Breaking
Bond Anchor
Author

admin

Browsing
Politics

Federal agencies directed to delete employee COVID vaccination records and exemption requests

In a sweeping move aimed at rolling back pandemic-era mandates, the Trump administration on Friday directed all federal agencies to erase any records related to employees’ COVID-19 vaccination status, prior mandate noncompliance or exemption requests.

The guidance, issued by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), was a response to recent litigation and is part of a broader push to reverse what officials have described as ‘harmful pandemic-era policies’ imposed under the Biden administration. 

‘Things got out of hand during the pandemic, and federal workers were fired, punished or sidelined for simply making a personal medical decision,’ OPM Director Scott Kupor said in a statement.That should never have happened. Thanks to President [Donald] Trump’s leadership, we’re making sure the excesses of that era do not have lingering effects on federal workers.’

Former President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14043 in September 2021, directing federal agencies to require COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of federal employment. 

After the controversial demand, numerous lawsuits were filed by federal employees, unions and states alleging the mandate violated constitutional rights and federal labor laws.

A federal appeals court blocked enforcement of the order in 2022m and Biden repealed the mandate in May 2023, prompting OPM officials to issue a memorandum to human resources directors stating that ‘agencies should review their job postings … to ensure that none list compliance with the now revoked Executive Order 14043 as a qualification requirement.’ 

The memo also reminded agencies that the executive order could no longer be enforced.

In a memo to heads and acting heads of departments and agencies Friday, Kupor announced that, effective immediately, agencies are barred from using a person’s vaccine history or exemption requests in any employment-related decision, including hiring, promotion, discipline or termination. 

Unless an employee affirmatively opts out within 90 days, all vaccine-related information must be permanently removed from both physical and electronic personnel files.

Agencies must certify compliance with the memo by Sept. 8, according to the memo.

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Keep Reading
By
Politics

MIKE DAVIS: Eric Tung is Trump’s pick to bring sanity to the Ninth Circuit

On July 15, President Trump nominated my friend and former Gorsuch clerk colleague Eric Tung to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. If confirmed, Tung will succeed Judge Sandra Ikuta, who recently assumed senior status after a distinguished tenure. Judge Ikuta leaves behind a strong legacy, one Tung is more than equipped to uphold and extend.

Tung’s credentials are exceptional. He earned a philosophy degree from Yale in 2006 and graduated with high honors from the University of Chicago Law School in 2010. While there, he served as managing editor of the University of Chicago Law Review, one of the most rigorous legal journals in the country.

Following law school, Tung clerked for two of the most respected jurists in America: then-Judge Neil Gorsuch on the Tenth Circuit and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. These clerkships are offered only to the legal elite. Even among that group, Tung stood out.

Although President Trump made inroads during his first term in balancing out the nation’s most liberal federal appeals court outside of Washington, D.C., of the 29 active judges, 16 were Democratic nominees. Tung replacing Ikuta won’t change that balance, but it will ensure the vacated seat remains in the hands of a strong constitutionalist.

Tung’s brilliance, ethics, and temperament have earned him bipartisan respect. A letter supporting his nomination was signed by fellow Supreme Court clerks from across the ideological spectrum, from Justice Ginsburg’s to Justice Thomas’. That level of cross-aisle support is rare and speaks volumes.

One signer, Danielle Sassoon, a former federal prosecutor who has publicly disagreed with the Trump administration, went out of her way to endorse Tung. Her support underscores how widely admired he is for his intellect and integrity, regardless of politics.

Ultimately, what really matters is Tung’s record, and it’s unimpeachable. He is a brilliant legal mind, a fair-minded jurist, and a committed constitutionalist.

Tung’s experience goes far beyond the top of the legal profession. He served in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Policy, where he helped vet judicial nominees, giving him a firsthand look at what makes a good judge. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, he prosecuted serious criminal cases, gaining invaluable courtroom experience. Now a partner at Jones Day, Tung handles complex appellate and trial work at a national level.

Although President Trump made inroads during his first term in balancing out the nation’s most liberal federal appeals court outside of Washington, D.C., of the 29 active judges, 16 were Democratic nominees. Tung replacing Ikuta won’t change that balance, but it will ensure the vacated seat remains in the hands of a strong constitutionalist.

Despite this impeccable record, Tung’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was marred by partisan theatrics. Several Democrat senators ignored his qualifications and fixated instead on social media posts I had written. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., quoted part of an old post of mine and demanded Tung ‘condemn’ it. Tung, noting the canons of judicial ethics, rightly declined to weigh in, clarifying that my opinions are not necessarily his.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., followed suit, hitting Tung over a post where I had labeled certain Democrats ‘evil Marxists.’ Booker then attempted to cast himself as a model of bipartisan civility, citing his friendship with Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., conveniently omitting that he once claimed supporters of Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court were ‘complicit in evil.’ Again, Tung refused to be drawn into political grandstanding, displaying the restraint and poise we should expect from a federal judge.

