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Senate Republicans confirm more than 100 Trump nominees as government shutdown continues

Politics 2 Mins Read

Senate Republicans confirmed a staggering tranche of President Donald Trump’s nominees on Tuesday as the government shutdown continues.

Lawmakers voted along party lines to confirm the batch of 107 of Trump’s nominees, a move that whittled down the remaining pending nominees on the Senate’s calendar to double digits. It also came as the upper chamber was deadlocked in the midst of a government shutdown, during which floor votes have largely been dedicated to trying to reopen the government.

The slate of confirmed nominees included many of Trump’s top allies and former candidates that he hand-picked to run in previous elections.

Some of the most recognizable on the list were former Republican Senate candidate and ex-NFL star Herschel Walker, who was tapped as the U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas, and Sergio Gor, a top advisor to Trump who he picked to be his U.S. Ambassador to India.

Other posts confirmed included a wave of senior administration officials, several prosecutors and the reappointment of Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins to a seat on the commission until 2031.

The vote also marked the second time that Senate Republicans have deployed the new rule change surrounding confirmations since going ‘nuclear’ on Senate rules last month.

Republicans opted to change confirmation rules to allow a simple majority of votes to advance large swathes of nominees in response to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and his caucus’ blockade of Trump’s picks that lasted nearly nine months into his presidency.

Typically, subcabinet-level nominees, particularly those with bipartisan support out of committee, are sped through the Senate either by unanimous consent or through a voice vote, two fast-track procedural moves in the upper chamber. But Senate Democrats refused to relent, and Republicans argued they forced their hand on a rules change that they believed would benefit both parties in the future.

The rule change allows for an unlimited number of nominees to be confirmed in a single batch, but includes several procedural hoops to jump through before a final confirmation vote.

Senate Republicans previously confirmed 48 of Trump’s picks last month. Among that batch were Kimberly Guilfoyle, who Trump tapped to be the U.S. ambassador to Greece, and Callista Gingrich, who was picked to be the U.S. ambassador to Switzerland.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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Politics

Trump meets former Hamas hostage Edan Alexander on Oct. 7 anniversary

Politics 3 Mins Read

President Donald Trump met with Edan Alexander, who was freed in May from captivity with Hamas, on Tuesday — exactly two years after Hamas attacked Israel. 

This marks the second time Alexander, a 21-year-old American–Israeli who spent nearly 600 days as a hostage after Hamas abducted him after its initial attack on Israel, will visit the White House since his release from captivity. Alexander previously visited the White House in July. 

Alexander was raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, and headed to Israel when he was 18-years-old to volunteer for the Israel Defense Forces. He lived with his grandparents in Tel Aviv before he was taken hostage by Hamas. 

Alexander’s appearance at the White House also comes as the Trump administration has put forth a 20-point plan to end the conflict and return the 48 hostages still in captivity. The plan would require all hostages, both dead and alive, to be returned within 72 hours of Hamas signing off on the deal. It also calls for Israeli forces to withdraw its troops and for a complete disarmament of Hamas. 

Trump’s Justice Department has cracked down on Palestinian militant group Hamas, and established a new task force in March aimed at providing justice to the victims of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. 

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the group, known as Joint Task Force October 7, would focus on identifying, charging and prosecuting those who conducted the 2023 attacks, which took the lives of roughly 1,200 people — including 47 U.S. citizens. Hamas also took more than 250 people hostage that day, including eight U.S. citizens.

The IDF is the national military for Israel. Hamas has served as the governing body of Gaza.

Meanwhile, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have warned that antisemitic attacks are becoming more common in the U.S., in the aftermath of the ongoing conflict. Antisemitic violence reached a new high in 2024, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which recorded 9,354 antisemitic instances of harassment, assault and vandalism in the U.S. in 2024. That is a 5% increase from the 8,873 incidents recorded in 2023 and a 344% increase in the past five years.

‘The October 7 Hamas-led terrorist attack was not only a horrific assault on innocent civilians in Israel, including numerous American citizens, but it was also a wake-up call to the threats we face here at home,’ Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, said in a Tuesday statement to Fox News Digital.

‘In the two years following this tragedy, acts of terrorism and targeted antisemitic violence are increasingly common on U.S. soil, as both foreign and domestic terrorists work to inspire lone-wolf actors,’ Garbarino said. ‘Jewish Americans continue to face intimidation and attacks simply because of their faith. This is unacceptable, and anyone who defends these calls for violence is complicit.’ 

