Author

admin

Browsing

 

 

FPX Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FPX) (OTCQB: FPOCF) (‘ FPX ‘ or the ‘ Company ‘) announces that the board of directors of the Company has approved the grant of 5,305,000 stock options (the ‘ Options ‘) to directors, officers and employees of the Company pursuant to the Company’s Share Compensation Plan. The Options have an exercise price of $0.30 per share, with a five-year term and are fully vested on the grant date, July 10, 2025 .

 

 

   

 

 

The Company also granted an aggregate 750,000 restricted share units (the ‘ RSUs ‘) to certain officers of the Company. The RSUs vest in three equal installments on the annual anniversaries of the grant date and each vested RSU will entitle the holder to receive one common share of the Company or the equivalent cash value upon settlement.

 

  About FPX Nickel Corp.  

 

 FPX Nickel Corp. is focused on the exploration and development of the Decar Nickel District, located in central British Columbia , and other occurrences of the same unique style of naturally occurring nickel-iron alloy mineralization known as awaruite. For more information, please view the Company’s website at https://fpxnickel.com/ or contact Martin Turenne , President and CEO, at (604) 681-8600 or ceo@fpxnickel.com .

 

On behalf of FPX Nickel Corp.

 

‘Martin Turenne’
Martin Turenne , President, CEO and Director

 

   Forward-Looking Statements   

 

  Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is considered ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed in the Company’s periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Actual results could differ from those currently projected. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.  

 

  Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.  

 

SOURCE FPX Nickel Corp.

 

 

 

  View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2025/11/c5569.html  

 

 

 

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

 

(TheNewswire)

 

  

   
 

 

July 11, 2025 TheNewswire – Vancouver, British Columbia Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the ‘ Company ‘) (CSE: BLLG,OTC:BLAGF; OTCQB: BLAGF; FSE: 7BL) is pleased to announce the official opening of its wholly owned Dome Mountain Gold Mine Project, that recently received its mining permit making it one of only nine mining permits granted in British Columbia in the past decade – and one of just a few high-grade, road-accessible gold projects to reach production-ready status in recent years.

 

  The celebration, held on July 9, 2025, brought together over 100 guests from across Canada and abroad — including attendees from Germany, South Carolina, Denver, Montana and Toronto — to mark this significant milestone for the Company and the region.  

 

Dignitaries in attendance included the Mayor of Smithers, Gladys Atrill; MLA Sharon Hartwell (Bulkley Valley-Stikine); and MP Ellis Ross (Skeena-Bulkley Valley). Also present were various representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Critical Minerals and other provincial agencies. Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar, was unable to attend in person due to his participation in the annual Conference of Mines Ministers of Canada, held in Prince Edward Island. However, he shared a recorded message acknowledging the importance of the project, which was played during the event. Minister Brar is scheduled to visit and tour the Dome Mountain site later this month.

 

In a powerful display of cultural heritage and support, 18 Hereditary Chiefs and Guardians from the Lake Babine Nation (LBN) joined Hereditary Chief and Council Member Fabian Michell for the opening ceremony, which featured a traditional drum ceremony representing songs from all four LBN clans: Bear, Beaver, Frog, and Caribou.

 

‘We were deeply honoured to stand alongside the Lake Babine Nation, whose presence and participation made this day truly meaningful,’ said Rana Vig, President & CEO of Blue Lagoon Resources. ‘This is more than just the opening of a gold mine — it’s a moment that reflects years of hard work, resilience, and respectful collaboration.’

 

During the two-day event, guests had the opportunity to take underground tours as well as visit the recently completed, state-of-the-art water treatment plant — a key environmental safeguard for the project. The facility has the capacity to treat over six times the current needs at Dome Mountain, ensuring long-term environmental resilience as production scales.

 

With the mine officially open, pre-production work will begin next week, setting up Dome Mountain to   begin mining and transition to near-term cash flow   once the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) system is commissioned – expected in about four weeks. The two-stage water-treatment facility features a functioning High-Density Sludge (HDS) circuit and the MBBR circuit, which uses microbes to remove blasting-related ammonia and nitrates. The MBBR’s biological ramp-up phase typically takes approximately four weeks. Mining will commence immediately upon the completion of this phase.

 

‘As a geologist, this is a proud moment in my career,’ said Bill Cronk, Chief Geologist and Project Manager at Blue Lagoon Resources. ‘To see a project go from exploration to production — and to be part of that transformation — is something most geologists only dream of. This team made it happen and I’m very proud of that.’