This guilt-by-association line of attack is dishonest and irrelevant. Tung’s record speaks for itself. Rather than engage with his legal merits, some senators tried to hijack yet another Judiciary Committee  hearing to score cheap political points. Tung never took the bait.

His nomination also highlights the double standard in how judicial diversity is treated. As the son of Chinese immigrants and a fluent Mandarin speaker, one would think Democrats would celebrate Tung at least for their sacred metrics of representation and diversity on the federal bench. But because he’s a conservative, his background is downplayed, or even used against him. The selective celebration of diversity and identity politics in judicial nominations is glaring.

Ultimately, what really matters is Tung’s record, and it’s unimpeachable. He is a brilliant legal mind, a fair-minded jurist, and a committed constitutionalist. His combination of courtroom experience, academic rigor, and ethical clarity makes him an ideal appellate judge.

The Senate should rise above political posturing and confirm Eric Tung without delay. His confirmation will not only fortify the Ninth Circuit, but strengthen the rule of law nationwide. President Trump’s reshaping of the federal judiciary with principled, constitutionalist judges will take a significant step forward with Tung’s appointment.

Eric Tung is exactly the kind of judge Americans want: sharp, steady, and scrupulously fair. The Senate must act upon its return and confirm him in September.

Mike Davis is the founder and president of the Article III Project.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Keep Reading
By
Politics

Sydney Sweeney jeans controversy making advertising great again

Why did the Sydney Sweeney ad for American Eagle become such a national sensation that has lasted multiple weeks? 

What made this story unique is that it wasn’t the outrage that prolonged the story but the reaction to that outrage. It represented a win for normalcy after many years of abnormal hysteria. 

Sydney Sweeney has great jeans, proclaims the American Eagle ad released toward the end of July. The ad has been called racist, sexist and more. The controversy ostensibly stems from a pun. The accusation that the play on words, that Sweeney actually has good genes, means celebrating eugenics. 

In one video, Sweeney says, ‘Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color. My jeans are blue.’

Thousands of internet commenters weighed in angrily about the ad, both because of the pun and because they didn’t approve of Sweeney’s classic American blonde hair, blue eyed beauty. Vanity Fair called the ad a ‘very, very bad idea.’ Megan Graham at the Wall Street Journal called the ad ‘male-geared’ and quoted TikTok users who used the term ‘male gaze,’ a silly film term that alleges women are often portrayed only for the consumption of a male audience.

The New York Times took issue with Sweeney doing so many ads for different brands. ‘Why does an actress who has two Emmy Award nominations and has been featured in a number of films and TV shows — including the hit rom-com ‘Anyone But You,’ which brought in over $200 million worldwide — need to lend her face to so many brands?’ they wondered while closely inspecting her bank account.

The Sweeney ad didn’t just show a beautiful girl in tight jeans. It represented a shift in culture, the left felt it and it made them angry. But the real test of that shift is what came next. Nothing. 

It’s one thing for a brand to make what used to be considered a fairly safe ad featuring a pretty girl wearing the clothes in a provocative fashion. It’s another for that brand to stand by it amid backlash. American Eagle put out a short statement noting ‘it’s always been about the jeans.’ What would have been a groveling apology just a few years ago was suddenly a terse comment telling people, essentially, to get over it.

One of the top comments on their Instagram page noted ‘It’s giving ‘I’m sorry you feel that way” which is another way of saying it’s a non-apology. That’s exactly right. American Eagle isn’t sorry and they shouldn’t be. Sweeney hasn’t commented publicly about the non-controversy at all.

Sweeney has been the center of dumb internet storms before and it’s possible she learned some lessons. Three years ago, Sweeney posted photos from her mom’s 60th birthday and, in the blurry background of some of the photos, red hats in the style of the Trump campaign’s MAGA hats are visible. Her brother pointed out that the hats actually read ‘Make Sixty Great Again,’ which did little to assuage the mob. 

At first, Sweeney tried to brush it off, posting on her then-Twitter account that ‘An innocent celebration for my moms milestone 60th birthday has turned into an absurd political statement, which was not the intention. Please stop making assumptions.’

But it was 2022 and the mob had total control over the narrative. A year later, in an interview with Variety, Sweeney somewhat capitulated and noted, ‘The people in the pictures weren’t even my family.’ In that same interview, Variety described her bikini photo shoot with them as channeling ‘a ’90s-throwback magazine queen.’ Somehow she wasn’t catering to the male gaze then.

In the parsing of the American Eagle story, some outlets have pointed out that Sweeney posted a Black Lives Matters post in 2020, which feels particularly Soviet. Does this person really believe? Is their zeal real? Is she for us or against us? Then the news broke that Sweeney had registered as a Republican.

A few days ago, the president gave new life to the story when he was asked about it. President Donald Trump responded, ‘You’d be surprised at how many people are Republicans. That’s what I wouldn’t have known. But I’m glad you told me that. If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic!’ The truth is, the ad is fantastic whether she’s a Republican or not. 

