In a bizarre turn of events, the popular indie game platform Itch.io found itself temporarily taken down over the weekend, not by hackers or technical glitches, but by the toy giant Funko. The incident, which unfolded on December 8th, 2024, highlights the potential pitfalls of automated brand protection systems and the collateral damage they can inflict. Itch.io, a platform that hosts a vast library of independent games and digital creative works, alleged that Funko’s “AI-powered” brand protection software, BrandShield, flagged a page on their site as a phishing risk. This triggered an automated takedown notice to Itch.io’s domain registrar, iwantmyname, who promptly disabled the entire website. The irony is palpable – a platform dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation, silenced by an algorithm designed to protect a brand known for its mass-produced pop culture figurines. This incident has sparked widespread discussion about the increasing reliance on AI in brand protection and the potential for such systems to go awry. It also raises questions about the responsibility of companies utilizing such technology and the need for human oversight to prevent unintended consequences. A Case of “Algorithmic Overreach”? According to Itch.io, they complied with the takedown notice and removed the disputed page immediately. However, their efforts were in vain as their domain registrar’s automated system had already swung into action, disabling the entire website. This highlights a critical flaw in the process – the lack of human intervention and verification before taking such a drastic step. While Funko has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, the incident has brought to light the potential for “algorithmic overreach” by AI-powered brand protection systems. These systems, designed to identify and mitigate online threats to brands, can sometimes generate false positives, leading to unintended consequences like the Itch.io takedown. The Fallout: Damage and Disruption Though the downtime was relatively short-lived, the impact of the incident was significant. Itch.io, a platform that thrives on accessibility and community engagement, was suddenly cut off from its users. Independent developers who rely on the platform to showcase and sell their games were unable to reach their audience. Gamers were unable to access their purchased games or browse the platform’s extensive library. The incident also caused reputational damage to both Funko and BrandShield. Funko, a company that has built its brand on pop culture nostalgia, faced criticism for its heavy-handed approach to brand protection . BrandShield, the AI-powered software at the center of the controversy, has been scrutinized for its accuracy and reliability. The Need for Human Oversight The Itch.io incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of human oversight in automated systems. While AI can be a powerful tool for brand protection, it should not be the sole arbiter of online content. Companies need to ensure that their automated systems are complemented by human review and verification to prevent false positives and collateral damage. This incident also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of AI-powered brand protection systems. Companies should be transparent about how their systems work, what data they collect, and how they handle potential errors. They should also be held accountable for the actions of their automated systems and be prepared to rectify any unintended consequences. Lessons Learned and the Path Forward The Itch.io takedown is a valuable lesson for companies utilizing AI in brand protection. It highlights the need for a balanced approach that combines the efficiency of AI with the judgment and oversight of human experts. Here are some key takeaways from the incident: The incident has sparked a much-needed conversation about the responsible use of AI in brand protection. It is crucial for companies to learn from this incident and take steps to ensure that their AI systems are used ethically and responsibly. My Personal Take As someone who frequently uses Itch.io to discover and support indie developers, I was quite dismayed by this incident. It’s frustrating to see a platform that champions creativity and independent development be silenced due to an automated system’s error. This incident reinforces my belief that while AI has immense potential, it’s crucial to use it judiciously and ethically. We need to ensure that human oversight and critical thinking remain central to any decision-making process, especially when it comes to issues that impact online freedom and expression. It’s also a reminder that we, as users, need to be aware of the increasing influence of AI in our online experiences and advocate for greater transparency and accountability from the companies that deploy these technologies. The Itch.io incident is likely to have a lasting impact on the discourse surrounding AI in brand protection. It serves as a wake-up call for the industry to re-evaluate its practices and prioritize responsible AI development and deployment. Moving forward, it’s crucial for companies to strike a balance between protecting their brands and respecting online freedom and expression. This can be achieved through a combination of human oversight, transparent practices, and a commitment to ethical AI development. The Itch.io incident, while unfortunate, has provided valuable lessons for the industry. It’s now up to companies to learn from these lessons and ensure that AI is used as a force for good, not a tool for censorship and disruption.Starmer accused of ‘letting off’ City lawyers while stripping cash from pensioners in Budget
