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House Republicans inch closer to answers as former Biden advisors lose executive privilege shield

The Trump White House is waiving executive privilege for key former Biden administration aides who have been summoned by Republicans on the House Oversight Committee.

Chair James Comer, R-Ky., is probing the alleged cover-up of former President Joe Biden’s mental decline. 

Letters obtained by Fox News Digital via a source familiar with the matter show the Trump administration will not allow the people of interest in Comer’s probe to use their past White House work as a legal shield.

Deputy Counsel to the President Gary Lawkowski sent the letters to former Biden Chief of Staff Ron Klain, former senior advisors Anita Dunn, Steve Ricchetti, Mike Donilon, Annie Tomasini, Bruce Reed and Ashley Williams, and Anthony Bernal, former advisor to former first lady Jill Biden.

‘In light of the unique and extraordinary nature of the matters under investigation, President Trump has determined that an assertion of executive privilege is not in the national interest, and therefore is not justified, with respect to particular subjects within the purview of the House Oversight Committee,’ the letters said.

‘Those subjects include your assessment of former President Biden’s fitness for the office of the President and your knowledge of who exercised executive powers during his administration.’

Both congressional Republicans and the White House are investigating whether those senior Biden aides played any role in keeping concerns about the elderly former president’s mental acuity shielded from the public eye and even from lower-level White House staff.

It is not clear if any of the aforementioned former Biden aides planned to claim executive privilege in communications with the committee, but it is not unheard of for a new administration to waive it for investigations involving its predecessor.

The Biden administration waived executive privilege for records sought by the now-defunct House select committee on the Jan. 6 Capitol attack in 2021.

The Biden White House also rejected executive privilege claims made by Peter Navarro and Michael Flynn in that panel’s investigation. However, the latest movement in Comer’s probe comes after he and committee staff held their first closed-door interview with one of Biden’s former aides.

Neera Tanden appeared on Capitol Hill for an hourslong sworn deposition Tuesday. As it had for others, the Trump White House waived any claim to executive privilege for Tanden’s sitdown.

She told reporters afterward that there was ‘absolutely not’ any effort by senior aides to disguise Biden’s mental state.

‘I answered every question, was pleased to discuss my public service, and it was a thorough process, and I’m glad I answered everyone’s question,’ Tanden also said.

A source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that Tanden testified she had minimal interaction with Biden in her role as staff secretary.

‘To obtain approval for autopen signatures, she would send decision memos to members of the President’s inner circle. She stated that she was not aware of what actions or approvals occurred between the time she sent the memo and the time she received it back with approval,’ the source said.

Bernal is set to sit down with Comer and investigators for his own testimony on Thursday.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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CHARBONE Hydrogen Executed a Master Collaborative Agreement to Receive 1M USD to Support the Deployment of a Malaysian Green Hydrogen Project Development for a Local Partner

(TheNewswire)

The CHARBONE team will serve as expert matter advisors to a private Malaysian financial group for the development and construction of their first modular and scalable production facility in the Asia-Pacific region.

Brossard, Quebec TheNewswire – June 25, 2025 Charbone Hydrogen Corporation (TSXV: CH; OTCQB: CHHYF; FSE: K47) (the ‘Company’ or ‘CHARBONE ‘), North America’s only publicly traded pure-play company focused on green hydrogen production and distribution, is pleased to announce that it has executed a Master Collaborative Agreement with Green Hydrogen ASIAPAC SDN BHD to support the deployment of its first dihydrogen Ultra High Purity (UHP) production flagship facility in Malaysia, based on the CHARBONE modular and scalable model. The decentralized distributed approach for end-users will be part of a new sustainable ecosystem in Malaysia and could eventually be extended to the Asia Pacific region, where CHARBONE could leverage its expertise.

Through the collaboration agreement, CHARBONE will provide experience in various areas of a complete project development, construction, and operation of the facility. This includes, but is not limited to, site selection, interconnection, power purchase and offtake agreements, front-end engineering and design (FEED), project financing, and the identification and selection of appropriate suppliers, such as engineering, production, and distribution equipment.

CHARBONE will share its extensive experience and knowledge gained over the last five years and monetize it. In return, it will diversify and increase its revenue stream through a collaborative approach that will be replicated with other partners and countries in the region, benefiting its shareholders who have been strong supporters of the CHARBONE model for years.

The Collaborative Agreement will provide CHARBONE with a single one-time fee that can be paid in cash or invested in the project. CHARBONE is currently negotiating similar agreements and arrangements with other partners in different regions of the globe.