Trump also met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Tuesday amid ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.

Fox News’ Caitlin McFall contributed to this report. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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Politics

Government limps deeper into shutdown crisis with no deal in sight

Politics 4 Mins Read

The Senate remains deadlocked on a path to end the shutdown as it nears its second week, and Republicans’ meager support across the aisle to reopen the government may be crumbling.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., needs at least eight Senate Democratic caucus members to join Republicans to reopen the government, given that Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has consistently voted against the GOP’s bill.

So far, a trio of Democratic caucus members, Sens. John Fetterman, D-Pa., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Angus King, I-Maine, have crossed the aisle to reopen the government.

That group has joined Republicans in nearly all five attempts to reopen the government.

But, as time drags on and a deal remains out of reach, at least one is considering changing his vote.

King said ahead of the fifth vote to reopen the government on Monday that he was considering flipping his support of the GOP’s bill, and he argued that he needed ‘more specificity about addressing the problem’ of the expiring Obamacare tax credits.

‘I think this problem is urgent, and just saying, as the leader did on Friday, ‘well, we’ll have conversations about it,’ is not adequate,’ he said.

King’s possible defection comes as Republicans and Democrats engage in low-level conversations on a path out of the shutdown. Those impromptu dialogues have so far not morphed into real negotiations, however.

And the stalemate in the upper chamber has only further solidified both sides’ positions.

Senate Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., want a firm deal in place to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies. Senate Republicans have said that they will negotiate a deal only after the government is reopened and want reforms to the program that they charge has been inflationary and further increased the cost of healthcare for Americans.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has circulated an early plan that includes a discussion of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that could be a way out of the shutdown, but so far, it’s in its preliminary stages.

‘It suggests that there be a conversation on the ACA extension for the premium tax credits after we reopen the government,’ she said. ‘But there will be a commitment to having that discussion.’

President Donald Trump signaled on Monday that he would be open to a deal on the subsidies, and he said that negotiations with Democrats were ongoing.

However, Schumer pushed back and called Trump’s assertion ‘not true.’ The top Senate Democrat has also shifted the onus of the shutdown, and lack of negotiations, directly onto House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

‘Clearly, at this point, he is the main obstacle,’ Schumer said on the Senate floor. ‘So ending this shutdown will require Donald Trump to step in and push Speaker Johnson to negotiate.’

Meanwhile, the White House is exerting more pressure on Senate Democrats to cave and reopen the government. A new memo reported by Axios suggested that furloughed federal employees may not have to receive back pay, running counter to a law that Trump signed in 2019 that guaranteed furloughed workers would receive back pay in future shutdowns.

That comes on the heels of a memo from the Office of Management and Budget last month that signaled mass firings beyond the typical furloughs of nonessential federal workers, and it follows the withholding of nearly $30 billion in federal funds for blue cities and states.

Thune argued that ‘if you’re the executive branch of the government, you’ve got to manage a shutdown.’

‘At some point, you’re going to have to make some decisions about who gets paid, who doesn’t get paid, which agencies and departments get priorities and prioritized and which ones don’t,’ Thune said. ‘I mean, I think that’s a fairly standard practice in the event of a government shutdown. Now, hopefully that doesn’t affect back pay … but again, it’s just that simple: open up the government.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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Investing

Metro Mining

Investing 5 Mins Read

Investor Insight

Metro Mining is one of the few pure-play upstream bauxite companies globally listed on a stock exchange. As a direct exposure to the aluminum sector, Metro offers investors a unique opportunity to benefit from rising global demand driven by industrial applications and growth areas such as electrification, batteries, renewable energy, and lightweight transportation solutions.

Overview

Metro Mining (ASX:MMI) is a low-cost, high-grade Australian bauxite producer with its 100-percent-owned Bauxite Hills mine located 95 km north of Weipa on the Skardon River, Queensland. The mine forms part of a tenement package covering ~1,900 sq km.

Bauxite Hills Mine

As at 31 December 2024, Bauxite Hills contained 114.4 Mt of ore reserves, supporting an ~11-year mine life, with additional mineral resources extending mine life by roughly five years.

Following the infrastructure expansion commissioned in late 2023, the operation is ramping up production during 2025 and remains on track to deliver 6.5 to 7 WMtpa by year end. This positions Metro as one of the lowest-cost global bauxite producers.