TORONTO , Nov. 27, 2024 /CNW/ - Blue Moon Metals Inc. (" Blue Moon ") MOON BMOOF , Nussir ASA (" Nussir ") and Nye Sulitjelma Gruver AS (" NSG ") are pleased to announce that the parties have entered into separate binding letters of intent (respectively, the " Nussir LOI " and the " NSG LOI " and collectively the " LOIs "), each dated November 27, 2024 , pursuant to which Blue Moon has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Nussir and NSG (respectively the " Nussir Transaction " and the " NSG Transaction " and collectively with the Concurrent Equity Financing as defined below, the " Transactions "). Both Nussir and NSG are private Norwegian companies with properties in northern Norway (the " Nussir Property " and the " NSG Property, " respectively). Blue Moon is acquiring a 100% interest in Nussir for US$55.3M and a 100% interest in NSG for US$12M , both to be satisfied in common shares of Blue Moon (the " Blue Moon Shares ") at a deemed price of C$0.30 per Blue Moon Share, which will be the same price per Subscription Receipt (as defined below) in the Concurrent Equity Financing (the " Blue Moon Deal Price "). NSG shareholders will also receive US$3M in cash milestone payments (the " Cash Milestone Payments ") related to permitting for tailings discharge followed by receipt of the operating permit for the NSG Property. Blue Moon will also complete a brokered private placement in tandem with the Nussir Transaction and the NSG Transaction at the Blue Moon Deal Price (the " Concurrent Equity Financing "). A maximum US$35.7M of new equity is being raised with the set minimum of US$21.4M by top tier global mining investors. More details on the Concurrent Equity Financing can be found below. Definitive agreements covering the Nussir Transaction and NSG Transaction will be executed at or prior to closing of the Concurrent Equity Financing. The implied equity value of the Transactions is approximately US$100 - $115 million on a fully-diluted in-the-money basis, with the range based on the low and high end of the Concurrent Equity Financing. At closing, existing Blue Moon, Nussir and NSG shareholders will own a minimum of 12%, 55% and 12%, respectively, of Blue Moon Shares outstanding on a fully-diluted in-the-money basis, assuming the low end of the Concurrent Equity Financing, or 10%, 48% and 10%, respectively, assuming the maximum proceeds are raised in the Concurrent Equity Financing. Some existing Blue Moon and Nussir shareholders will participate in the Concurrent Equity Financing and no one shareholder will own more than 20% of Blue Moon under any Concurrent Equity Financing scenario at closing. The transaction is subject to final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), as the Transactions are considered a "Reviewable Transaction" under the policies of the TSXV. As per TSXV requirements, trading of the Blue Moon Shares is halted and will remain halted until receipt of TSXV's approval of the Transactions, which is expected when a NI 43-101 technical report will be issued to Blue Moon on the Nussir Property, among other customary items. No vote of Blue Moon shareholders is anticipated, and closing is expected by the end of February 2025 . Nussir shareholders are required to achieve 90.1% shareholder support, which is expected to be received by the time the Concurrent Equity Financing closes. NSG has shareholder approval from 100% of their shareholders. Nussir and NSG are arm's length parties to each other, and Blue Moon is an arm's length party to both of them. No finder's fees are being paid in connection with the Transactions, other than the fees payable to the Agents (as described below) in connection with the Concurrent Equity Financing. Strategic Rationale for Blue Moon Provides immediate asset and geographic diversification with more emphasis on near term copper: Tier 1 jurisdiction covering all 3 projects; the United States and Norway are members of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), a US collaboration initiative that aims to secure the supply of critical raw materials including copper and zinc Addition of the low-cost brownfield Nussir Property copper-silver-gold mine is expected to significantly enhance Blue Moon's developing production profile: The Nussir Property is an underground development project with existing critical infrastructure located next to property (access, power, port, etc.). Open pit historical production was suspended in the 1970s. The construction of a decline is expected to begin in Q1-2025 Exploration ramp access is expected to start construction at both the Blue Moon property (the " Blue Moon Property ") and the NSG Property in 2025 or 2026. Production last occurred in the 1940s at the Blue Moon Property and in the early 1990s at the NSG Property Existing Mineral Resources of: Nussir Property (1) (2) Historical estimate of measured resources of 1.7 Mt at 1.16% Cu, 0.22 g/t Au and 13.3 g/t Ag and indicated resources of 31.8 Mt at 1.09% Cu, 0.13 g/t Au and 12.6 g/t Ag Historical estimate of inferred resources of 33.4 Mt at 1.16% Cu, 0.17 g/t Au and 16 g/t Ag Blue Moon Property (3) Indicated resources of 3.51 MT at 6.14% Zn, 0.75% Cu, 1.54 oz/T Ag, 0.05 oz/T Au and 0.24% Pb Inferred resources of 3.83 MT at 5.94% Zn, 0.59% Cu, 1.54 oz/T Ag, 0.05 oz/T Au and 0.34% Pb NSG Property (1)(4) Historical inferred resources of 29.4 Mt at 0.9% Cu and 0.17% Zn. Gold, silver and sulfur were not assayed for, but are expected to form a credit in the future All 3 projects have the potential to materially increase in size prior to a final mill construction decision: At the Nussir Property, Blue Moon is expecting to focus the next 18-months on 6 different opportunities aimed at increasing both shear-hosted and sediment hosted resources through primarily drilling from underground. Underground exploration potential is considered to be high At the Blue Moon Property, post maiden preliminary economic assessment release, expected in Q1-2025 (see October 10, 2024 press release), Blue Moon expects to focus on drilling off the existing volcanic massive sulphide resources with the aim of upgrading to reserve status from underground, and extending the deposit down dip. Underground exploration potential is considered to be high At the NSG Property, regional exploration activities through underground tunnels will aim to expand on the significant production history at multiple volcanic massive deposits between 1887 and 1991 Limited exploration dollars have been spent on all 3 projects for decades, and Nussir and NSG have never been exposed to the public markets The metallurgical response to simple flotation at both the Nussir Property and the Blue Moon Property is expected to be very positive Available infrastructure at all 3 projects with access to power, water, ports and underground infrastructure Blue Moon would anticipate that production decisions could be made once all 3 projects have substantially tested their exploration potential, from underground drilling, test mining, mineral sorting and by-product credit market analysis. Negligible royalties exist at Blue Moon, and 0.75% NSRs on both the Nussir Property and NSG Property, and no streams nor off-takes have been sold on any of the 3 projects. Precious metals are expected to contribute over 