VANCOUVER, BC , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Sandstorm Gold Ltd. ("Sandstorm Gold Royalties", "Sandstorm" or the "Company") SAND SSL is pleased to provide various developments within its diversified stream and royalty portfolio (dollar figures in USD unless otherwise indicated). Robertson Receives Approval of Key Environmental Permit On November 15 th , the U.S. Bureau of Land Management filed a positive Record of Decision for the Robertson mine, following publication of the project's Final Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") and public review period. The Record of Decision is the last major Federal permit under the National Environmental Protection Act of 1969 ("NEPA"). Robertson is owned by Nevada Gold Mines ("NGM"), a joint venture between Barrick Gold Corp. and Newmont Corporation, and is located at the north end of Nevada's Cortez District. The project is less than 10 kilometres east of the Pipeline and Cortez Mine Complex, a well-known mining district that hosts NGM gold production from the operating Pipeline, Cortez, and Goldrush mines. Robertson is planned as an open-pit, heap leach operation that will utilize certain infrastructure and facilities at the Pipeline and Cortez Mine Complex. NGM most recently estimated first production at Robertson in 2027, subject to permitting, and feasibility work remains ongoing. For more information about the Robertson mine visit www.barrick.com . For information regarding the Record of Decision, visit the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's website at www.blm.gov and refer to the press release dated November 20, 2024 . Sandstorm has a 1.0%–2.25% sliding scale net smelter returns ("NSR") royalty on the Robertson project. At current gold prices, Sandstorm expects the upper-end of the sliding scale would apply to its royalty. Hod Maden Site Preparation Continues SSR Mining Inc. ("SSR Mining") reports that engineering studies and site preparation activities continue at its Hod Maden project in Türkiye, as the company continues to advance the project through to a construction decision. In the third quarter of 2024, approximately $10.9 million was spent at Hod Maden. SSR Mining will provide guidance on the expected 2025 capital spend at Hod Maden with its annual 2025 guidance. For more information, visit www.ssrmining.com and refer to the press release dated November 6, 2024 . Sandstorm holds a 2.0% NSR royalty and a 20% gold stream on the Hod Maden project. Under the terms of the Hod Maden gold stream, Sandstorm has agreed to purchase 20% of all gold produced from Hod Maden (on a 100% basis) for ongoing per ounce cash payments equal to 50% of the spot price of gold until 405,000 ounces of gold are delivered. Sandstorm will then receive 12% of the gold produced for the life of the mine for ongoing per ounce cash payments equal to 60% of the spot price of gold. Underground Development Commences at Hugo North Extension; Additional High-Grade Intercepts Released Entrée Resources Ltd. ("Entrée") announced the commencement of underground development work at Oyu Tolgoi Lift 1 Panel 1 on the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture property in November. This initial phase involves up to 212 metres of lateral development in the southwest corner of the Hugo North Extension ("HNE"), as outlined in the 2024 Oyu Tolgoi Mine Plan, intended to support the development of mine infrastructure. Entrée continues to advance discussions with Rio Tinto and Oyu Tolgoi LLC ("OTLLC") to finalize either (i) the execution and delivery of the existing JV agreement between the parties or, (ii) conversion to an alternative agreement of equivalent economic value to govern their relationship during the development and mining stages of the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture property. Entrée, Rio Tinto and OTLLC have identified a potential pathway forward, with corresponding definitive agreements subject to the approval of the entire OTLLC board. Entrée also released additional results from the 2023 drilling program at HNE, which includes both infill and extension holes from surface and underground. In addition to confirming long, high-grade intervals within the existing Hugo North Lift 2 block cave footprint, drill hole EGD 174 was terminated in mineralization at a depth of 1,800 metres, highlighting that the deposit remains open at depth with continuity for deeper potential lifts at Oyu Tolgoi. At depths, the Hugo North deposit dips to the northwest with an increasing proportion located on the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture ground. Underground geotechnical holes UGD 807A, UGD 807B , and UGD 808 confirmed continuity of mineralization outside the potential Hugo North Lift 2 footprint. Highlights from the surface drill results include: EGD 174: 448 metres grading 1.31% copper, including: 172 metres grading 1.58% copper. EGD 177 1 : 143 metres grading 1.09% copper, including: 51 metres grading 1.75% copper. Highlights from the underground drill results include: UGD 805B : 177.3 metres grading 1.79% copper. UGD 808: 613.6 metres grading 0.69% copper, including: 214 metres grading 1.04% copper. UGD 813: 56 metres grading 1.45% copper. UGD 814: 138 metres grading 1.92% copper. During 2024, drilling has continued at HNE with all holes targeting the potential Lift 2 mineralized footprint. As of October 31, 2024 , OTLLC had advised Entrée that approximately 5,287 metres of underground drilling in 23 diamond drill holes and 2,476 metres of surface drilling in four diamond drill holes had been completed. Entrée will report on the drill results once they have been received and reviewed. For more information, including full details of the drill results, visit www.entreeresourcesltd.com and refer to the press releases dated October 29 and November 4, 2024 . Sandstorm has a copper and precious metal