‘ This agreement recognized all the efforts that CHARBONE has deployed over the last five (5) years to create a sustainable ecosystem model that works in the real world and not only in the North American market ,’ said Dave Gagnon, President and CEO of Charbone. He continued , ‘ when you look at the current hydrogen market, you do realize that the two most promising markets are North America and Asia-Pacific, which we are starting now. ‘

‘ We are delighted to formalize this strategic collaboration with CHARBONE. Their proven modular and decentralized approach aligns perfectly with our vision to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen in Malaysia and the wider Asia-Pacific region. By leveraging CHARBONE’s unique expertise and advisory capabilities, we are confident that we will deliver a high-quality, scalable, and sustainable production project that will serve as a blueprint for future developments ,’ said Kamshul Kasim, Executive Chairman of Green Hydrogen ASIAPAC SDN BHD. He continued , ‘ this partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to contribute to Malaysia’s clean energy transition and to position ourselves at the forefront of the emerging green hydrogen economy in the region. ‘

About CHARBONE Corporation

CHARBONE is an integrated company specialized in Ultra High Purity (UHP) hydrogen and the strategic distribution of industrial gases in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. It is developing a modular network of green hydrogen production while partnering with industry players to supply helium and other specialty gases without the need to build costly new plants. This disciplined strategy diversifies revenue streams, reduces risks, and increases flexibility. The CHARBONE group is publicly listed in North America and Europe on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: CH), the OTC Markets (OTCQB: CHHYF), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: K47). For more information, visit www.charbone.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that are ‘forward-looking information’ as defined under Canadian securities laws (‘forward-looking statements’). These forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as ‘intends’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘believes’, ‘plans’, ‘likely’, or similar words. The forward-looking statements reflect management’s expectations, estimates, or projections concerning future results or events, based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by management at the date the statements are made. Although Charbone believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, as unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results to be materially different from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Charbone. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described under ‘Risk Factors’ in the Corporation’s Filing Statement dated March 31, 2022, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; they could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.

Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Charbone undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

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

Contact Charbone Hydrogen Corporation

Telephone: +1 450 678 7171

Email: ir@charbone.com

Benoit Veilleux

CFO and Corporate Secretary

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Charbone Hydrogene signe une entente-cadre de collaboration et percevra 1M de dollars americains afin de soutenir le deploiement d’un projet de developpement d’hydrogene vert en Malaisie pour un partenaire local

(TheNewswire)

L’équipe Charbone servira de conseiller expert auprès d’un groupe financier privé malaisien pour le développement et la construction de leur première usine de production modulaire et évolutive dans la région Asie-Pacifique.

Brossard (Québec) TheNewswire – le 25 juin 2025 – CORPORATION CHARBONE HYDROGÈNE (TSXV: CH OTCQB: CHHYF, FSE: K47 ) (« Charbone » ou la « Société »), une rare compagnie cotée en bourse spécialisée dans la production et la distribution d’hydrogène vert en Amérique du Nord, a le plaisir d’annoncer la signature d’une entente-cadre de collaboration avec Green Hydrogen ASIAPAC SDN BHD pour soutenir le déploiement de leur première usine phare de production de dihydrogène ultrapur (UHP) en Malaisie, basée sur le modèle modulaire et évolutif de Charbone. Cette approche de production de distribution décentralisée, destinée aux utilisateurs finaux, s’inscrira dans un nouvel écosystème durable en Malaisie et pourrait être étendue à la région Asie-Pacifique, où Charbone pourrait mettre à profit son expertise.

Grâce à cette entente de collaboration, Charbone apportera son expérience dans divers domaines du développement, de la construction et de l’exploitation d’un projet complet. Cela comprend, entre autres, le choix du site, l’interconnexion, les contrats d’achat et de vente d’électricité, la conception initiales (FEED), l’ingénierie et le financement du projet, ainsi que l’identification et la sélection des fournisseurs appropriés, notamment pour les équipes d’ingénierie, et les équipements de production et de distribution.

Charbone partagera sa vaste expérience et ses connaissances acquises au cours des cinq dernières années et les monétisera. En retour, elle diversifiera et augmentera ses sources de revenus grâce à une approche collaborative qui sera reproduite avec d’autres partenaires et pays de la région, au bénéfice de ses actionnaires, ardents supporteurs du modèle Charbone depuis des années.

L’entente de collaboration permettra à Charbone de percevoir une rémunération unique, payable en espèces ou investie dans le projet. Charbone négocie actuellement des accords et des arrangements similaires avec d’autres partenaires dans différentes régions du monde.

