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Apollo Silver Expands Calico Project Land Package by over 285%

Apollo Silver Corp. (‘Apollo’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX.V: APGO, OTCQB: APGOF, Frankfurt: 6ZF0) is pleased to announce it has acquired 2,215 hectares (‘ha’) of highly prospective claims contiguous to its Waterloo property at its Calico Silver Project (‘Calico’ or ‘Calico Project’). The newly acquired claims herein referred to as the Mule claims comprise 415 lode mining claims, and have been acquired from LAC Exploration LLC (‘LAC’), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC; NYSE: LAC), who were the previous operators of the property. Preliminary mapping and sampling conducted by the prior operator of the Mule claims identified several high-grade silver targets, which will be evaluated as part of Apollo’s future exploration planning.

In addition, a mapping and sampling program was recently completed at the Burcham gold prospect area in the southwest region of the Waterloo property (see news release dated February 12, 2025). This program confirmed the importance of the Calico fault system with respect to controls on the silver (‘Ag)’ and gold (‘Au’) mineralization in the area and has identified the potential for copper (‘Cu’), zinc (‘Zn’) and lead (‘Pb’) mineralization associated with stratabound and mantos lenses.

Highlights:

  • Mule claims expand the Calico Project land package by over 285%, from 1,194 ha to 3,409 ha of contiguous claims.
    • Mule claims trend along the mineralized Calico Fault System responsible for mineralization seen at Calico.
    • Reports from the prior operator indicate that there are several strongly anomalous silver values on the property, which Apollo will attempt to ground-truth in the coming exploration programs.
    • Sampling done across the Mule claims by previous operator has   identified a large Ag anomaly associated with the same suite of host rocks at the Waterloo property.
  • Exploration at the Burcham prospect at Waterloo included assays from 27 surface samples:
    • Assay peaks up to 14.10 g/t Au, 20.70 g/t Ag, 0.17% Cu, 22.80% Zn and 5.74 % Pb from various samples (see Table 1).
    • Identification of strata-bound lenses and mantos that show strong potential for Cu, Zn and Pb mineralization.

Ross McElroy, President and CEO of Apollo, commented , ‘The addition of the Mule claims substantially enhances the Calico Project. Calico already hosts 3 discrete drill delineated zones with resource estimates along a 4km long trend, along the Calico fault zone. The Mule claims increase the overall land area of the Calico project by more than 2.5x. The new claims are strategically located to the east along the very prolific Calico mineralized corridor and represent a great opportunity for further discoveries. Apollo is committed to continuing to unlock value in California for our shareholders.’

Mule Claims Acquisition

The Mule claims are composed of 415 lode mining claims administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Mapping and sampling conducted by the previous operators across the Mule claims has identified a continuation of the mineralized Calico Fault System. The sedimentary rocks of the Barstow formation which hosts the Waterloo silver deposit, as well as the volcanic Pickhandle formation are pronounced all over the acquired claims. The contact between the Barstow and Pickhandle formation has demonstrated potential for gold mineralization as is seen at Waterloo. Sampling across the Mule claims has identified several strong Ag and Au anomalies. Apollo plans to conduct its own follow up exploration program on the Mule claims to better develop its own exploration targets and delineate where this highly prospective contact is exposed.

Details of the Transaction

The Mule claims were acquired by Apollo’s wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Stronghold Silver USA Corp. (‘Stronghold’), from LAC. As consideration for the acquisition, Apollo paid US$250,000 in cash, and LAC retains a 2.0% net smelter return royalty (the ‘Royalty’) on the Mule claims.

Apollo, through Stronghold, retains the right to buy back 1.0% of the Royalty at any time on or before the date that is thirty (30) days from the date of commencement of commercial production, for a payment of US$1,000,000.

Figure 1: Map of Calico Project in San Bernardino, California

2025 Burcham Exploration Program

The Company has completed its previously announced surface exploration work at its Burcham prospect (see news release dated February 12, 2025). The work completed consisted of detailed mapping, sample collection and target generation, with the aim to follow up with future drilling.

The exploration team has completed some of the most detailed mapping to date at the Calico Project, including previous programs at Langtry and Waterloo. Structures dominating at Burcham are similar to those at Waterloo with the system being dominated by the Calico Fault, a sinuous moderately plunging reverse fault that dips steeply to the north. Potential for Au mineralization is strong along the contact of the Burcham and Pickhandle formations. Previously unrecognised, stratiform mantos and lenses occupying fold flexures show strong potential for Cu mineralization. This type of mantos have been historically mined on the north side of the Waterloo deposit, and occur near the contact between the Pickhandle Formation and the overlying Barstow Formation. Historic mining on the North side of Waterloo Deposit targeted a manto about 1.5 m thick. Copper mineralization is associated with strong hydrothermal alteration which is seen to diminish as you move eastward along the property. Assays of the sample results are presented in Table 1.