The aluminum sector continues to see rising demand growth of around 3 to 4 percent annually, supported by EV manufacturing, renewable energy infrastructure, battery production and lightweight transportation. Market conditions have been strengthened by instability in Guinea, where government actions and weather disruptions have curtailed exports, creating supply uncertainty and reinforcing the importance of reliable Australian producers.

Company Highlights

  • Metro Mining’s flagship asset, the Bauxite Hills mine (BHM) in Skardon River, located 95 km north of Weipa in Cape York Peninsula Queensland, benefits from proximity to Asian markets, short haul distances, and a highly scalable, low-cost marine transportation system, ensuring industry-leading operating margins.
  • Production ramp-up continuing in 2025 following infrastructure expansion in late 2023. August 2025 shipments reached 753,101 WMT, up 6 percent year-on-year, with year-to-date production of 3.4 Mt, keeping the company on track for its 6.5 to 7 million WMT per annum CY2025 target.
  • Targeting a delivered bauxite cost below US$30 per dry ton CIF China, positioning the company firmly within the lowest quartile of global producers.
  • End of Q2 2025: Cash balance of AU$28.7 million, secured debt of US$56.6 million, and full-year hedged position at 0.63 US$:A$.
  • Ore reserves of 77.7 Mt underpinning ~11 years of mine life, with additional mineral resources providing ~five more years
  • Metro Mining maintains robust environmental and social governance, evidenced by receiving the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies’ 2024 Environment Award.

Key Project

Bauxite Hills Mine (Queensland, Australia)

Metro Mining’s flagship asset, the Bauxite Hills mine, is located on the Skardon River, about 95 kilometres north of Weipa in Queensland. The mine is underpinned by 114.4 Mt of ore reserves as at 31 December 2024, providing approximately 11 years of production, with further Mineral Resources extending mine life by around five years.

Bauxite Hills is a straightforward, low-cost DSO operation. The orebody requires no blasting, with only ~0.5 metres of overburden to remove, and short average haul distances of nine kilometres. Ore is screened to below 100 millimetres and hauled to the barge loading facility, where it is transported via tugs and barges to offshore transhippers for loading onto Capesize vessels bound for Asian markets. This efficient marine logistics chain enables Metro to remain in the lowest quartile of global cost producers.

Production continues to build steadily. In Q2 2025, the mine shipped a record 1.9 Mt, generating site EBITDA of AU$54 million and a margin of AU$32 per tonne. In August 2025, shipments reached 753,101 tonnes, a six percent increase from the prior year, with 3.4 Mt shipped year-to-date, putting the mine firmly on track to meet its 2025 target of 6.5 to 7 Mt.

Metro has established offtake agreements with leading global alumina and aluminum producers, including Chalco, Emirates Global Aluminium, Xinfa Aluminium and Shandong Lubei Chemical. To support growth beyond 2025, debottlenecking and optimisation studies are underway to enable potential expansion to 8 Mtpa beyond 2026.

The company is also advancing exploration in surrounding lateritic bauxite terraces. Drilling campaigns are planned across EPM 27611, EPM 16755, EPM 25879 and EPM 26982 during the second half of 2025, with approximately 150 holes scheduled.

In addition, Bauxite Hills hosts a significant kaolin deposit beneath the bauxite ore. Metro is progressing a feasibility study to assess extraction potential, market strategies and product testing, with applications in ceramics, paper, paints and industrial uses.

Management Team

Simon Wensley – CEO and Managing Director

Simon Wensley is a proven industry leader with extensive experience in mining operations and strategic growth. He spent 20 years at Rio Tinto in various operational, project and leadership roles across commodities, including iron ore, industrial minerals, bauxite, alumina, coal and uranium.

Douglas Ritchie – Non-Executive Chair

Douglas Ritchie brings more than 40 years’ experience in resources, previously holding senior leadership roles at Rio Tinto, including CEO of Rio Tinto Coal Australia, chief executive of the Energy Product Group, and group executive of strategy.

Nathan Quinlin – CFO

Nathan Quinlin is experienced in financial strategy and cost optimization, previously serving as finance and commercial manager at Glencore’s CSA mine, managing finance, risk management and life-of-mine planning.

Gary Battensby – General Manager and Site Senior Executive

Gary Battensby has extensive experience in managing large-scale metalliferous mining operations, budget control and regulatory compliance. He previously oversaw teams of up to 350 staff and operations with substantial CAPEX and operational responsibilities.