 

The event also welcomed strategic investors and partners, including Dr. Quinton Hennigh, technical advisor to Crescat Capital, and Peter Espig, CEO of Nicola Mining, with whom Blue Lagoon has a long-term toll milling agreement.

 

‘Dome Mountain represents what’s possible when entrepreneurial determination meets responsible mining practices,’ said Peter Espig, CEO of Nicola Mining. ‘We’re proud to support Blue Lagoon in bringing this project to life, and to be part of a partnership grounded in trust, transparency, and technical excellence.’

 

Throughout the event, Blue Lagoon’s highly experienced technical team was on site to answer questions and provide detailed explanations of the mining methods and techniques planned for Dome Mountain. This included Steve Cutler of Roughstock Mining, an accomplished underground mining consultant with decades of experience who has worked on a wide range of underground gold projects across North America. Also present was Peter Bojtos, a professional mining engineer with global experience who has been directly involved in the opening or reopening of 19 mines over the course of his career — making Dome Mountain his 20th. Mr. Bojtos is a current director of Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd (formerly Chairman) (ASM:NYSE) and a technical advisor on the Dome Mountain Gold Project.

 

   With pre-production work beginning next week, Blue Lagoon Resources is now positioned to become one of British Columbia’s next producing high-grade gold mines.   

 

  About Blue Lagoon Resources Inc.  

 

  Blue Lagoon Resources is a Canadian based publicly listed mining company (CSE: BLLG,OTC:BLAGF; FSE: 7BL; OTCQB: BLAGF) focused on building shareholder value through the aggressive development of its 100% owned Dome Mountain Gold project. The Company is run by professionals with significant finance and mining experience and operates within a prime mining  

 

  jurisdiction in British Columbia, Canada. With the granting of a full    mining permit,    a key milestone achieved in February 2025 – one of only nine such permits issued in British Columbia since 2015 – Blue Lagoon is now focused on last preparatory activities and tasks related to the safe and secure opening of the Dome Mountain Gold Mine, targeting    Q3 2025    as the start of gold    production    . The Company’s primary objective has always been to become a cash-flowing mining company, to ultimately deliver tangible monetary value to shareholders, state, and local communities.  

 

  The Company is not basing its production decision at Dome Mountain on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. The production decision is based on having existing mining infrastructure, past bulk sampling and processing activity, and the established mineral resource.  The Company understands that there is increased uncertainty, and consequently a higher risk of failure, when production is undertaken in advance of a feasibility study.  

 

  For   further   information,   please   contact:  

 

  Rana   Vig  

 

  President   and   CEO  

 

  Telephone:   604-218-4766  

 

  Email:     ranavig@bluelagoonresources.com    

 

  The   CSE   has   not   reviewed   and   does   not   accept   responsibility   for   the   adequacy   or   accuracy   of   this   release.  

 

  Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed ‘forward-looking statements’. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the ‘Company’) expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects’, ‘targets’, ‘plans’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘potential’, ‘mine’, ‘production’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration activities may not show quality and quantity necessary for further exploration or future exploitation of minerals deposits, volatility of gold and silver prices, delays in mine development activities, future cash flow expectations and continued availability of capital and financing, permitting and other approvals, and general economic, market or business conditions.  Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management, contractors and consultants on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s, contractor’s and consultants’ beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.  

 

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

 

 

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Jim and John Harbaugh were in Washington as the NFL calendar draws closer to training camp.

The Harbaugh brothers were spotted exiting the West Wing of the White House on Thursday. A White House pool report later confirmed that the NFL head coaches visited.

A person close to the situation told USA TODAY Sports that the White House invited the Harbaugh family.

John, 62, is entering his 18th season as the Ravens’ head coach. Jim, 61, is going into his second year as the Chargers’ head coach.

This isn’t the first notable White House visit for the Harbaugh brothers. Former President Barack Obama welcomed John and the Ravens to the White House in 2013 to honor the team’s Super Bowl 47 championship. Jim, while the head coach at Michigan, also got some time with President Obama at the White House in 2015.

Jim and the Chargers are just days away from training camp. Chargers rookies report to training camp on July 12 in El Segundo, California. Chargers veterans report July 16. The Ravens rookies report July 15 and veterans are scheduled to show up July 22 in Owings Mills, Maryland.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Major League Baseball’s draft finally arrives July 13 from Cobb County’s Roxy Theater, and while it may not light up the Georgia skies like the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game to follow the next two nights, there’s no shortage of intrigue.