‘ Cette entente reconnaît tous les efforts déployés par Charbone au cours des cinq (5) dernières années pour créer un modèle d’écosystème durable qui fonctionne dans le monde réel et pas seulement sur le marché nord-américain , a dit Dave Gagnon, Président et chef de la direction de Charbone. Il continue, ‘ Quand on regarde le marché actuel de l’hydrogène, on se rend compte que les deux marchés les plus prometteurs sont l’Amérique du Nord et l’Asie-Pacifique, que nous commençons maintenant. ‘

‘ Nous sommes ravis d’officialiser cette collaboration stratégique avec Charbone. Leur approche modulaire et décentralisée éprouvée s’inscrit parfaitement dans notre vision d’accélérer l’adoption de l’hydrogène vert en Malaisie et dans la région Asie-Pacifique. En tirant parti de l’expertise et des capacités de conseil uniques de Charbone, nous sommes convaincus de pouvoir réaliser un projet de production de haute qualité, évolutif et durable, qui servira de modèle pour les développements futurs , a dit Kamshul Kasim, Président exécutif de Green Hydrogen ASIAPAC SDN BHD. Il continue, ‘ Ce partenariat marque une étape importante dans notre engagement à contribuer à la transition énergétique propre de la Malaisie et à nous positionner à l’avant-garde de l’économie émergente de l’hydrogène vert dans la région . ‘

À propos de Charbone Hydrogène Corporation

Charbone est une entreprise intégrée spécialisée dans l’hydrogène ultrapur (UHP) et la distribution stratégique de gaz industriels en Amérique du Nord et en Asie-Pacifique. Elle développe un réseau modulaire de production d’hydrogène vert tout en s’associant à des partenaires de l’industrie pour offrir de l’hélium et d’autres gaz spécialisés sans avoir à construire de nouvelles usines coûteuses. Cette stratégie disciplinée diversifie les revenus, réduit les risques et augmente sa flexibilité. Le groupe Charbone est coté en bourse en Amérique du Nord et en Europe sur la bourse de croissance TSX (TSXV: CH); sur les marchés OTC (OTCQB: CHHYF); et à la Bourse de Francfort (FSE: K47). Pour plus d’informations, visiter www.charbone.com .

Énoncés prospectifs

Le présent communiqué de presse contient des énoncés qui constituent de « l’information prospective » au sens des lois canadiennes sur les valeurs mobilières (« déclarations prospectives »). Ces déclarations prospectives sont souvent identifiées par des mots tels que « a l’intention », « anticipe », « s’attend à », « croit », « planifie », « probable », ou des mots similaires. Les déclarations prospectives reflètent les attentes, estimations ou projections respectives de la direction de Charbone concernant les résultats ou événements futurs, sur la base des opinions, hypothèses et estimations considérées comme raisonnables par la direction à la date à laquelle les déclarations sont faites. Bien que Charbone estime que les attentes exprimées dans les déclarations prospectives sont raisonnables, les déclarations prospectives comportent des risques et des incertitudes, et il ne faut pas se fier indûment aux déclarations prospectives, car des facteurs inconnus ou imprévisibles pourraient faire en sorte que les résultats réels soient sensiblement différents de ceux exprimés dans les déclarations prospectives. Des risques et des incertitudes liés aux activités de Charbone peuvent avoir une incidence sur les déclarations prospectives. Ces risques, incertitudes et hypothèses comprennent, sans s’y limiter, ceux décrits à la rubrique « Facteurs de risque » dans la déclaration de changement à l’inscription de la Société datée du 31 mars 2022, qui peut être consultée sur SEDAR à l’adresse www.sedar.com; ils pourraient faire en sorte que les événements ou les résultats réels diffèrent sensiblement de ceux prévus dans les déclarations prospectives.

Sauf si les lois sur les valeurs mobilières applicables l’exigent, Charbone ne s’engage pas à mettre à jour ni à réviser les déclarations prospectives.

Ni la Bourse de croissance TSX ni son fournisseur de services de réglementation (tel que ce terme est défini dans les politiques de la Bourse de croissance TSX) n’acceptent de responsabilité quant à la pertinence ou à l’exactitude du présent communiqué.

Pour contacter Corporation Charbone Hydrogène :

Téléphone bureau: +1 450 678 7171

Courriel: ir@charbone.com

Benoit Veilleux

Chef de la direction financière et secrétaire corporatif

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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NevGold: Portfolio of Gold, Antimony and Copper Projects in Tier 1 jurisdictions in the US

NevGold (TSXV:NAU,OTCQX:NAUFF,FSE:5E50) is advancing a portfolio of high-quality oxide and porphyry gold projects in Nevada and Idaho, targeting the discovery and growth of a multi-million-ounce gold-equivalent resource. With a market capitalization of under C$50 million, the company offers substantial upside potential. As NevGold continues to expand resources and de-risk its assets, it is well-positioned for a meaningful valuation re-rating over the next 12 to 18 months.

NevGold is actively advancing three projects with fully funded drill programs, metallurgical studies, and resource updates following its recent capital raise. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on rising gold and copper prices, surging strategic demand for antimony, and heightened interest from major mining companies seeking high-quality, undervalued juniors. Backed by a proven team with deep expertise in mine development and M&A, NevGold offers a compelling growth opportunity in the current commodity cycle.