Figure 2: Summary Map of Burcham Exploration Program

Table 1: Location and Assay Results of Samples Collected

Site ID Sample ID Easting Northing Elevation
(m) 		Au
(g/t) 		Ag
(g/t) 		Cu
(%) 		Zn
(%) 		Pb
(%)
A F278051 511181 3867493 707 0.13 2.73 0.01 0.55 0.12
B F278052 511185 3867503 712 0.53 9.17 0.04 0.25 0.61
C F278053 511181 3867516 714 0.01 3.56 0.00 0.30 0.09
D F278054 511182 3867536 719 0.05 2.95 0.00 0.40 0.06
E F278055 511209 3867614 736 0.08 3.18 0.00 0.18 0.02
F F278056 511229 3867640 743 0.12 2.79 0.00 0.27 0.03
G F278057 511270 3867668 775 14.10 9.08 0.06 0.40 0.51
H F278058 511238 3867486 728 0.32 3.87 0.03 0.07 0.21
I F278059 511591 3867483 738 0.05 0.36 0.17 0.89 0.01
J F278060 511452 3867566 787 0.42 20.70 0.06 0.05 0.49
K F278061 511378 3867622 792 0.25 7.83 0.02 0.06 0.17
L F278062 511343 3867613 789 0.25 4.64 0.01 0.01 0.21
M F278063 511595 3867636 812 0.15 2.50 0.02 0.16 0.25
N F278064 511617 3867601 796 0.01 0.58 0.01 0.08 0.09
O F278065 511125 3867728 796 0.03 6.90 0.00 0.09 0.17
P F278066 511159 3867925 865 0.04 2.96 0.14 0.14 0.24
Q F278067 511179 3867932 864 0.03 0.61 0.02 0.19 0.03
R F278068 511016 3867837 857 0.00 17.30 0.00 0.07 0.01
S F278069 511283 3867661 777 12.45 15.95 0.08 0.29 0.74
T F278070 511302 3867680 794 4.58 9.02 0.15 0.37 5.74
U F278071 511363 3867570 781 1.13 12.65 0.02 0.06 0.32
V F278072 511478 3867509 772 0.72 10.25 0.03 0.04 0.59
W F278073 511519 3867501 764 0.16 2.73 0.04 0.08 0.17
X F278074 511485 3867458 753 0.05 2.56 0.01 14.75 0.10
Y F278075 511440 3867459 751 0.18 1.58 0.00 22.80 0.07
Z F278076 511377 3867520 748 1.52 5.90 0.02 0.09 0.21
AA F278077 511314 3867501 734 1.71 3.28 0.01 0.05 0.19


Sampling and Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Grab samples were collected in the field and a 2 kg representative sample was sent for analysis. Rock samples are catalogued and securely stored in a warehouse facility in Barstow, California until they are ready for secure shipment to ALS Global Geochemistry in Reno, Nevada (‘ALS Reno’) for sample preparation and gold analysis. After preparation, splits of prepared pulps are securely shipped to ALS Vancouver, British Columbia for analysis.

Samples were prepared at ALS Reno (Prep-31 package) with each sample crushed to better than 70% passing a 2 mm (Tyler 9 mesh, U.S. Std. No. 10) screen. A split of 250 g is taken and pulverized to better than 85% passing a 75-micron (Tyler 200 mesh, U.S Std. No 200) screen. Surface samples were analyzed using complete characterization via the CCP-PK05 methods, which include whole rock analysis (ME-ICP06), ME-MS61, single element trace method using aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS (ME-MS42) and rare earth elements using the method ME-ME81, which consists of lithium borate fusion followed by ICP-MS. All surface samples were submitted for gold analysis by fire assay (Au-AA23). Over-range samples analyzed for copper, lead and zinc were re-submitted for analysis using a four-acid digestion and ICP-AES finish (method OG62) with a range of 0.001-50% for copper, 0.001-20% for lead, and 0.001-30% for zinc. Gold was analyzed by fire assay with atomic absorption finish (method Au-AA25) with a reportable range of 0.01-100 ppm Au. All analyses were completed at ALS Vancouver except for gold by fire assay, which was completed at ALS Reno.