Vincenzo De Falco – General Manager, Marine Supply & Logistics

With over 15 years of global experience in the shipping and maritime industry, including at IMC and Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, Vincenzo De Falco is leading the Metro Marine Team to manage BHM transhipping logistics, including new Floating Crane Terminal (Ikamba) as well as Tug Mandang.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Business

Paramount acquires Bari Weiss’ The Free Press, naming her the top editor of CBS News

Business 3 Mins Read

The newly formed media corporation Paramount Skydance has acquired The Free Press, an online news and commentary outlet co-founded by Bari Weiss, who will join CBS News as editor-in-chief.

Weiss launched The Free Press in 2021 with her wife, Nellie Bowles, and her sister, Suzy Weiss. They have presented the publication as a heterodox alternative to the legacy news media and a bulwark against “ideological narratives,” particularly on the political left.

Bari Weiss in New York in 2024.Noam Galai / Getty Images for The Free Press file

The acquisition is one of Skydance chief David Ellison’s most significant early moves to reshape the news unit at Paramount, which he acquired in a blockbuster $8 billion deal earlier this year.

In seeking federal approval of the merger, Skydance vowed to embrace “diverse viewpoints” and represent “the varied ideological perspectives of American viewers.” The company also pledged to install an ombudsman at the nearly 100-year-old CBS News operation.

“This partnership allows our ethos of fearless, independent journalism to reach an enormous, diverse, and influential audience,” Weiss said in a news release. “We honor the extraordinary legacy of CBS News by committing ourselves to a singular mission: building the most trusted news organization of the 21st Century.”

The Free Press has roughly 1.5 million subscribers on Substack, with more than 170,000 of them paid, according to Paramount Skydance. The Financial Times estimated that the publication generates more than $15 million in annual subscription revenue. NBC News has not independently verified that figure.

“Bari is a proven champion of independent, principled journalism, and I am confident her entrepreneurial drive and editorial vision will invigorate CBS News,” Ellison said in a statement. “This move is part of Paramount’s bigger vision to modernize content and the way it connects — directly and passionately — to audiences around the world.”

The acquisition talks between Ellison and Weiss were first reported in late June by Status, a media industry newsletter. Ellison is the son of billionaire tech mogul Larry Ellison, the co-founder of the software firm Oracle.

Weiss co-founded The Free Press after quitting the opinion section of The New York Times. In a resignation letter that was published online, Weiss decried what she characterized as the “illiberal environment” at the newspaper.

The Free Press earned wide attention in April 2024 after it published an essay from Uri Berliner, a senior business editor at National Public Radio who accused his employer of organizing around a “progressive worldview.” Berliner then resigned from NPR and joined The Free Press.

The publication’s regular stable of columnists includes Tyler Cowen, an economist and podcaster; Matthew Continetti, the author of a book about the evolution of American conservatism; and Niall Ferguson, a British-American historian.

CBS News has repeatedly found itself in the national spotlight in recent months. President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit last year against Paramount accusing “60 Minutes” of deceptively editing an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.

CBS denied the claim. Paramount settled Trump’s lawsuit for $16 million.

The Federal Communications Commission is still investigating whether CBS engaged in “news distortion.” The commission is chaired by Brendan Carr, who was appointed by Trump at the start of his second term.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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Investing

Gold Price Breaks US$3,900; Silver Above US$48, Platinum Over US$1,600

Investing 2 Mins Read

Gold continued to set new records on Monday (October 6), breaking US$3,900 per ounce.

After spending the summer months consolidating, the yellow metal began pushing higher toward the end of August. It quickly reached US$3,500 and continued on up, rising as high as US$3,972.60 on on Monday.

The yellow metal is up about 9 percent in the last month, and nearly 50 percent year-to-date.

Gold price, December 31, 2024, to October 6, 2025.

Gold’s latest rise began last week, after US Congress failed to reach an agreement on a spending bill ahead of the new fiscal year, triggering a government shutdown. The closure is now on its sixth day, with a key sticking point between Democrats and Republicans being an extension to billions of dollars in subsidies for Obamacare.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that negotiations were taking place with Democrats and ‘could lead to very good things’ in terms of healthcare. However, Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, Congress’ two Democrat leaders, said no talks are happening and that the White House ‘has gone radio silent.’