The Limo Butte Project is NevGold’s cornerstone development asset, located in eastern Nevada within a highly prospective Carlin-style gold district.

Company Highlights

  • Multi-million-ounce Target: NevGold is on track to define 5+ Moz gold equivalent in combined resources at Limo Butte and Nutmeg Mountain by Q4 2025.
  • Gold+Antimony Critical Metals Advantage: Limo Butte is emerging as a significant near-surface oxide gold-antimony system – one of only two of its kind in the United States.
  • Substantial Resource Base: Nutmeg Mountain contains a 2023 NI 43-101 compliant oxide gold resource of 1.28 Moz (indicated + inferred), with strong exploration upside and favorable heap-leach characteristics.
  • District-scale Copper Exposure: Zeus offers early-stage copper-gold-molybdenum potential in a highly active porphyry belt, adjacent to a Barrick-backed discovery.
  • Strategic Location, Strategic Commodities: All projects are located in mining-friendly jurisdictions with excellent infrastructure, low geopolitical risk, and growing US demand for domestic gold and critical mineral supply.
  • Fully Funded Growth: Recent C$6 million financing supports 2025 drill campaigns, metallurgical testwork, and updated NI 43-101 estimates across the portfolio.
  • Tight Capital Structure & Strong Support: Backed by strategic shareholders including GoldMining and McEwen Mining.
  • Significant Valuation Gap: Trading at a fraction of peers such as Perpetua Resources (~C$1.7 billion), despite similar resource and jurisdictional advantages.

This NevGold profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*

Click here to connect with NevGold (TSXV:NAU) to receive an Investor Presentation

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Rio Silver Announces Results of Annual General Meeting, Amends Purchase Agreement for Maria Norte

Rio Silver Inc. (‘Rio Silver’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX.V: RYO) (OTC: RYOOF), announces shareholder approval for all matters at the AGM.

All resolutions presented at Rio Silver’s annual general held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, including the election of directors, the ratification of the appointment of its auditor for the year ended December 31, 2024, the reappointment of its current auditor, the reapproval of the company’s equity incentive plan and the approval for a share consolidation on a one-new-for-5-old basis. The name of the company has not been changed.

Additionally, the Company has amended its purchase agreement for the Maria Norte mining property and eliminated the royalty provisions in exchange for a one-time cash payment of US$ 22,500.00. The board of directors believes that the consolidation was necessary to better position the company for future corporate development opportunities and financing transactions.

Rio Silver chief executive officer Chris Verrico stated:

‘Rio Silver is advancing its mandate for sustainability with the purchase of Maria Norte which is directly adjacent to and on trend with active mine production with demonstrated world-class silver potential. We believe that this share consolidation and advancement toward production will be aided by the company’s other royalty streams and is well supported by Peru’s unique small mines permitting regime, which can accelerate the initial development.

We remain ever impressed and optimistic by the resilience and ingenuity of our host country as Peru continues to endorse supportive mining policies and continued growth, as is currently evident by the tremendous investment being witnessed throughout Peru’.

About Rio Silver Inc.

Rio Silver is a Canadian exploration and development company with an large per cent of insider, friends and family ownership, focused on Peru. Rio Silver continues to review precious and base metal properties in Peru while maintaining its interest in its Ontario Gerow Lake, critical metals project. This Transaction enables the Company to complete certain planned acquisitions that bring significant potential for near-term, cash flowing, production allowing the Company to leverage other similar opportunities, going forward, in a non-dilutive shareholder friendly way.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF Rio Silver INC.

Christopher Verrico

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

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

For further information,

Christopher Verrico, President, CEO

Tel: (604) 762-4448

Email: chris.verrico@riosilverinc.com

Website: www.riosilverinc.com

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. 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 or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable laws.

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

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Crypto Market Recap: Trump Media’s Bitcoin–Ethereum ETF Clears NYSE Rule Hurdle

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (June 23) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

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

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) is priced at US$102,876, an increase of 4.2 percent in the last 24 hours. The day’s range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$100,177 and a high of US$103,154 as the market opened.

Bitcoin price performance, June 23, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Crypto markets are bracing for continued short-term volatility, heavily influenced by macro conditions and geopolitical developments, particularly the US-Iran situation. Traders are warning of a potential drop to US$95,000, with some even anticipating US$92,000, as only 3 percent of newer Bitcoin investors are currently profitable.

Despite immediate concerns, analysts remain constructive on Bitcoin’s long-term resilience. Growing structural demand from public entities is solidifying Bitcoin’s role as a strategic reserve. Longer-term metrics suggest 2025 could be the last bullish leg of this cycle, potentially driving Bitcoin prices north of US$200,000.