Apollo’s QA/QC program includes ongoing auditing of all results from the laboratories. The Company’s Qualified Person is of the opinion that the sample preparation, analytical, and security procedures followed are sufficient and reliable. The Company is not aware of any sampling issues or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data reported herein.

2025 Marketing Initiatives

The Company also announces that it has engaged Creative Direct Marketing Group, Inc. (‘CDMG’), an arm’s-length service provider, to provide creative services in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (‘TSXV’) and applicable securities laws. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, CDMG specializes in marketing, advertising, and public awareness across various sectors, including mining and metals.

Pursuant to a work order dated May 16, 2025 (the ‘Agreement’), the Company has retained CDMG’s for a one-time fee of approximately US$129,800. The Agreement represents a creative budget for marketing and advertising services (the ‘Services’), enabling CDMG to begin preparing content that may be used in future campaigns. No specific marketing campaign has been prepared, approved, or scheduled at this time. The engagement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Isabelle Lépine, M.Sc., P.Geo., Apollo’s Director, Mineral Resources. Ms. Lépine is a registered professional geologist in British Columbia and a QP as defined by NI 43-101 and is not an independent of the Company.

About Apollo Silver

Apollo Silver has assembled an experienced and technically strong leadership team who have joined to advance quality precious metals projects in sought after jurisdictions. The Company is focused on advancing its portfolio of two prospective silver exploration and resource development projects, the Calico Project, in San Bernardino County, California and the Cinco de Mayo Project, in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ross McElroy, President and CEO

For further information, please contact:

Amandip Singh, VP Corporate Development
Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128
Email: info@apollosilver.com

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding ‘Forward-Looking’ Information

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 the expected benefits and strategic rationale of the Mule claims acquisition; the timing, scope, and success of planned exploration activities, including mapping, sampling, and drilling at the Burcham prospect; the potential for silver, gold, and copper mineralization; and the Company’s ability to advance, develop, and permit the Calico Project. 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   the reasonable assumptions,   estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made.   Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including   but   not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Company’s projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters   as   plans   continue   to   be   refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including   but   not   limited   to   the   price   of   silver,   gold   and   Ba;   the   demand   for   silver,   gold   and   Ba;   the   ability to   carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in 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   forward-looking   statements   will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information contained herein, except   in   accordance   with   applicable   securities   laws.   The   forward-looking   information   contained   herein   is   presented   for the   purpose   of   assisting   investors   in   understanding   the   Company’s   expected   financial   and   operational   performance   and the   Company’s   plans   and   objectives   and   may   not   be   appropriate   for   other   purposes.   The   Company   does   not   undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws .

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4129e12b-ae12-4e4b-9d5c-b3e1b63176a7

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1f36b2e0-2e96-449e-aa5a-8b140dcd71dc

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This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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FPX Nickel Provides Update on Affiliate Company CO2 Lock Corp.

 FPX Nickel Corp. (TSX-V: FPX) (OTCQB: FPOCF) (‘ FPX ‘ or the ‘ Company ‘) is pleased to provide an update on the activities of its affiliate company, CO2 Lock Corp. (‘ CO2 Lock ‘).

Background

In 2022, FPX announced the formation of CO2 Lock as a self-funding subsidiary to pursue geoscience-related carbon capture and storage (‘ CCS ‘) opportunities via permanent mineralization of carbon dioxide. FPX retains 100% of the carbon credits associated with CCS on FPX’s own properties, and can use any intellectual property developed by CO2 Lock for the benefit of FPX’s own properties.

Since its inception, CO2 Lock has completed multiple field programs at its flagship SAM site in central British Columbia , including a successful CCS field program in 2023, which included drilling an exploration well. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the development of CO2 Lock’s innovative in-situ CO 2 mineralization technology.