20% to the NSR of both the Nussir Property and the Blue Moon Property Re-rating opportunity is expected to result from increased scale, significantly enhanced growth profile and establishing a presence in an emerging, mining-friendly jurisdiction. Key personnel from the principals of Blue Moon will aim to build up a high-quality team to advance these projects and to become a significant base metals mining company Blue Moon's CEO, Christian Kargl-Simard , said: "This transaction will create a new copper-zinc development company located in Tier 1 jurisdictions, focused on critical metals for the western world. It presents the opportunity for us to leverage our technical expertise and strong access to capital markets to unlock value for all shareholders by advancing and developing multiple base metals projects. In a world where geopolitics and national security are front page topics in sourcing critical materials, we believe our foray into Europe and the United States is well timed. We plan on deploying the best available technologies on our projects and showing strong support for our communities and partner. First off though, it's time to show off results from the drill bit." About the Nussir Property Nussir is a privately held mining company incorporated under the laws of Norway , established in 2005. Its aim is to develop the Nussir Property copper-silver-gold mine located in northern Norway . Former open pit mining occurred at the mine during the 1970s in 4 shear-hosted open pits. Nussir has been focused on advancing a sedimentary hosted copper deposit on the same project with analysis, study work and permits granted over a 20-year period. SRK Consulting (UK) Limited completed an updated JORC-compliant feasibility study on the construction ready project in May 2023 with an initial capital cost estimated at US$101 million . Historical estimate of JORC-compliant resources exist as follows (SRK DFS Report dated May 2023 ): (1)(2) Measured resources of 1.7 Mt at 1.16% Cu, 0.22 g/t Au and 13.3 g/t Ag Indicated resources of 31.8 Mt at 1.09% Cu, 0.13 g/t Au and 12.6 g/t Ag Inferred resources of: 33.4 Mt at 1.16% Cu, 0.17 g/t Au and 16 g/t Ag High potential to increase global resources through: Upgrading undrilled areas of the ~10 km resource trend and infilling high-grade resource (+2% CuEq) areas that have seen limited drill density Defining the parallel zone at the Nussir Property, which does not currently have any resources, and could have meaningful strike length Drilling underneath the historical open pit production through the existing 2.5 km underground tunnel, and expanding resources that are open Drilling a geochemical anomaly between the historical open pits and the Nussir Property Groundbreaking ore sorting technology is being tested which could provide major reduction in waste, increase processing capacity and lower operating costs Blue Moon will be investigating all of these opportunities. With substantial drilling from the underground decline and test mining different options for tailings deposition will be investigated prior to completing a feasibility study and making a full construction decision. This work is projected to be the bulk of the use of proceeds from the Concurrent Equity Financing. About the NSG Property Blue Moon is excited about the copper potential of northern Norway , and the NSG Property would be the first new copper mine in the country in over 50 years. The NSG Property has some of the most attractive rocks in the country from a historical perspective, with the area at the NSG Property having hosted the largest mining operation in the country. The remaining deposits still constitute among the largest known deposit of copper in Norway and are expected to contain significant exploration upside. No resources exist as compliant with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101 "), but the NSG Property has a historical estimate of inferred resources of: 29.4 Mt at 0.9% Cu and 0.17% Zn. Precious metals and sulfur have not been assayed but are expected to become a credit. (1)(4) Concurrent Equity Financing The Concurrent Equity Financing will be conducted by way of a brokered private placement of a minimum of 10,000,000 units and a maximum of 16,666,667 units (the " Units ") of Blue Moon at a price of C$3.00 per Unit for minimum gross proceeds of C$30,000,000 and maximum gross proceeds of C$50,000,000 , co-led by Cormark Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc. on behalf of a syndicate of investment dealers (collectively, the " Agents ") Each Unit issued in the Concurrent Equity Financing will consist of 1 common share of Blue Moon (each, a " Unit Share ") and 9 subscription receipts (each, a " Subscription Receipt "), with 10% of the price per Unit allocated to the Unit Share underlying each Unit and 90% of the price per Unit allocated to the Subscription Receipts underlying each Unit. The proceeds allocated to the Unit Shares will be released to Blue Moon upon closing of the Concurrent Equity Financing, and will not be returned to the subscribers in the event the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below), which include the completion of the Nussir Transaction, are not met. Upon completion of the Nussir Transaction, and subject to certain customary conversion conditions for a transaction of this nature (collectively, " Escrow Release Conditions "), each Subscription Receipt will convert into one common share of Blue Moon (each, an " Underlying Share ") without payment of additional consideration or further action on the part of the holder. Blue Moon has agreed to pay to the Agents a commission equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds from the Concurrent Equity Financing, 50% of which will be placed in escrow (the " Escrowed Commission ") as described below. A President's List will also be part of the Concurrent Equity Financing with varying commissions depending on the potential subscriber, but none higher than 6.0%. The proceeds of the Concurrent Equity Financing, other than those proceeds allocated to the Unit Shares, and the Escrowed Commission (the " Escrowed Proceeds "), will be held in escrow pending satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. Provided that the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied or waived (where permitted) prior to 5:00 p.m. ( Toronto time) on February 27, 2025 , or prior to April 30, 2025 if Blue Moon shareholder approval is required by the TSXV, (the " Escrow Release Deadline "), the Escrowed Commission will be released to the Agents from the Escrowed Proceeds, the balance of the Escrowed Proceeds will be released to or as directed by Blue Moon, and the Subscription Receipts shall be automatically converted into Underlying Shares, without payment of any additional consideration or further action on the part of the subscribers. In the event that the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied by the Escrow Release Deadline, the Escrowed Proceeds, together with interest earned thereon, will be returned to the holders of the Subscription Receipts and such Subscription Receipts will be cancelled. The proceeds from the Unit Shares will be immediately released to Blue Moon to be used for general corporate purposes and advancement of the Blue Moon project, along with costs related to the Transactions. The proceeds from the Subscription Receipts will be primarily utilized for exploration decline development, underground exploration, and optimization studies at the Nussir Property, exploration permitting at the Blue Moon Property and the NSG Property, and general corporate purposes and working capital. The securities issued under the Concurrent Equity Financing will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period under applicable securities laws. Completion of the Concurrent Equity Financing does not provide a guarantee that the Transactions will be completed. The Concurrent Equity Financing must be closed by January 15 th and the overall Transactions closed by February 27, 2025 , as outside dates, unless extended by mutual agreement of the parties. Blue Moon intends to list on the Oslo Stock Exchange after closing of the Transactions. Conditions Precedent The closing of the Nussir Transaction is conditional on closing of the NSG Transaction and the conversion of Subscription Receipts is conditional on the Transactions closing. The closing of the NSG Transaction is conditional on the closing of the Nussir Transaction. Both Nussir and NSG are being acquired on a debt-free basis. The boards of directors of all 3 companies have unanimously approved the Transaction. The board of directors of the resulting issuer (the " Board ") shall include 3 existing directors of Blue Moon ( Christian Kargl-Simard , Maryse Bélanger and Haytham Hodaly ), two nominated by Nussir, being Francis Johnstone and Karin Thorburn , with one nominee of NSG to be nominated at the next scheduled shareholder meeting. Senior Officers of the resulting issuer will be Christian Kargl-Simard as Chief Executive Officer and Frances Kwong as Chief Financial Officer, with additional officers to be announced in due course. The existing JORC-compliant feasibility study on the Nussir Property will be restated and/or reconciled to be compliant with NI 43-101 prior to closing. A NI 43-101 compliant report on the NSG Property is also being prepared, but no determination has been made by the TSXV whether such a report will or will not be required for completion of the Transactions at this time. The following is the minimum escrow release policy for Blue Moon Shares to be issued to Nussir shareholders on closing of the Nussir Transaction: 50% release after 6 months and a following 50% release after 12 months. The following is the minimum escrow release policy for Blue Moon Shares to be issued to NSG shareholders on closing of the NSG Transaction: 50% release after 6 months and a following 50% release after 12 months. All securities issued under the Transactions may be subject to additional escrow requirements as determined by the TSXV. In addition to the required 90.1% Nussir shareholder approval, the Transaction is also subject to the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary for a transaction of this nature. The Transaction remains subject to Exchange approval in all respects on behalf of Blue Moon. The Transaction is expected to be completed by the end of February 2025 . Blue Moon Shares will remain halted for trading until closing of the Transaction. The definitive agreements (the " Definitive Agreements ") for the Nussir Transaction and the NSG Transaction, which will be signed upon closing of the Concurrent Equity Financing, will include representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities, termination rights and other provisions customary for a transaction of this nature. In particular, the Definitive Agreements will provide for customary deal protections, including non-solicitation covenants on the parties and a right of the other party to match any Superior Proposal (as defined in the Definitive Agreements). The Definitive Agreements will include a termination fee payable by the parties, under certain circumstances (including if the Definitive Agreements are terminated in connection with such parties pursuing superior proposals). Advisors and Counsel DLA Piper ( Canada ) LLP and Simonsen Vogt Wiig AS are acting as Blue Moon's Canadian and Norwegian legal advisors, respectively. CIBC Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor to Nussir. Fasken Martineau LLP and Arntzen de Besche are acting as Nussir' Canadian and Norwegian legal advisors, respectively. Qualified Persons Dustin Small , P. Eng., qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information related to the operations matters contained in this news release. Notes: (1) As at the date of this news release, a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to classify this historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves in accordance with NI 43-101 and Blue Moon is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. In order to verify the historical estimate, the Company needs to engage a qualified person to review the historical data, review any work completed on the property since the date of the estimate and complete a new technical report. Blue Moon views this historical data as an indicator of the potential size and grade of the mineralized deposits, and this data is relevant to Company's future plans with respect to the property. (2) The effective date of this estimate is December 31, 2020, and is contained in the "Nussir Feasibility Study 2023" dated May 2023 and prepared by Sabine Anderson, Richard Oldcorn and Guy Dishaw of SRK Consulting (UK) Limited. (3) The effective date of this estimate is October 27, 2023. For more information see the "Technical Report for the Blue Moon Mine, Township 4 South, Range 16 East MDB&M, Mariposa County, California" dated November 19, 2023 and prepared