Over the weekend, Bitcoin fell below the US$100,000 mark for the first time since May following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the US had bombed three of Iran’s main nuclear facilities.

The airstrikes, which reportedly targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, heightened investor risk aversion, triggering over US$1 billion in liquidations across crypto markets. Derivatives data from Coinglass shows that US$915 million of long positions and US$109 million worth of shorts were wiped out.

Ethereum (ETH) closed at US$2,308.07, a 6 percent increase over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Monday was US$2,206.39, and its highest valuation was US$2,312.59, minutes before the closing bell.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$139, up 8.1 percent over 24 hours and its highest valuation for Monday. SOL experienced a low of US$131.53 during the day.
  • XRP also reached its highest daily valuation at the closing bell. It traded at US$2.05 as markets wrapped, up by 5 percent in 24 hours. The cryptocurrency’s lowest valuation was US$1.97.
  • Sui (SUI) is trading at US$2.61, showing an increaseof 11.7 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation was US$2.42, and it reached its highest valuation at the closing bell.
  • Cardano (ADA) is priced at US$0.5527, up 5.7 percent in 24 hours to its highest value. Its lowest valuation on Monday was US$0.5315.

Today’s crypto news to know

Pompliano launches US$1 billion Bitcoin treasury firm

Crypto investor Anthony Pompliano has unveiled a new Bitcoin treasury company, ProCap Financial, via a merger with Columbus Circle Capital I, a special purpose acquisition company.

The venture will hold up to US$1 billion in Bitcoin, and aims to follow in the footsteps of Michael Saylor’s Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR), a software firm turned crypto juggernaut.

ProCap has already raised US$500 million in equity and secured a US$250 million convertible note in what Pompliano has called the largest-ever raise for a treasury-focused crypto firm.

Unlike traditional holdings strategies, ProCap intends to actively generate revenue from its Bitcoin through lending, derivatives and financial services.

Metaplanet buys US$117 million worth of Bitcoin

Tokyo-based Metaplanet (TSE:3350,OTCQX:MTPLF) has added 1,111 BTC to its reserves, spending roughly US$117 million during a weekend dip sparked by US-Iran tensions.

The firm purchased the Bitcoin at an average price of US$105,681 per coin, increasing its total holdings to 11,111 BTC valued at over US$1.1 billion. Metaplanet has embraced a bold Bitcoin-first treasury approach, positioning itself as Asia’s Strategy equivalent in the corporate crypto playbook.

OKX considers US IPO

Cryptocurrency exchange OKX is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO) in the US, according to an interview the Information conducted with an executive from the firm on Sunday (June 22).

“We will absolutely consider an IPO in the future,” Haider Rafique, chief marketing officer, told the outlet, without providing a potential launch date. “If we go public, it would likely be in the U.S.”

The exchange resumed operations in the US in April after the US Department of Justice found that it had actively pursued US customers without the required license. OKX pleaded guilty to one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business in February and agreed to pay over US$500 million in penalties.

Sequans plans Bitcoin treasury raise

Sequans Communications (NYSE:SQNS), an IoT semiconductor developer, is planning a US$384 million capital raise for a strategic Bitcoin treasury. This move is one of the latest in a growing trend of companies using Bitcoin as a reserve asset, which crypto analyst Adam Back has dubbed the “new ALT SZN for speculators.’

The company issued a press release announcing the endeavor on Monday.

The raise includes US$195 million in equity and US$189 million in convertible debentures. The company is also partnering with Swan Bitcoin for its Bitcoin treasury management. CEO Georges Karam said this reflects “strong conviction in bitcoin as a premier asset and a compelling long-term investment.”

Fiserv to roll out Stablecoin platform for 3,000 US banks

Payments giant Fiserv (NYSE:FISV) is entering the stablecoin market with FIUSD, a new digital dollar offering aimed at thousands of main street banks. The platform will allow Fiserv’s banking clients — estimated at 3,000 institutions — to launch their own branded stablecoins or integrate FIUSD into their operations.

Built on top of Fiserv’s existing payments infrastructure, the platform will be interoperable with major blockchains and other stablecoins, including Circle’s (NYSE:CRCL) USDC and Paxos.

The platform is set to go live by the end of the year.

Canaan completes US pilot production, exits AI business

In a statement sent to Cointelegraph on Monday morning, a representative from Canaan (NASDAQ:CAN), a tech firm primarily known for designing and producing application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for Bitcoin mining, said it “has successfully completed a pilot production run in the US.” Canaan also announced the discontinuation of its artificial intelligence semiconductor business in what it said is “a strategic realignment aimed at sharpening its focus.”