This much we know: Eight specific players are almost certain to go in the top 10 picks. Yet in what order and to which teams remains a game of dominos that will have to wait until the clock starts.

And 10 shortstops – from MLB legacies to high school stars to college All-Americas – will consume at least half of the top 20 picks, and while the game’s premier position tends to be a draft premium, this class boasts dudes who will almost assuredly stick on that position – and play at a very high level.

With that, USA TODAY Sports fires some darts one last time with a final mock draft before the pickin’ party commences Sunday:

1. Washington Nationals: Ethan Holliday, SS, Stillwater (Okla.) HS

This selection took on an entirely different level of intrigue when the Nationals blew out GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez just more than a week before the draft. They wisely left the remaining infrastructure intact, which should make their draft process flow smoothly, even as interim GM Mike DeBartolo is now the ranking voice in the room. We’re sticking to our guns here, even if as many as four guys might lay claim to this spot. Ultimately, the Nationals side with a potential building block rather than a ready-made ace with little present value as the franchise faces a total facelift.

2025 MOCK DRAFT EVOLUTION: First edition (May 6) || Second edition (June 10

2. Los Angeles Angels: Kade Anderson, LHP, LSU

What a finishing kick for Anderson, who pitched a three-hit shutout against Coastal Carolina in the championship round of the College World Series, which followed a three-hit, seven-inning effort to beat Arkansas. Good luck splitting hairs between Anderson, Jamie Arnold and Liam Doyle, but we’ll side with Anderson’s K rate (NCAA-best 180 in 110 innings) and devastating pitch mix (think Max Fried, only firmer) with a rapid promotion in the offing in Anaheim.

3. Seattle Mariners: Aiva Arquette, SS, Oregon State

Perhaps the most impactful pick in the top five, as plucking one of the top college arms or prep right-hander Seth Hernandez here would be a moderate disruption and likely introduce some exotic names into the overall top 10. But let’s stay consistent with this one as the Mariners opt for the physical presence and lineup punch that Arquette would bring up the middle.

4. Colorado Rockies: Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton (Okla.) HS

What do you get the franchise that needs everything? They drafted Chase Dollander and got him to Coors Field quickly, and doing the same with deluxe lefty and fellow Tennessee product Liam Doyle would be highly tempting. Yet Willits, still just 17, represents the high-end building block the franchise lacks.

5. St. Louis Cardinals: Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee

In this scenario, the Cardinals have their choice of remaining elite college lefties and opt for Doyle’s greater swing-and-miss upside over Florida State’s Jamie Arnold, though they may prove us wrong come draft night.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates: Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona (Calif.) HS

Hernandez represents the draft’s other great wild card and a test case for how high clubs would be willing to draft a prep right-hander. We’ll stop just shy of calling Hernandez’s repertoire “generational,” but his high-90s fastball and pro-caliber changeup give him a significant springboard to move quicker than your average high school arm.

7. Miami Marlins: Billy Carlson, SS, Corona (Calif.) HS

Make it back-to-back Panthers here, with Carlson the last of the elite-elite prep shortstops off the board. Imagine a larger version of Masyn Winn, with a similar hose at shortstop and, at 6-1, potentially greater offensive upside.

8. Toronto Blue Jays: Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State

A real coup here for Toronto, getting a mature college arm with a big league-ready fastball-slider mix. Paired with last year’s No. 1, Trey Yesavage, the Blue Jays have the potential to quickly backfill a rotation that could lose Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman to free agency in consecutive years.

9. Cincinnati Reds: Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, Oklahoma

The Reds may stray out of their comfort zone and go bat here, but Witherspoon could unlock an even higher level developing in their pitching program as he’ll bring a high-90s fastball and low-90s slider into pro ball.

10. Chicago White Sox: Ike Irish, C/OF, Auburn

The White Sox quandary: Take the best of the next tier of prep shortstops or whichever advanced high-end college prospect almost mathematically certain to fall to them? In this case, it’s Irish, who popped 18 home runs with a .469 OBP for Auburn, and will likely have a permanent home in the outfield.