The larger win here is for giving people what they want. American Eagle wasn’t making a political statement, it was making a marketing one. Pretty girls wear our clothing and you should too. In May, American Eagle was forced to downgrade their outlook for the year after lackluster sales. Since the controversy, their stock price is up. 

If it’s true that they have good jeans, their growth will continue. They’ve done a service for the American people by standing their ground and focusing on their product.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Keep Reading
By
Politics

Nagasaki mayor issues chilling warning on 80th anniversary of atomic bombing

As Japan marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, the mayor of Nagasaki is warning that the world could see the same kind of devastating attack again.

Approximately 2,600 people, including representatives from 90 countries, attended the memorial event on Saturday at Nagasaki Peace Park, according to the Associated Press. At 11:02 a.m., the exact time the bomb exploded over the city, the attendees held a moment of silence. Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki, whose parents survived the 1945 attack, addressed the crowd and called for global action against nuclear weapons.

‘Conflicts around the world are intensifying in a vicious cycle of confrontation and fragmentation,’ Suzuki told a crowd on Saturday, according to a translation by The Mainichi. ‘If we continue on this trajectory, we will end up thrusting ourselves into a nuclear war. This existential crisis of humanity has become imminent to each and every one of us living on Earth.’

Mayors for Peace, which brings together mayors and city leaders from across the globe, is holding its 11th General Conference in Nagasaki this weekend as the city mourns the tragic day. The organization’s aim is to abolish nuclear weapons, a point Suzuki emphasized in his remarks.

‘In order to make Nagasaki the last atomic bombing site, it is essential to show a specific course of action for achieving the abolition of nuclear weapons. Procrastination can no longer be tolerated,’ Suzuki said, according to The Mainichi. 

The mayor also noted that the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) ‘will represent a crucial moment capable of swaying the fate of humanity.’

Every five years, world leaders meet to review the provisions of the NPT, which was opened for signature in 1968 and entered into force in 1970, 25 years after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Japan three days apart. The first was dropped on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and the second was dropped on Nagasaki three days later, on Aug. 9. The bombs decimated both cities, leading to Japan’s surrender on Aug. 15, 1945, and later the end of World War II.

A bomb nicknamed ‘Little Boy,’ weighing approximately 9,000 pounds and producing an explosive force equivalent to 20,000 tons of TNT, detonated 1,800 feet over Hiroshima, causing massive devastation. ‘Fat Man,’ the bomb dropped on Nagasaki, weighed 10,000 pounds and detonated at approximately the same altitude as ‘Little Boy.’

‘I would like to express my deepest condolences for the lives claimed by the atomic bombings, and to all of the victims of war,’ Suzuki said, according to The Mainichi. ‘In marking 80 years from the atomic bombing, Nagasaki has resolved to continue our duty to relay, both inside Japan and overseas, the memories of the bombing, which are a common heritage to all humanity and should be passed down for generations throughout the world.’

He concluded with a declaration, which was also translated by The Mainichi: ‘I hereby declare that in order to make Nagasaki the last atomic bombing site now and forever, we will go hand-in-hand with global citizens and devote our utmost efforts towards the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of everlasting world peace.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Keep Reading
By
Investing

OTCQB Venture Virtual Investor Conference: Presentations Now Available for Online Viewing

Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series, today announced the presentations from the OTCQB Venture Virtual Investor Conference, held August 7 th are now available for online viewing.

REGISTER AND VIEW PRESENTATIONS HERE

The company presentations will be available 24/7 for 90 days. Investors, advisors, and analysts may download investor materials from the company’s resource section.

Select companies are accepting 1×1 management meeting requests through August 13 th .

August 7 th

Presentation Ticker(s)
Surge Copper. Corp (OTCQB: SRGXF | TSXV: SURG)
ReGen III Corp. (OTCQB: ISRJF | TSXV: GIII)
Silver47 Exploration Corp. (OTCQB: AAGAF | TSXV: AGA,OTC:AAGAF)
Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc. (OTCQB: NMHI)
Zero Candida Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: ZCTFF | TSXV: ZCT)
NextGen Digital Platforms Inc. (OTCQB: NXTDF | CSE:  NXT)
Telo Genomics Corp. (OTCQB: TDSGF | TSXV: TELO)
Zomedica Corp. (OTCQB: ZOMDF)
Metaguest.AI Incorporated (OTCQB: MGSTF | CSE: METG)
Waste Energy Corp. (OTCQB: WAST)
CleanGo Innovations Inc. (OTCQB: CLGOF | CSE: CGII)
Sekur Private Data Ltd. (OTCQB: SWISF | CSE: SKUR)
CyberCatch Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: CYBHF | TSXV: CYBE)

To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com .

About Virtual Investor Conferences ®

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

Media Contact:
OTC Markets Group Inc. +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

Virtual Investor Conferences Contact:
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

Crypto Market Update: Ethereum Rallies Past US$4,000, Trump Orders Crypto Review in 401(k)

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (August 8) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$116,381, trading flat over the last 24 hours. Its highest valuation on Friday was US$116,112, while its lowest valuation was US$117,596.