by Dr. Thomas A. Hendricksen, QP, CPG, and Scott Wilson, CPG. This is expected to be superseded by a NI 43-101 preliminary economic assessment and updated resource estimate in Q1-2025. (4) The effective date of this preliminary internal resource estimate is July 10, 2022, and is contained in the "Sulitjelma – Resource Estimation Memo" prepared by Adam Wheeler, dated July 10, 2022. About Blue Moon Blue Moon Metals is advancing its Blue Moon polymetallic deposit which contains zinc, gold, silver and copper. The property is well located with existing local infrastructure including paved highways three miles from site; a hydroelectric power generation facility a few miles from the site, a three-hour drive to the Oakland port and a four-hour drive to the service center of Reno. Zinc and copper are currently on the USGS list of metals critical to the US economy and national security. More information is available on the Company's website ( www.bluemoonmetals.com ). For further information: Blue Moon Metals Inc. Christian Kargl-Simard President, CEO and Director Phone: (416) 230 3440 Email: christian@bluemoonmetals.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER - FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws relating to, among other things, the anticipated benefits of the Transactions; the holdings of the existing Blue Moon, Nussir and NSG shareholders at closing of the Transactions; the participation of some Nussir and NSG shareholders in the Concurrent Equity Financing; that no single shareholder will own 20% of Blue Moon at closing; the strategic rationale for the Transactions; the growth potential of Blue Moon; Blue Moon's development plans for the Nussir Property, Blue Moon Property and NSG Property; the decisions regarding production; the creation of a new copper-zinc development company; deployment of the best available technologies on the projects; the exploration potential at the Nussir Property; the anticipated use of the proceeds of the Concurrent Equity Financing; the conversion of the Subscription Receipts; the anticipated timing of closing of the Concurrent Equity Financing; the listing of Blue Moon on the Oslo Stock Exchange and the timing thereof; the entry into the Definitive Agreements; the composition of the Board following closing of the Transactions; the receipt of all required approvals for closing of the Transactions, including the 90.1% Nussir shareholder approval; the ability of the parties to satisfy the other conditions to the closing of the Transactions; the anticipated timing for closing of the Transactions; the restatement and/or reconciliation of the technical report on the Nussir Property to be compliant with NI 43-101; and that the technical report for the Blue Moon Property will be superseded by a NI 43-101 preliminary economic assessment and updated resource estimate, and the timing thereof. Forward-looking information may in some cases be identified by words such as "will", "anticipates", "expects", "intends" and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance. We caution that all forward-looking information is inherently subject to change and uncertainty and that actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. A number of risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information or could cause our current objectives, strategies and intentions to change. Accordingly, we warn investors to exercise caution when considering statements containing forward-looking information and that it would be unreasonable to rely on such statements as creating legal rights regarding our future results or plans. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking information will materialize and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents expectations as of the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. However, we are under no obligation (and we expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter any statements containing forward-looking information, the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements herein. Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the Transactions referred and its expected impact. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Completion of the Transactions is subject to customary closing conditions, termination rights and other risks and uncertainties including 90.1% Nussir shareholder approval. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Transactions will occur, or that it will occur on the terms and conditions contemplated in this news release. The Transactions could be modified, restructured or terminated. There can also be no assurance that the strategic benefits expected to result from the Transactions will be fully realized. In addition, if the transaction is not completed, and each of the parties continues as an independent entity, there are risks that the announcement of the Transactions and the dedication of substantial resources of each party to the completion of the Transactions could have an impact on such party's current business relationships (including with future and prospective employees, customers, distributors, suppliers and partners) and could have a material adverse effect on the current and future operations, financial condition and prospects of such party. A comprehensive discussion of other risks that impact Blue Moon can also be found in its public reports and filings which are available at www.sedarplus.ca . SOURCE Blue Moon Metals Inc. View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2024/27/c7574.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
India News Today Live Updates on December 10, 2024 : Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine As Light’ bags two Golden Globes nominations
As the dust settles on Zhang's once-promising career, one can't help but feel a twinge of sadness for the man who had it all and lost it in the blink of an eye. His legacy, once a shining beacon of hope for the next generation of athletes, now stands as a cautionary tale of what can happen when talent is squandered and potential goes unrealized.But the impact of "Reading on Islands" goes beyond the shores of Hainan. Through its thought-provoking discussions and literary challenges, the show has sparked conversations about the importance of reading in today's fast-paced world. In a society driven by technology and instant gratification, the show reminds us of the transformative power of words and the timeless beauty of storytelling.
Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” Europe's economy needs help. Political chaos in France and Germany means it may be slower in coming BRUSSELS (AP) — Europe's economy has enough difficulties, from tepid growth to trade tensions with the U.S. Dealing with those woes is only getting harder due to the political chaos in the two biggest European countries, France and Germany. Neither has a government backed by a functioning majority, and France could take a while yet to sort things out. But some problems aren't going to wait, such as what to do about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's America First stance on trade and how to fund stronger defense against Putin's Russia. ‘Moana 2’ cruises to another record weekend and $600 million globally “Moana 2” remains at the top of the box office in its second weekend in theaters as it pulled in another record haul. According to studio estimates Sunday, the animated Disney film added $52 million, bringing its domestic total to $300 million. That surpasses the take for the original “Moana” and brings the sequel's global tally to a staggering $600 million. It also puts the film in this year's top five at the box office. “Wicked” came in second place for the weekend with $34.9 million and “Gladiator II” was third with $12.5 million. The 10th anniversary re-release of Christopher Nolan's “Interstellar” also earned an impressive $4.4 million even though it played in only 165 theaters. Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok as soon as next month, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Executive of Tyler Perry Studios dies when plane he was piloting crashes in Florida ATLANTA (AP) — The president of Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios has died when the small plane he was piloting crashed on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The studio confirmed on Saturday that Steve Mensch, its 62-year-old president and general manager, had died Friday. The crash happened in Homosassa, about 60 miles north of Tampa. Photos from the scene show the plane having come to rest upside down on a road. Mensch helped advocate for Georgia’s film tax credit of more than $1 billion a year. Perry hired Mensch to run his namesake studio in 2016. Mensch died as Perry released his war drama, “The Six Triple Eight." The film was shot at the Atlanta studio. US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states.First 12-team CFP set: Oregon seeded No. 1, SMU edges Alabama for final spot
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Bashar Barhoum woke in his dungeon prison cell in Damascus at dawn Sunday, thinking it would be the last day of his life. The 63-year-old writer was supposed to have been executed after being imprisoned for seven months. But he soon realized the men at the door weren't from former Syrian President Bashar Assad ’s notorious security forces, ready to take him to his death. Instead, they were rebels coming to set him free. As the insurgents swept across Syria in just 10 days to bring an end to the Assad family’s 50-year rule , they broke into prisons and security facilities to free political prisoners and many of the tens of thousands of people who disappeared since the conflict began back in 2011. Barhoum was one of those freed who were celebrating in Damascus. “I haven’t seen the sun until today,” Barhoum told The Associated Press after walking in disbelief through the streets of Damascus. “Instead of being dead tomorrow, thank God, he gave me a new lease of life.” Barhoum couldn’t find his cellphone and belongings in the prison so set off to find a way to tell his wife and daughters that he’s alive and well. Videos shared widely across social media showed dozens of prisoners running in celebration after the insurgents released them, some barefoot and others wearing little clothing. One of them screams in celebration after he finds out that the government has fallen. Torture, executions and starvation in Syria's prisons Syria's prisons have been infamous for their harsh conditions. Torture is systematic, say human rights groups, whistleblowers, and former detainees. Secret executions have been reported at more than two dozen facilities run by Syrian intelligence, as well as at other sites. In 2013, a Syrian military defector , known as “Caesar,” smuggled out over 53,000 photographs that human rights groups say showed clear evidence of rampant torture, but also disease and starvation in Syria's prison facilities. Syria’s feared security apparatus and prisons did not only serve to isolate Assad’s opponents, but also to instill fear among his own people said Lina Khatib, Associate Fellow in the Middle East and North Africa program at the London think tank Chatham House. "Anxiety about being thrown in one of Assad’s notorious prisons created wide mistrust among Syrians,” Khatib said. “Assad nurtured this culture of fear to maintain control and crush political opposition.” Just north of Damascus in the Saydnaya military prison, known as the “human slaughterhouse,” women detainees, some with their children, screamed as men broke the locks off their cell doors. Amnesty International and other groups say that dozens of people were secretly executed every week in Saydnaya, estimating that up to 13,000 Syrians were killed between 2011 and 2016. “Don’t be afraid ... Bashar Assad has fallen! Why are you afraid?” said one of the rebels as he tried to rush streams of women out of their jam-packed tiny cells. Tens of thousands of detainees have so far been freed, said Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based pro-opposition war monitor. Over the past 10 days, insurgents freed prisoners in cities including Aleppo, Homs, Hama as well as Damascus. Families seek loved ones who have been missing for years Omar Alshogre, who was detained for three years and survived relentless torture, watched in awe from his home far from Syria as videos showed dozens of detainees fleeing. “A hundred democracies in the world had done nothing to help them, and now a few military groups came down and broke open prison after prison,” Alshogre, a human rights advocate who now resides in Sweden and the U.S., told The Associated Press. Meanwhile, families of detainees and the disappeared skipped celebrations of the downfall of the Assad dynasty. Instead, they waited outside prisons and security branch centers, hoping their loved ones would be there. They had high expectations for the newcomers who will now run the battered country. “This happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison and know where he is,” said Bassam Masri. “I have been searching for him for two hours. He has been detained for 13 years," since the start of the Syrian uprising in 2011. Rebels struggled to control the chaos as crowds gathered by the Court of Justice in Damascus. Heba, who only gave her first name while speaking to the AP, said she was looking for her brother and brother-in-law who were detained while reporting a stolen car in 2011 and hadn't been seen since. "They took away so many of us,” said Heba, whose mother’s cousin also disappeared. “We know nothing about them ... They (the Assad government) burned our hearts.” Chehayeb reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Sarah El-Deeb and Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus contributed to this report.In conclusion, the decision to adopt a linear narrative in "Brothers of Four Seas" marks a bold and innovative step forward for the classic Mafia movie genre. By reshaping the storytelling approach and embracing a more straightforward and coherent narrative structure, the filmmakers have reinvigorated the franchise and set the stage for a new chapter in its storied history. With its compelling characters, gripping drama, and intense action, "Brothers of Four Seas" promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience that will captivate audiences and redefine the Mafia movie genre for years to come.