Commercial Updates

In recent months, CO2 Lock has achieved several commercial milestones, including the signing of preliminary agreements with key counterparties in the CCS value chain as follows:

  • Letter of Intent with Cielo Carbon Solutions (‘ Cielo ‘) and Carbon Quest outlining the framework for capturing and sequestering 100,000 tonnes of CO 2 per year, scaling up to a target of 1 million tonnes per year. This strategic relationship combines Cielo and Carbon Quest’s point-source carbon capture solution with CO2 Lock’s storage solution to create an end-to-end value chain from industrial emitters to the permanent storage of carbon dioxide.
  • Memorandum of Understanding with Ionada Carbon Solutions LLC (‘ Ionada ‘) to pursue a variety of commercial arrangements relating to the capture and storage of carbon dioxide and the related sale of carbon credits into the commercial market. The collaboration will integrate Ionada’s proprietary carbon capture technology with CO2 Lock’s permanent mineralization storage solutions, creating end-to-end carbon capture storage systems that are cost-effective and scalable.
  • Letter of Intent with a leading carbon marketplace platform (the ‘ Platform ‘), under which the Platform will purchase up to 33% of the carbon credits generated annually from CO2 Lock’s flagship SAM carbon sequestration site, representing the potential for over 300,000 verified carbon credits (tonnes) per year.

Following the successful field program in 2023, CO2 Lock has submitted an application for a carbon capture and storage exploratory reservoir license with British Columbia’s Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions. Receipt of this license would provide CO2 Lock with the regulatory approval to advance the project towards commercial operations at the SAM project.

CO2 Lock Financing and Restructuring

CO2 Lock recently completed the final $600,000 tranche of its latest funding round, which raised a cumulative total of $1.7 million through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (‘ SAFE ‘) from third-party investors. Since its inception, CO2 Lock has raised a total of approximately $3.4 million from third-party investors.

In connection with the closing of the SAFE round, FPX and CO2 Lock have agreed to a restructuring of CO2 Lock’s capital structure such that FPX’s undiluted ownership interest in CO2 Lock has been reduced from approximately 88% (prior to the SAFE round) to 30% (on conclusion of the SAFE round). This restructuring better positions CO2 Lock to seek additional funding from third party investors going forward, while ensuring that FPX retains a meaningful ownership interest in CO2 Lock and enduring rights to utilize CO2 Lock’s intellectual property for the benefit of FPX’s own properties.

About FPX Nickel Corp.

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

On behalf of FPX Nickel Corp.

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

SOURCE FPX Nickel Corp.

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2025/20/c0028.html

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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Tariffs or not, a Chinese baby products company is ramping up its U.S. expansion

BEIJING — One Chinese baby products company announced Tuesday it is officially entering the United States, the world’s largest consumer market — regardless of the trade war.

Shanghai-based Bc Babycare expects its supply chain diversification and the U.S. market potential to more than offset the impact of ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, according to Chi Yang, the company’s vice president of Europe and the Americas.

“Even [if] the political things are not steady … I’m very confident about our product for the moment,” he told CNBC, adding he anticipates “very fast” growth in the U.S. in coming years. That includes his bold predictions that Bc Babycare’s flagship baby carrier can become the best-seller on Amazon.com in half a year, and that U.S. sales can grow by 10-fold in a year.

The $159.99 carrier, eligible for a $40 discount, already has 4.7 stars on Amazon.com across more than 30 reviews. The device claims to reduce pressure on the parent’s body by up to 33%. A far cheaper version of the baby carrier is a top seller among travel products for pregnancy and childbirth on JD.com in China.

Bc Babycare already has the carrier stocked in its U.S. warehouses, and has a network of factories and raw materials suppliers in the Americas, Europe and Asia, Yang said. “The global supply chain is one of the things we keep on building in the past couple years.”

The Trump administration has sought to reduce U.S. reliance on China-made goods and to encourage the return of manufacturing jobs to the U.S. In a rapid escalation of tensions last month, the U.S. and China had added tariffs of more than 100% on each other’s goods. Last week, the two sides agreed to a 90-day pause for most of the new duties in order to discuss a trade deal.

Baby gear is particularly sensitive to tariffs since the majority of those sold in the U.S. are made in China, said U.S.-based Newell Brands, which owns stroller company Graco, on an April 30 earnings call. That’s according to a FactSet transcript.

The company said it raised baby gear prices by about 20% in the last few weeks, but had not incorporated the additional 125% tariffs announced in mid-April. Newell said on the call it had about three to four months of inventory in the U.S., and had paused additional orders from China.

The company did not respond to a request for comment about whether it had resumed orders from China and whether it planned more price increases.

Bc Babycare declined to share how much it planned to invest in the U.S. But Yang said the company plans to open an office in the country and hire about five to 10 locals.

The company initially plans to sell online, spend on marketing and eventually work with major retailers for offline store sales. Its partners for raw materials and research include three U.S. companies: Lyra, Dow and Eastman.

The Chinese company, which entered the baby products segment in 2014, in 2021 claimed a 700 million yuan ($97.09 million) funding round from investors including Sequoia Capital China.