Beyond current events, gold’s rise is underpinned by factors like strong central bank buying, global geopolitical uncertainty, concerns about the US dollar and other fiat currencies and expectations of lower interest rates.

Those factors have many experts predicting a rise beyond US$4,000 for the precious metal, likely before the end of the year, although a correction is widely expected beforehand.

Against that backdrop, silver and platinum prices were also on the rise on Monday.

Silver, which broke US$48 per ounce last week, continued to trade above that amount, rising as high as US$48.74. The white metal is approaching its highest price ever and was last at the current level in 2011.

Meanwhile, platinum rose as high as US$1,645.90 per ounce after pushing through US$1,600 last week. Before taking off in May of this year, platinum had been rangebound for about a decade and was last above US$1,600 in 2013.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

Syntheia Announces Closing of the Final Tranche of Private Placement

Investing 5 Mins Read

Syntheia Corp. (CSE: SYAI) (Syntheia.ai) (the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that further to its press releases dated July 23, 2025, September 2, 2025, and September 12, 2025, the Company has closed the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement financing for gross proceeds of $237,000.00 through the issuance of 1,975,000 units (each, a ‘Unit’) at a price of $0.12 per Unit (the ‘Offering’).

Each Unit was comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a ‘Common Share‘) and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a ‘Warrant‘). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.16 until October 6, 2030 (the ‘Expiry Date‘), subject to an accelerated expiry in the event the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares exceeds $0.20 for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may, within 10 business days of the occurrence of such event, deliver a notice to the holders of the Warrants accelerating their Expiry Date to a date that is not less than 30 days following the date of such notice and the issuance of a press release by the Company announcing the acceleration notice (the ‘Accelerated Exercise Period‘). Any unexercised Warrants shall automatically expire at the end of the Accelerated Exercise Period.

Gross proceeds raised from the Offering will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

The Offering constituted a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (‘MI 61-101‘) as certain insiders of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 250,000 Units pursuant to the Offering. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on a specified market and the fair market value of the participation in the Offering by insiders does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the Offering in an expeditious manner.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act‘) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons as defined under applicable United States securities laws unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Syntheia

Syntheia Corp. is an early-stage artificial intelligence technology company, channeling its efforts into refining and expanding its proprietary, conversational AI-based platform (the ‘Syntheia AI Platform‘). The Syntheia AI Platform represents the integration of natural language processing (‘NLP‘) technology, enabling it to not only understand but also respond to human language with accuracy. The Syntheia AI Platform, a generative, AI-powered algorithm equipped with a human-like voice, boasts self-learning capabilities derived from NLP methodologies.

Currently in beta testing, the Syntheia AI Platform is crafted to offer a suite of automated solutions, particularly for retail-focused businesses where customer interaction and service are key to operations. At the heart of the Syntheia AI Platform is its use of AI to emulate human cognitive processes, combined with a sophisticated large language model, which is integral for interpreting and generating human-like language responses.

For further information, please contact:

Tony Di Benedetto
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: (844) 796-8434

Cautionary Statement

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

This news release contains certain ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as ‘plan’, ‘expect’, ‘project’, ‘intend’, ‘believe’, ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘potential’, ‘proposed’ and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions ‘may’ or ‘will’ occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269347

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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Politics

Pope’s top diplomat blasts Israel’s Gaza offensive as ‘ongoing massacre,’ condemns Hamas attacks

Politics 3 Mins Read

The Vatican’s top diplomat on Monday condemned both Hamas’ ‘inhuman and indefensible’ Oct. 7 attacks and Israel’s ‘ongoing massacre’ in Gaza, warning that even legitimate self-defense cannot justify the destruction of a ‘largely defenseless population.’

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state and one of Pope Leo XIV’s advisers, spoke in an interview marking the second anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel — a raid that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 people taken hostage.

Parolin said Israel’s military response has stretched far beyond the bounds of proportionality, turning Gaza’s crowded neighborhoods into ruins.

‘The war waged by the Israeli army to eliminate Hamas militants disregards the fact that it is targeting a largely defenseless population, already pushed to the brink, in an area where buildings and homes are reduced to rubble,’ he told Vatican media.

‘Those who are attacked have a right to defend themselves,’ he said, ‘but even legitimate defense must respect the principle of proportionality.’

Reuters reported that Hamas-run Gaza health authorities claim Israel’s campaign has resulted in over 67,000 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians.

