour stronger. This is part of our commitment to fans, who expect the world’s best players to compete on the PGA Tour week in and week out.’

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1 Min Read

Texans star wide receiver carted off after concussion check

The Houston Texans offense has a problem.

It has been a struggle on offense for Houston in their wild-card weekend matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on ‘Monday Night Football,’ who only managed seven points through three quarters. The Texans defense has done the rest, holding Pittsburgh to only six points in that same time.

Yet the inefficiency of C.J. Stroud has been the headline. Now he’ll have to move forward without Nico Collins, who was carted to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion.

The receiver hit his head on the field after trying to collect a pass from the quarterback over the middle of the field.

Collins exited with just three catches for 21 yards, despite receiving seven targets.

Here’s the latest on Collins.

Nico Collins injury update

Collins was carted off the field after being evaluated for a concussion.

The receiver landed hard on his head trying to haul in a pass from Stroud and remained down after the play was over. He walked off under his own power, but was being escorted by trainers.

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5 Mins Read

Kings outlast Lakers, Luka scores 42 in loss. Monk electric off bench

SACRAMENTO — Sacramento Kings fans chanted ‘light the beam’ as they watched Los Angeles Lakers fans hit the exit early as the Kings got the upper hand on the Lakers in their 124-112 victory at a sold out Golden 1 Center on Monday, Jan. 12.

The Kings now have won back-to-back games for the first time since November.

Sacramento was led by veteran guard DeMar DeRozan, who scored 32 points on 14-of-19 shooting. Kings guard Malik Monk had 26 points and eight assists in 31 minutes coming off the bench. He scored 18 points in the half.

Monk has been in and out of the rotation with fluctuating playing time.

However, lately he has seen his playing time increase following the three-game suspension the NBA handed to Dennis Schroder following his feud with Luka Doncic.

Monk refuses to let that faze him, as he remains focused on what he can contribute to the team.

‘I want to play 48 minutes a night, man, always,’ Monk told USA TODAY Sports after their win. ‘Whether I’m out there or not, I’m always going to bring energy, I’m always going to smile and always teach the young guys. It doesn’t matter what’s going on.’

Russell Westbrook tallied 22 points and seven assists and Zach LaVine added 19 points.

Westbrook played one of his former teams for the second night in a row. He told USA TODAY Sports that although his play remains the same, he does enjoy knocking off his old teams.

‘I play the same way every night,’ Westbrook said. ‘But I do enjoy beating teams that I was formerly at for different reasons. Tonight was a different reason, Houston was a different reason. I definitely enjoy taking care of business against them.’

Luka Doncic had a game-high 42 points for the Lakers; 26 of those points were scored in the first half. LeBron James added 22 points. Deandre Ayton notched a double-double 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Kings vs. Lakers highlights

Game recap

Lakers got out to an early lead behind the play of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. James scored eight points in six minutes. Doncic added 11 points in the opening quarter.

The Kings weren’t fazed. They hung around as DeMar DeRozan led with eight points in the first quarter. Zach LaVine had seven points. Sacramento maintained a, 32-28, lead going into the second quarter.

Malik Monk came off the bench for Sacramento and provided instant offense for his squad.

It was all Monk in the second period, he scored 18 in the quarter on 6-of-7 shooting, including five made 3-point field goals.

Monk got things going with a pair of consecutive 3-pointers. He extended the Kings’ lead to seven points, with under nine minutes in the game.

A couple of minutes later, Monk hit his third deep field goal of the quarter, increasing the Kings’ lead to 10. Sacramento led 43-33 with 6:49 left in the second quarter.

He got the Kings up by 12 with under seven minutes left in the first half. Sacramento led by as many as 16 points in the first half.

The Lakers cut into the lead before going into the locker room at half time. Doncic made a 3 just before the half-time buzzer sounded, getting DeRozan off his feet and leaning in and floating it in with 0.9 seconds. He had 26 first half points for the Lakers.

Kings led 61-54 at the half.

Second half

Sacramento tried to put their third quarter woes behind them as they went on a 15-5 run out of halftime break.

Kings grew their lead to as high as 19 points, leading the Lakers, 82-63.

Los Angeles scored on back-to-back buckets to cut into the deficit. The Kings led 84-69 with under five minutes in the third quarter.

Kings received steady scoring throughout the period. Russell Westbrook had 13 in the quarter; DeRozan scored 11.

Doncic scored 14 points in the third quarter to keep the Kings from running away with the game. After the period, Sacramento led 95-83.

In the final period, the Lakers looked to make a push. They cut their deficit to within 10 points early in the fourth quarter. The Kings were only up by seven with 8:03 remaining in the game.

Sacramento kept their foot on the gas whenever the Lakers tried to gain momentum. Malik Monk continued to score and make plays for others. It seemed whenever the Kings needed to score, they went to DeRozan for his silky, midrange jumper.

Sacramento got the lead back to 12, as they led 109-97 with under six minutes in the game.

Monk continued to knock down shots, as did DeRozan with his timely buckets. The Kings went on to win the game 124-112.

Sacramento Kings next five games

Jan. 14: vs. New York Knicks
Jan. 16: vs. Washington Wizards
Jan. 18: vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Jan. 20: vs. Miami Heat
Jan. 21: vs. Toronto Raptors

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