Bitcoin price performance, August 8, 2025.

Chart via TradingView

Ethereum (ETH) was priced at US$3,956.05, up by 3.3 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$3,806.16, and its highest was US$3,997.11.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$175.34, up by 2.8 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$168.36, and its highest was US$178.02.
  • XRP was trading for US$3.24, up by 6.1 percent in the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3.03, and its highest valuation was US$3.37.
  • Sui (SUI) is trading at US$3.75, up 0.5 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3.67, and its highest was US$3.88.
  • Cardano (ADA) was trading at US$0.7825, up by 2.9 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$0.7521, and its highest was US$0.8044.

Today’s crypto news to know

Ethereum breaks US$4,000 as Ripple and Chainlink spark altcoin rally

Ethereum surged past US$4,000 early Friday, hitting near year-to-date highs amid a broader rally in altcoins led by Ripple and Chainlink.

XRP jumped up to 8 percent after Ripple announced a US$200 million acquisition of Rail, a stablecoin payments platform designed to expand its cross-border settlement network.

Chainlink’s LINK token rose as much as 11 percent following news of its new Chainlink Reserve, which will accumulate LINK using revenue from institutional and on-chain fees.

Other major coins, including Solana, also saw gains in early trading. Ripple’s deal aims to integrate stablecoin pay-ins and payouts for USD and other currencies without requiring businesses to hold crypto.

The rally also coincided with President Trump’s executive order promoting alternative assets like crypto in retirement accounts, adding to bullish sentiment in the market.

Trump order opens door for Crypto and private equity in 401(k)s

President Trump has signed an executive order directing the Labor Department to review its fiduciary rules for retirement plans, potentially clearing the way for assets like cryptocurrency, private equity, and real estate to be included in 401(k)s.

While no laws have changed, the move signals a shift from the Biden-era stance that warned against crypto in retirement accounts.

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) still requires fiduciaries to choose “prudent” investments, meaning employers will need to justify the inclusion of volatile or opaque assets. Legal experts say the order could influence how federal agencies interpret the rules, but it won’t override decades of court precedents on fiduciary duty.

For now, employers remain cautious due to the risk of lawsuits over imprudent or overly expensive options. Crypto in 401(k)s remains rare, though large firms like BlackRock are already exploring target-date funds with alternative assets.

Binance artners with Spain’s BBVA to bolster asset security

Binance is teaming up with Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), Spain’s second-largest bank, to give customers the option of storing their assets with a regulated custodian rather than directly on the exchange.

The arrangement is designed to reassure investors after Binance’s US$4.3 billion fine from US regulators in 2023 over anti–money laundering failures.

With BBVA acting as an independent custodian, customer funds would remain secure even if Binance faced hacking, insolvency, or further regulatory action. The partnership leverages BBVA’s strong reputation for compliance and innovation, aiming to encourage more cautious investors to engage with crypto.

The move also follows leadership changes at Binance, including founder Changpeng Zhao’s resignation and brief prison sentence, as the company works to repair its image.

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

Lode Gold Completes Final Tranche Financing for Total $1.51 Million

Lode Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: LOD,OTC:LODFF) (OTCQB: LODFF) (‘Lode Gold’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it has completed the third and final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering for $1 million. In this final tranche, the Company has raised an additional $326,780 through the issuance of 1,815,446 Units at a price of $0.18 per Unit. The Company has now raised a total of $1,513,768 through the issuance of 8,409,825 Units.

Each $0.18 unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of $0.35 per common share for a period of three years following the date of closing.

The Company may accelerate the warrant expiry date if the Company’s shares trade at $0.65 or more for a period of 10 days, including days where no trading occurs. The closing of the offering is expected to occur one business day following receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

The proceeds raised from the offering will go toward execution of the business plans for Lode Gold and its subsidiary, Gold Orogen (BC 1475039 Ltd.).

About Lode Gold

Lode Gold (TSXV: LOD,OTC:LODFF) is an exploration and development company with projects in highly prospective and safe mining jurisdictions in Canada and the United States.

In Canada Lode Gold holds assets in the Yukon and New Brunswick. Lode Gold’s Yukon assets are located on the southern portion of the prolific Tombstone Belt and cover approximately 99.5 km2 across a 27 km strike. Over 4,500 m have been drilled on the Yukon assets with confirmed gold endowment and economic drill intercepts over 50 m. There are four reduced-intrusive targets (RIRGS), in addition to sedimentary-hosted orogenic exploration gold.

In New Brunswick, Lode Gold, through its subsidiary 1475039 B.C. Ltd., has created one of the largest land packages in the province with its Acadian Gold Joint Venture, consisting of an area that spans 445 km2 with a 44 km strike. It has confirmed gold endowment with mineralized rhyolites.