The news has sent shockwaves through the football community, with many expressing their support and well-wishes for Nicolò's recovery and future endeavors. The young midfielder was considered a rising star in Serie A, with his talent and potential drawing attention from top clubs in Europe. However, his health must come first, and taking care of his condition is paramount before he can even think about stepping back onto the pitch.
Furthermore, the meeting underscored the importance of sustainable development and environmental conservation in economic planning. As concerns about climate change and ecological degradation continue to escalate, governments and businesses must prioritize green initiatives and adopt more eco-friendly practices. In this regard, the Central Political Bureau outlined strategies for promoting renewable energy sources, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing overall environmental sustainability. By aligning economic development with environmental protection, China aims to achieve a harmonious balance between growth and conservation in the coming years.As the dust settles and the smoke clears, one thing remains clear – the human spirit of resilience and solidarity will prevail, shining through the darkest of times and guiding us towards a brighter, more secure future for all.The swift action taken by the National Assembly to approve the arrest of Yoon Seok-yeol reflects a growing sense of urgency and determination to hold those in power accountable for their actions. The move has sent shockwaves through the political establishment and has left many wondering about the future of President Moon's presidency.In response to the allegations, Hai Di Lao, the corporation in question, issued a statement denying the claims and asserting their commitment to employee well-being. They emphasized that they have strict policies in place to support employees during difficult times and that they do not condone any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.
A Marine veteran who used a chokehold on an agitated subway rider was acquitted on Monday in a death that became a prism for differing views about public safety, valor and vigilantism. A Manhattan jury cleared Daniel Penny of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely ’s 2023 death. A more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week because the jury deadlocked on that count. Penny, who had shown little expression during the trial, briefly smiled as the verdict was read. While celebrating later with his attorneys, he said he felt “great.” Both applause and anger erupted in the courtroom, and Neely's father and two supporters were ushered out after audibly reacting. Another person also left, wailing with tears. “It really, really hurts,” Neely’s father, Andre Zachery, said outside the courthouse. “I had enough of this. The system is rigged." The case amplified many American fault lines, among them race, politics, crime, urban life, mental illness and homelessness. Neely was Black. Penny is white. There were sometimes dueling demonstrations outside the courthouse, including on Monday. High-profile Republican politicians portrayed Penny as a hero while prominent Democrats attended Neely’s funeral. Penny’s attorneys argued he was protecting himself and other subway passengers from a volatile, mentally ill man who was making alarming remarks and gestures. Penny “finally got the justice he deserved,” one of his lawyers, Thomas Kenniff, said while celebrating the outcome with him at a downtown Manhattan pub. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat whose office brought the case, said prosecutors “followed the facts and the evidence from beginning to end” and respect the verdict. The anonymous jury, which had started deliberating Tuesday, was escorted out of court to a van. Andre Zachary, father of Jordan Neely, and attorney Donte Mills outside the criminal court, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah) Penny, 26, served four years in the Marines and went on to study architecture. Neely, 30, was a sometime subway performer with a tragic life story: His mother was killed and stuffed in a suitcase when he was a teenager. As a younger man, Neely did Michael Jackson tributes — complete with moonwalks — on the city’s streets and subways. But Neely also struggled with mental illness after losing his mother, whose boyfriend was convicted of murdering her. He subsequently was diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia, was repeatedly hospitalized, and used the synthetic cannabinoid K2 and realized it negatively affected his thinking and behavior, according to medical records seen at the trial. The drug was in his system when he died. Neely told a doctor in 2017 that being homeless, living in poverty and having to “dig through the garbage” for food made him feel so hopeless that he sometimes thought of killing himself, hospital records show. About six years later, he boarded a subway under Manhattan on May 1, 2023, hurled his jacket onto the floor, and declared that he was hungry and thirsty and didn’t care if he died or went to jail, witnesses said. Some told 911 operators that he tried to attack people or indicated he’d harm riders, and several testified that they were afraid. Neely was unarmed, with nothing but a muffin in his pocket, and didn’t touch any passengers. One said he made lunging movements that alarmed her enough that she shielded her 5-year-old from him. Penny came up behind Neely, grabbed his neck, took him to the floor and “put him out,” as the veteran told police at the scene. Passengers' video showed that at one point during the roughly six-minute hold, Neely tapped an onlooker’s leg and gestured to him. Later, he briefly got an arm free. But he went still nearly a minute before Penny released him. “He’s dying,” an unseen bystander said in one video. “Let him go!” A witness who stepped in to hold down Neely’s arms testified that he told Penny to free the man, though Penny’s lawyers noted the witness’ story changed significantly over time. Penny told detectives shortly after the encounter that Neely threatened to kill people and the chokehold was an attempt to “de-escalate” the situation until police could arrive. The veteran said he held on so long because Neely periodically tried to break loose. “I wasn’t trying to injure him. I’m just trying to keep him from hurting anyone else. He’s threatening people. That’s what we learn in the Marine Corps,” Penny told the detectives. However, one of Penny's Marine Corps instructors testified that the veteran misused a chokehold technique he’d been taught. A person protests the not guilty verdict of Daniel Penny, not pictured, outside the criminal court, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah) Prosecutors said Penny reacted far too forcefully to someone he perceived as a peril, not a person. Prosecutors also argued that any need to protect passengers quickly ebbed when the train doors opened at the next station, seconds after Penny took action. Although Penny told police he’d used “a choke” or “a chokehold,” one of his lawyers, Steven Raiser, cast it as a Marine-taught chokehold “modified as a simple civilian restraint.” The defence lawyers contended Penny didn’t consistently apply enough pressure to kill Neely. Contradicting a city medical examiner’s finding, a pathologist hired by the defence said Neely died not from the chokehold but from the combined effects of K2, schizophrenia, his struggle and restraint, and a blood condition that can lead to fatal complications during exertion. Penny did not testify, but relatives, friends and fellow Marines did — describing him as an upstanding, patriotic and empathetic man. The manslaughter charge would have required proving that Penny recklessly caused Neely's death. Criminally negligent homicide involves engaging in serious “blameworthy conduct” while not perceiving such a risk. Both charges were felonies punishable by prison time. During the criminal trial, Neely’s father filed a wrongful death suit against Penny. __ Associated Press journalists Joseph B. Frederick and Ted Shaffrey contributed.
WASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he's tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he's daring Congress to oppose his decisions. But on Thursday, Trump's attempt to act with impunity showed a crack as Matt Gaetz , his choice for attorney general, withdrew from consideration. Trump had named Gaetz, a Florida congressman, to be the country's top law enforcement official even though he was widely disliked by his colleagues, has little legal experience and was accused of having sex with an underage girl, an allegation he denied. After being plagued by investigations during his first presidency, Trump wanted a devoted ally in charge of the Justice Department during his second. However, it was never obvious that Gaetz could win enough support from lawmakers to get confirmed as attorney general. Trump chose for a replacement Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who defended him during his first impeachment trial and supported his false claims of voter fraud. Now the question is whether Gaetz was uniquely unpalatable, or if Trump's other picks might exceed his party's willingness to overlook concerns that would have sunk nominees in a prior political era. The next test will likely be Pete Hegseth, who Trump wants to lead the Pentagon despite an allegation of sexual assault that he's denied. So far, Republicans are rallying around Hegseth , an Army veteran and former Fox News host. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the controversy over Gaetz would have little bearing on Trump’s other choices. He said they would be considered “one at a time.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, suggested otherwise, claiming “the dominoes are falling.” “The drip drip of evidence and truth is going to eventually doom some others,” he said. Trump's election victory was a sign that there may not be many red lines left in American politics. He won the presidential race despite authoritarian, racist and misogynist rhetoric, not to mention years of lies about election fraud and his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was also criminally convicted of falsifying business records to pay hush money, and he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Empowered by voters who looked past his misconduct and saw him as a powerful agent of change, Trump has shown no deference to Washington norms while working to fill his second administration . The transition team hasn't pursued federal background checks for Trump's personnel choices. While some of his selections have extensive experience in the areas they've been chosen to lead, others are personal friends and Fox News personalities who have impressed and flattered Trump over the years. Several have faced allegations involving sexual misconduct . Hegseth is facing the most scrutiny after Gaetz. Once Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for Pentagon chief, allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman in California in 2017. The woman said he took her phone, blocked the door to the hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a police report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. However, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Hegseth's lawyer said the payment was made to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced allegations of misconduct too. A woman who babysat for him and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that Kennedy groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation and texted an apology to the woman after the article was published. That isn't the only hurdle for Kennedy; he's spent years spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, raising fears about making him a top health official in the new administration. Linda McMahon, chosen by Trump to be education secretary, is fighting a lawsuit connected to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. She’s accused of knowingly enabling sexual exploitation of children by an employee as early as the 1980s, and she denies the allegations. Tulsi Gabbard is another person who could face a difficult confirmation battle, but for very different reasons. The former Democratic representative from Hawaii has been a vocal Trump ally, and he chose her to be national intelligence director. But there's grave concern by lawmakers and national security officials over Gabbard’s history of echoing Russian propaganda. Critics said she would endanger relationships with U.S. allies. Gaetz was investigated by federal law enforcement for sex trafficking, but the case was closed without charges and Republicans have blocked the release of a related report from the House Ethics Committee. However, some allegations leaked out, including that Gaetz paid women for sex. One of the women testified to the committee that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a lawyer for the woman. As Gaetz met with senators this week, it became clear that he would face stubborn resistance from lawmakers who were concerned about his behavior and believed he was unqualified to run the Justice Department. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction,” Gaetz wrote on social media when announcing his withdrawal. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said he believed there were four to six members of the caucus who would have voted against Gaetz, likely dooming his nomination, and “the math got too hard.” He said some of the issues and allegations around Gaetz were “maybe beyond the pale." “I think there were just too many things, it was like a leaky dike, and you know, it broke," Braun said. Trump thanked Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, his social media website, without addressing the substance of the allegations against him. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves and Lisa Macaro contributed from Washington. Jill Colvin in New York and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed.Title: Sworn Oath: NPC Companions Smarter, Less Annoying!
Greenwood's journey to the top of French football has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from a small town in Canada, the 21-year-old striker was always destined for greatness. His natural talent and dedication to the sport set him apart from an early age, and it was only a matter of time before he caught the eye of top European clubs. In the summer of 2021, Greenwood made the move to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, where he quickly established himself as a key player in the team.