Yang said the company scrutinizes the comments section on Chinese and U.S. e-commerce websites to improve its products. As a result, the U.S. version of the baby carrier is softer and larger than the Chinese version, he said.

Bc Babycare’s U.S. market ambitions reflect how large U.S. and European multinationals not only face growing competition in China, but also in their home markets.

“After experiencing substantial growth due to the premiumization of consumption in the Chinese market, multinational brands are now entering a challenging second phase where they compete fiercely for market share,” Dave Xie, retail and consumer goods partner in Shanghai at consultancy Oliver Wyman, said in a statement last week.

Oliver Wyman said in a report last month that the Chinese market has become the incubator for premium product innovations that are being exported. The authors noted, for example, that Tineco floor scrubbers have become Amazon best-sellers.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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Iranian president calls for negotiation and dialogue as nuclear talks continue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke over the weekend, reiterating Iran’s commitment to dialogue and desire for a civilian nuclear program.

The Iranian leader addressed navy officials in Bandar Abbas, discussing the ongoing negotiations for a deal with the United States.

‘We are not seeking war, we favor negotiation and dialogue, but we are not afraid of threats either, and we will in no way retreat from our legal rights,’ Pezeshkian said.

Compared to previous Iranian presidents, Pezeshkian has emerged as a more level-headed and reformist leader, aiming to reach new understandings with the West, according to Politico.

The United States and Iran have completed four rounds of indirect negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, though the public has received mixed messages on the path forward. While officials from Washington and Tehran have expressed optimism about the conversations, a number of technical details have yet to be discussed, including the specifics surrounding uranium enrichment and stockpile levels. 

Iran is insisting they will continue to enrich uranium for civilian and research purposes, while the Trump administration is calling for all enrichment to end. Right now, Iran is enriching uranium to up to 60% purity, well beyond the confines of the 2015 nuclear deal that President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018.

Over the weekend, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi commented on the current situation, saying that Iran has received no written proposal from the United States about an agreement.

‘Mark my words: there is no scenario in which Iran abandons its hard-earned right to enrichment for peaceful purposes: a right afforded to all other NPT signatories, too,’ Ataghchi said in a post on X.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump spoke about the ongoing talks with Iran, opening up the possibility of trade with the country, if the talks lead to a deal.

‘Iran wants to trade with us,’ Trump told Bret Baier. ‘And I’m OK with it.’

Trump wrapped up a four-day tour of the Gulf last week, pushing for new normalization deals and an agreement with Iran. Any deal with the United States is expected to lead to much-needed sanctions relief for Iran.

‘I’ve told Iran, we make a deal,’ Trump said, ‘you’re going to be very happy.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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Trump’s tough policies push UK, EU to significantly expand trade and defense

Nearly a decade after the United Kingdom (U.K.) voted to leave the European Union (EU) under Brexit and amid shifting relations with the U.S. under President Donald Trump, Britain and the EU significantly bolstered their trade and defense partnership on Monday. 

In what is the largest deal the bloc and the U.K. have agreed to since the controversial Brexit vote in 2016, the two economic powerhouses agreed to increase defense ties and slash red tape, making it not only easier for U.K. food and visitors to access the continent, but also granting fishing rights to EU vessels off of Britian’s coastline. 

The agreements have been described as a ‘reset’ and championed by U.K. Prime Minister Kier Starmer, who opposed Brexit, and EU leader, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said, ‘At a time of global instability, and when our continent faces the greatest threat it has for generations, we in Europe stick together.’

While the U.K. talked down the Trump administration’s 25% ‘reciprocal’ tariffs earlier this month to limit the fees to 10% on up to 100,000 car exports to the U.S. – the U.K.’s chief export item to the States – the EU has reached no such agreement with Washington and faces 20% tariffs on all U.S. exports come July. 

While EU and U.S. officials are still working to find an agreement, reports on Monday suggested that even the existing 10% tariff slapped on the EU over the last 50 days has left a negative mark and the bloc anticipates a drop in growth for 2025.

However, it is not only Trump’s tariffs that have pushed Western allies to strengthen relations following his re-entry into the White House. 

Trump’s hardline push for increased NATO defense spending, along with his sharp break from the Biden administration on Ukraine aid, left European allies scrambling after his inauguration.

While the Trump administration has seemingly improved ties with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump’s refusal to outright condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin has resulted in stronger ties between top nations like the U.K., France and Germany, as well as within the EU bloc.