In the United States, the Company is focused on its advanced exploration and development asset, the Fremont Mine in Mariposa, California. It has a recent 2025 NI 43-101 report and compliant MRE that can be accessed here https://lode-gold.com/project/freemont-gold-usa/.

Fremont was previously mined until gold mining prohibition in WWII, when its mining license was suspended. Only 8% of the resource identified in the 2025 MRE has been extracted. This asset has exploration upside and is open at depth (three step-out holes at 1,300 m hit structure and were mineralized) and on strike. This is a brownfield project with over 43,000 m drilled, 23 km of underground workings and 14 adits. The project has excellent infrastructure with close access to electricity, water, state highways, railhead and port.

The Company recently completed an internal scoping study evaluating the potential to resume operations at Fremont based on 100% underground mining. Previously, in March 2023, the Company completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment (‘PEA’) in accordance with NI 43-101 which evaluated a mix of open pit and underground mining. The PEA and other technical reports prepared on the Company’s properties are available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company’s website (www.lode-gold.com).

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY
Wendy T. Chan
CEO & Director

Information Contact:

Wendy T. Chan
CEO
info@lode-gold.com
+1-(604)-977-GOLD (4653)

Kevin Shum
Investor Relations
kevin@lode-gold.com
+1 (604) -977-GOLD (4653)

Cautionary Note Related to this News Release and Figures

This news release contains information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company’s properties.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Neither 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.

This news release includes ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the use of proceeds, advancement and completion of resource calculation, feasibility studies, and exploration plans and targets. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘potential’, ‘target’, ‘budget’ and ‘intend’ and statements that an event or result ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘could’ or ‘might’ occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: the status of community relations and the security situation on site; general business and economic conditions; the availability of additional exploration and mineral project financing; the supply and demand for, inventories of, and the level and volatility of the prices of metals; relationships with strategic partners; the timing and receipt of governmental permits and approvals; the timing and receipt of community and landowner approvals; changes in regulations; political factors; the accuracy of the Company’s interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of the Company’s mineral deposits; the availability of equipment, skilled labour and services needed for the exploration and development of mineral properties; currency fluctuations; and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include a deterioration of security on site or actions by the local community that inhibits access and/or the ability to productively work on site, actual exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, unknown impact related to potential business disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak, or another infectious illness, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading ‘Risks and Uncertainties’ in the Company’s most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261839

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

Agriculture Market Update: Q2 2025 in Review

Fertilizer prices continued to rise in Q2, driven by supply shortages as well as fallout from US tariffs.

According to data from the World Bank, the average quarterly phosphate price rose to US$673.20 per metric ton (MT) during the April to June period, up from US$600.50 in Q1 and US$536.70 recorded in the second quarter of 2024.

On a monthly basis, the price averaged US$715.40 in June, up from US$582.70 in January.

Potash prices have also gained since the start of the year, with the quarterly average rising to US$359.20 per MT from US$319.20 in Q1. The monthly price posted consistent increases, rising to US$363.13 in June from US$302 in January.

What factors impacted phosphate in Q2?

Phosphate prices have risen over the last several years as China, the world’s largest supplier, continues to impose export restrictions on the amount of fertilizers allowed to leave the country.

Between 2021 and 2024, China’s phosphate exports experienced significant declines, falling from 9 million MT to 6.6 million MT. Then, in December 2024, China halted new export applications for phosphate due to the rising cost of sulfur, which is necessary for separating phosphates from rock.

In an April 22 article, Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer at StoneX, noted that during the first three months of 2022, China exported 950,000 MT of phosphate, but only 13,000 MT during the same period in 2025.

At the time, Linville suggested that even if there were to be a shift in Chinese policy during the second quarter, it might not lead to an increase in exports due to a lack of inventory in the country.

“It appears that while they have increased their urea export quota, the same is not expected for phosphate. We continue to believe that domestic demand has been raised due to a combination of agriculture and industrial demand spikes.’

India is among the main drivers of agricultural demand, and the country has been working to rebuild its stockpiles of fertilizer since they reached a low of 1.1 million MT in late 2024. With Chinese supply missing from the equation, importers have had to pay premiums to other major producers in Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

The result has led to a 44 percent increase in Indian imports, which are expected to reach 1.09 million MT for July and 2.16 million MT for the April to July period, while also pushing prices for phosphate upward.

Adding to market stressors since the start of the year are tariffs on products entering the US. As Linville pointed out, phosphate production is limited mainly to five countries: China, Morocco, Russia, the US and Saudi Arabia.

The US is not able to meet domestic demand and has been reliant on Saudi Arabia, which was free of tariffs until it came under the umbrella of Trump’s 10 percent baseline tariffs when he announced them on April 1.

However, given the tightness in the phosphate market, suppliers are unlikely to absorb any additional costs.