The remarks rank among the Church’s sharpest rebukes of the war. They also mark a shift toward a more forceful Vatican voice under Leo, who succeeded Pope Francis in May.

Parolin also faulted global powers for their paralysis.

‘It is… clear that the international community is, unfortunately, powerless and that the countries truly capable of exerting influence have so far failed to act to stop the ongoing massacre,’ he said.

‘I can only repeat the very clear words spoken by Pope Leo on July 20: ‘I renew my appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and to respect the obligation to protect civilians, as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force and the forced displacement of the population.’’

Parolin went further, questioning the morality of arms sales to parties in the conflict.

‘It’s not enough to say that what is happening is unacceptable and then continue to allow it to happen,’ he said.

‘We must seriously ask ourselves about the legitimacy… of continuing to supply weapons that are being used against civilians.’

In July, Pope Leo XIV expressed sadness and called for a ceasefire after Gaza’s only Catholic Church was hit in an apparent Israeli strike, leaving at least two dead and several injured. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said ‘stray ammunition’ hit the church.

Parolin’s warning lands as European leaders face growing pressure to do more than issue statements of concern. His use of ‘massacre’ echoed humanitarian groups that say Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has collapsed.

At the same time, he reiterated the Church’s demand that Hamas free all remaining hostages.

‘Those attacks were inhuman and indefensible,’ he said, underscoring that neither side’s suffering diminishes the other’s.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Vatican on the matter.

Reuters contributed to this report.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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Investing

Freegold Provides 2025 Golden Summit Program Update

Investing 5 Mins Read

Freegold Ventures Limited ( TSX : FVL,OTC:FGOVF ) (OTCQX: FGOVF ) is pleased to provide a project update. Drilling at Golden Summit is advancing steadily, with five drill rigs currently active on site. The focus for this year has been directed at infill drilling to upgrade inferred resources to indicated status—an essential step for the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). As inferred resources cannot be included in the PFS, this work is critical for the project’s advancement.

2025 PROGRAM

  • Drilling is continuing with five drill rigs
  • Conversion of inferred resources into indicated & further exploration drilling and geotechnical drilling.

  • 37 holes (~24,000m completed to date: 5 holes reported (~3030m)
  • Ongoing metallurgical work, focusing on flowsheet optionality with sulphide oxidation, is a key part of our strategy to maximize the potential of the resource.
  • Commencement of Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS)

Focus is also on defining the limits of mineralization in the Dolphin/Cleary area, as well as conducting further exploration drilling and completing essential geotechnical drill holes.

Drilling Progress and Timeline

To date, a total of 37 drill holes, amounting to ~24,000 meters, have been completed. Additionally, five more drill holes are currently in progress. Assay results are pending for a significant number of holes. Drilling activities are scheduled to continue through mid-December, after which the program will pause for the winter and resume in February 2026 . The results from the 2025 drilling will be incorporated into a revised mineral resource estimate, which will be utilized for the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS).

Resource Enhancement and Pre-Feasibility Study Preparation

In addition to efforts to upgrade the resource base through a combination of infill and geotechnical drilling, additional geochemical and metallurgical testing is also being undertaken. Preparatory work for the PFS also encompasses:

  • Installation of vibrating wire piezometers (VWPs) in drill holes for groundwater monitoring
  • Collection of surface water samples
  • Organising mammal and habitat surveys to establish baseline environmental data
  • Conducting cultural resource assessments, including paleontological studies, for review by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and federal agencies, and developing mitigation plans as needed
  • Mapping of wetlands, with mitigation strategies being formulated where required
  • Continuing geological mapping and sampling to identify new exploration targets for future development

Metallurgical Test Work
Metallurgical testing is currently underway at BaseMet Labs in Kamloops, BC . A master composite sample, weighing over 1,500 kilograms and derived from twelve drill holes, forms the basis for this work. As part of the PFS, several trade-off studies are planned, including a comparison of the added benefits of further sulphide oxidation with a simpler Gravity-CIL flowsheet.

Oxidation Process Optimization
During the current phase of metallurgical testing, a sulphide concentrate is being produced to enable optimization of oxidation processes. Three commercially available oxidation methods, all of which have demonstrated effectiveness with Golden Summit materials, are under evaluation:

  • Pressure Oxidation (POX): Achieved over 92% total gold recovery in testwork to date.
  • BIOX: Achieved over 91% total gold recovery in testwork to date.
  • Albion Process: Achieved over 93% total gold recovery in testwork to date.

