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Why UFL players are playing: For the game, the guys and the dream

Sport 5 Mins Read

When DC Defenders wide receiver Jaydon Mickens takes the field for the 2025 UFL championship game, he will be the oldest player on the field.

‘That’s crazy,’ the 31-year-old told USA TODAY with a laugh after being informed of that fact. ‘I remember being the youngest.’

Indeed, Mickens broke into the NFL as a 22-year-old after going undrafted out of Washington in 2016. He latched on with the Oakland Raiders to begin an NFL odyssey that spanned six teams over eight seasons.

The NFL calls stopped coming for Mickens after his 2023 stints with the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts. While some would have walked away from the game at that point, Mickens decided to go to the UFL.

‘I always knew I can keep playing,’ Mickens said when asked about joining the UFL. ‘I still have a lot of juice, and I still have a love for the game.”

‘For me, it’s just loving the game and appreciating the camaraderie and appreciating the structure and building chemistry with a lot of great players,’ he added.

Mickens’ comments highlight a common sentiment among UFL players. Most are hoping to eventually land NFL opportunities, whether it’s for the first time or the umpteenth.

But above all, they are grateful for everything the spring league provides.

Bryce Perkins

For Michigan Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins, the UFL has provided a needed opportunity to get live game reps.

‘It gets you in the feel of playing again,’ Perkins said of the UFL. ‘It lets you sharpen things that you may not necessarily know you need to sharpen depending on the situation you’re in in the NFL.’

Perkins previously had a three-year stint with the Los Angeles Rams after going undrafted out of Virginia in 2020. He learned a great deal in Sean McVay’s system and credited his observations of Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford for teaching him how to prepare for games.

Even so, Perkins acknowledged it wasn’t easy to prove himself on the field after getting just one start during his three seasons as a third-string quarterback.

‘There’s a lot of things that throughout the two years before I played that you don’t even know that’s going to show up until it shows up,’ Perkins said. ‘Being able to play in this league (the UFL) allows you to play well and play ball.’

Jordan Ta’amu

Like Perkins, Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta’amu is playing for the love of the game. That said, he is also happy earning money to play.

‘I do not want to work in the real world,’ Ta’amu told USA TODAY. ‘And I just think what better way to work and to do what you love and play football for fun and also get paid for it?’

That’s one of the main reasons Ta’amu hopes to get another NFL chance. He relishes the financial security that comes with playing in the top professional league, where the minimum contract value for 2025 is $840,000 and practice squad players make $12,000 per week. By comparison, the UFL has a minimum salary of $62,005 for the 2025 season.

But even if Ta’amu can’t make it back to the NFL, the 27-year-old is happy to have spring football – which he has been a part of for five seasons in the XFL, USFL and now the UFL – as an option.

‘I want to keep playing football until someone tells me no,’ Ta’amu said. ‘If it’s in the spring league, if it’s in the NFL, I just want to keep playing because we don’t get a lot of opportunities like this.’

Toa Taua

Panthers running back Toa Taua knows how hard it is to make it professionally. He found himself cut by Michigan at both the start of the 2024 and 2025 UFL seasons. He only returned to the Panthers after some early-season running back injuries but has since blossomed into one of the league’s best backs.

Before returning to the UFL, Taua worked two jobs – one by day at a golf course and another at night at a 24-hour Planet Fitness. All the while, he attempted to stay ready to play and occasionally snuck in a mid-shift workout at the gym.

While Taua enjoyed both of his jobs, he acknowledged that they didn’t bring nearly the same level of camaraderie he experienced on the field. That has led him to cherish the bonds formed with his Panthers teammates on and off the field, including during barbecue sessions with his housemates, Kai Nacua, Samson Nacua, Mika Tafua and Javin White.

‘After you’re done playing sports, you don’t get those moments too much,’ Taua said. ‘So, just being around the guys and making memories with the boys is everything.’

Jaydon Mickens

Most players understand the mortality referenced by Taua. There will come a time when they are no longer able to suit up, whether it’s due to age, injury or it simply becomes financially unsustainable.