“Globally, supplies are very tight, and demand continues to be high, so global manufacturers can be picky about where they send their products. Given that they want to make more money, they are likely deciding to send the product to their highest netback location. Saudi Arabia has been heard telling US customers that they have no problem sending products to the US if they pay the tariff rate,” Linville explained. He added that the extra 10 percent on the current phosphate prices is a significant cost, and will ultimately flow down to US farmers.

What factors impacted potash in Q2?

Potash prices have steadily increased since the start of the year, but the market has been relatively quiet.

“Today, potash is seeing a little price support due to perceived tight supplies and large demand,’ said Linville.

Since the start of the year, potash prices have increased by 20 percent, rising to US$363 in June from US$302 in January. On a year-on-year basis, the June price is up 17 percent from the US$310 recorded in 2024. However, prices are far from the all-time high of US$1,200 set in April 2022 as supply lines were disrupted after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

With minimal potash production of its own, the US is reliant on imports. Traditionally, those have come from Canada, which is the world’s top supplier of fertilizer, but also to a lesser extent, Russia, which is number two.

While uncertainty remains about whether tariffs will have a direct effect on prices for potash, Linville suggested that there may be some cost increases stemming from this uncertainty.

“To date, Russia has not had a duty or tariff regarding potash, so the product has been allowed to flow freely. Our belief is that Canadian potash has never been subjected to an actual tariff rate given its standing on the North American trade agreements. However, with so much confusion regarding what is real and what is not out there, the fear that it might be included helped to push prices higher almost constantly since the start of 2025,’ he said.

‘Again, those prices make their way to the farm gate.’

New supply set to come online includes BHP’s (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) Jansen mine in Saskatchewan. It was originally set to start production in 2026; however, in its Q2 operational review, released on July 18, BHP announced that the project costs had ballooned to the US$7 billion to US$7.4 billion range, up from US$5.7 billion.

The increase has impacted the project’s timeline. Up until the announcement, development was ahead of schedule and was expected to start in 2026, but it has since reverted to the original timeline that will see it begin in 2027.

Additionally, BHP said it was considering pushing the second stage of production back to 2031 while it undergoes a CAPEX review, citing the potential for additional potash supply coming to market in the medium term.

“The comment about the medium-term supply outlook was a rather small and inconspicuous part of the announcement, but I continue to believe it says loads more about the outlook,” Linville said about BHP’s decision to review stage two.

Potash and phosphate price forecast for 2025

The phosphate market is unlikely to change in the near term.

There isn’t much expectation that China will increase supply, and while there are some significant projects in the works, how many will enter the production is yet to be seen as demand continues to increase from the battery sector.

Linville sees a continuation of current trends, noting that the market isn’t in a place to recover quickly:

“A major discussion point has been surrounding demand destruction that is anticipated. The hope is that this will help values to fall. Unfortunately, I think the market continues to underestimate how bad of a shape phosphate is in.’

As for potash, Linville expects the market to maintain stability.

“My longer-term outlook is that potash values will see relatively little price volatility, and that lower prices should become common. However, the stage appears set for 2025. Summer fill programs have been successful. Demand continues to look good. Anything is possible, but it appears price structures for potash are stable to higher,” he said.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

Prismo Metals Announces Closing of Oversubscribed Private Placement

(TheNewswire)

Vancouver, British Columbia, August 8th, 2025 TheNewswire Prismo Metals Inc. (‘ Prismo ‘ or the ‘ Company ‘) (CSE: PRIZ,OTC:PMOMF) (OTCQB: PMOMF) is pleased to announce that further to its news releases dated July 3, 2025, July 18, 2025 and July 31, 2025, the Company has proceeded with an upsized closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the ‘Private Placement’ ) of units of the Company (‘ Units ‘) at an issue price of $0.06 per Unit (the ‘ Third Closing ‘). The closing was increased from 6,000,000 Units to the issuance of 6,425,000 Units for gross proceeds of $385,500.

Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a ‘ Share ‘) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a ‘ Warrant ‘). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Share for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of issue at an exercise price of $0.10.

‘In the past few weeks, we have raised a total of $1,077,500 in gross proceeds reflecting investors’ interest in our recently optioned silver projects in Arizona, the historical high-grade Silver King and Ripsey mines,’ said Alain Lambert, CEO. ‘Exploration at Silver King is currently underway and our Chief Exploration Officer, Dr. Craig Gibson, has put in place a comprehensive first year exploration plan which includes a phase one drill program of a minimum of 1,000 meters.’

Dr. Craig Gibson, Prismo’s Chief Exploration Officer said: ‘The team has arrived on site, and we have begun a detailed mapping and sampling program at both projects at surface exposures and in accessible underground workings. A drill program is planned for Silver King, with about 1,000 metres initially. The Silver King drill program is designed to test the mineralized body at four elevations, as well as lateral to the pipelike body. Dewatering of the Silver King shaft to gain access to the upper levels may also be undertaken as submersible pumps are in place.’