Solid residues resulting from these oxidation processes have been subjected to environmental characterization and waste testing in accordance with EPA guidelines. The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) was applied to all residues, with leachate levels for metals remaining below regulatory limits.

Flotation Test Results and Environmental Assessment
Flotation testing continues for the master composite. Initial locked-cycle tests have shown gold recovery rates exceeding 95%, utilizing gravity and cleaner flotation with the sulphide concentrate accounting for less than 5% of the total mass, thereby minimizing the volume that needs further oxidation. These results support building a small pilot plant at BaseMet to produce a substantial amount of concentrate for upcoming oxidation optimisation studies. These studies will be ongoing over the next several months.

Flotation tailings from this process have also passed the EPA TCLP procedure 1311, with all leachate concentrations for metals falling below maximum allowable limits, confirming environmental compliance. Further investigations are ongoing to understand better and characterize the environmental impact of all flowsheet products and tailings.

Additional Project Information
Golden Summit currently hosts an Indicated Primary Mineral Resource: 17.2 Moz at 1.24 g/t Au and an Inferred Primary Mineral Resource: 11.9 Moz at 1.04 g/t Au, using a 0.5 cut-off grade and a gold price of $2,490 .

A plan map detailing the locations of drill holes—both completed and in progress can be found here:

https://freegoldventures.com/site/assets/files/6287/nr_2025_drilling_v2_20251003.png

The qualified person responsible for the scientific and technical information in this update is Alvin Jackson , P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration and Development for Freegold.

About Freegold Ventures Limited
Freegold Ventures Limited is a TSX-listed company focused on mineral exploration in Alaska .

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This update contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, information regarding planned expenditures, exploration programs, potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, the completion of an updated NI 43-101 technical report, and other future plans. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These factors include, but are not limited to, the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programs on schedule, and the success of those programs. For a comprehensive discussion of risk factors, refer to Freegold’s Annual Information Form for the year ended 2024-12-31, available at www.sedar.com .

SOURCE Freegold Ventures Limited

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Investing

Crypto Market Update: Bitcoin Price Hits New All-time High

Investing 7 Mins Read

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (October 6) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

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

Bitcoin and Ether price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$125,434, up by 2.3 percent in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$124,565, and its highest was US$126,080. Bitcoin achieved its strongest weekly close at US$123,400 on October 3, affirming entry into a new price discovery phase, before hitting new highs on Monday.

Bitcoin price performance, October 6, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Bitcoin’s market cap briefly surpassed US$2.5 trillion, driving a record US$5.95 billion into digital assets.

Bitcoin dominance in the crypto market now stands at 54.49 percent.

On-chain data indicates that Bitcoin is entering a renewed accumulation phase, marked by reduced selling pressure from long-term holders and stabilization among short-term investors. Strong institutional exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows, increased on-chain transfer volumes and healthy derivatives market indicators form a strong structural base for potential further gains, but tight Bollinger Bands point to impending short-term volatility and price consolidation.

Bitcoin researcher Axel Adler Jr. highlights that Bitcoin is trading near the upper boundary of the 21 day Donchian channel. The Bitcoin futures flow index reading of 96 percent signals sustained bull pressure.

Adler also points out that the short-term holder MVRV ratio is nearing resistance around US$133,000, indicating potential near-term profit taking. Scenarios include momentum-driven consolidation between US$122,000 and US$124,000, or a mean reversion pullback to US$118,500 to US$120,000, supported by key moving averages.

Ether (ETH) has exceeded Bitcoin’s upward price movement, rising by roughly 5.2 percent in the last 24 hours to US$4,725.31, its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest valuation was US$4,589.41.

Ether continues to hold firm above its US$4,500 support, with market watcher Ted Pillows highlighting US$4,750 as the next major resistance level for the cryptocurrency. However, he also warned that a drop below the US$4,250 to US$4,060 zone would shift momentum back to the bears.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$235.40, an increase of 3.7 percent over the last 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Monday was US$233.70, and its highest was US$237.29.
  • XRP was trading for US$3.03, up by 2.5 percent over the last 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$2.99, and its highest was US$3.05.

ETF data and derivatives trends

The Fear & Greed Index currently reads 59, remaining firmly in neutral territory since the tail end of last week.