At the heart of the new defense agreement is the U.K.’s ability to access an EU defense loan program worth roughly $170 billion, expanding joint defense procurement opportunities. 

‘Britain is back on the world stage,’ Starmer said. ‘This deal is a win-win.’

Far-right conservatives in the UK like Nigel Farage, an ardent proponent of BREXIT, have condemned the recently announced deal. 

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s questions. 

Reuters contributed to this report. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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Swiss-born liberal megadonor slapped with lawsuit for allegedly groping, sexually harassing winery employee

Swiss billionaire and liberal megadonor Hansjörg Wyss is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit from a now-former female employee in California who claims Wyss groped her, shared unwanted information about his sexual past and then ultimately retaliated against her when she denied his advances.

Former Wyss employee Madison Busby, in a suit filed in San Luis Obispo County last month, claims that the 89-year-old Wyss ‘deliberately placed his hand on Ms. Busby’s butt and groped her’ the first time she was introduced to him in 2019 by her future husband, Bryce Mullins.

‘Mr. Wyss proceeded to tell Mr. Mullins in Ms. Busby’s presence about how ‘good’ Ms. Busby’s butt looked in the dress she was wearing,’ the lawsuit states.

Mullins was working for the Wyss-owned Halter Ranch winery in Paso Robles, and Busby ultimately began working there in 2021. The lawsuit states that Busby did not speak up at first due to concerns that Mullins would lose his employment or standing.

Over the next few years, the lawsuit alleges other harassment from Wyss, including ‘making several sexual propositions’ including telling her ‘how much he enjoyed having a threesome’ and suggesting they engage in a ‘foursome.’

‘Throughout 2021 and 2022, Mr. Wyss frequently shared unwelcome stories about his sexual exploits and various affairs with other women,’ the lawsuit states. ‘In 2021, Mr. Wyss told Ms. Busby and Mr. Mullins about his many sexual affairs outside of his marriage and stated there was nothing wrong with affairs. He further said that Americans were ‘too uptight’ around those having affairs.’

Other allegations include Wyss telling Busby about going to a movie theater with a woman named ‘Lori’ and meeting a man he did not know and ‘initiated oral sex with him’ before going back to her apartment and having a threesome. 

Wyss is also alleged to have ‘subjected Ms. Busby to a live video of Lori while Mr. Wyss was having phone sex with her’ and at one point told Busby ‘he often had phone sex with Lori and that she could orgasm multiple times just from ‘dirty talk.’’

‘He went on to tell Ms. Busby that he usually had phone sex at Halter Ranch with Lori because his wife was not around,’ the lawsuit said. ‘Mr. Wyss mentioned to Ms. Busby that he wanted them to ‘Facetime’ Lori with him.’

A spokesperson for Halter Winery dismissed the allegations as ‘not true,’ telling Fox News Digital that they ‘intend to vigorously advance the facts that surround Mr. Mullins’ and Ms. Busby’s time at the winery and their departure.’

‘For almost five years, starting in 2019, Mr. Mullins and his current wife voluntarily made themselves part of the Halter Winery community and took advantage of its owner’s generosity,’ the spokesperson continued. ‘This included deciding to become employees of the winery, choosing to live at the winery rent free for years, frequently traveling with the owner to Europe, the Caribbean and elsewhere at the owner’s expense, asking the owner and his wife to host their wedding party and inviting the owner to serve as Best Man. Through all these years, they never complained about the owner’s conduct, or simply declined to spend so much time with him, until after they voluntarily left their employment at the winery in 2024.’

Wyss, according to the lawsuit, knew his actions could be legally problematic for him, telling Busby at one point in 2022, ‘If you ever went after me for sexual harassment, you would win.’

When Busby and Mullins began pulling away and decided to move to a smaller house on the property in order to ensure that Wyss would not be able to stay with them when he visited, the lawsuit alleges that Wyss retaliated against them by forcing her to take a pay cut and insisting the couple pay rent. 

Busby resigned from her position and sent a letter on the day she left to Wyss outlining her concerns about his ‘ongoing conduct and her own anxiety and distress as the result of that conduct.’

The complaint filed in April accuses Wyss of sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, intentional infliction of emotional distress and sexual battery. 

Wyss is also facing a lawsuit from Mullins, who says the billionaire ‘abruptly terminated’ his employment after Busby’s complaint, despite bringing him out from the East Coast to work at the ranch and once promising Mullins would ‘have full control of the Halter Companies upon Mr. Wyss’s death.’

Fox News Digital reached out to Busby’s legal team for comment. 