11. Athletics: Tyler Bremner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

A nice value for the Athletics, getting a consensus top-five guy before Bremner got off to a slow start for UCSB. But he finished strong and could reach the majors quick enough to try out that much-maligned mound in the A’s temporary Yolo County digs.

12. Texas Rangers: JoJo Parker, SS, Purvis (Miss.) HS

The math makes it highly likely Texas lands a prep shortstop and Parker is still around, high enough to keep him away from a Mississippi State commitment. That’s two years in a row a Mississippi prep shortstop goes in the top dozen picks, joining Konnor Griffin (No. 9, Pittsburgh).

13. San Francisco Giants: Daniel Pierce, SS, Mill Creek (Ga.) HS

Let the run continue. Pierce is already 19, which may make some clubs shy away, but still has significant offensive upside and fits in what will be the first pick under the Buster Posey regime.

 14. Tampa Bay Rays: Steele Hall, SS, Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) HS

We’ll stick with Hall here, possessing the power upside and versatility the Rays value as the prep shortstop pool thins a bit.

15. Boston Red Sox: Gavin Kilen, INF, Tennessee

A Red Sox draftee out of high school, Kilen will do much better than the 13th round this time, with a strong offensive profile that saw him strike out just 27 times in 245 plate appearances, most of those against SEC pitching.

16. Minnesota Twins: Marek Houston, SS, Wake Forest

The question is whether Houston’s very sturdy defense and developing but incomplete offensive profile slots him higher than the prep stars slated to go before him. It’s hard to see him dropping any further than the Twins.

17. Chicago Cubs: Wehiwa Aloy, SS, Arkansas

We’ll stubbornly keep Aloy ticketed to the Cubs, even as a strong postseason that ended in Omaha further buttressed his profile. He might have smoother actions around the bag than Arquette, even if his offensive punch grades out a notch below the fellow Hawaiian collegiate star.

18. Arizona Diamondbacks: Kayson Cunningham, SS, Johnson (Texas) HS

His offensive profile fits the Diamondbacks’ ethos very nicely: Contact-based and, at 5-10, 180, a compact frame that has the potential to grow into decent power.

19. Baltimore Orioles: OF Ethan Conrad, Wake Forest

The Orioles control three of the next 13 picks and can get creative with their bonus pool, certainly. We stick with Conrad and the classic O’s college hitter profile here.

20. Milwaukee Brewers: Andrew Fischer, INF, Tennessee

Bat first, figure out the position later. Fischer slammed 25 homers with a 1.205 OPS in an exuberant platform season, and is versatile enough defensively to move around some if the power doesn’t support a first base profile.

21. Houston Astros: Jace Laviolette, OF, Texas A&M

He’s going to be a great value somewhere, probably, as Laviolette faded from top three talk after a season slowed by contact issues, slumps and health. Wouldn’t be surprising if someone jumped on him sooner thanks to his elite raw power.

22. Atlanta Braves: Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP, Sunset (Ore.) HS

Quite a talent to land here, as the 6-8 prep lefty with a fastball that reached 97 mph gives them a daunting 1-2 punch with Cam Caminiti, currently thriving in low A one year after going 24h overall.

23. Kansas City Royals: Gavin Fien, INF, Great Oak (Calif.) HS

The prep version of Laviolette, in that someone may jump on him sooner based on equity already banked as opposed to an uneven platform year.

24. Detroit Tigers: Xavier Neyens, INF, Mt. Vernon (Wash.) HS

Big frame and potential big power in a nimble and athletic 6-4 package. In terms of offense, one of the top prep lefty bats available.

25. San Diego Padres: Sean Gamble, INF/OF, IMG (Fla.) Academy

Versatile and projectable, Gamble – at 6-foot-1, 190 – leveled up from Iowa to IMG Academy and is a potential impact player in the middle of the diamond.

26. Philadelphia Phillies: Slater de Brun, OF, Summit (Ore.) HS

The run of late-round high school players takes a few Philly targets off the board but they can still fulfill their prep preference with de Brun, a potential center fielder of the future whose speed will likely always trump his power.  

27. Cleveland Guardians: Caden Bodine, C, Coastal Carolina

The Guardians opt for Contact King, as Bodine finished the season with an absurd 24 strikeouts in 313 plate appearances while churning out a .915 OPS. As the Chanticleers reeled off 26 consecutive wins to reach the College World Series finals, Bodine’s stock rose along with it.