Last week, the cumulative net flow for spot Bitcoin ETFs was predominantly positive, with several days of inflows. According to data from the week of September 29 to October 3, spot Bitcoin ETFs had inflows on all five days, with October 3 recording the highest inflows at US$985.08 million. The inflows were led by BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:IBIT) and the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (BATS:FBTC).

Cumulative total inflows for spot Bitcoin ETFs stood at US$60.05 billion as of October 3.

The derivatives landscape reflects cautiously bullish sentiment, with the perpetual funding rate holding steady at 0.01, indicating balanced positioning between longs and shorts in the perpetual swap markets.

The session saw US$27.76 million in liquidations over the last four hours, predominantly impacting short positions, a signal of aggressive short covering as price momentum accelerated. Open interest retreated by 0.44 percent in the same span, to US$94.83 billion, suggesting some deleveraging or profit-taking after the day’s strong rally.

Despite the slight pullback in open interest, the notional value in major futures and options contracts remains near record levels, underscoring persistent institutional and speculative engagement. Implied volatility stands at 40.9, reflecting a moderate risk premium amid heightened spot activity and brisk rotation across both futures and options venues. With options open interest surging to historic highs and spot/volatility correlations positive, traders are leaning on structured call spreads rather than outright longs to manage term premiums and risk.

Today’s crypto news to know

Grayscale launches first US spot crypto ETPs with staking

Grayscale Investments has launched the first US-listed spot crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), enabling staking for its Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ARCA:ETHE), Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ARCA:ETH) and Grayscale Solana Trust (OTCQX:GSOL), the last of which is awaiting regulatory approval to uplist as an ETP.

Traditional brokerage investors can now earn passive staking rewards, which have been limited to native crypto platforms, through regulated funds, providing exposure to the Ethereum and Solana networks.

“Staking in our spot Ethereum and Solana funds is exactly the kind of first mover innovation Grayscale was built to deliver,” said Grayscale CEO Peter Mintzberg in a press release.

“As the #1 digital asset-focused ETF issuer in the world by AUM, we believe our trusted and scaled platform uniquely positions us to turn new opportunities like staking into tangible value potential for investors.”

Grayscale will manage staking via institutional custodians and diversified validator networks to reduce risks. The launch represents a milestone in crypto product sophistication and regulatory acceptance, and is expected to attract institutional capital and deepen investor participation in staking rewards.

Morgan Stanley endorses Bitcoin allocation for client portfolios

Morgan Stanley’s (NYSE:MS) Global Investment Committee has formally advised clients to include digital assets in their portfolios, marking a significant policy shift for one of Wall Street’s most established banks.

In a note dated Sunday (October 5), the firm recommends up to 4 percent crypto exposure in “opportunistic growth” portfolios and up to 2 percent for “balanced growth” accounts. The report also emphasizes Bitcoin’s role as a “scarce, digitally native asset” with increasing institutional relevance.

While many investors view the move as validation of Bitcoin’s maturing status and the formal ushering of crypto’s ‘mainstream era,’ some traders called it “too late” given prior gains.

Morgan Stanley also confirmed that its E*Trade platform will soon allow trading in Bitcoin, Ether and Solana via a partnership with ZeroHash.

Coinbase seeks national trust charter to expand payment services

Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) has applied for a national trust company charter from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a move designed to expand its payments and custody operations under unified federal oversight.

In an October 3 blog post, Vice President Greg Tusar clarified that Coinbase “has no intention of becoming a bank,” but aims to streamline regulation for new financial products.

Approval would enable Coinbase to scale its recently launched Coinbase Payments platform, which facilitates stablecoin transactions for merchants on Shopify (NYSE:SHOP) and eBay (NASDAQ:EBAY).

Coinbase has also deepened partnerships with JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), enabling direct account links between Chase customers and Coinbase wallets through API integration.

Similar Office of the Comptroller of the Currency charter applications have been filed by other platforms as digital payment infrastructure moves further into mainstream finance.

Plume Network registers as transfer agent

Plume Network, a layer-2 blockchain focused on tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs), announced it has registered as a transfer agent with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The move allows Plume to manage tokenized securities under US law, automating traditional transfer agent functions like shareholder registry management and corporate action reporting onchain.

This development comes amid efforts to integrate traditional finance with blockchain technology, specifically through the issuance and management of tokenized securities. Institutional involvement in the RWA market is still in its early stages, primarily focusing on low-risk instruments like US treasury bills.

Potential exists for expanding into new fundraising and investor engagement methods.

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

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

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