Even so, it isn’t stopping players like Mickens from continuing to play. The 31-year-old insists he isn’t too old to make it back to the NFL and finally get a chance to show his worth not just as a return man but also as a receiver.

‘I’m still getting better at my routes,” Mickens said. ‘I’m getting better at returning punts. I’m still growing as a player at 31 years old, and I’m getting faster, I’m getting stronger, I’m out-running people, I’m making catches.’

Will Mickens’ improvements be enough for him to get another chance in the NFL? He isn’t sure.

But even if not, he is content with where his football career has taken him.

‘There’s nothing I’m actually chasing,’ Mickens said. ‘There’s no dream that I haven’t already accomplished, and everything I’ve done has been tremendous in my book.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Editor's pick

Howard Schultz says he ‘did a cartwheel’ when Starbucks CEO Niccol coined ‘back to Starbucks’ strategy

Editor's pick 3 Mins Read

LAS VEGAS. — Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said Wednesday that he “did a cartwheel” in his living room when current chief executive Brian Niccol first coined his “back to Starbucks” strategy.

The enthusiasm from the 71-year-old Starbucks chairman emeritus is a key stamp of approval for Niccol as he tries to lift the company’s slumping sales and restore the chain’s culture.

Schultz, who grew Starbucks from a small chain into a global coffee giant, made a surprise appearance at the company’s Leadership Experience in Las Vegas and cosigned Niccol’s plans. The three-day event has gathered more than 14,000 North American store leaders to hear from Starbucks management as the company embarks on a turnaround.

Niccol took the reins in September, joining the company after the board ousted Laxman Narasimhan, Schultz’s handpicked successor.

Schultz had returned in 2022 for his third stint as chief executive, but it was only an interim role. He previously told CNBC that he has no plans to come back again. Schultz no longer holds a formal role within the company, although CNBC has previously reported that he’s forever entitled to attend board meetings unless barred by the company’s directors.

During Niccol’s first week on the job, he outlined plans for the comeback in an open letter, making the commitment to get “back to Starbucks.” More details on how the chain planned to return to its roots followed in the ensuing months, from bringing back seating inside cafes to writing personalized messages on cups. Under Niccol’s leadership, the company’s marketing has shifted to focus on its coffee, rather than discounts and promotions.

When Starbucks announced Narasimhan’s firing and Niccol’s hiring, Schultz issued a statement of support, saying that the then-Chipotle CEO was the leader that the company needs. However, the Leadership Experience marks the first time that Niccol and Schultz have appeared publicly together.

During Narasimhan’s short tenure as CEO, Schultz did not mince words when the company’s performance fell short of his expectations. After a dismal quarterly earnings report, he weighed in publicly on LinkedIn, saying the company needs to improve its mobile order and pay experience and overhaul how it creates new drinks to focus on premium items that set it apart.

But Schultz said Starbucks’ problems went further than just operational issues and lackluster beverages and food.

“The culture was not understood. The culture wasn’t valued. The culture wasn’t being upheld,” he said on Wednesday.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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Stock

10‑Year Yield Warning! ADX + RSI Point to a Major Shift

Stock 1 Min Read

Joe kicks off this week’s video with a multi‑timeframe deep dive into the 10‑year U.S. Treasury yield (TNX), explaining why a sideways coil just below the 5% level could be “downright scary” for equities. From there, he demonstrates precise entry/exit timingwith a combination of ADX, MACD, and RSI. Joe also covers the short-term divergence developing in the QQQ, takes a look at the IWM, and wraps up with some analyses of this week’s viewer symbol requests, including INTC, MU, and more.

The video premiered on June 11, 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.

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Investing

E-Power Resources Inc. Announces Flow-Through and Hard Dollar Private Placements to Fund Summer Work Program

Investing 5 Mins Read

E-Power Resources Inc (CSE: EPR) (FSE: 8RO) (‘E-Power’ or the ‘Company’) announces its intention to complete a flow-through non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of up to $150,000 (the ‘FT Offering’). The Company will also complete a Hard Dollar Private Placement to raise gross proceeds of up to $50,000 (the ‘Hard Dollar Offering’).