28. Kansas City Royals*: Luke Stevenson, C, North Carolina

Paired with Fien, this should be a bonus pool-friendly pick as the Royals opt for the steady Stevenson, two years after making prep catcher Blake Mitchell the eighth overall pick.

29. Arizona Diamondbacks**: Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona

Would be a coup getting Summerhill this late, as he can man all three outfield positions and put up a .343/.459/.556 line to lead Arizona to the College World Series.

30. Baltimore Orioles**: Alex Lodise, SS, Florida State

The Dick Howser Trophy winner and ACC player of the year, Lodise is a solid defender who hit 19 home runs and should develop above-average pro power and likely stick at shortstop.

*- Prospect promotion incentive pick**- Free agent compensation pick

Note: The Mets, Yankees and Dodgers each received a 10-pick penalty on their first picks for exceeding the second surcharge threshold of the competitive balance tax and their first picks will be 38th, 39th and 40th overall, respectively.

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

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The UFC is expected to hold an event at the White House in 2026. Could it be one of the biggest cards in MMA history?

“Everyone wants to fight on this card,” UFC CEO Dana White said on the ‘Full Send Podcast.’ “… We will absolutely, positively put on the baddest card of all time.”

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump said the White House was going to host a UFC event in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

“When the fights are going on while we are filming, one side of the backdrop will be the White House and the other side will be the Washington Monument,” White said on the podcast.

Trump said that White and the UFC will utilize the available space on the White House grounds to host approximately 25,000 spectators.

Who could compete on the UFC’s White House fight card?

Could Jon Jones be featured in the main event? He expressed interest in fighting at the White House.

Jones vacated the UFC heavyweight championship in late June, saying he was retiring. Tom Aspinall was named the new champion.

But Jones has, seemingly, quickly changed course just two weeks later, saying he’s re-entered the UFC testing pool.

“It would be, for me it’s about the opportunity to represent America at the White House,” Jones wrote in a post on X. “I don’t care who I fight that night. I found my reason why, that’s what I needed, something that was more than money.”

White confirmed that Jones did re-enter the promotion’s anti-doping testing pool.

“(Jones) jumped back in the pool,” White said. “The dream main event would be Aspinall vs. Jones.”

Will Conor McGregor compete in the UFC again?

Conor McGregor is no stranger to the White House, meeting with Trump and Elon Musk on St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.

Could McGregor return to the White House in 2026 as a potential competitor on the card?

White hinted that there “could be” a scenario where Jones and McGregor could fight on the same card.

McGregor has not competed in a UFC octagon since losing to Dustin Poirier (twice) in 2021.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Who will emerge victorious on a historic night in WWE?

Evolution returns to WWE programming seven years after its first event, dedicating a premium live event to the women of the company.

There’s no denying the WWE women’s division is one of the best in wrestling with a stacked roster from top to bottom. Evolution will allow all of the division’s talent the chance to showcase their stuff, with both the main roster and NXT taking part in the night. It’s not just a night celebrating the stars either, as there’s championships and massive opportunities on the line for everyone involved. It’s guaranteed to be an epic event, but with so many bright stars, it’s tough to guess who will be the big winners.

Battle royal for championship match at Clash in Paris

Jordan Mendoza: This is one of the few battle royal matches with actual intrigue just because the names involved. There’s Hall of Famers, established stars and up-and-coming younger talent all looking for a title shot. I don’t see any NXT talent winning this one, but rather one that just called up. Stephanie Vaquer is destined to be a mega star, and she starts her journey by eliminated Nikki Bella at the end to guarantee her shot. Winner: Stephanie Vaquer.

Richard Morin: Stephanie Vaquer is certainly the safe pick. She’s got a ton of heat since joining the main roster and seems destined for a world championship program. The sleeper here has to be Bianca Belair (if she returns here). Since the winner gets a title match at Clash in Paris, a win would set her up to face Jade Cargill or even Naomi after the events of SummerSlam are settled. Winner: Stephanie Vaquer.

No holds barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi

Jordan Mendoza: Odd that this feels like it will be much better than their WrestleMania match, but that’s in part to Naomi turning it up a notch as Ms. Money in the Bank. The no disqualification actually favors Naomi, who will probably have plenty of tricks up her sleeve for her archrival. However, Cargill is still the powerhouse that can dominate her opponent. She’s able to get past Naomi again, which frustrates Naomi and eventually leads to a clash between the two when Naomi tries to cash in the briefcase. Winner: Jade Cargill.