The Company previously announced a first closing of the Private Placement on July 18, 2025 for aggregate gross proceeds of $575,000 and a second closing of the Private Placement on July 31, 2025 for aggregate gross proceeds of $ 117,000 . Due to strong investor demand, the Company has now raised aggregate gross proceeds of $1,077,500. The Company intends to use the aggregate proceeds from the Private Placement for exploration at the Company’s Silver King project as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. There may be circumstances, however, where for sound business reasons, a reallocation of funds may be necessary.

Prismo also announces that further to its news release dated July 31, 2025, it has settled the debt settlement agreement (the ‘ Agreement ‘) with a creditor of the Company (the ‘ Creditor ‘) pursuant to which the Company issued to the Creditor, and the Creditor accepted, an aggregate of 1,375,000 common shares of the Company (each, a ‘ Settlement Share ‘) at a price of $0.06 per Settlement Share in full and final settlement of accrued and previously outstanding indebtedness owing to the Creditor in the aggregate amount of US $60,000 (CA $82,500) (the ‘ Debt Settlement ‘). The Creditor is one of the original optionors of the Palos Verdes silver project in Mexico, and the Debt Settlement was the final payment owed to the Creditor.

‘The Palos Verdes project remains an important asset for Prismo Metals,’ said Alain Lambert, CEO. ‘We continue to monitor Vizsla Silver’s exploration activities in the Panuco district and how it might impact our exploration plan at Palos Verdes. Mr. Lambert noted: ‘In their July 29 th , 2025 news release , Vizsla Silver stated: Notable targets to be tested in the central, and east area of the district with potential to host similar mineral resources to that outlined in Project #1 in the west include: Jesusita-Palos Verdes is a northeast trending vein target in the east area of the district. Positive drill results and alteration-based interpretations done by Prismo Metals, combined with significant silver anomalies on surface and extensive vein outcrops warrant additional drilling at depth. ‘

The Palos Verdes project is located in the historic Panuco-Copala silver-gold district in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, approximately 65 kilometers NE of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, in the Municipality of Concordia. The Palos Verdes concession (claim) covers 700 meters of strike length of the Palos Verdes vein, a member of the north-easterly trending vein family located in the eastern part of the district outside of the area of modern exploration. The project is surrounded on three sides by Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSE: VZLA).

Shallow drilling (

In connection with the Third Closing, the Company issued an aggregate of 288,900 finder’s warrants (the ‘Finder’s Warrants’ ) and paid finder’s commissions of $17,334.00 to a qualified finder. Each Finder’s Warrant is exercisable for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance to purchase one Share at a price of $0.10.

All securities issued or issuable in connection with the Private Placement and the Debt Settlement are subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date under applicable Canadian securities laws, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada.

Multilateral Instrument 61-101

The Company has issued an aggregate of 10,000 Units pursuant to the Third Closing to a ‘related party’ of the Company (the ‘ Interested Party ‘), constituting, to that extent, a ‘related party transaction’ as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions (‘ MI 61-101 ‘). The Company is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval in connection with the participation of the Interested Party in the Third Closing in reliance on sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the Third Closing nor the securities issued in connection therewith, in so far as the Third Closing involves the Interested Party, exceeds 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Third Closing as the details of the Third Closing and the participation therein by the Interested Party therein were not settled until recently and the Company wishes to close on an expedited basis for sound business reasons.

About Prismo Metals Inc.

Prismo (CSE: PRIZ,OTC:PMOMF) is mining exploration company focused on three silver projects (Palos Verdes, Silver King and Ripsey) and a copper project in Arizona (Hot Breccia).

Please follow @PrismoMetals on , , , Instagram , and

Prismo Metals Inc.

1100 – 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6

Phone: (416) 361-0737

Contact:

Alain Lambert, Chief Executive Officer alambert@cpvcgroup.ca

Gordon Aldcorn, President gordon.aldcorn@prismometals.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘intends’ or ‘anticipates’, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘should’, ‘would’ or ‘occur’. This information and these statements, referred to herein as ‘forward‐looking statements’, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management’s expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the intended use of any proceeds raised under the Private Placement.

These forward‐looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: the potential inability of the Company to utilize the anticipated proceeds of the Private Placement as anticipated; and other risk factors as detailed  from  time  to  time  and  additional  risks  identified  in  the  Company’s  filings  with  Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca ).

Although management of the Company has attem pted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

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

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

OPINION — Goldenomics 102: The Shadow Price of Gold

By Darren Brady Nelson

One of the underrated, and easily dismissed, stories from the first 100 days of the second Donald J. Trump presidency was in March 2025, when the president said: “We’re actually going to Fort Knox to see if the gold is there, because maybe somebody stole the gold. Tonnes of gold.”

Two developments have happened since. First was his May 2025 executive order “Restoring Gold Standard Science.” Second was his signing the July 2025 GENIUS Act. The former could be a word teaser for “Restoring The Gold Standard.” The latter seems to be a step in that direction.

Source: The White House.