Securities to be issued pursuant to the FT Offering shall consist of an amount of up to 3,000,000 units of the Company (the ‘FT Units‘) issued at a price of $0.05 per FT Unit, each FT Unit being comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each a ‘FT Share‘) that will qualify as ‘flow-through shares’ (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)), and one-half Warrant, each Warrant entitling its holder thereof to acquire one Share at a price of $0.10 per Share for a period of 5 years from the closing date of the FT Offering.

The Hard Dollar Offering units ‘Hard Dollar Units’ shall consist of 1,000,000 units of the Company issued at a price of $0.05 per Hard Dollar Unit. Each Hard Dollar Unit shall consist of one common share in the capital of the Company and one full Warrant, each Warrant entitling its holder thereof to acquire one Share at a price of $0.10 per Share for a period of 5 years from the closing date of the Hard Dollar Offering.

In connection with both the FT Offering and Hard Dollar Offering, the Company may pay cash finder’s fees and issue broker warrants. The securities issued in connection with the FT Offering and Hard Dollar Offering are subject to the applicable statutory four-month and one-day hold period.

Net proceeds from the FT Offering will be used by the Company to incur eligible ‘Canadian exploration expenses’ that will qualify as ‘flow-through mining expenditures,’ as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and under section 359.1 of the Taxation Act (Quebec) (the ‘Qualifying Expenditures‘), related to the Company’s Tetepisca Graphite Property, located in the Tetepisca Graphite District of the North Shore Region of Quebec, on or before December 31, 2026. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers to the FT Offering effective December 31, 2025. ‎ In addition, with respect to Quebec resident subscribers of FT Shares and who are eligible individuals under the Taxation Act (Quebec), the Canadian exploration expenses will also qualify for inclusion in the ‘exploration base relating to certain Quebec exploration expenses’ within the meaning of section 726.4.10 of the Taxation Act (Quebec) and for inclusion in the ‘exploration base relating to certain Quebec surface mining expenses or oil and gas exploration expenses’ within the meaning of section 726.4.17.2 of the Taxation Act (Quebec).

Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions (‘NI 45-106‘), the FT Shares and FT Units will be offered by way of private placement pursuant to applicable exemptions from NI 45-106. The FT Offering and Hard Dollar Offering are expected to close on or about June 20, 2025 (the ‘Closing Date‘), subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the customary closing conditions, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (‘CSE‘).

The securities to be offered pursuant to the FT Offering and Hard Dollar Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act‘) or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About E-Power Resources Inc.

E-Power Resources Inc. is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration, and development of graphite properties in Quebec. Its flagship asset, the Tetepisca Graphite Property, is located in the Tetepisca Graphite District of the North Shore Region of Quebec, approximately 215 kilometers from the Port of Baie-Comeau. For further information, please refer to the Company’s disclosure record on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.ca) or contact the Company by email at info@e-powerresources.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

James Cross
President & CEO
+1 (438) 701-3736
info@e-powerresources.com

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance are ‘forward-looking statements.’ These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255269

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

Peter Krauth: Silver Price Running, Stocks Exploding — What’s Next?

Investing 1 Min Read

Peter Krauth, editor of Silver Stock Investor and Silver Advisor, outlines the factors driving silver’s recent price run, which has pushed the white metal to levels not seen in over a decade.

In his view, the current macroeconomic environment is combining with short supply and strong demand dynamics to create a ‘perfect storm.’

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

Nuclear Recharge: Eclipse and Oklo Pen Deals Amid Global Clean Energy Push

Investing 3 Mins Read

Energy sector innovators took center stage on Wednesday (June 11), with Eclipse Automation securing major deals in nuclear infrastructure, and Oklo (NYSE:OKLO) snagging a key US clean energy contract.

Eclipse Automation, part of Accenture (NYSE:ACN), has secured multiple contracts to design, manufacture and supply advanced automated tooling and equipment for upcoming CANDU nuclear reactor refurbishment projects.

The projects are at the Cernavoda plant in Romania and the Qinshan facility in China, and the agreements include automated inspection units, radioactive-handling systems, reactor-assembly tools and a remote-control center.

Based in Cambridge, Ontario, and backed by Accenture’s global footprint, Eclipse Automation is working to bolster nuclear safety and efficiency with cutting-edge technology.

“In the last decade, Eclipse has delivered automated solutions and equipment to support nuclear refurbishment work at the Embalse reactor in Argentina, and at the Darlington and Bruce nuclear generating stations in Canada,” said Steve Mai, CEO of Eclipse Automation, in the company’s press release.

Putting the ‘Can’ in CANDU

Canada’s CANDU (Canada deuterium uranium) reactors trace their origins back to the 1950s, with the first commercial unit, NPD, launching in 1962 using heavy water moderation and natural uranium fuel. Featuring pressure tubes and online refueling, CANDUs allow continuous operation, unlike light-water reactors that require shutdowns.

Today, 19 CANDU reactors operate in Canada, primarily in Ontario and New Brunswick, and over a dozen more are deployed abroad in South Korea, Romania, China, Argentina and India.

The design is prized for high reliability, clean power and the ability to burn natural uranium and alternative fuels.

Canada and other countries are now investing in life extensions and advancing next-generation designs like the Enhanced CANDU-6, the Advanced CANDU reactor and small modular reactors, supported by federal funding to sustain a domestic supply chain and global competitiveness.

Defense department eyes microreactors

Elsewhere, advanced nuclear company Oklo received a notice of intent to award from the US Department of Defense to deploy its Aurora microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.

The project, which will be led by the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, will serve as the Air Force’s pilot for enhancing energy resilience at remote sites. Under a long-term power purchase agreement, Oklo will design, build, own and operate the reactor, supplying both electricity and heat. The Aurora system uses fast reactor technology to deliver continuous, off-grid power — ideal for mission-critical infrastructure.

‘This Notice of Intent to Award reflects continued confidence in Oklo’s ability to deliver clean and secure energy solutions for mission-critical infrastructure,’ said Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo. ‘We are honored to support national defense resilience objectives while demonstrating the value of US-pioneered fast reactor technology.’

These contracts reflect a global resurgence in nuclear energy as countries look for ways to power their expanding grids with clean energy.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

FireFly Metals to Add AU$95 Million to Coffers With Equity Raising

Investing 3 Mins Read

FireFly Metals (ASX:FFM,TSX:FFM,OTC Pink:MNXMF) has attained firm commitments to raise up to about AU$95 million, giving it a total of AU$135 million for its multi-pronged growth strategy.

The company highlighted on Tuesday (June 10) that the equity financing will be completed via the issuance of approximately 94.7 million fully paid ordinary shares; it will receive around AU$1 per new share.

The funds will be raised via three transactions, with the first being an AU$11.2 million charity flow-through placement to Canadian investors. This will be followed by a AU$54.9 million two-tranche institutional placement, as well as a AU$28.8 million fully underwritten Canadian bought-deal offering with BMO Capital Markets.

Alongside the equity raising, FireFly is inviting shareholders to participate in a non-underwritten share purchase plan (SPP) that can potentially raise up to AU$5 million before costs.

Proceeds of the equity raising and the SPP will collectively be allotted to advance the Green Bay copper-gold project in Canada, including transaction costs and working capital.

Located in the Baie Verte district of Northeast Newfoundland on Canada’s east coast, Green Bay was acquired by FireFly in August 2023. Green Bay includes Ming underground mine, which was mined between 1972 and 1982, with activity restarting in 2012. Historic production totaled 6.7 million metric tons (MT) at 2 percent for 134,000 MT of copper.

Measured and indicated resources at Ming are at 21.5 million MT at 1.8 percent for 307,000 MT of copper equivalent, while inferred resources are at 28.4 million MT at 2 percent for 576,000 MT of copper equivalent.

FireFly began drilling at Ming in October 2023, completing 79 drill holes across 37,110 meters within a year.

“The overwhelming demand for the raising reflects the quality and growth outlook at Green Bay, our commitment to a multi-rig exploration campaign and the demand among global investors for top-shelf copper-gold projects,” said FireFly Managing Director Steve Parsons in the company’s press release.

He called the asset, alongside FireFly’s exploration team and AU$135 million in funding, “the ideal recipe for growth.”

FireFly states on its website that it will continue with its low-cost rapid resource growth strategy, with the underground exploration drill drive at the Ming deposit to be extended during this year.

The company debuted on the Toronto Stock Exchange in December 2024.

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

Crypto Market Recap: Bitcoin Price Nears All-time High, ETF Approval Odds Rise

Investing 6 Mins Read

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (June 11) 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$108,710, a slight decrease of 0.8 percent in 24 hours. The day’s range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$108,574 and a high of US$110,269.

Bitcoin price performance, June 11, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Bitcoin has surged over 10 percent since June 5, briefly reaching US$110,000 on Wednesday.

If Bitcoin breaks its US$112,000 all-time high, analysts believe it could make a rapid rise to US$114,000, with further gains predicted if momentum continues. Experts’ targets range from US$120,000 to US$150,000 in the short term, while long-term forecasts sit between US$1 million and US$2.4 million.

This week’s on-chain analysis from Glassnode shows a deviation from past bull markets, with long-term holders continuing to buy instead of selling. This points to growing institutional interest and a shift toward long-term thinking. Price swings are unusually low, suggesting a stable market, but moves could be sharp if demand shifts.

Ethereum (ETH) ended the day at US$2,810.96, a 1.6 percent increase over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency reached an intraday low of US$2,796.60 and saw a daily high of US$2,870.74

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) closed at US$162.72, down 0.5 percent over 24 hours. SOL experienced a low of US$163.05 and reached a high of US$167.80 on Wednesday.
  • XRP was trading at US$2.29, down by 0.3 percent to its lowest valuation in 24 hours. The cryptocurrency reached a high of US$2.33 for the day.
  • Sui (SUI) was trading at US$3.42, showing a decreaseof 0.7 percent over the past 24 hours and its lowest valuation of the day. It peaked at US$3.51.
  • Cardano (ADA) closed at its lowest price of the day at US$0.7041, down 0.5 percent over the past 24 hours. Its highest valuation was US$0.7285.

Today’s crypto news to know

Experts make ETF approval calls

Bloomberg exchange-traded fund (ETF) analysts Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart are calling for a ‘potential Alt Coin ETF Summer,’ according to a note released on Wednesday.

“Get ready for a potential Alt Coin ETF Summer with Solana likely leading the way (as well as some basket products) via @JSeyff note this morning which includes fresh odds for all the spot ETFs,” an X post from Balchunas states.

They predict that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could approve exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking broad crypto indexes by July. The SEC could also “act early on spot Solana and staking ETF filings” after REX-Osprey filed for Solana and Ethereum ETFs with staking components using a C-Corp structure on May 30.

Seyffart and Balchunas now place the approval odds of SOL and Litecoin ETFs at 90 percent. Spot Solana ETF approval odds also jumped to 91 percent on Wednesday on Polymarket.

Stripe to acquire Privy

Stripe has announced plans to acquire Privy, a specialized cryptocurrency wallet infrastructure developer, for an undisclosed amount in a deal signaling Stripe’s deepening involvement in the digital asset space.

Under the terms of the purchase, Privy will operate as a subsidiary within Stripe, focusing on providing infrastructure for developers engaged in building solutions on cryptocurrency rails. According to Privy’s announcement, this transition to Stripe’s umbrella will empower the company with “more resources, flexibility, and firepower.”

Privy’s core expertise lies in offering comprehensive infrastructure for companies involved in the development and management of digital asset wallets. Its tech enables millions of secure crypto wallets on a global scale.

This acquisition aligns with the broader trend of established financial institutions and tech giants integrating blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies into their portfolios.

Ukraine considers adding crypto to national reserves

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, received a draft bill on Tuesday (June 10) that proposes modifications to banking laws. These changes would permit the National Bank of Ukraine to incorporate cryptocurrencies into its reserves, standing alongside gold and foreign currencies. According to Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a member of parliament who confirmed the introduction of the bill via Telegram, bill 13356 would allow crypto to be included, but the central bank would retain full discretion over how much of its reserves to allocate to crypto and would not be required to add it.

Zhelezniak clarified in a video interview with Kyrylo Khomiakov, Binance’s regional head for Central and Eastern European countries and Central Asia, that while the draft bill has been introduced, the Ukrainian government isn’t pushing for cryptocurrency, but wants to keep pace with its increasing global usage.

“This story has the right to life, and, as we see, many countries are implementing it,” he said.

Bullish confidentially files for US IPO amid pro-crypto climate

Crypto exchange Bullish has confidentially filed for a US initial public offering (IPO), signaling renewed optimism in digital assets as Donald Trump’s administration ushers in a more crypto-friendly regulatory landscape.

Backed by billionaire Peter Thiel and led by former NYSE President Tom Farley, Bullish’s IPO plans mark a major comeback after its failed SPAC merger in 2021. The company’s move follows Circle’s (NYSE:CRCL) blockbuster US$1.1 billion IPO and coincides with a wave of new filings, including Gemini’s confidential application last week.

Jefferies is slated to lead underwriting for Bullish, though the bank has declined to comment.

Ondo brings tokenized US treasuries to XRP ledger

Ondo Finance has launched its tokenized short-term US Treasury product, OUSG, on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), using Ripple’s new RLUSD stablecoin for settlement. This marks the first time tokenized Treasuries are accessible on XRPL, allowing institutional investors to mint and redeem around the clock with instant settlement.

OUSG provides exposure to low-risk, short-term Treasuries and is already live on Ethereum and Solana, with a combined US$670 million in assets across chains. With US$30 million in total value locked already on XRPL, this expansion could significantly scale institutional DeFi on public ledgers.

Strategy hit with lawsuit over alleged misleading Bitcoin strategy

Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging that the Michael Saylor-led firm misled shareholders about the risks of its Bitcoin-heavy investment approach.

Law firm Levi & Korsinsky filed the suit on Tuesday, calling on investors who bought shares between April 2024 and April 2025 to join the case, with a lead plaintiff deadline set for July 15.

The complaint cites the company’s recent US$5.91 billion unrealized loss due to Bitcoin’s volatility and claims executives downplayed risk while hyping upside potential. On April 7, the company dropped nearly 9 percent after disclosing a Q1 loss; by May 1, Strategy had formally admitted to the nearly US$6 billion hit.

A second lawsuit, filed by Anas Hamza, is also underway for alleged violations of the Securities Exchange Act.

Saylor has defended the firm’s strategy, arguing that its capital structure is resilient even in the face of a 90 percent Bitcoin crash. Strategy has not issued an official comment on the lawsuits.

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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Sport

Who is Bennedict Mathurin? What to know about Pacers’ surprise hero

Sport 4 Mins Read

The Indiana Pacers are now up 2-1 in the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, thanks to a monster performance by Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin.

Mathurin scored a game-high 27 points off the bench in the Pacers’ 116-107 win over the Thunder in Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He shot 9-of-12 from the field, 2-of-3 from 3 and 7-of-8 from the free throw line.

‘So many of the guys chipped in. This guy behind me, Ben Mathurin, was amazing off the bench tonight. He just stuck with it,’ Tyrese Haliburton said after the win. ‘Our bench was amazing.’

Mathurin is not yet a household name, but his postseason play is catching everyone’s attention. Just who is Mathurin? USA TODAY Sports rounded up everything you need to know about the 22-year-old guard, who has become an integral piece in the Pacers’ rotation:

Who is Bennedict Mathurin?

Mathurin, 22, is a shooting guard for the Indiana Pacers. He’s in his third season in the NBA. He wears No. 00.

Where is Bennedict Mathurin from?