Richard Morin: They can’t slow Cargill’s singles run now, and Naomi has the plot armor − the Money in the Bank briefcase − to survive a loss here. This feud will continue to build as the WWE Women’s Championship starts to bleed into this rivalry. Winner: Jade Cargill.

Fatal four-way tag team match for WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Sol Ruca and Zaria vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)

Jordan Mendoza: This one is so hard to pick because a legit case could be made for each team to win. Storyline wise, it makes sense for Rodriguez and Perez to continue their friendship with Liv Morgan out. Flair and Bliss are future Hall of Famers that bring up the title prestige. Ruca and Zaria are young stars that would make the most of the push. Asuka and Sane are elite wrestlers. Give it to the decorated stars and continue their odd friendship. Winner: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss.

Richard Morin: Rodriguez and Perez need to consolidate power here after the former inherited her half of the titles in wake of Liv Morgan’s injury. The women’s tag division has been stale to say the least, but I could see them wanting to build Rodriguez and Perez for Morgan’s eventual return. Winners: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez.

Triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria

Jordan Mendoza: This really could be the main event of the night given it’s by far the best storyline heading into the event. With two great former WWE champions in the ring, expect Valkyria to put on another exceptional performance that should give her more credibility to become a big-time star down the road. Still, Lynch has done so well as a heel, and she keeps it going by capitalizing on someone else’s finisher and getting the pin. Winner: Becky Lynch.

Richard Morin: The title is eventually coming home with Valkyria but it’s ultimately the bad blood between her and Bailey that lets Lynch slip away with the title at Evolution. This feud will keep going to SummerSlam and perhaps beyond. Winner: Becky Lynch.

NXT Women’s Championship match: Jacy Jane (c) vs. Jordynne Grace

Jordan Mendoza: For as much Jane has deserved to hold the title, the sad reality is that she is a transitional champion. Grace has been touted as a future WWE star ever since she appeared in the company with TNA Wrestling, and she takes the first step toward that with her first gold in the company. Winner: Jordynne Grace.

Richard Morin: Following her shocking title win, Jane is really just keeping the title warm for the next champion. Grace takes the win and goes on to defeat Masha Slamovich at Slammiversary to win the TNA Knockouts World Championship and become a double champ. Winner: Jordynne Grace.

WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus

Jordan Mendoza: Imagine how great this match would be if they were both in their prime? Considering in-ring approach, Stratton is pretty much the Stratus of this generation and gets the battle of wrestling’s best. Stratus will show us that she still has it, but this certainly feels like a ‘passing of the torch’ moment for the champion. Winner: Tiffany Stratton.

Richard Morin: This is a tricky one to predict because of the lack of build. Is it really just a one-off just to have Stratus compete at Evolution? Or is the friendly match a smokescreen covering for an eventual Naomi cash-in? Winner: Tiffany Stratton.

Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

Jordan Mendoza: Everything turns to gold when Sky and Ripley are in the ring together. What’s been unfortunate about Sky’s reign as champion is she hasn’t defended it, and she has to go against a woman that very well could capture it back. This will be the match of the night with all sorts of insane spots. Ripley has yet to get the best of Sky. That will remain the same in a triumphant victory for the ‘Genius of the Sky.’ Winner: Iyo Sky.

Richard Morin: Sky hasn’t defended her title in a televised match since WrestleMania 41. That’s nearly three months of silence. Given that, it has to be Ripley finally getting over Sky as the show closes with Ripley holding the belt. Winner: Rhea Ripley.

The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris suffered a superficial eye injury in a fireworks accident at a Fourth of July celebration, but should be ready for the upcoming season, according to his agent, Doug Hendrickson.

‘Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,’ Hendrickson said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. ‘Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.’

The incident, which happened in Antioch, California, occurred at around 12:18 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, according to a Facebook post from Antioch police.

Multiple people were injured in the explosion, with police saying that some were treated at the scene and others were hospitalized.

‘This is an unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this difficult time,’ police wrote in the Facebook post. ‘We ask for patience and privacy for the families as the investigation continues.’

By all accounts, it’s good news for Harris and the Chargers after rumors swirled online about the running back’s status – with some going as far to claim that he lost an eye at the event.

Hendrickson’s statement puts those fears to rest after his client inked a one-year, $5.25 million deal to play for the Chargers in 2025. There is also $4 million in incentive bonuses tied to the contract, bringing the total value to $9.25 million.