Fort Knox gold

The US Department of the Treasury’s Weekly Release of US Foreign Exchange Reserves shows the levels of various official assets, including gold. It reported gold of 261.499 million fine troy ounces. An estimated 56 percent of that is in Fort Knox, with the remainder in West Point, Denver and New York.

The Federal Reserve Act 1913 still gives the power to the US Federal Reserve: “To deal in gold coin and bullion at home or abroad, to make loans thereon, exchange Federal reserve notes for gold, gold coin, or gold certificates, and to contract for loans of gold coin or bullion (and much more).”

The question of how much gold is in Fort Knox and elsewhere is not only important for the purposes of DOGE, but even more so in the case of a potential return to a gold standard. And such an incredible return is not mere speculation, but is due to some credible public comments.

Source: Visual Capitalist.

Trump gold standard

Private citizen Trump commented, as a presidential candidate, about a possible return to a gold standard in June 2016, when he said: “Bringing back the gold standard would be very hard to do, but, boy, would it be wonderful. We’d have a standard on which to base our money.”

More recently, Steve Bannon stated in December 2023: “Nixon took us off the gold standard … over a weekend … in an emergency executive order. That is going to be reviewed strongly in the second Trump term … getting rid of the Fed, yeah, maybe you start with converting back into gold.”

Economist Judy Shelton has an October 2024 book as a guide: “When the US dollar is backed by gold, America prospers, and so does the rest of the world. But this is no curmudgeonly demand to return to the gold standard of yore; (but) gold for a new international monetary order.”

Some sort of gold standard might dovetail with a new global trading system, as outlined in the “Mar-a-Largo Accord” of November 2024, as well as with the GENIUS Act of July 2025, which: “establishes a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins (must redeem for a fixed value).”

Shadow gold price I

Shadow pricing is a method long used in cost benefit analysis that adjusts prices from, or creates prices for, failed or non-existent markets. The shadow price of gold (SPoG) in August 2018 was defined as: “The linkage between the US monetary base and the implied price of gold.”

The In Gold We Trust (IGWT) annual report from May 2025 uses a similar definition: “The theoretical gold price in the event of full gold backing of the base money supply.” The report adds: “The reciprocal value of the (SPoG) gives the degree of coverage of the monetary base.”

The reciprocal SPoG, based on current market prices, is the “Gold Coverage Ratio” (GCR). The report explains further that: “Currently, the (GCR) in the US is only 14.5%. To put it crudely: Only 14.5 cents of every US dollar currently consists of gold, the remaining 85.5% is air.”

Gold backing of monetary base, in percent, 01/1920 to 03/2025.

Source: Incrementum.

Shadow gold price II

According to IGWT: “In the gold bull market of the 2000s, (GCR) tripled from 10.8% to 29.7%. A comparable (GCR) today would only arise if the gold price were to almost double to over $6,000. The record value of 131% from 1980 would correspond to a gold price of around $30,000.”

IGWT goes beyond just $USD: “The international shadow gold price (ISPoG) shows how high the gold price would have to rise if the money supply (M0 or M2) of the leading currency areas were covered by the central banks’ gold reserves in proportion to their share of global GDP.”

“This view impressively reveals the extent of the monetary expansion: With an — admittedly purely theoretical — 100% coverage of the broad money supply M2, the gold price (per ounce) would be over $231,000; even with a moderate 25% coverage, it would be around $58,000.”

International shadow gold price at different gold coverage levels (log), in USD, 12/2024.

Source: Incrementum.

Shadow gold price III

In May 2024, James Rickards predicted: “My latest forecast is that gold may actually exceed $27,000. I don’t say that to get attention or to shock people. It’s not a guess; it’s the result of rigorous analysis.”

This was based on a similar approach to SPoG and GCR that he called “the implied non-deflationary price of gold under a new gold standard (iPoG).” Rickards calculated a gold price, based on iPoG, of $27,533 per ounce.”

He divided US$7.2 trillion of M1 money supply by 261.5 million of gold troy ounces (or 8,133 metric tonnes) in official US reserves estimated by the World Gold Council. The M1 figure is 40 percent of US$17.9 trillion as: “this percentage was the legal requirement for the US Federal Reserve from 1913 to 1946.”

In summary, the sort of gold prices that might be reached under a return to a gold standard, using the shadow price of gold approach, range from lows of US$6,000 to highs of US$231,000, with US$27,533, US$30,000 and US$58,000 in between.

Whatever the gold price ends up at, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime windfall for those holding gold at that time. After that, gold would cease to be an investment, as it has been since 1971 and 1974. Because gold would be actual money once again, and it would be sound money at that.

About Darren Brady Nelson

Darren Brady Nelson is chief economist with Fisher Liberty Gold and policy advisor to The Heartland Institute. He previously was economic advisor to Australian Senator Malcolm Roberts. He authored the Ten Principles of Regulation and Reform, and the CPI-X approach to budget cuts.

Click here to read Goldenomics 101: Follow the Money.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By