Mathurin was born June 19, 2002 in Montreal, Quebec. Basketball runs in the family. His older sister Jennifer played college basketball at North Carolina State from 2013-2017 and his brother Dominique Jeune had dreams of playing in the NBA. Tragedy struck the Mathurin family when 15-year-old Dominique Jeune was struck by a car and killed while riding his bike home from school. Mathurin was 12 at the time of his brother’s death.

“He’s my inspiration,” Mathurin said in 2022. “He wanted to play in the NBA. It was a mission for me and him as well.”

In 2018, Mathurin left home at age 15 to enter the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City, a year-round elite basketball development program for top high school-age players.

Bennedict Mathurin college career

Bennedict Mathurin played two seasons of collegiate basketball at the University of Arizona. He was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team in 2021 after averaging 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 26 games (12 starts). Mathurin was promoted to the starting lineup for his sophomore campaign, and he averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 37 games (all starts). He was named a second team All-American and picked up Pac-12 Player of the Year and First Team All Pac-12 honors.

Bennedict Mathurin draft

Bennedict Mathurin was selected out of Arizona by the Pacers with the sixth overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft. Mathurin instantly made a splash in the league and he averaged 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 78 games (17 starts). He was named to the 2023 NBA All-Rookie First Team, finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting and set a Pacers franchise record for most 3s made by a rookie (100).

“Every once in a while, there is a young player that comes out of college whose game is much more suited to the NBA than college, and I think Ben might be one of those guys,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said in 2022. “He had great coaching in college and was Player of the Year in the Pac-12. … But it is unique for a guy at this stage to have that feel.”

Mathurin’s sophomore season was cut short due to a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Bennedict Mathurin stats: 2024-25 season

Mathurin averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 72 regular-season games (49 starts). He’s averaging 15.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists through the first three games of the NBA Finals.

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

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Sport

Deion Sanders gives update on his health

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Colorado football coach Deion Sanders addressed his health situation Wednesday on social media, saying that “everything is OKAY” and that he would provide a full update upon his return to campus in Boulder.

Sanders, 57, has been at his estate in Texas for weeks while dealing with an unspecified health issue. Last week, CU’s annual slate of summer football camps got underway without him even though operating the camps is listed as an official duty in his employment contract with CU.

USA TODAY Sports reported Monday that the timing of his return to campus was unclear, based on what his son Deion Jr. said on a YouTube livestream on Sunday.

Deion Sr. thanked his supporters Wednesday on social media site X.

“Wow, I am truly blessed for the abundance of well wishes, for all the thoughts and all of the prayers,” Sanders Sr. wrote. “THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I can assure you all that everything is OKAY and will continue to be so. God got me like no other. I have so much more work to do to Glorify God so please believe God got me!”

He didn’t give a date for his return.

“I’m excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team & all associated to our program,” Sanders wrote. “When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything. . Until then, I’M COMING BABY, #CoachPrime.”

Sanders Sr. mentioned the issue on a podcast with former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel in late May.

“I hope you’re feeling better,” Samuel said to Sanders. Samuel then asked him if he ever tried fasting.

Sanders responded by saying “what I’m dealing with right now is at whole nother level” but said he’s coming back after losing about 14 pounds.

Last week, CU hosted separate camps for high school football players and eligible high school graduates. CU also started a youth football camp this week, which Sanders has attended in previous years at CU.

This year the camps have gone on without him and have been run by staff.

Though he hasn’t said what the issue is exactly, he has battled issues with blood clots in his legs for years and had to miss a Pac-12 Conference media event in Las Vegas because of it two years ago. Deion Jr.’s YouTube channel has showed that CU athletic trainer Lauren Askevold has been at his estate in Texas in recent weeks. She has helped him with his legs since the issue got serious in 2021, including the amputation of two of his toes and the removal of the sides of his left calf.

Sanders also canceled a scheduled speaking engagement scheduled for June 8 in Florida. He canceled because of an ‘unavoidable last-minute scheduling change,’ according to The Foundation for Sickle Cell Research. The foundation replaced him with basketball legend Magic Johnson.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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