The fireworks explosion likely will remind NFL fans of a similar incident involving then-New York Giants pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, which cost him two and a half fingers in 2015.

While Pierre-Paul did return to the field and make an impact, the fireworks moment became a defining one for his career.

Harris appears fortunate to have avoided a similar fate.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

SAN FRANCISCO — OpenAI is close to releasing an AI-powered web browser that will challenge Alphabet’s market-dominating Google Chrome, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The browser is slated to launch in the coming weeks, three of the people said, and aims to use artificial intelligence to fundamentally change how consumers browse the web. It will give OpenAI more direct access to a cornerstone of Google’s success: user data.

If adopted by the 500 million weekly active users of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s browser could put pressure on a key component of rival Google’s ad-money spigot. Chrome is an important pillar of Alphabet’s ad business, which makes up nearly three-quarters of its revenue, as Chrome provides user information to help Alphabet target ads more effectively and profitably, and also gives Google a way to route search traffic to its own engine by default.

OpenAI’s browser is designed to keep some user interactions within a ChatGPT-like native chat interface instead of clicking through to websites, two of the sources said.

The browser is part of a broader strategy by OpenAI to weave its services across the personal and work lives of consumers, one of the sources said.

OpenAI declined to comment. The sources declined to be identified because they are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Led by entrepreneur Sam Altman, OpenAI upended the tech industry with the launch of its AI chatbot ChatGPT in late 2022. After its initial success, OpenAI has faced stiff competition from rivals including Google and startup Anthropic, and is looking for new areas of growth.

In May, OpenAI said it would enter the hardware domain, paying $6.5 billion to buy io, an AI devices startup from Apple’s former design chief, Jony Ive. A web browser would allow OpenAI to directly integrate its AI agent products such as Operator into the browsing experience, enabling the browser to carry out tasks on behalf of the user, the people said.

The browser’s access to a user’s web activity would make it the ideal platform for AI “agents” that can take actions on their behalf, like booking reservations or filling out forms, directly within the websites they use.

OpenAI has its work cut out — Google Chrome, which is used by more than 3 billion people, currently holds more than two-thirds of the worldwide browser market, according to web analytics firm StatCounter. Apple’s second-place Safari lags far behind with a 16% share. Last month, OpenAI said it had 3 million paying business users for ChatGPT.

Perplexity, which has a popular AI search engine, launched an AI browser, Comet, on Wednesday, capable of performing actions on a user’s behalf. Two other AI startups, The Browser Company and Brave, have released AI-powered browsers capable of browsing and summarizing the internet.

Chrome’s role in providing user information to help Alphabet target ads more effectively and profitably has proven so successful that the Department of Justice has demanded its divestiture after a U.S. judge last year ruled that the Google parent holds an unlawful monopoly in online search.

OpenAI’s browser is built atop Chromium, Google’s own open-source browser code, two of the sources said. Chromium is the source code for Google Chrome, as well as many competing browsers including Microsoft’s Edge and Opera. Last year, OpenAI hired two longtime Google vice presidents who were part of the original team that developed Google Chrome. The Information was first to report their hires and that OpenAI previously considered building a browser.

An OpenAI executive testified in April that the company would be interested in buying Chrome if antitrust enforcers succeeded in forcing the sale. Google has not offered Chrome for sale. The company has said it plans to appeal the ruling that it holds a monopoly.

OpenAI decided to build its own browser, rather than simply a “plug-in” on top of another company’s browser, in order to have more control over the data it can collect, one source said.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke was indicted on a federal criminal conspiracy charge related to allegedly rigging a bid to develop, manage, and operate the University of Texas’ basketball and entertainment arena in Austin, the Department of Justice said Wednesday.

Oak View Group, which will pay $15 million in penalties in connection with the allegations, later Wednesday said that Leiweke “will transition from the position of CEO to” vice chairman of the entertainment venue giant’s board of directors, and remain a shareholder.

Leiweke, 68, is accused in the indictment of conspiring with another would-be bidder on UT’s $338 million Moody Center arena project to induce that second company in February 2018 to drop out of the competition with Oak View Group in exchange for receiving lucrative subcontracts at the 15,000-seat arena.

CNBC has been told the second company was Legends Hospitality, a New York-based venue services company that is majority-owned by Sixth Street Partners, and whose minority owners include the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys.