‘The Wyss Foundation and Berger Action Fund have no involvement with this matter. The organizations’ charitable activities are totally separate from those of the Halter Ranch,’ a Wyss foundation spokesperson told Fox News Digital. 

Wyss, who is referred to by some as the ‘new George Soros,’ is well-known in American politics as one of the most prominent liberal megadonors and has given hundreds of millions to Democratic causes through a network of left-wing nonprofits.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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World

Walz ripped for ‘sickening’ use of Nazi-era language describing Trump’s immigration policy: ‘Anti-American’

Former Democratic nominee for vice president, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, sparked a social media uproar over the weekend after he invoked Nazi-era language to criticize President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.

‘Some would say, ‘Boy, this is getting way too political for a commencement address,” Walz told students at the University of Minnesota law school during a commencement address on Saturday. ‘But I would argue, I wouldn’t be honoring my oath if I didn’t address this head on.’

‘I’m gonna start with the flashing red light—Donald Trump’s modern-day Gestapo is scooping folks up off the streets. They’re in unmarked vans, wearing masks, being shipped off to foreign torture dungeons. No chance to mount a defense. Not even a chance to kiss a loved one goodbye. Just grabbed up by masked agents, shoved into those vans and disappeared.’

Walz also described Trump as a ‘tyrant’ and told students they ‘are graduating into a genuine emergency.’

Walz’s comments drew strong pushback from conservatives online, including directly from the Trump administration, taking issue with comparing deportations of criminal illegal immigrants with the Nazi secret police force of the 1930s and 1940s. 

‘This vile anti-American language can only be construed as inciting insurrection and violence,’ White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller posted on X. 

‘It is absolutely sickening to compare ICE law enforcement agents to the Gestapo,’ the official account for the Department of Homeland Security posted on X. ‘Attacks and demonization of ICE and our partners is wrong. ICE officers are now facing a 413% increase in assaults. Our message is clear: DO NOT come to this country illegally. If you do, we will arrest you, deport you and you will never return.’

‘Disgraced loser @GovTimWalz thinks ICE agents are the ‘modern day Gestapo,’’ the White House rapid response account posted on X, before listing examples of violent criminals apprehended by ICE in Minnesota in recent weeks. 

‘The Department of Homeland Security has reported a more than 500% increase in attacks and assaults on ICE agents,’ Republican communicator Matt Whitlock posted on X. ‘Tim Walz knows exactly what he’s doing here.’

‘Dude can never resist an opportunity to show off his TDS,’ Townhall columnist Dustin Grage posted on X. 

Some, including a Republican running for governor against Walz, took the opportunity to highlight Walz’s own record.

‘Don’t forget that it was Tim Walz who locked down our state for 15 months, established a tip line for people to report on their neighbors, closed our schools and sent small business owners to jail,’ gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls posted on X.

‘Tim Walz is the real tyrant and modern-day Gestapo.’

Last year, the Biden White House expressed outrage over a report claiming that Trump used the term ‘gestapo’ in a closed-door meeting, FOX 59 reported, explaining that it was ‘despicable’ and ‘insulting.’

Fox News Digital reached out to Walz’s office for comment. 

Walz, who recently explained that he was chosen to run with Harris because of his ability to ‘code talk to White guys watching football,’ drew similar criticism last month, when he likened Trump’s immigration agenda to communist Russian ‘gulags.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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World

Trump-pardoned real estate mogul Charles Kushner up for key diplomatic post

New Jersey real estate developer Charles Kushner will be considered by the U.S. Senate on Monday for the ambassadorship to France and Monaco.

Kushner, the father-in-law of Ivanka Trump, was previously pardoned by President Donald Trump for federal tax evasion and Federal Election Commission violations from 2005, during the mogul’s first term.

In 1985, he founded the Kushner Companies and has long been a philanthropist, particularly to Jewish causes and institutions like Yeshiva University in Washington Heights, Manhattan.

He has also donated to St. Barnabas Hospital in Essex County, New Jersey, which has a wing bearing his family name.

During his May 1 confirmation hearing, Kushner acknowledged his past legal missteps, claiming they sharpened his judgment and better prepared him for both the ambassadorship and life.

‘I think that my past mistakes actually make me… better in my values to really make me more qualified to do this job,’ he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Kushner, who just celebrated his 71st birthday, was nominated in November after Trump called him a ‘tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our country & its interests.’

‘He was recognized as New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, & served as a commissioner, & chairman, of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, as well as on the boards of our top institutions, including NYU,’ Trump said.

‘Congratulations to Charlie, his wonderful wife Seryl, their 4 children, & 14 grandchildren. His son, Jared, worked closely with me in the White House, in particular on Operation Warp Speed, Criminal Justice Reform, & the Abraham Accords.’

Trump added that Kushner will help strengthen America’s partnership with ‘our oldest ally and one of our greatest.’ 

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Investing

Uvre to Acquire Highly Prospective Gold Exploration Projects in New Zealand

Uvre Limited (ASX: UVA) (the Company or Uvre) is pleased to announce that highly regarded mining entrepreneurs Norman Seckold and Peter Nightingale will be appointed non-executive directors of Uvre with effect from settlement of the acquisition by the Company of 100% of the issued share capital of MEL (Acquisition). Norman Seckold and Peter Nightingale will emerge with 16.5% and 1.3% respective stakes in the Company upon settlement of the Acquisition and Equity Raise.

Highlights

  • Uvre has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of the fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of Minerals Exploration Limited (MEL) from the shareholders of MEL (Vendors). MEL’s wholly owned subsidiary is New Zealand gold explorer Otagold Limited (Otagold).
  • Highly regarded mining executives Norman Seckold and Peter Nightingale, who are major shareholders of MEL, will join Uvre as Non-executive Directors.
  • Norman Seckold was previously Chairman of the New Zealand gold developer Santana Minerals (ASX:SMI) and is currently Chairman of Alpha HPA (ASX:A4N), Nickel Industries (ASX:NIC), Fulcrum Lithium (ASX:FUL) and Sky Metals (ASX:SKY).
  • Subject to receipt of Shareholder approval, Uvre will issue 75 million fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of Uvre (Shares) at a deemed issue price of 8c per Share for a total of $6.0 million as the full consideration to the Vendors, including Mr Seckold who is the largest shareholder of MEL.
  • The acquisition of MEL is subject to completion of several conditions precedent, including due diligence on MEL, Otagold and the permits held by Otagold. The acquisition is also contingent on Uvre raising at least $4.0 million in a single tranche share placement at 8c per Share, to be lead managed by Bell Potter Securities Ltd (Equity Raise). The Equity Raise will be subject to shareholder approval.
  • Firm commitments have been secured for the $4.0m Equity Raise following a well-supported bookbuild, including incoming directors Norman Seckold ($500,000) and Peter Nightingale ($100,000) subject to shareholder approval.
  • Otagold holds a 100% interest in three exploration permits, one prospecting permit and one prospecting permit application in New Zealand covering 332sqkm of highly prospective ground (the Permits).
  • Otagold’s flagship asset is the Waitekauri Gold Project located 8km west of OceanaGold Corporation’s Waihi gold mine (10Moz) on New Zealand’s North Island; Waitekauri also sits adjacent to three other +1Moz Au deposits.
  • Extensive gold mineralisation and numerous drilling targets already identified at Waitekauri, which had historical production grade of 48g/t Au+Ag.
  • Uvre has executed a binding Share Sale Agreement (SSA) with the Vendors, MEL and Otagold with due diligence well advanced; Uvre will shortly call a shareholder meeting to approve the transaction, expected to be around the end of June 2025.

Uvre Executive Chairman Brett Mitchell said:

“This transaction is an exceptional opportunity for Uvre on several levels.

“Norm and Peter will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the resources business, along with a track record of creating substantial shareholder value through resource asset exploration and proįect development.

“The Otagold proįects led by Waitekauri have compelling gold exploration upside in a tier-one įurisdiction, as shown by the extensive mineralisation and drilling targets already identified.

“The combination of Norman’s well-known record in building successful mining proįects combined with the talented Uvre team, the immense exploration upside at these proįects and the strong financial position which will follow the placement will leave Uvre very well-placed to create significant value”.

Norman Seckold said:

“This transaction will enable Uvre to unlock what we believe is the substantial value of these proįects.

“We will have the assets, the team, the experience and the financial strength to conduct the immediate exploration programs which will maximise our ability to create value.

“The work we have already done on the proįects shows they are highly prospective and with the support of the Uvre team and access to capital, we can take them to the next level with the aim of building substantial gold inventories in a tier one location”.

Otagold Projects Summary

Otagold holds a 100% interest in three exploration permits, one prospecting permit and one prospecting permit application on New Zealand’s North and South Islands, covering 332km2 of highly prospective ground.

Click here for the full ASX Release

This article includes content from Uvre Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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