“I believe that doubling down on our core strengths in crypto infrastructure and Bitcoin mining is the most strategic path forward for Canaan,” said Nangeng Zhang, chairman and CEO of Canaan.

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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How Fanatics is teaching business acumen to pro athletes

Sports merchandising giant Fanatics is aiming to build a training camp for athletes to prepare them for life off the field.

More than two dozen NBA, NFL and NHL players participated in the company’s Athlete Immersion Program this past weekend as part of Fanatics Fest in New York City. The program included three days of workshops on business, entrepreneurship, tech and more.

“This definitely opened my eyes,” said Cole Anthony, a guard for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. “I’m already trying to do things on the business side with my partners, my family. It just motivates me more.”

The “coaches” for the business boot camp included Fanatics founder Michael Rubin, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, Apollo Global cofounder and Philadelphia 76ers managing partner Josh Harris, Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro and Boardroom cofounder and CEO Rich Kleiman.

Aaron Donald, who retired from the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams in 2024 after winning the Super Bowl, has already begun a new career in business, including an ownership stake in sports nutrition company Ready. But Donald, likely a future Hall of Famer, said he was blown away by the all-star team of business leaders.

“I think it’s one of hell of an opportunity,” said Donald. “I’m in a room with guys running companies worth billions of dollars. How many opportunities are you going to get to do that? You have to take advantage of all of those opportunities and knowledge.”

Fanatics launched the Athlete Immersion Program in 2023 and this year is partnering with Boardroom, a media and advisory company cofounded by Kleiman and NBA superstar Kevin Durant.

“I think it’s great to be able to give them a bit of a blueprint,” said Kleiman. “Being able to put them in the room with people that have the answers, that have done it, that lead industries. I think you get so much power and opportunity just from the information you get from watching, from learning and from being in these rooms and understanding how to move.”

Kleiman pointed to former NBA player Junior Bridgeman, who made less than $3 million during his 12-year career in the league, but built a net worth of more than $1 billion after retirement primarily through investments in Wendy’s, Pizza Hut and Chili’s franchises and then later through Coca-Cola distribution.

“What he did, he’s exceptional,” said Kleiman of Bridgeman, who died in March. “He wasn’t just a name. He actually built an operational team, built them up, oversaw them, and he was a tycoon of a business mind.”

Fanatics Chief People Officer Toretha McGuire said the program is focused on helping athletes use their playing days, what they describe as their “1.0 career” to fuel their “2.0 career.”

It’s an experience similar to a business school with lectures, case studies and projects, in which each athlete creates their own limited-edition clothing line with vintage sports apparel company Mitchell & Ness, a subsidiary of Fanatics.

“They go through a base business case, we teach them business fundamentals, we take them through the Fanatics business case where we bring them to 2021 where Michael [Rubin] did a final capital raise and we basically say, ‘What would you have done?’” McGuire said.

Most professional athletes retire from playing when they’re still young, she added.

“The opportunities they have in their 1.0 careers in terms of access and expanding their networks are going to be very critical,” she said.

Graves, who founded the popular fried chicken chain Raising Cane’s, spoke on a panel about the realities and challenges of entrepreneurship

“If you absolutely want to start a business, imagine how hard it is, multiply that by infinity to be able to make it work,” he said. “You have to be passionate, you have to be in the details 100%. And you have to know what you don’t know, right? So that is bringing in great people to try and grow it.”

The Athlete Immersion Program is meant to be a continuous learning opportunity through which players receive support, education and networking opportunities from Fanatics and Boardroom before and after they begin their business journey.

The next session will be held in December for WNBA, NWSL and MLB athletes in the offseason.

For Anthony, who was recently traded to the Grizzlies from the Orlando Magic, it’s also shown him the real parallels between competing in sports and competing in business.

“The common thing with everyone who has spoken to us and I’ve been able to talk to one-on-one is that every person I met here has been a grinder,” he said. “They make whatever it is they are passionate about, or what they are working on their priority. I think that’s just dope to hear from other people I can relate to in that sense.”

A decade ago, reports suggested 16% of NFL players ultimately filed for bankruptcy — a sign of the type of financial strain many professional athletes face and a cautionary tale of life after the game.

But today, many of the people participating in the Fanatics curriculum believe opportunities like the Athlete Immersion Program can change the narrative — and their financial future.

For Donald, who will be remembered as one of the greatest defenders in NFL history, the focus now is finding the greatest opportunities for the next chapter of his life.

“It would be silly for me to stop the hard work, discipline, the structure that got me to a certain point,” he said. “I’m trying to build generational wealth for my kids.”

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Timeline: Trump’s Israel-Iran ceasefire nearly collapses hours after announcement

Hours after President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the fragile agreement nearly collapsed as hostilities flared before the truce took effect.

Despite the president’s announcement, Israel continued its military campaign — launching attacks before the ceasefire’s scheduled start 12 hours later. Iran retaliated with a deadly rocket barrage on a hospital in Be’er Sheva, killing at least four people. 

Israel began preparing a full-scale response before the president stepped in.

Trump, visibly frustrated as he departed for the NATO Summit in the Netherlands, blamed both sides — but especially Israel. ‘Israel. Do not drop those bombs. If you do it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!’ Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Speaking to reporters while boarding Marine One, the president added, ‘[Iran] violated it, but Israel violated it too. Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out, and they dropped a load of bombs, the likes of which I’ve never seen before. The biggest load that we’ve seen. I’m not happy with Israel.’

He continued, ‘When I say, okay, now you have 12 hours — you don’t go out in the first hour and just drop everything you have on them.’

Timeline: A Ceasefire in Crisis

6 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. Tel Aviv: Trump Announces Ceasefire Agreement

Trump posted the ceasefire terms on Truth Social.

‘It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a complete and total ceasefire (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in-progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered ended… During each ceasefire, the other side will remain peaceful and respectful.’

According to Trump, Iran would begin the ceasefire at hour 12. Israel would follow at hour 24. A global salute to the ’12 Day War’ ending would follow. 

3 a.m. Tel Aviv: Israel Strikes Targets in Iran

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Israel launched a major assault hours ahead of the ceasefire starting, hitting central Tehran. ‘We attacked forcefully in the heart of Tehran, hitting regime targets and killing hundreds of Basij and Iranian security forces,’ the statement read.

Iranian media confirmed nine casualties in the northern Gilan province. Fars News Agency said, ‘Four residential buildings were completely destroyed and several neighboring houses were damaged in the blasts.’

Just Before 7 a.m.: Iran Retaliates with Missiles

In response, Iran launched missiles at Be’er Sheva just minutes before the ceasefire took effect. Four people were killed, and several others were injured in the strike on a hospital.

7 a.m.: Ceasefire Begins Amid Tensions

Trump once again took to Truth Social.

 ‘The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!’

7:06 a.m. and 10:25 a.m.: More Missiles Fired

Despite the ceasefire, Iran fired three additional missiles in the hours following. The projectiles were either intercepted or landed in open areas without causing casualties.

Israel Launches Counter-Response

Israel destroyed a radar installation near Tehran and was preparing a broader offensive before Trump publicly expressed his anger.

‘I’m really unhappy about Israel going out this morning… because of the one rocket that didn’t land — perhaps by mistake. You know what we have? We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f— they’re doing. Do you understand that?’ the president told reporters.

Trump Intervenes — Israel Pulls Back

After a direct call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump persuaded the Israeli leadership to halt further military actions. The Israeli Defense Forces ordered fighter jets to stand down and return to base.

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‘Not our role’: Lawmakers cautious over Middle East peace, not ready for regime change

Lawmakers are anxious that the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran may not hold, but many are not ready to call for regime change in the Islamic Republic.

President Donald Trump on Monday announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a truce, but as the evening carried into the wee hours of Tuesday morning, whether that peace would last came into question.

Israel had reportedly geared up for a retaliatory bombing run against Iran, and Trump accused both of breaking the newborn truce. On Tuesday morning, the president put out a sharp reprimand against both countries.

‘We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f— they’re doing,’ he told reporters.

On Capitol Hill, in the immediate wake of the ceasefire announcement, lawmakers were already looking at the deal skeptically but had confidence that the president’s negotiating power would ensure the fragile truce was not shattered.

‘I remain hopeful,’ Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., told Fox News Digital. ‘I trust the president. He’s been right on everything, and he’s the only president that’s been able to bring Iran and Israel to the table in this manner. So I’m going to hope and pray that this works, and if it doesn’t, then we know Trump will act decisively.’

Trump’s announcement came on the heels of a weekend strikes with bunker-busting bombs that the White House says obliterated Iran’s nuclear program. Many lawmakers stood firm last week that the entire point of supporting Israel in their bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic was to ensure that Iran could not make or obtain an atomic weapon.

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., told Fox News Digital that it was the groundwork Trump laid in his first term with the Abraham Accords and his recent visit to Saudi Arabia that could help solidify a lasting ceasefire between the two sides.

‘All you can do is just trust that because of the events that have happened, I mean, Iran … their conventional weapons have been decimated, their platforms have been decimated,’ he said. ‘Their nuclear program has been obliterated. So they’re at the table because of that.’

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., told Fox News Digital that Iran has ‘typically never done what they said they would do.’

However, he believed that with the pressure from both the U.S. and Israel, and because Trump was willing to use force — which he described as the president showing he ‘means business’ — things could be different.

‘I think they’re going to come to the table now, and they’re in a very weak position, so it’s different, but their track record is very bad,’ he said. ‘You can’t count on what they say. So this goes back to the Reagan ‘trust but verify.’ Anything we negotiate with them has to be verifiable, and certainly that’s how the administration is going to approach it.’

However, even with a ceasefire, the Iranian regime remains unchanged. A shared sentiment among many lawmakers, however, was that if regime change were to take place in Tehran, it would have to be up to the Iranian people, not the U.S. government.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, who is pushing for his war powers resolution to get a vote in the upper chamber, warned, ‘Do we really want to get in another regime-change war?

‘We changed Iran’s regime in 1953 by leading a coup against their prime minister,’ Kaine said. ‘And that’s one of the reasons why the U.S.-Iran relationship is so bad 70 years later. Do we really want to do that again?’

Indeed, the U.S.-backed toppling of then-Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh opened the door for Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to take control of Iran. However, by 1979, the Islamic Revolution took place and removed Pahlavi from power and saw the birth of the current regime.

Rep. Jack Bergman, a retired Marine general, laid out his position against regime change in more succinct terms. ‘It’s not our role.’

Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., lauded the president’s action over the weekend and said he believed the strikes had put negotiations on a path that could lead to a ‘generational shift’ regarding the future peace and stability of the Middle East and Western World.

Still, he noted that ‘regime changes can break one or two ways, but it would be hard to do worse than what is there today.’

‘I’m cautiously optimistic, but we’re not there yet,’ he continued.

Not every lawmaker shared the same feelings, however.

Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., told Fox News Digital that he believed the U.S. should take a stronger posture when it comes to regime change in Iran.

‘I’m a Navy SEAL commander who spent time there, and buried a lot of my friends,’ he said. ‘While the attack was brilliant, and it was deceptive, and it made a statement, etcetera, etcetera, I don’t think Iran will bend. I think it’s going to take regime change.’

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Trump dares AOC to try to impeach him: ‘Make my day’

President Donald Trump dared progressive ‘Squad’ member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., to try and impeach him over the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, after she had suggested such a measure.

‘Stupid AOC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the ‘dumbest’ people in Congress, is now calling for my Impeachment, despite the fact that the Crooked and Corrupt Democrats have already done that twice before,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

Trump said the ‘reason for her ‘rantings’ is all of the Victories that the U.S.A. has had under the Trump Administration.’ 

‘The Democrats aren’t used to WINNING, and she can’t stand the concept of our Country being successful again,’ he wrote. 

Trump said Ocasio-Cortez’s ‘test scores’ will show that ‘she is NOT qualified for office but, nevertheless, far more qualified than Crockett, who is a seriously Low IQ individual, or Ilhan Omar, who does nothing but complain about our Country, yet the Failed Country that she comes from doesn’t have a Government, is drenched in Crime and Poverty, and is rated one of the WORST in the World, if it’s even rated at all. ‘

The president was referring to Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the Texas Democrat who called Trump ‘the mo-fo’ who is ‘occupying the White House’ during a 21-minute social media video rant about the U.S. strikes in Iran. He was also referring to another progressive, Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., who recently claimed Trump is turning the United States into one of the ‘worst countries’ in the world. The congresswoman originally came to the U.S. as a refugee from Somalia.  

‘How dare ‘The Mouse’ tell us how to run the United States of America!’ Trump wrote. ‘We’re just now coming back from that Radical Left experiment with Sleepy Joe, Kamala, and ‘THE AUTOPEN,’ in charge. What a disaster it was!’ 

Trump said Ocasio-Cortez should be forced to take the same cognitive test that he completed at Walter Reed Medical Center as part of his annual physical. 

‘As the Doctor in charge said, ‘President Trump ACED it,’ meaning, I got every answer right,’ Trump wrote. ‘Instead of her constant complaining, Alexandria should go back home to Queens, where I was also brought up, and straighten out her filthy, disgusting, crime ridden streets, in the District she ‘represents,’ and which she never goes to anymore.’ 

Trump addressed how Ocasio-Cortez is reportedly weighing a primary run against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., in 2028. Ocasio-Cortez won re-election in November and next defends her House seat in the 2026 midterms. The congresswoman has come under fire for perceived inaction against a notorious ‘Red Light’ prostitution strip and illegal street vendors plaguing her migrant-heavy district in New York City.

‘She better start worrying about her own Primary, before she thinks about beating our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, whose career is definitely on very thin ice!’ Trump wrote. ‘She and her Democrat friends have just hit the Lowest Poll Numbers in Congressional History, so go ahead and try Impeaching me, again, MAKE MY DAY!’ 

Ocasio-Cortez on Saturday condemned what she called Trump’s ‘disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.’

‘He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations,’ the democratic socialist wrote on X. ‘It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.’ 

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