The indictment in U.S. District Court in Austin says that Leiweke later reneged on that promise to the second company after it dropped its effort to bid on the entire project.

“The arena opened to the public in April 2022, and OVG continues to receive significant revenues from the project to date,” the Department of Justice said Wednesday.

Leiweke “rigged a bidding process to benefit his own company and deprived a public university and taxpayers of the benefits of competitive bidding,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, in a statement.

Leweike, in a 2022 interview with CNBC, said that the Moody Center was one of his company’s “two most successful arenas.”

The DOJ also said Wednesday that Oak View Group and Legends agreed to pay $15 million and $1.5 million, respectively, in penalties “in connection with the conduct alleged in the indictment against Leiweke.”

Oak View Group’s website says that the company manages 400 sports, entertainment and other venues.

Lewieke, who is charged with one count of conspiracy to restrain trade, is the former CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Before that, he served as CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group.

A spokesman for Leiweke, in a statement to CNBC, said, “Mr. Leiweke has done nothing wrong and will vigorously defend himself and his well-deserved reputation for fairness and integrity.”

“The Antitrust Division’s allegations are wrong on the law and the facts, and the case should never have been brought,” the spokesman said. “The law is clear: vertical, complementary business partnerships, like the one contemplated between OVG and Legends, are legal.”

“These allegations blatantly ignore established legal precedent and seek to criminalize common teaming efforts that are proven to enhance competition and benefit the public. The Moody Center is a perfect example, as it has resulted in substantial and sustained benefits to the University of Texas and the City of Austin.”

Leiweke, in his own statement, said, “While I’m pleased the company has resolved its Department of Justice Antitrust Division inquiry without any charges filed or admission of wrongdoing, the last thing I want to do is distract from the accomplishments of the team or draw focus away from executing for our partners, so the Board and I decided that now is the right time to implement the succession plan that was already underway and transition out of the CEO role.

Oak View Group, in a statement, said, “Oak View Group cooperated fully with the Antitrust Division’s inquiry and is pleased to have resolved this matter with no charges filed against OVG and no admission of fault or wrongdoing.”

“We support all efforts to ensure a fair and competitive environment in our industry and are committed to upholding industry-leading compliance and disclosure practices,” Oak View Group said.

CNBC has requested comment from Legends.

Chris Granger, who was president of Oak View Group’s division OVG360, has been appointed as interim CEO of Oak View Group by the company’s board.

Granger previously was group president for sports and entertainment of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, and president and chief operating officer of the Sacramento Kings.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

President Donald Trump’s budget chief on Thursday said that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell “has grossly mismanaged the Fed” and suggested he had misled Congress about a pricey and “ostentatious” renovation of the central bank’s headquarters.

The broadside by Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought opened up a new front in Trump’s war of words against Powell.

Trump has repeatedly called on the Fed chairman to cut interest rates, without success. He reportedly has considered firing Powell and, more recently, publicly naming the chairman’s replacement months earlier than the end of Powell’s term next spring.

Vought’s letter raises the question of whether Trump will seek to remove Powell for cause, at least ostensibly.

But the Supreme Court in a recent decision strongly suggested that Federal Reserve board members have special protection from being fired by a president.

“While continuing to run a deficit since FY23 (the first time in the Fed’s history), the Fed is way over budget on the renovation of its headquarters,” Vought wrote in a post on the social media site X.

“Now up to $2.5 billion, roughly $700 million over its initial cost,” Vought wrote. “The cost per square foot is $1,923–double the cost for renovating an ordinary historic federal building. The Palace of Versailles would have cost $3 billion in today’s dollars!”

Vought’s tweet linked to a letter he sent Powell that referenced the Fed boss’s June 25 testimony before the Senate Banking Committee.

“Your testimony raises serious questions about the project’s compliance with the National Capital Planning Act, which requires that projects like the Fed headquarters renovation be approved by the National Capital Planning Commission,” Vought wrote.

“The plans for this project called for rooftop terrace gardens, VIP private dining rooms and elevators, water features, premium marble, and much more,” he wrote.

But Powell, in his testimony, said, “There’s no VIP dining room. There’s no new marble. There are no special elevators. There are no new water features. There’s no beehives and there’s no roof terrace gardens,” Vought wrote.

“Although minor deviations from approved plans may be inevitable, your testimony appears to reveal that the project is out of compliance with the approved plan with regard to major design elements,” Vought wrote.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS