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Warner Bros. Discovery rejects Paramount’s amended takeover offer

January 11, 2026 Editor's pick 4 Mins Read

Warner Bros. Discovery on Wednesday rejected Paramount Skydance’s amended takeover offer, the latest in a series of rejections in David Ellison’s pursuit of the streaming and cable giant.

The media company said it remains committed to the $82.7 billion deal it reached in December to sell its streaming service, studio and HBO cable channel to Netflix.

‘The Board unanimously determined that the Paramount’s latest offer remains inferior to our merger agreement with Netflix across multiple key areas,’ Warner Bros. Discovery Chairman Samuel Di Piazza said in a statement.

‘Paramount’s offer continues to provide insufficient value,’ he continued.

In a letter to shareholders, Di Piazza wrote that Paramount Skydance’s offer carries ‘significant costs, risks and uncertainties as compared to the Netflix merger.’ The way the Paramount deal is structured creates a ‘lack of certainty’ about its finalization, he added.

Di Piazza adds in the letter that if the company were to agree to the Paramount merger and it failed to close, it would result in a ‘potentially considerable value destruction.’

‘What matters most right now is our focus as we start the year,’ Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a memo to employees seen by NBC News. ‘Our operating plans remain unchanged, and our priorities for 2026 are clear and intentional.’

Zaslav wrote that the ‘review was conducted with discipline and rigor, and was supported by independent financial and legal advisors.’

On Dec. 22, Paramount Skydance increased its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery with a personal guarantee from billionaire Larry Ellison, who was backing the financing for the deal. His son, David Ellison, is the CEO of Paramount Skydance.

However, that was not enough for Warner Bros. Discovery. That beefed-up offer followed Warner Bros. Discovery’s Dec. 17 public rejection of Paramount. It also preceded multiple private rejections before Paramount Skydance went public.

In a statement Thursday, Paramount said it remained committed to the offer that WBD has rejected twice. “WBD continues to raise issues in Paramount’s offer that we have already addressed, including flexibility in interim operations,” Paramount said.

At stake is the future of one of the most storied media empires in the United States.

The bidding by Paramount also comes amid a monumental shift in the media and streaming landscape at large. On Monday, Versant Media, the cable network spinoff from Comcast, began trading as an independent company. Shares have plunged more than 20% over the course of those two days. (Comcast is the parent company of NBCUniversal and NBC News.)

On CNBC, Di Piazza said it would be a mistake to compare Warner Bros. Discovery‘s cable networks to Versant. ‘Discovery Global is different, it has a lot more scale,’ he said.

Streaming companies such as Apple, Netflix and Amazon are also challenging traditional broadcasters such as Paramount-owned CBS for sports rights.

Warner Bros. Discovery controls properties ranging from CNN Worldwide and the Discovery Channel to HBO, as well as the Warner Bros. film studio and archive.

Despite the back and forth between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount, Netflix has so far proceeded with the deal it inked Dec. 5, under which the world’s largest streaming company would acquire a stake in WBD.

Warner’s cable networks would be spun out into a separate company as part of that deal. However, Paramount Skydance wants to buy everything Warner Bros. Discovery owns.

Paramount’s controlling shareholders, the Ellisons, have suggested they could obtain regulatory clearance more quickly and easily than Netflix.

In mid-2025, the Ellisons acquired Paramount with approval from the Trump administration. But that approval only came after CBS News agreed to pay $16 million to President Donald Trump’s future presidential library over an interview that “60 Minutes” had conducted with then-presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Netflix, for its part, has met with Trump at the White House over the deal. But Trump has said either bidder poses potential problems, in his view.

Netflix said in a statement that it ‘welcomed the Warner Bros. Discovery board of directors’ continued commitment to the merger agreement’ the two companies reached last year. ‘Netflix and Warner Bros. will bring together highly complementary strengths and a shared passion for storytelling,’ Netflix’s co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said.

Di Piazza said on CNBC that the difference between Paramount’s offer and that of Netflix is that Warner Bros. and Netflix already ‘have a signed merger agreement’ that has ‘a clear path to closing.’ Di Piazza also said the Netflix deal offers ‘protections for our shareholders, if something stops the close, whatever that might be.’

Trump has said he will be personally involved in reviewing whichever merger proceeds.

Paramount did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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Japan to Test Deep-Sea Rare Earth Mining in Landmark Trials

January 10, 2026 Investing 3 Mins Read

Japan will begin testing deep-sea mining for rare earth elements this month, moving into uncharted territory as supply security concerns intensify amid China’s tightening grip on critical minerals.

The government-backed trial, scheduled to run from January 11 to February 14, will take place in waters around Minamitori Island, roughly 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo.

The test is designed to evaluate equipment capable of retrieving up to 350 metric tons of sediment per day while simultaneously monitoring environmental impacts both on the seabed and aboard the vessel.

According to a December Reuters report, Japanese officials say a larger-scale trial could follow next year if the initial phase proves successful.

Tokyo’s push into deep-sea mining comes as concerns grow over its exposure to Chinese export controls. China dominates the rare earth supply chain, accounting for about 70 percent of global production and more than 90 percent of refining capacity, according to Japanese government estimates.

Despite years of diversification efforts, Japan still sources around 60 percent of its rare-earth imports from China and remains almost entirely dependent on Beijing for certain heavy rare earths.

Those vulnerabilities have become more acute as China signals a tougher stance on exports.

Earlier this week, Beijing announced restrictions on the overseas sale of so-called “dual-use” items with potential military applications, a category analysts say could be interpreted broadly enough to encompass some rare earth materials.

The announcement revived memories of 2010, when China quietly halted rare-earth shipments to Japan during a territorial dispute, disrupting manufacturing and forcing Tokyo to reassess its supply risks.

Japanese government estimates suggest the economic fallout from another disruption could be severe. A three-month interruption in rare-earth supplies could cost domestic companies more than US$4 billion, while a year-long halt could shave nearly 0.5 percent off annual GDP.

Japan is also exploring potential cooperation with the US in the waters around Minamitori Island as part of a broader effort to build more resilient supply chains for rare earths and other critical minerals.

The two countries have already committed last year to collaborate on mining, processing, and supply chain development.

Beyond the current trial, Japan is also laying plans to build a dedicated processing facility on Minamitorishima by 2027 as part of its Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP).

The facility would handle mud recovered from the seabed and form part of an end-to-end domestic supply chain for marine-based rare earths. A full-scale demonstration is scheduled for February 2027 to test the facility’s ability to recover up to 350 metric tons of rare-earth mud per day.

“We will ultimately demonstrate the entire process of extracting rare-earth elements from mud and then assess its economic viability,” Shoichi Ishii, program director at the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program, told Nikkei Asia.

Marine scientists and environmental groups, however, continue to warn that deep-sea mining could cause long-lasting damage to ecosystems that remain poorly understood.

Despite those calls, a growing number of countries are pressing ahead with exploratory projects as competition for critical minerals intensifies.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Editor’s Picks: Experts Call for US$5,000 Gold, US$100+ Silver in 2026

January 10, 2026 Investing 5 Mins Read

The gold price started off the new year on a strong note, approaching the US$4,500 per ounce level midway through the week and breaking through it on Friday (January 9).

As is often the case, silver put on a bumpier performance, trading within about a US$10 range. It recorded lows under US$73 per ounce and highs above US$82.

Beyond day-to-day price moves, there’s a lot of focus right now on how gold and silver will perform in 2026, and I want to spend some time looking at what experts see coming.

When it comes to gold I’m now seeing US$5,000 mentioned frequently, with multiple market watchers calling for it to reach that level as soon as the first quarter.

The consensus is that all of gold’s drivers either remain in place or are intensifying, including strong central bank buying, geopolitical tensions and easy money policies.

Here’s Alain Corbani of Montbleu Finance explaining why US$5,000 gold makes sense:

‘Between the end of the quantitative tightening and the end of the quantitative easing, usually gold doubles or triples, which means that in a perfect world, gold could go … from US$4,000 to US$6,000 — this is basically the bull figure. So that’s why, when we say US$5,000, that’s only 10 percent more than what we are trading at today.’

Silver is trickier to predict. The white metal is known for being volatile, and its strong end-of-2025 performance means that some experts’ 2026 price calls were reached before last year even ended.

So where does silver stand as the year begins?

I heard this week from David Morgan of the Morgan Report, who didn’t give a specific forecast, but said he believes silver is currently in ‘price discovery’ mode:

‘I’ve stated that we’re still in the price discovery mode — I truly believe that. What the true price of silver is in US dollars, Canadian dollars, I do not know. I think it’s north of $100 in US dollar terms, but it could be much higher than that.

I also spoke about silver with Doug Casey of InternationalMan.com. He said US$100 or even US$200 silver is possible, but for him the metal itself isn’t a speculative tool:

‘Is silver at a new high where it’s going to stay there? Yeah, very possibly — not a prediction. But I’m not selling my silver. I mean, why should I sell it? I’m holding it as an asset, not as a speculative device. So is it going to US$100 or US$200? It’s possible. I don’t really care, because … I don’t use either my silver or my gold as speculative vehicles. That’s not what they’re about to me.’

Andy Schectman of Miles Franklin made a similar statement, saying that while he’s certainly bullish on silver, 2025 showed how unpredictable it can be:

‘Rather than pick a price, I say we live in a world of probabilities. The probability that we see silver well north of US$100 to me is rather strong. Could it be as high as US$200 or higher? Sure. But to say that would be a guess, and an optimistic guess.

‘But look, if I would have told you last year that we would see silver at US$80, you’d say, ‘You know, well, that’s a pretty big statement, Andy.’ Yeah, sure it is. A 150 percent gain in a year is pretty big. So rather than continue with that, I would just simply say: higher than most people would actually probably think possible.’

Bullet briefing — Rio Tinto, Glencore reopen M&A talks

Commodities giants Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) and Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTCPL:GLCNF) say they have restarted talks about potentially combining forces.

The two major miners spoke previously back in 2024, but failed to reach an agreement. This time around, they say their preliminary discussions are centered on merging some or all of their businesses, and could include the acquisition of Glencore by Rio Tinto.

The news was first reported by the Financial Times, with both companies confirming the story in press releases shortly thereafter. According to the news outlet, the combination would create a massive mining company with an enterprise value of over US$260 billion.

Both companies have said there’s no guarantee that any transaction will go through. However, it’s worth noting that Rio Tinto has changed leadership since the 2024 talks ended, with Simon Trott now at the helm. For its part, Glencore has reorganized its coal assets.

The Thursday (January 8) Financial Times piece also notes that Gary Nagle, chief executive at Glencore, spoke last month about the importance of size in the mining industry, saying that bigger companies are better able to create synergies, as well as attract talent and capital.

Regulations require Rio Tinto to announce its intentions either way by February 5 of this year.

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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Top 5 Canadian Mining Stocks This Week: Gold Reserve Jumps with 132 Percent Gain

January 10, 2026 Investing 11 Mins Read

Statistics Canada released December jobs figures on Friday (January 9). The data shows that 8,200 new jobs were added during the month, while the unemployment rate rose to 6.8 percent, up 0.3 percentage points from November.

The agency attributes the gain to more Canadians actively seeking work. Analysts had expected a decrease of 5,000 jobs and a smaller increase in the unemployment rate to 6.6 percent.

Among the highlights of the report was an improvement in the type of labor, as part-time jobs fell by 42,000, while full-time jobs rose by 50,000. The gains bring the total number of jobs added to the Canadian economy since September to 181,000, ending the year with strong momentum after little growth earlier in 2025.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics also released jobs data, indicating that the US economy added 50,000 jobs in December, with an unemployment rate of 4.4 percent, down 0.1 percentage points from November.

Excluding 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 584,000 jobs added in 2025 mark the worst performance for the US jobs market since 2009 at the height of the global financial crisis.

On Wednesday (January 7), US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Venezuela would be turning over up to 50 million barrels of oil to the US, worth approximately US$2.8 billion, and it would be sold at market price.

Trump wrote that he will control the money made from the sales “to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.” The announcement comes days after US forces executed an operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and return him to the US to stand trial for drug trafficking and weapons charges.

Trump also stated that the US will be overseeing the governance of the South American nation, while eyeing a return for US oil companies, giving the US control of one of the world’s largest oil reserves indefinitely.

The actions brought widespread criticism from US allies and foes alike, as the US violated international and domestic laws by working outside traditional mechanisms to carry out the operation, which included bombing strikes on strategic military targets in the country. Due in part to concerns of competition from rising Venezuelan oil production, some Canadian oil stocks fell by as much as 7 percent on Monday (January 5).

In mining news, Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) and Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTCPL:GLCNF) restarted merger discussions this week. The companies previously discussed creating a combined entity in 2024, but talks stalled.

For more on what’s moving markets this week, check out our top market news round-up.

Markets and commodities react

Canadian equity markets were on the rise this week.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) gained 2.51 percent over the week and set a new record to close Friday at 32,612.93; the S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) fared a little better, rising 4.91 percent to 1,052.18. The CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) also gained ground, rising 5.17 percent to close at 182.45.

The gold price was trading near all-time highs this week following the US incursion into Venezuela. It gained 4.36 percent on the week to reach US$4,506.84 per ounce by Friday at 4:00 p.m. EST. The silver price did even better, trading near an all time high at US$82.54 per ounce on Tuesday (January 6). Although the price pulled back on Wednesday and Thursday (January 8), it rebounded on Friday to end the week up 10.17 percent at US$79.75.

In base metals, the Comex copper price climbed to its own record high, reaching US$6.12 per pound on Monday, before pulling back to end the week down 0.67 percent at US$5.91.

The S&P Goldman Sachs Commodities Index (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) rose 2.06 percent to end Friday at 559.83.

Top Canadian mining stocks this week

How did mining stocks perform against this backdrop?

Take a look at this week’s five best-performing Canadian mining stocks below.

Stocks data for this article was retrieved at 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday using TradingView’s stock screener. Only companies trading on the TSX, TSXV and CSE with market caps greater than C$10 million are included. Mineral companies within the non-energy minerals, energy minerals, process industry and producer manufacturing sectors were considered.

1. Gold Reserve (TSXV:GRZ)

Weekly gain: 131.78 percent
Market cap: C$662.66 million
Share price: C$5.47

Gold Reserve is an exploration company that holds a minority share in the Siembra Minera gold and copper project in Venezuela. It is currently in a dispute with the Venezuelan government, which holds a majority stake in the project, claiming that it has deprived Gold Reserve of its rights to the multi-billion dollar mining project.

In 2014, the government was ordered to pay over US$700 million to Gold Reserve, but, in a show of good faith, the company agreed to enter into settlement negotiations, ultimately agreeing in 2016 to pay the arbitration award in installments. However, according to Gold Reserve, the government failed to make payments and, by 2021, had shifted to sabotaging negotiations, entering into new deals over the property with rivals, and imprisoning the company’s chief legal and commercial representative. The company states the imprisonment intimidated potential court representatives for the company, and the Supreme Court of Venezuela dismissed Gold Reserve’s appeal for “lack of representation.”

More recently, Gold Reserve has pursued legal action in Delaware regarding the forced sale of assets owned by Venezuela’s state-owned oil producer, PDVSA, and CITGO. In its most recent update on the Delaware case Friday, Gold Reserve said that it filed its opening appeal brief with the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in connection with the proposed sale of the oil companies’ assets. Although Gold Reserve was the highest bidder, the District Court approved the sale to Elliott Investment Management and affiliate Amber Energy. Gold Reserve asserts that the order approving the sale violated Delaware requirements that attached shares be sold to the highest bidder.

The company believes there are enough concerns to vacate the sale order. It also added that it is reviewing security plans and taking proactive steps to support an eventual safe return to its operations in Venezuela.

Shares surged this week following the capture of Venezuela’s Maduro by US forces on January 3.

2. Peloton Minerals (CSE:PMC)

Weekly gain: 92.86 percent
Market cap: C$42.06 million
Share price: C$0.27

Peleton Minerals is an exploration company focused on its flagship North Elko lithium project in Nevada, US.

The property consists of 442 mineral claims covering 37 square kilometers, west of a major discovery made by Surge Battery Metals (TSXV:NILI,OTCQX:NILIF) in 2023. In 2024 and 2025, Peloton carried out several exploration programs at the site, including airborne hyperspectral imaging, a soil geochemistry survey and geological mapping.

In November 2025, the company commenced a maiden drill program at the site, saying it planned to target lithium-bearing claystone layers with potential for other critical minerals.

The program consisted of four holes, each drilled to a depth of approximately 500 feet. Peloton announced on December 10 that the program was complete and confirmed near-surface clay layers. The company had submitted samples for multi-element analysis, with results not expected until the end of January 2026.

Shares in the company gained this week, but it has not released news since December 31, when it reported the closing of the third and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement. The three fundraising rounds raised C$1.17 million in total and proceeds will fund lithium exploration in Northern Nevada and working capital.

3. Decade Resources (TSXV:DEC)

Weekly gain: 77.78 percent
Market cap: C$13.84 million
Share price: C$0.08

Decade Resources is focused on advancing a portfolio of properties in the Golden Triangle region of BC, Canada.

Among its interests is a 55 percent stake in the Del Norte property located near Stewart, BC. The company acquired its share in the property from Teuton Resources (TSXV:TUO,OTCQB:TEUTF) via a January 2020 option deal.

Since that time, the company has executed the required C$4 million in exploration expenditures at Del Norte, and is now looking toward earning an additional 20 percent stake by bringing the property to commercial production.

Drilling at the site in 2024 led to the discovery of a new zone with assays of 6.59 grams per metric ton (g/t) gold and 946 g/t silver over 1 meter, located below the Kosciuszko zone.

The most recent update came on Tuesday, when Decade provided an overview of the property and laid out its exploration plans for 2026. The work would focus on several areas, including one 800 meters southwest of the Eagle’s Nest zone where a historic float sample returned values of 4,232.2 g/t silver and 13.59 g/t gold in 1994. Targets also include the 2024 discovery, and along strike from the Kosciuszko and Eagle’s Nest zones.

4. SouthGobi Resources (TSX:SGQ)

Weekly gain: 68.89 percent
Market cap: C$99.39 million
Share price: C$0.38

SouthGobi is a coal mining company with assets located in Southern Mongolia near the border with China.

Its flagship operation is the Ovoot Tolgoi coal mine, which consists of the Sunrise and Sunset pits and has been producing since 2008. SouthGobi holds permits to mine until 2037. The company also owns two additional properties in the region. The Soumber deposit is located 20 kilometers east of the Ovoot Tolgoi mine, meaning that any potential mining of Soumber could share Ovoot Tolgoi’s infrastructure. Its last property is the Zag Suuj deposit, located 150 kilometers east of Ovoot Tolgoi and 80 kilometers from the Mongolia-China Border.

The company has not released any news this past week.

5. Regency Silver (TSXV:RSMX)

Weekly gain: 65.38 percent
Market cap: C$19.16 million
Share price: C$0.215

Regency Silver is an exploration company focused on its Dios Padre precious metals and copper property in Sonora, Mexico. The site comprises three concessions covering a total area of 728 hectares and was acquired through a 2017 earn-in agreement with Minera Pena Blanca. It hosts the historic Dios Padre silver mine.

A March 2023 technical report outlines an inferred resource of 1.38 million metric tons of ore containing 10.15 million ounces of silver with an average grade of 228 g/t, plus 14,294 ounces of gold with an average grade of 0.32 g/t.

The most recent update from the project came on Thursday, when Regency announced a 225 meter step-out extension from the previous drilling. The company said it encountered sulfide-specularite supported breccia across a broad, non-continuous interval of 240 meters. While it has not received analytical results, it compared the breccia to that found in multiple other holes at the site, including one in which a 35.8 meter intersection returned grades of 6.84 g/t gold, 0.88 percent copper and 21.82 g/t silver. The news coincides with near-record-high gold and silver prices.

FAQs for Canadian mining stocks

What is the difference between the TSX and TSXV?

The TSX, or Toronto Stock Exchange, is used by senior companies with larger market caps, and the TSXV, or TSX Venture Exchange, is used by smaller-cap companies. Companies listed on the TSXV can graduate to the senior exchange.

How many mining companies are listed on the TSX and TSXV?

As of May 2025, there were 1,565 companies listed on the TSXV, 910 of which were mining companies. Comparatively, the TSX was home to 1,899 companies, with 181 of those being mining companies.

Together, the TSX and TSXV host around 40 percent of the world’s public mining companies.

How much does it cost to list on the TSXV?

There are a variety of different fees that companies must pay to list on the TSXV, and according to the exchange, they can vary based on the transaction’s nature and complexity. The listing fee alone will most likely cost between C$10,000 to C$70,000. Accounting and auditing fees could rack up between C$25,000 and C$100,000, while legal fees are expected to be over C$75,000 and an underwriters’ commission may hit up to 12 percent.

The exchange lists a handful of other fees and expenses companies can expect, including but not limited to security commission and transfer agency fees, investor relations costs and director and officer liability insurance.

These are all just for the initial listing, of course. There are ongoing expenses once companies are trading, such as sustaining fees and additional listing fees, plus the costs associated with filing regular reports.

How do you trade on the TSXV?

Investors can trade on the TSXV the way they would trade stocks on any exchange. This means they can use a stock broker or an individual investment account to buy and sell shares of TSXV-listed companies during the exchange’s trading hours.

Top 5 Canadian Mining Stocks This Week: St. Augustine Rises 67 Percent on Private Placement

Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Top 9 Global Lithium Stocks (Updated January 2026)

January 10, 2026 Investing 18 Mins Read

Sentiment for lithium prices and lithium stocks turned bullish in late 2025 as global demand surged, suggesting that a market surplus could tighten into a deficit sooner than previously expected.

Prices, which had soared through late 2022, faced volatility but rebounded in H2 on robust demand growth, inventory drawdowns and regulatory tightening.

Notably, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) (SZSE:300750,HKEX:3750) halted operations at a major Chinese lithium mine, while Beijing introduced measures to prevent sales at unsustainably low prices.

The growing recognition of lithium as a critical mineral, alongside Western concerns over China’s dominance in supply chains, has strengthened the market outside of China, supporting prices and investment sentiment.

According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, global lithium demand in 2025 is projected to reach roughly 285,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), up from 220,000 metric tons in 2024, driven largely by electric vehicle adoption and the rapid growth of battery energy storage systems.

Analysts anticipate continued price support as higher-cost producers exit, while demand from EVs, grid storage, and the energy transition catches up with supply constraints.

Against this backdrop, some lithium stocks are seeing share price gains. Below is a look at the lithium stocks in Canada, the US and Australia that performed the best in 2025, including updates on their news and activities.

This list of the top-gaining lithium companies is based on year-to-date as per TradingView’s stock screener. Data for all Canadian stocks, US and Australian stocks was gathered on December 30, 2025. Lithium stocks with market caps above $10 million in their respective currencies were considered.

Top Canadian lithium stocks

1. Stria Lithium (TSXV:SRA)

Year-to-date gain: 708.33 percent
Market cap: C$19.11 million
Share price: C$0.48

Stria Lithium is a Canadian exploration company focused on developing domestic lithium resources to support the growing demand for electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. The company’s flagship Pontax Central lithium project spans 36 square kilometers in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec, Canada.

Cygnus Metals (TSXV:CYG,ASX:CY5,OTCQB:CYGGF) has an earn-in agreement with Stria to earn up to a 70 percent interest in Pontax Central. Cygnus completed the first stage in July 2023, acquiring a 51 percent interest by investing C$4 million in exploration and issuing over 9 million shares to Stria.

In May 2025, Stria and Cygnus agreed to extend the second stage of Cygnus’s earn-in agreement on the Pontax Central lithium project by 24 months. The second stage involves a further C$2 million in exploration spending and C$3 million in a cash payment.

Through its joint venture with Cygnus, Stria has outlined a JORC-compliant maiden inferred resource for Pontax Central of 10.1 million metric tons grading 1.04 percent lithium oxide.

In March, Stria closed a non-brokered private placement for C$650,000. The funds will be used in part for the evaluation of new mineral opportunities, according to the company.

Shares of Stria registered a year-to-date high of C$0.50 on December 30, 2025, coinciding with lithium carbonate prices rising to a near 24 month high.

2. Consolidated Lithium Metals (TSXV:CLM)

Year-to-date gain: 350 percent
Market cap: C$20.51 million
Share price: C$0.045

Consolidated Lithium Metals is focused on acquiring, developing and advancing lithium projects in Québec. Its properties — Vallée, Baillargé, Preissac-LaCorne and Duval — are located within the spodumene-rich La Corne Batholith area, near the restarted North American Lithium mine, a key area in Canada’s growing lithium sector.

Consolidated Lithium started the year with a C$300 million private placement earmarked for working capital and general corporate purposes.

In July, the company commenced a summer exploration program at the Preissac project, excavating a 100 by 30 meter trench in an area with a known lithium soil anomaly, uncovering an 18 meter wide pegmatite body at surface.

At the end of August, Consolidated Lithium signed a non-binding letter of intent with SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Québec, to acquire an option to earn up to an 80 percent interest in the Kwyjibo rare earths project.

The project is located roughly 125 kilometers northeast of Sept-Îles in Québec’s Côte-Nord region.

Under the deal, which was finalized in November, Consolidated Lithium will become operator of the project and can earn an initial 60 percent stake over five years through a combined C$23.15 million in cash payments, share issuances and project expenditures.

A significant portion of those funds will be invested in advancing Kwyjibo through stages including negotiating and finalizing an agreement with the Innu of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, a metallurgical study and environmental permitting.

Upon completion, the partners will form a joint venture, and Consolidated will have the option to increase its interest to 80 percent by investing C$22 million over a further three years.

An uptick in lithium prices in October helped Consolidated shares rally to a year-to-date high of C$0.06 several times between October 22 and November 3.

3. Lithium South Development (TSXV:LIS)

Year-to-date gain: 330 percent
Market cap: C$48.76 million
Share price: C$0.43

Canada-based Lithium South Development currently owns 100 percent of the HMN lithium project in Argentina’s Salta and Catamarca provinces, situated in the heart of the lithium-rich Hombre Muerto Salar.

The project lies adjacent to South Korean company POSCO Holdings (NYSE:PKX,KRX:005490) billion-dollar lithium development to the east.

Exploration has defined a resource of 1.58 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) at an average grade of 736 milligrams per liter lithium, with the majority in the measured category. A preliminary economic assessment outlines the potential for a 15,600 metric ton per year lithium carbonate operation.

In January 2024, Lithium South and POSCO signed an agreement to jointly develop the HMN lithium project. Under the deal, the companies will share production 50/50 from the Norma Edith and Viamonte blocks in Salta and Catamarca, resolving overlapping claims.

As for 2025, in June Lithium South’s shares tripled to C$0.30 after it received positive news regarding its environmental impact assessment.

Lithium South shared a huge update in July that changed its trajectory; the company received a non-binding cash offer of US$62 million from POSCO to purchase its lithium portfolio, including the HMN project.

POSCO would acquire Lithium South’s wholly owned subsidiary NRG Metals Argentina, which holds the HMN project and all of Lithium South’s other concessions, namely the Sophia I–III and Hydra X–XI claims.

The 60 day due diligence period concluded in late September, and on November 12, Lithium South announced a share purchase agreement to sell its Argentinian lithium portfolio to POSCO Argentina for US$65 million.

Company shares climbed to C$0.44 the next day, while its highest close of the year, C$0.45, came on December 24.

Lithium South officially signed the deal on December 8, with its closing subject to several approvals. Following the transaction’s completion, Lithium South plans to de-list from the TSXV and begin dissolution proceedings.

In connection with the news, the company intends to buy back all common shares at a price of C$0.505.

Top US lithium stocks

1. Lithium Argentina (NYSE:LAR)

Year-to-date gain: 106.39 percent
Market cap: US$891.03 million
Share price: US$5.49

Lithium Argentina produces lithium carbonate from its Caucharí-Olaroz brine project in Argentina, developed with Ganfeng Lithium (OTC Pink:GNENF,HKEX:1772). The company was spun out from Lithium Americas in October 2023 and changed its name from Lithium Americas (Argentina) in January 2025.

In mid-April, Lithium Argentina executed a letter of intent with Ganfeng Lithium to jointly advance development across the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes basins.

In August, Lithium Argentina agreed to form a new joint venture with Ganfeng Lithium that will combine the companies’ projects in the Pozuelos and Pastos Grandes basins of Salta, Argentina.

The joint venture will bring together Ganfeng’s wholly owned Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (PPG) project and Lithium America’s Pastos Grandes and Sal de la Puna projects, in which Ganfeng currently holds a 15 percent and 35 percent stake respectively.

Once completed, Ganfeng will hold a 67 percent stake in the consolidated PPG project, and Lithium Argentina will hold a 33 percent interest.

In Q4, Lithium Argentina released a positive scoping study for the PPG project, confirming its scale and strong economics. The consolidated project hosts a measured and indicated resource of 15.1 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) and is designed for staged production of up to 150,000 metric tons per year over a 30 year mine life.

In the same announcement, the company confirmed receipt of an environmental approval for Stage 1 from the Secretariat of Mining and Energy of the Province of Salta.

Lithium Argentina released its Q3 results in November, noting approximately 8,300 metric tons of lithium carbonate production at its Caucharí-Olaroz operation during the quarter, with 24,000 metric tons produced between January and September.

Company shares rose to a year-to-date high of US$5.58 on December 31, in line with rising lithium carbonate prices.

2. Sociedad Química y Minera (NYSE:SQM)

Year-to-date gain: 87.39 percent
Market cap: US$19.66 billion
Share price: US$68.98

SQM is a major global lithium producer, with operations centered in Chile’s Salar de Atacama. The company extracts lithium from brine and produces lithium carbonate and hydroxide for use in batteries.

SQM is expanding production and holds interests in projects in Australia and China, including a 50/50 joint venture for the Mt Holland lithium operation in Western Australia. In July, the company produced its first battery-grade lithium hydroxide production at its Kwinana refinery in the state.

In late April, Chile’s competition watchdog approved the partnership agreement between SQM and state-owned copper giant Codelco aimed at boosting output at the Atacama salt flat. The deal, first announced in 2024, reached another milestone when it secured approval for an additional lithium quota from Chile’s nuclear energy regulator CChEN.

SQM ended the year finalizing the agreement. The partnership was formalized through SQM’s subsidiary SQM Salar absorbing Codelco’s Minera Tarar and being renamed Nova Andino Litio.

SQM reported a net income of US$404.4 million for the first nine months of 2025, rebounding from a US$524.5 million loss in the same period of 2024. Revenue totaled US$3.25 billion, down 5.9 percent year-over-year, while gross profit reached US$904.1 million.

The company’s third-quarter performance highlighted the turnaround, as SQM achieved record lithium sales volumes. It reported net income of US$178.4 million, up 36 percent from Q3 2024, and revenue of US$1.17 billion, up 8.9 percent. Gross profit for the quarter climbed 23 percent to US$345.8 million.

SQM attributed the rebound to higher realized lithium prices and improved operational efficiency, signaling a strong recovery trajectory for the remainder of 2025.

Shares of SQM reached a year-to-date high of US$71.63 on December 26.

3. Albemarle (NYSE:ALB)

Year-to-date gain: 64.29 percent
Market cap: US$16.71 billion
Share price: US$142.01

North Carolina-based Albemarle is dividing into two primary business units, one of which — the Albemarle Energy Storage unit — is focused wholly on the lithium-ion battery and energy transition markets. It includes the firm’s lithium carbonate, hydroxide and metal production.

Albemarle has a broad portfolio of lithium mines and facilities, with extraction in Chile, Australia and the US. Looking first at Chile, Albemarle produces lithium carbonate at its La Negra lithium conversion plants, which process brine from the Salar de Atacama, the country’s largest salt flat. Albemarle is aiming to implement direct lithium extraction technology at the salt flat to reduce water usage.

Albemarle’s Australian assets Wodgina hard-rock lithium mine in Western Australia, which is owned and operated by the 50/50 MARBL joint venture with Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN,OTC Pink:MALRF). Albemarle wholly owns the on-site Kemerton lithium hydroxide facility. The company’s other Australian joint venture is the Greenbushes hard-rock mine, in which it holds a 49 percent interest.

In late October, Albemarle signed an agreement to sell its 51 percent stake in its refining catalyst business, Ketjen, leaving it with 49 percent ownership, part of a broader portfolio reshaping that also includes the sale of Ketjen’s 50 percent stake in the Eurecat joint venture to partner Axens.

The combined deals are expected to generate approximately US$660 million in pre-tax cash proceeds and strengthen Albemarle’s financial flexibility. Both transactions are anticipated to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

In November, Albemarle reported third‑quarter results that reflected improved operations amid continued lithium market headwinds. The company logged net sales of roughly US$1.31 billion, a slight year‑over‑year decline driven by lower energy storage pricing.

Albemarle generated US$356 million in quarterly cash from operations, noting the company remained on track to reduce full‑year capital expenditures to around US$600 million while targeting positive free cash flow of US$300 million to US$400 million in 2025.

Shares of Albemarle marked a year-to-date high of US$150.01 on December 26, amid strengthening lithium prices.

Top Australian lithium stocks

1. Argosy Minerals (ASX:AGY)

Year-to-date gain: 310.71 percent
Market cap: AU$169.78 million
Share price: AU$0.115

Argosy Minerals is currently focused on advancing its Rincon lithium project in Salta Province, Argentina. The company also owns the Tonopah lithium project located in Nevada, US.

The Rincon project spans 2,794 hectares within the Lithium Triangle. Argosy currently holds a 77.5 percent interest in Rincon, with plans to increase to 90 percent through its earn-in agreement.

It entered production of battery-grade lithium carbonate in 2024 at Rincon’s 2,000 tonne per year demonstration facility, but has since suspended operations due to the low lithium price environment. The company continues to advance feasibility for its 12,000 tonne per year expansion.

The project currently holds a JORC total mineral resource estimate of 731,801 tonnes of lithium carbonate.

On June 27, the company announced a lithium carbonate spot sales contract with a Hong Kong-based chemical company for 60 tonnes of 99.5 percent lithium carbonate.

A few weeks later, Argosy announced that detailed engineering and feasibility works were underway to develop a 7 kilometre electric transmission line able to supply up to 40 megawatts of energy to Rincon.

In late October, Argosy released its Q3 results highlighting advanced development of its Rincon lithium project. The period saw progression in engineering and feasibility work towards its 12,000-tonne-per-year operation at Rincon being construction-ready.

During the 90 day session, the company also completed a AU$2 million placement to strengthen its balance sheet.

Argosy ended the period with cash reserves of about AU$4.6 million as of September 30, and said its development strategy continues to be supported by forecasted growth in global lithium demand.

In mid-November, Argosy signed another spot sales agreement, this time with China’s Chengdu Chemphys Chemical Industry for the sale of 16.1 tonnes of lithium carbonate produced at Rincon.

Shares of Argosy reached a 2025 high AU$0.125 on December 23, as lithium prices continued to trend higher.

2. European Lithium (ASX:EUR)

Year-to-date gain: 269.05 percent
Market cap: AU$274.7 million
Share price: AU$0.155

European Lithium is an Australia-based lithium exploration and development company. The company also holds several earlier-stage lithium exploration projects across Austria and a 100 percent interest in the Leinster lithium project in Ireland. European Lithium is also pursuing 20 year special permits for the extraction and production of lithium at the Shevchenkivske project and Dobra project in Ukraine.

In addition, European Lithium owns a significant equity stake in Critical Metals (NASDAQ:CRML), which it spun out in 2024 to operate the Wolfsberg lithium project in Austria.

Wolfsberg benefits from established road and rail infrastructure and is supported by a mining license and a broad package of exploration permits. Critical Metals has since acquired a stake in the Tanbreez rare earth project in Greenland, giving European Lithium exposure to both lithium and rare earth development in Europe.

The company sold portions of its holding in Critical Metals during 2025 to raise funds as Critical Metals’ share price rose.

In July, European Lithium raised a combined AU$5.2 million through the sale of 1 million shares, and in early October it raised a further AU$31.75 million by selling 3 million shares to a US institutional investor.

Shares of European Lithium rose to a year-to-date high of AU$0.465 on October 14. The rally coincided with European Lithium’s sale of 3.85 million Critical Metals shares in an off-market placement to a single US institutional investor at US$13 per share, raising about AU$76 million in net proceeds. Days later, it sold another 3.03 million for AU$76 million.

Following the last sale in October, the company still held 53 million shares of Critical Metals.

At the end of October, the company reported an active third quarter marked by portfolio funding, exploration progress and project development. Exploration advanced at European Lithium’s Irish lithium assets, and planning work was completed on the energy supply corridor for the Wolfsberg lithium project in Austria.

3. Global Lithium (ASX:GL1)

Year-to-date gain: 244.44 percent
Market cap: AU$167.51 million
Share price: AU$0.62

Global Lithium Resources is a lithium exploration company with multiple assets in Western Australia, including the 100 percent owned Manna lithium project in the Goldfields region and the Marble Bar lithium project in the Pilbara region.

Together, these projects host a combined indicated and inferred mineral resource of 69.6 million tonnes of ore at a grade of 1.0 percent lithium oxide, with Manna alone holding 19.4 million tonnes at 0.91 percent Li2O in ore reserves.

In an effort to focus on its core lithium projects, Global Lithium launched an initial public offering to spin out its Marble Bar gold assets into a separate company, MB Gold, in October. Global Lithium will retain the rights to the lithium tenements at Marble Bar.

The same month, Global Lithium released its Q3 results, highlighting advanced permitting and development work across its Western Australian portfolio.

Additionally, the company secured a Native Title Mining Agreement with the Kakarra Part B group and was granted a mining lease for its flagship Manna lithium project, while continuing definitive feasibility study (DFS) work aimed at improving project economics.

At Marble Bar, drilling results were released from a co-funded exploration program. Corporate activity included the sale of its investment in Kairos Minerals (ASX: KAI,OTC Pink:KAIFF) leaving Global Lithium with a cash position of AU$21 million at quarter end.

The DFS for the Manna project was completed in December, which Global Lithium said confirmed it as a long-life, economically robust development. The DFS outlines a post-tax net present value of AU$472 million and an internal rate of return of 25.7 percent, supported by competitive costs, a 14 year mine life and recently secured permitting milestones, positioning the project for a future investment decision.

Global Lithium ended the year by signing a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Southern Ports Authority to assess export options for spodumene concentrate from the Manna lithium project. The agreement focuses on the potential shipment of up to 240,000 tonnes per year through the Port of Esperance.

Global Lithium shares reached a 2025 high of AU$0.69 on December 28.

FAQs for investing in lithium

How much lithium is on Earth?

While we don’t know how much total lithium is on Earth, the US Geological Survey estimates that global reserves of lithium stand at 22 billion metric tons. Of that, 9.2 billion MT are located in Chile, and 5.7 billion MT are in Australia.

Where is lithium mined?

Lithium is mined throughout the world, but the two countries that produce the most are Australia and Chile. Australia’s lithium comes from primarily hard-rock deposits, while Chile’s comes from lithium brines. Chile is part of the Lithium Triangle alongside Argentina and Bolivia, although those two countries have a lower annual output.

Rounding out the top five lithium-producing countries behind Australia and Chile are China, Argentina and Brazil.

What is lithium used for?

Lithium has many uses, including the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles, smartphones and other tech, as well as pharmaceuticals, ceramics, grease, lubricants and heat-resistant glass. Still, it is largely the electric vehicle industry that is boosting demand.

How to invest in lithium?

Those looking to get into the lithium market have many options when it comes to how to invest in lithium.

Lithium stocks like those mentioned above could be a good option for investors interested in the space. If you’re looking to diversify instead of focusing on one stock, there is the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:LIT), an exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on the metal. Experienced investors can also look at lithium futures.

Unlike many commodities, investors cannot physically hold lithium due to its dangerous properties.

How to buy lithium stocks?

Through the use of a broker or an investing service such as an app, investors can purchase lithium stocks and ETFs that match their investing outlook.

Before buying a lithium stock, potential investors should take time to research the companies they’re considering; they should also decide how many shares will be purchased, and what price they are willing to pay. With many options on the market, it’s critical to complete due diligence before making any investment decisions.

It’s also important for investors to keep their goals in mind when choosing their investing method. There are many factors to consider when choosing a broker, as well as when looking at investing apps — a few of these include the broker or app’s reputation, their fee structure and investment style.

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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Providence Gold Mines Inc. La Dama de Oro Gold & Financing Update

January 10, 2026 Investing 3 Mins Read

(TheNewswire)

VANCOUVER, January 9, 2026 TheNewswire – Providence Gold Mines Inc. (TSX-V: PHD) (‘Providence’ or the ‘Company’) The Company wishes that all our shareholders have had a wonderful Holiday Season and prosperity for the New Year.

With the holiday season ending, the Company is pleased to announce that during the holidays significant road work was completed to repair the La Dama de Oro property access road. The damage occurred during the recent flooding reported in southern California.

In addition to the financing announcement reported on December 11,2025, the Company, subject to regulatory approval, announces an increase of the Private Placement to $150,000 and a 30-day extension.

Use of proceeds:

Proceeds from the private placement will be used for general administration and for sampling activities to assess mineralization potential at the La Dama de Oro project. The Company intends to proceed immediately with work related to the permitted 1,000-ton bulk sample.

Private Placement

The Private Placement is for of up to 3,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per unit, for gross proceeds of up to $150,000. Each unit will consist of:

one common share; and
one full, non-transferable warrant exercisable at $0.05 for a period of two years from the date of issue.

For more information, please contact Ronald Coombes, President, and CEO of the Company.

Ronald A. Coombes, President & CEO

Phone: 604 724 2369

roombesresources@gmail.com.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

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

All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this press release relative to markets about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to the permitting process, future production of Providence Gold Mines, budget and timing estimates, the Company’s working capital and financing opportunities and statements regarding the exploration and mineralization potential of the Company’s properties, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward- looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Providence Gold Mines expectations include fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and native groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; and uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Providence Gold Mines does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statement

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

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Trinidad Chambliss waiver for sixth year of eligibility denied by NCAA

January 10, 2026 Sport 4 Mins Read

One day after Trinidad Chambliss’ 2025 season came to an end, his college career did, too.

The Mississippi quarterback’s waiver for an additional season of eligibility was denied by the NCAA, with college sports’ governing body announcing its decision on Friday, Jan. 9.

Chambliss was asking for a medical redshirt for the 2022 season, when he was at Division II Ferris State and didn’t play any games while dealing with persistent respiratory issues that ultimately led to the removal of his tonsils.

“Approval requires schools to submit medical documentation provided by a treating physician at the time of a student’s incapacitating injury or illness, which was not provided,” the NCAA said in a statement. “The documents provided by Ole Miss and the student’s prior school include a physician’s note from a December 2022 visit, which stated the student-athlete was ‘doing very well’ since he was seen in August 2022. Additionally, the student-athlete’s prior school indicated it had no documentation on medical treatment, injury reports or medical conditions involving the student-athlete during that time frame and cited “developmental needs and our team’s competitive circumstances” as its reason the student-athlete did not play in the 2022-23 season.”

The NCAA added its decision “aligns with consistent application of NCAA rules.”

In his first and ultimately only season at Ole Miss, Chambliss threw for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing for an additional 527 yards and eight touchdowns. He finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting.

Chambliss helped lead the Rebels to one of the best seasons in program history, with a 13-2 record and a run to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they fell to Miami 31-27 on Thursday, Jan. 8 in the Fiesta Bowl. Chambliss threw for 277 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

Prominent sports attorney Tom Mars represented Chambliss during his waiver process. Mars said in a statement that he assumes Ole Miss will file an appeal with the NCAA and that ‘there is now an opportunity to move this case to a level playing field where Trinidad’s rights will be determined by the Mississippi judiciary instead of some bureaucrats in Indianapolis who couldn’t care less about the law or doing the right thing.”

‘I deserve (another year),’ Chambliss said Dec. 30. ‘I’ve only played three seasons of college football. I feel like I deserve to play four. I redshirted in 2021. That was my freshman redshirt. Then I medically redshirted in 2022. Played in 2023, 2024 and this is 2025.’

Chambliss took a traditional redshirt season during his true freshman year at Ferris State and did not play during the ensuing 2022 campaign.

The NCAA said that this academic year, it has received 25 eligibility clock extension requests that cited an incapacitating injury, nine of which came from football players. Of those 25 waiver requests, the NCAA approved 15, including six in football. All 15 that were approved provided medical documentation from the time of the injury while all 10 that were denied didn’t.

Chambliss had previously committed to return to Ole Miss for the 2026 season if his waiver was approved, shutting down speculation that he could follow former Rebels coach Lane Kiffin to LSU.

Without Chambliss, Ole Miss and new head coach Pete Golding will likely have to look elsewhere for a quarterback for next season. Austin Simmons, who started the season ahead of Chambliss before being sidelined with an injury, entered the transfer portal and signed with Missouri earlier this week.

What is Trinidad Chambliss’ NFL draft projection?

Chambliss is projected to get a shot in the NFL. He’ll probably be drafted in the middle of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to experts.Chambliss is ranked as the No. 6 quarterback prospect on Mel Kiper of ESPN’s 2026 NFL Draft preview published Jan. 2.

Pro Football Focus ranks Chambliss as the No. 5 quarterback and No. 83 player overall.

Clarion Ledger Ole Miss reporter Sam Hutchens contributed to this story.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Indiana vs. Oregon score, highlights: Hoosiers dominate in Peach Bowl

January 10, 2026 Sport 12 Mins Read

Indiana dominated on its way to a 56-22 win over Oregon in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9 and is one win away from securing one of the greatest turnarounds in college football history.

The No. 1 Hoosiers (15-0) finished 3-9 in 2023 but are moving on to the national championship game two seasons later after hiring Curt Cignetti. It’ll be a homecoming for Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who grew up in Miami.

Mendoza, whose dad played football alongside Miami coach Mario Cristobal in high school, passed for five touchdowns against the Ducks. The Heisman Trophy winner has eight touchdowns to six incompletions in two College Football Playoff wins over Alabama and Oregon this season.

Indiana scored 28 points off turnovers, including a pick-6 from D’Angelo Ponds on the first play of the game. Indiana and Oregon were tied at 7-7 in the first quarter before the Hoosiers scored 35 unanswered points, continuing their dominance that carried over from a 38-3 win over Alabama at the Rose Bowl.

Here are the highlights from Indiana’s 56-22 win over Oregon at the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9 to advance to the national title game:

Peach Bowl Indiana vs Oregon score

Peach Bowl highlights: Indiana vs Oregon

Indiana to face Miami in national championship

Indiana dominates Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl to advance to the national championship against Miami. The Hoosiers are one win away from one of the greatest turnarounds in college football history.

Oregon scores

Dante Moore throws a 1-yard touchdown pass to Roger Saleapaga to make the score 56-22 with 22 seconds left.

Kaelon Black scores

Kaelon Black gets back in on the fun, rushing for his second touchdown of the night from 23 yards out. Indiana extends its lead to 56-15 with 5:13 left in the fourth quarter.

Mendoza tosses fifth touchdown

Indiana extends its lead to 49-15 in the fourth quarter on Fernando Mendoza’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt with 11:36 left. Mendoza is now 17-of-20 passing for 177 yards with five touchdowns on the night.

Sarratt has seven receptions for 75 yards and two scores.

Indiana punts

Fernando Mendoza’s pass intended for Omar Cooper Jr. deep downfield falls incomplete on third-and-5, forcing the Hoosiers to punt from their own 37-yard line. Oregon might have gotten away with some contact against Cooper Jr. on the defense.

Indiana stuffs Oregon on fourth down

Oregon pitches it outside on fourth-and-1 at Indiana’s 31-yard line, but All-American linebacker Aiden Fisher sniffs it out and tackles Jay Harris for a 1-yard loss.

The Hoosiers regain possession with a 42-15 lead just before the end of the third quarter.

Indiana punts

Indiana punts for the second time tonight after its drive stalls out on fourth-and-3. Mitch McCarthy’s 49-yard punt is downed at Oregon’s 5-yard line, pinning the Ducks deep inside their own territory.

The Hoosiers are dominating even when they punt.

Oregon scores

Oregon shows some signs of life despite the huge deficit. Jay Harris plunges in a 2-yard touchdown before Jamari Johnson catches the 2-point conversion throw from Dante Moore.

Oregon cuts its deficit to 42-15 with 7:50 left in the third quarter, scoring on two plays.

Oregon with explosive play

Dierre Hill Jr. runs for 71 yards on the Ducks’ first possession of the second half, putting Oregon on the 2-yard line threatening to score.

Indiana scores again

Mendoza tosses his fourth touchdown of the game on a 13-yard pass to E.J. Williams Jr. to give Indiana a 42-7 lead with 8:52 left in the third quarter.

The Ducks have no answers for the Hoosiers tonight.

Fernando Mendoza CFP stats

Mendoza is proving why he was the Heisman Trophy winner this season in the College Football Playoff so far. He is 24-of-27 passing for 302 yards with six touchdowns and no turnovers through six quarters against Alabama and Oregon combined.

Mendoza is 10-for-11 with 110 yards and three touchdowns at halftime against Oregon at the Peach Bowl.

Curt Cignetti says Indiana is ‘whipping them up front’

The difference in the game so far is clear to Indiana coach Curt Cignetti.

‘We’re whipping them up front right now,’ he says to ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath at halftime.

Oregon misses field goal before halftime

Atticus Sappington’s 56-yard field goal attempt falls short as the clock expires before halftime. Indiana leads 35-7 heading into the final two quarters of the Peach Bowl.

Indiana takes 35-7 lead

Make it 28 unanswered points for Indiana, which takes a 35-7 lead on a 2-yard touchdown catch by Elijah Sarratt. The Hoosiers are dominating in every facet right now.

Indiana causes another turnover

Daniel Ndukwe sacks Dante Moore on the second play of Oregon’s next drive and forces a fumble that’s recovered by Mario Landino at Oregon’s 21-yard line.

It’s Moore’s third turnover of the game so far, and Indiana is threatening to go up 35-7 before halftime. The Hoosiers just keep rolling in the CFP.

Indiana scores again

Fernando Mendoza drops an absolute dime in a 1-on-1 situation to Charlie Becker, who climbs the ladder over Oregon’s Brandon Finney Jr. for a 36-yard touchdown. What a throw and catch for the Hoosiers, who take a 28-7 lead with 3:13 left in the first half.

Mendoza is 8-of-9 passing for 102 yards with two touchdowns.

Indiana sacks Dante Moore on back-to-back plays

On second-and-3 from the Oregon 47-yard line, Indiana sacks Dante Moore on back-to-back plays to stall another Oregon drive. Dominique Ratcliff and Daniel Ndukwe get to Moore on second and third down, respectively.

Indiana’s defense has four tackles for loss for 18 yards so far.

Kaleon Black extends Indiana lead with TD

Three plays after the turnover, Kaleon Black scores from 1 yard out to extend Indiana’s lead to 21-7 with 8:17 left in the first half. The scoring drive is three plays for three yards and takes 1:12 off the clock.

Dante Moore loses fumble

Dante Moore loses a fumble as Dierre Hill Jr. bumps into him at the mesh point as he attempts to make a throw. Mario Landino lands on the ball and Indiana begins the drive at Oregon’s 3-yard line with a chance to go up two scores.

Nasir Wyatt sacks Fernando Mendoza

Oregon denies Indiana a chance to build on its lead when Nasir Wyatt sacks Fernando Mendoza for a 20-yard loss on third-and-7 from the Oregon 37-yard line. That forces an Indiana punt.

Oregon will begin its next drive from its own 13-yard line, trailing 14-7 with 9:35 left in the first half.

Oregon goes three-and-out

Oregon hands it off to Jay Harris on third-and-2, but Mikail Kamara beats his man for a 1-yard tackle for loss. Indiana regains possession looking to go up two scores on its own 18-yard line.

Indiana takes 14-7 lead

Indiana drives right down the field, ending in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Fernando Mendoza to Omar Cooper Jr. The Hoosiers lead 14-7 with 40 seconds left in the first quarter after an 11-play, 75-yard drive that takes 6:31 off the clock.

Mendoza is 4-of-4 passing for 41 yards with a touchdown.

Oregon responds

Oregon ties the game at 7-7 on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Dante Moore to Jamari Johnson. The Ducks respond from their turnover with a big-time 14-play, 75-yard drive that takes 7:38 off the clock.

Hello, D’Angelo

One play, one touchdown for Indiana. D’Angelo Ponds jumps the route and comes up with a 19-yard pick-6 on the first play from scrimmage, giving Indiana a very early 7-0 lead. What a play.

Oregon starts with possession

Dante Moore and the Oregon offense will start first, with the drive starting at their own 20-yard line. The second-to-last college football game of the season is underway.

‘College GameDay’ picks for Indiana-Oregon

Each of ESPN’s Desmond Howard, Nick Saban, Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit picked Indiana to beat Oregon and advance to the CFP Championship game.

Why is Mark Cuban at Peach Bowl?

Billionaire mogul Mark Cuban is an Indiana graduate and is on deck for the Hoosiers’ game against Oregon at the Peach Bowl.

Is Noah Whittington playing tonight?

Oregon running back Noah Whittington is listed as a game-time decision, per the CFP pregame availability report. However, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports he’s expected to play, although he won’t start.

Roman Hemby stats

Indiana running back Roman Hemby has been one of the most productive rushers in the Big Ten this season and is a 5-year starter dating back to his time at Maryland. Here’s his stats in 2025:

Rushing: 194 carries for 1,007 yards with seven touchdowns (5.2 yards per carry)
Receiving: 14 receptions for 160 yards

What channel is Peach Bowl on tonight?

TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

The CFP Peach Bowl semifinal between Indiana and Oregon will air nationally on ESPN, with Sean McDonough (play-by-play) and Greg McElroy (analyst) calling the game and Molly McGrath serving as the sideline reporter.

Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a cable login) and Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Announcers for Peach Bowl

ESPN’s Sean McDonough will handle play-by-play with Greg McElory providing color analysis.

Peach Bowl Indiana vs Oregon start time today

Date: Friday, Jan. 9
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)

Indiana and Oregon are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Peach Bowl prediction: Indiana vs Oregon picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Sunday, Jan. 4

Spread: Indiana (-4)
Over/under: 48.5
Moneyline: Indiana (-190) | Oregon (+160)

Prediction: Indiana 31, Oregon 20

Indiana feels like the team of destiny right now and is coming off a masterful performance against Alabama. That said, the Hoosiers defeat the Ducks again behind a strong performance from Fernando Mendoza and their run game. Indiana also forces Dante Moore to a pair of turnovers.

Here’s who experts within the USA TODAY Sports Network picked to win the Peach Bowl:

Indiana 35, Oregon 21: The Hoosiers’ 30-20 win over the Ducks in Eugene in October started to convert IU doubters into believers. Indiana’s Rose Bowl demolition of Alabama proselytized even the most ardent skeptics (cough, Paul Finebaum). The Hoosiers’ defense sacked Dante Moore six times and picked off the Ducks QB twice in the first meeting. And while Oregon shut out a piddling Texas Tech offense in the Orange Bowl, Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza leads one of the nation’s most balanced attacks. It sounds unbelievable to say, but Indiana football will play for the national championship. – Matt Glenesk, USA TODAY
Indiana 20, Oregon 17: Going with the old Vegas trick of laying three points on the favorite in a coin flip of a game. Oregon is an incredibly good team, and as Curt Cignetti said after the Rose Bowl, it’s tough to beat a good team twice. But it’s tougher to beat a great team once, and Indiana is a great team. Ultimately, Fernando Mendoza vs Dante Moore isn’t the matchup here. It’s in the trenches, where Indiana is among the best in the country, and weapons vs weapons. Stars matter, but Indiana is comprised of under-recruited guys with a chip on their shoulders. With that in mind, Indiana wins a grimy game in a low-scoring affair against Dan Lanning, turning the coach’s ‘no one believes in us’ motivating tactic on its head (of course, the irony of not believing in Oregon here is not lost on me). – Kevin Skiver, USA TODAY
Indiana 24, Oregon 20: The old adage about how it’s hard to beat a team twice in a season has its merits, but it can occasionally belie a deeper truth — sometimes, one team is simply better than another. Whatever fans may think of Indiana football based on the program’s mostly putrid history, the Hoosiers are the best and most complete team in the sport this season, as they showed in a Rose Bowl demolition of Alabama. They’ll stymie a Ducks offense that had difficulties against Texas Tech’s front seven and Fernando Mendoza will continue to dazzle while leading Indiana to a once-unimaginable destination. – Craig Meyer, USA TODAY

Peach Bowl injury updates: Who is out for Oregon vs Indiana

∎ For Oregon: The initial availability report for the game came out Tuesday and the Ducks had 14 players listed as out, including running back Jordon Davison, who is the team’s No. 2 rusher with 667 yards and top scorer with 15 TDs. Also out with injuries are wide receiver Evan Stewart, offensive tackle Gernorris Wilson and running back Da’Jaun Riggs.

Eight of the players listed as out are those who have entered the transfer portal: defensive backs Daylen Austin, Kingston Lopa, Sione Laulea and Solomon Davis; running backs Makhi Hughes and Jayden Limar; and wide receivers Justius Lowe and Kyler Kasper.

∎ For Indiana: The Hoosiers will be without defensive linemen Andrew DePaepe, Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt; defensive backs Amariyun Knighten and Bryson Bonds; and kicker Brendan Franke. Knighten and DePaepe are in the transfer portal.

When is the Peach Bowl kickoff: Indiana vs Oregon time, date

The Peach Bowl is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9.

Where is the Peach Bowl played?

The Peach Bowl is at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Who’s in CFP Championship game?

Here’s a full look at who has advanced to the CFP championship game:

No. 10 Miami
TBD

When is national championship game?

The College Football Playoff national championship game is 7:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 19

Where is the national championship game?

The College Football Playoff national championship game is at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Indiana leaves no doubt with Peach Bowl rout of Oregon to reach title game

January 10, 2026 Sport 4 Mins Read

ATLANTA — No. 1 seed Indiana took control with an interception return for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage and never let go for a 56-22 rout of No. 5 Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Peach Bowl.

The pick-six by D’Angelo Ponds sparked the latest jaw-dropping victory for a team that stands one win away from the most unexpected national championship in Bowl Subdivision history. Indiana will face No. 10 Miami in the title game on Monday, Jan. 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The Peach Bowl was a rematch of the Hoosiers’ 30-20 win at Autzen Stadium in October. Indiana becomes just the second team to beat an opponent in the regular season and then again in the playoff since the format debuted in 2014.

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza was nearly perfect, completing 17 of 20 throws for 177 yards and finishing with more touchdowns, five, than incompletions. Wide receiver Elijah Surrat had 75 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Kaelon Black led the running game with a team-high 63 yards on 12 carries and two scores.

Donte Moore completed 24 of 38 passes for Oregon for 285 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Dierre Hill Jr. led the Ducks with 85 rushing yards, 71 coming on one long run, and Jay Harris added 35 yards on 16 carries.

A junior who had only 26 carries on the year heading into Friday night, Harris was thrust into a bigger role because of injuries to leading rusher Noah Whittington and top backup Jordon Davison.

It took the Hoosiers only 11 seconds to get on the board. After a short kickoff return placed Oregon at its 20-yard line, Moore threw an out route to the left sideline that Ponds jumped and ran back 25 yards for a 7-0 lead, delighting a Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd that leaned heavily toward Indiana.

Oregon’s offense settled down to even the score on the ensuing possession, converting three third downs as part of a 14-play, nearly eight-minute drive capped by Moore’s 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jamari Johnson with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter.

Indiana’s offense responded on its first drive. Mendoza completed all four of his attempts for 41 yards, including an 8-yard score to receiver Omar Cooper Jr., as part of a 75-yard drive that put the Hoosiers back in front 14-7 with 40 seconds left in the opening frame.

After punting on the next possession, the Ducks stopped a promising Indiana drive by stripping and sacking Mendoza on third down and took over at their 13-yard line.

But Moore fumbled on the next play for his second costly turnover. Winding up to deliver a screen to his left, the sophomore’s hand hit Hill on the shoulder and bounced away before being recovered by IU at the 3-yard line.

Black then punched it from a yard out to put Indiana up 21-7 with 8:17 left in the half.

The lead would mushroom by the end of the half to put the Ducks in an insurmountable hole.

First, another Oregon punt led to a 61-yard touchdown drive ending with Mendoza finding receiver Charlie Becker on a perfectly thrown 36-yard heave, pushing IU ahead 28-7 with 3:13 to go.

Then Moore was sacked and fumbled again, setting up the Hoosiers on the lip of the red zone. Six plays later, Mendoza hit Sarratt from 2 yards to make it 35-7 with 59 seconds left before the break.

Both teams exchanged scores coming out of the locker room, with the Ducks converting the two-point try after a short Harris touchdown run to make it 42-15 midway through the third quarter. Oregon looked to make it a three-touchdown game late in the quarter but was stopped on fourth-and-short at the Indiana 31-yard line.

The Hoosiers’ exclamation point came after an Oregon punt near its own goal line was blocked with just 13:04 to play. Under two minutes later, Mendoza hit Sarratt from 3 yards out on third-and-goal to make it 49-15.

But the Hoosiers weren’t done yet. After forcing a turnover on downs, IU ran five times for 65 yards, ending with Black’s 23-yard score, to go ahead 52-15 with 5:13 remaining.

A Moore touchdown pass to Roger Saleapaga with 22 seconds completed the scoring and helped the Ducks avoid the biggest loss in Peach Bowl history.

With a win against Miami, the Hoosiers would become the first 16-0 national champion since Yale in 1894. Prior to hiring coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana had won 16 games in a two-year span just once (1987-88) in program history.

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Viral NBA official taken off court in wheelchair after injury

January 10, 2026 Sport 1 Min Read

Veteran NBA official Bill Kennedy suffered a non-contact injury during a game between the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, Jan. 9.

Kennedy is known within the NBA community for his entertaining challenge verdicts during basketball games. Several of his verdicts had gone viral throughout the early part of the season.

Kennedy was seen running up the court late in the first quarter as the 76ers were running up the court after stealing the ball from the Magic. He left the game in a wheelchair.

Michael Smith and James Williams continued to officiate the game. A backup official was not named to fill in for Kennedy in a brief statement by the verified NBA Official account on X.

Bill Kennedy’s entertaining moments

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