stream with Entrée on the HNE whereby the Company has the right to purchase 0.42% of the copper, 5.62% of gold, and 4.26% of silver produced for ongoing cash payments of $0.50 per pound of copper, $220 per ounce of gold, and $5 per ounce of silver. Equinox Gold to Restart Mining at Aurizona Piaba Pit; Expansion Plans Ongoing Equinox Gold Corp. ("Equinox Gold") expects to resume mining at its Aurizona Piaba pit in the fourth quarter of 2024, following remediation from a geotechnical event caused by persistent heavy rains earlier in the year. Mining has been paused at Piaba since March 2024 , while ore feed at Aurizona has relied on existing stockpiles and mining from the Tatajuba open pit. A revised mine plan incorporating the Tatajuba, Boa Esperança, and Piaba pits has been prepared, and Equinox Gold has concluded that the geotechnical event does not have a significant negative impact on the long-term economic performance of Aurizona. Despite weather challenges, exploration activities in 2024 have included over 6,500 metres of regional drilling at Aurizona, focused on high potential targets. In the first nine months of 2024, nearly 3,500 metres of drilling has focused on resource delineation of the western extension of the Tatajuba deposit. Expansion plans at Aurizona aim to extend the mine life beyond 10 years and increase annual gold production through the development of an underground mine that would operate concurrently with the open pits. Engineering studies for the underground mine beneath the Piaba pit are ongoing, with efforts focused on refining ventilation systems, access layouts, and ore extraction plans. Construction of a portal and underground decline is expected to begin in 2025, enabling underground drilling and bulk sampling and ultimately supporting production operations. For more information, visit www.equinoxgold.com and refer to the company's 2024 third quarter Management Discussion & Analysis. Sandstorm has a sliding scale NSR royalty on the Aurizona mine, including the Piaba, Tatajuba, and Boa Esperança pits. When gold prices are above $2,000 per ounce, Sandstorm's royalty is a 5% NSR. Chapada Optimization Plan Improves Project Cash Flows Following optimization efforts at Lundin Mining Corporation's ("Lundin Mining") Chapada mine in Brazil , mining costs have decreased by 46% compared to 2022. In addition to improved haulage cycle times, fleet availability, and blasting fragmentation, the stockpile feed levels were also optimized. A redesigned mining plan was implemented with a lower annual stripping requirement, reducing annual mining rates by 30 million tonnes. These changes are expected to streamline operations while maintaining output, further improving free cash flow generated from the mine. Lundin Mining is concluding a scoping study on the Sauva deposit, and an updated technical report for the Chapada mine is expected to be filed in 2025. For more information, visit www.lundinmining.com and refer to Lundin Mining's conference call held on November 7, 2024 , discussing the company's 2024 third quarter financial results. Sandstorm holds a copper stream on the Chapada mine, whereby Sandstorm has agreed to purchased, for ongoing per pound cash payments equal to 30% of the spot price of copper, 4.2% of the copper produced up to maximum of 3.9 million pounds ("Mlbs") annually until 39 Mlbs are delivered, then 3.0% of the copper until 50 Mlbs are delivered; then 1.5% of the copper for the life of mine. Updated PEA for High-Grade Coringa Gold Project Serabi Gold plc ("Serabi") has published an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Coringa gold project in Brazil , highlighting significant improvements compared to the 2019 study. Annual production is estimated at 28 thousand ounces ("koz") in 2025 then averaging 36 koz per year between 2026 and 2031 with an 11-year mine life until 2034. The updated PEA reflects an updated Mineral Resource Inventory at Coringa that includes Measured & Indicated Resources of 795 thousand tonnes ("kt") at 7.03 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold containing 179 koz gold and Inferred Resources are 1.45 million tonnes ("Mt") at 5.81 g/t gold containing 271 koz gold. The mine plan utilizes 81% of the total Measured & Indicated Resource inventory and 89% of Inferred Resources (3.16 g/t cut-off). The Coringa project has been in production since July 2022 as an underground operation using open stoping mining methods. Processing of Coringa ore is undertaken at Serabi's Palito Complex, utilizing existing process plant capacity. For more information, visit www.serabigold.com and refer to the press release dated October 21, 2024 . Sandstorm holds a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Coringa project. Notes 1. Drill hole EGD177 is the upper portion of "daughter" drill hole EGD177A, which was previously reported by Entrée Resources Ltd. on July 18, 2024. Qualified Person Imola Götz (M.Sc., P.Eng, F.E.C.), Sandstorm's Vice President, Mining & Engineering is a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Ms. Götz has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. Contact Information For more information about Sandstorm Gold Royalties, please visit our website at www.sandstormgold.com or email us at info@sandstormgold.com . ABOUT SANDSTORM GOLD ROYALTIES Sandstorm is a precious metals-focused royalty company that provides upfront financing to mining companies and receives the right to a percentage of production from a mine, for the life of the mine. Sandstorm holds a portfolio of over 230 royalties, of which 41 of the underlying mines are producing. Sandstorm plans to grow and diversify its low-cost production profile through the acquisition of additional gold royalties. For more information visit: www.sandstormgold.com . CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS TO U.S. SECURITYHOLDERS The financial information included or incorporated by reference in this press release or the documents referenced herein has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, which differs from US generally accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP") in certain material respects, and thus are not directly comparable to financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP. This press release and the documents incorporated by reference herein, as applicable, have been prepared in accordance with Canadian standards for the reporting of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, which differ from the previous and current standards of the United States securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve", "probable mineral reserve", "inferred mineral resources,", "indicated mineral resources," "measured mineral resources" and "mineral resources" used or referenced herein and the documents incorporated by reference herein, as applicable, are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 — Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") — CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Definition Standards"). For United States reporting purposes, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules (the "SEC Modernization Rules") to modernize the mining property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the Exchange Act, which became effective February 25, 2019 . The SEC Modernization Rules more closely align the SEC's disclosure requirements and policies for mining properties with current industry and global regulatory practices and standards, including NI 43-101, and replace the historical property disclosure requirements for mining registrants that were included in SEC Industry Guide 7. Issuers were required to comply with the SEC Modernization Rules in their first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021 . As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system, the Corporation is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Definition Standards. Accordingly, mineral reserve and mineral resource information contained or incorporated by reference herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by United States companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources." In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" to be "substantially similar" to the corresponding CIM Definition Standards that are required under NI 43-101. While the SEC will now recognize "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources", U.S. investors should not assume that all or any part of the mineralization in these categories will be converted into a higher category of mineral resources or into mineral reserves without further work and analysis. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Accordingly, U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, or inferred mineral resources that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable without further work and analysis. Further, "inferred mineral resources" have a greater amount of uncertainty and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Therefore, U.S. investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of inferred mineral resources will be upgraded to a higher category without further work and analysis. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. While the above terms are "substantially similar" to CIM Definitions, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definition Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that the Company may report as "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules or under the prior standards of SEC Industry Guide 7. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This press release contains "forward-looking statements", within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Sandstorm Gold Royalties. Forward-looking statements include the future price of gold, silver, copper, iron ore and other metals, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, realization of mineral reserve estimates, and the timing and amount of estimated future production. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans", or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of Sandstorm Gold Royalties to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Sandstorm Gold Royalties will operate in the future, including the receipt of all required approvals, the price of gold and copper and anticipated costs. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, failure to receive necessary approvals, changes in business plans and strategies, market conditions, share price, best use of available cash, gold and other commodity price volatility, discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries, mining operational and development risks relating to the parties which produce the gold or other commodity the Company will purchase, regulatory restrictions, activities by governmental authorities (including changes in taxation), currency fluctuations, the global economic climate, dilution, share price volatility and competition. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over mining operations from which the Company will purchase gold, other commodities or receive royalties from, and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, risks in the marketability of minerals, fluctuations in the price of gold and other commodities, fluctuation in foreign exchange rates and interest rates, stock market volatility, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risks to Sandstorm" in the Company's annual report for the financial year ended December 31, 2023 and the section entitled "Risk Factors" contained in the Company's annual information form dated March 27, 2024 available at www.sedarplus.com . Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are contained or incorporated by reference, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sandstorm-gold-royalties-provides-updates-on-producing-and-key-development-assets-302317866.html SOURCE Sandstorm Gold Ltd. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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It didn't take Syracuse first-year coach Fran Brown long to figure out the key matchup for Saturday afternoon's Atlantic Coast Conference game visiting Miami. "Syracuse has a really good quarterback," Brown said of Kyle McCord, "and Miami has a really good quarterback (Cam Ward)." With a win on Saturday, the No. 6 Hurricanes (10-1, 6-1 ACC) can clinch a berth in the league championship game against SMU. Miami is a 10 1/2-point favorite for Saturday's game. Syracuse (8-3, 4-3) has reached eight wins for just the fourth time since 2002, going 8-5 in 2010 and 2012 and 10-3 in 2018. However, the Orange haven't defeated a Top-10 team since knocking off Clemson in 2017. Miami leads the nation in scoring (44.7), and the Hurricanes will count on perfect passing conditions in Syracuse's dome. That could be huge for Ward, who leads the nation with 34 touchdown passes, ranking second in passing yards (3,774) and fourth in passing efficiency. Ward's top target is wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who needs just 21 yards to reach 1,000 for the second straight season. Restrepo also ranks tied for seventh in the nation with 10 TD receptions. Ward has some other top targets, including 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end Elijah Arroyo, who is a walking mismatch because of his size and speed. He leads Miami with 18.5 yards per reception. Hurricanes wide receivers Isaiah Horton and Jacolby George have combined for 12 TD passes, and Sam Brown has added two more. Each of them has more than 500 receiving yards this season. Miami's running game features battering ram Damien Martinez (739 yards, 5.5 average, eight TDs); versatile Mark Fletcher Jr. (499 yards, 5.7 average, six TDs); and game-breaking freshman Jordan Lyle (361 yards, 8.6 average, four TDs). Defensively, Miami's big-play man is safety Mishael Powell, who ranks second in the ACC with five interceptions. "He's all about winning," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said of Powell. "He's a smart, self-starting team player." On special teams, Miami kicker Andres Borregales ranks second in the ACC with 97 points. He is 52-for-52 on extra points and 15-for-16 on field goals. Meanwhile, McCord ranks No. 1 in the nation in passing yards (3,946) and tied for seventh in TD passes (26). McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, has also set Syracuse's single-season record for passing yards. In last week's 31-24 win over Connecticut, McCord passed for a career-high 470 yards. However, McCord is just 46th in the nation in passing efficiency, due in part to his high total of interceptions (12). Syracuse also has three of the top six pass-catchers in the ACC in terms of yards: tight end Oronde Gadsden II (810) and wide receivers Jackson Meeks (801) and Trebor Pena (743). Gadsden, who is from the greater Miami area, has had three straight 100-yard games. He is the son of former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Oronde Gadsden. Syracuse's run game is led by LeQuint Allen, who has rushed for 819 yards, a 4.3 average and 12 TDs. The issue for Syracuse could be its defense, which ranks 13th in the ACC in points allowed (27.8). Miami's defense is fourth (22.3). Even so, Syracuse coach Brown said he's excited about this matchup. "I heard Miami is going to come deep," Brown said of Miami fans. "It's going to be intense in the stands. It's going to be intense on the field. I think this is a game everyone wants to see." --Field Level MediaCanada's financial intelligence agency aiming to provide crucial info in real timeJohn Kerry warns US is 'on the brink' of declaring a climate emergency
CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — A Ukrainian girls’ hockey team is in Canada for a few days of peace and hockey in an arena that doesn’t have a missile-sized hole in its roof. After 56 hours of travel to Calgary, including a 24-hour bus ride from Dnipro to Warsaw, Poland, that required army escort for a portion of it, the Ukrainian Wings will join Wickfest, Hayley Wickenheiser’s annual girls’ hockey festival, on Thursday. The squad of players aged 11 to 13 was drawn from eight different cities in Ukraine, where sport facilities have been damaged or destroyed since Russia started its invasion in February 2022. “They all have a personal story of something awful happening,” said Wickenheiser. “We give them a week of peace and joy here, and I hope they can carry that with them. “We know full well they’re going back to difficult circumstances. It’s tough that way.” Nine players are from Kharkiv, where pictures show a large hole in the roof of the Saltovskiy Led arena where the girls’ team WHC Panthers once skated. “It was our home ice arena, and we played all our national team championships in this ice arena,” said Kateryna Seredenko, who oversees the Panthers program and is the Wings general manager. Ukraine’s Olympic Committee posted photos and wrote in a Facebook post Sept. 1 that Kharkiv’s Sport Palace, which was home to multiple hockey teams, was also destroyed in an attack on the city. Seredenko says the Wings’ arduous journey to Calgary was worth it because it gives the girls hope. “It’s not a good situation in Ukraine, but when they come here, they can believe that everything will be good, everything will be fine, of course we will win soon and we must play hockey. We can’t stop because we love these girls and we will do everything for them,” she said. “So many girls on this Ukrainian team are future players of the national team.” Wickenheiser, a Hockey Hall of Famer , is the assistant general manager of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and a doctor who works emergency room shifts in the Toronto area. The six-time Olympian and four-time gold medalist organized her first Wickfest after the 2010 Winter Games. She’s had teams from India, Mexico and the Czech Republic attend over the last decade and a half, but never a team that ran the Ukrainians’ gauntlet of logistics. The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health took on the task of arranging visas and paying for the team’s travel. “We care about women and children’s health. Sport is such a symbol. When you see a group of girls coming off the ice all sweaty and having worked hard on the ice, it’s a symbol of a healthy girl,” said chief executive officer Julia Anderson. “That’s a healthy kid that’s able to participate in sport. We really believe if we can get girls there, whether they’re in an active war zone, or here in Canada, those girls will change the world.” The Wings aren’t the first Ukrainians to seek a hockey haven in Canada since the war began. An under-25 men’s team played four games against university squads in early 2023 to prepare for that year’s world university games. Ukrainian teams have also twice played in the Quebec City International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. “It’s the first time in Ukrainian history where a girls’ team is coming to Canada to a very good tournament,” Seredenko said. “They can see how they can play in their future. And they can see how it is to play hockey in Canada.” AP sports: https://apnews.com/sportsDanny Solis spent four days on the witness stand answering questions from a prosecutor about the recordings he made of then-Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan , as well as Solis’ transgressions involving Viagra, massages that turned sexual and an affair that broke up his marriage. And that might have been the easy part. Because Monday, when jurors return to Madigan’s trial after the extended Thanksgiving break, defense attorneys are set to begin their long-awaited cross-examination of the feds’ star witness. One prosecutor predicted in September that Solis is “going to get raked over the coals.” The former 25th Ward City Council member wore a wire for the FBI against Madigan and other powerful politicians to avoid prison for his own alleged wrongdoings. Solis has been questioned publicly by a defense attorney before. He was summoned to the witness stand in December 2023 by lawyers for former Ald. Edward M. Burke, who is now in prison for racketeering. But attorney Chris Gair was apparently limited then in what he could ask Solis. Solis’ experience is expected to be different this time around. Solis testified for 90 minutes Wednesday until U.S. District Judge John Blakey sent jurors home for Thanksgiving. Once the jury left the courtroom, Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur confirmed that she had completed her initial questioning of Solis. MacArthur and Solis spent the morning reviewing additional recordings with the jury, mostly from late 2018. Jurors heard how a Chinatown development deal unraveled and how Solis continued to pester Madigan about an appointment to a government board. Solis also acknowledged that, in January 2019, the public learned he’d been wearing a wire for the FBI. His undercover work was revealed by the Chicago Sun-Times . Jurors also may have spotted a punching bag in Madigan’s office that had outgoing Gov. Bruce Rauner’s likeness on it in November 2018. It was captured on a video recording made by Solis. Madigan is on trial for a racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors say he led a criminal enterprise designed to enrich himself and enhance his political power. Michael McClain, Madigan’s longtime ally, is accused of acting as Madigan’s agent. Madigan is also accused of trying to use Solis in three schemes to illegally steer business to Madigan’s private tax appeal law firm, Madigan & Getzendanner. The allegations involve an apartment project in the West Loop, a state-owned parking lot in Chinatown and the Old Post Office straddling the Eisenhower Expressway. Solis’ testimony on Wednesday revolved around the alleged Chinatown and Old Post Office schemes. Developers wanted to build a hotel on the Chinatown property. But first, they needed the state to transfer possession to the city of Chicago. Solis sought Madigan’s assistance, promising him that the developers would then give business to Madigan. But jurors heard Tuesday how the plan began to run into political opposition in Springfield. And Wednesday, they heard McClain tell Solis about another “major hurdle” — that business owners in Chinatown had gathered 3,000 signatures from people opposed to the project. Solis acknowledged to Madigan in a Nov. 23, 2018, meeting that the developers had decided to “hold off.” But he also revisited a request he’d made of Madigan amid discussions about the Old Post Office — that Madigan help Solis land a paid seat on a government board. Solis told Madigan he didn’t plan to run to keep his City Council seat in the February 2019 election. But he said “there’s a hell of a lot of stuff going on” with developers who would need his help as Zoning Committee chairman before he left office. He promised Madigan, “I can still help you a lot.” Madigan told him “OK, thank you. Thank you.” Then, Madigan asked, “Do you want to go forward now on one of those state appointments?”
Mehmet Oz, the celebrity doctor picked by President-elect Donald Trump to oversee the country's Medicare and Medicaid programs, has agreed to stop promoting health and wellness products if confirmed by the Senate, according to a spokesperson for the Trump transition. Likewise, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – who recently raised eyebrows by appearing on his wife's social media account apparently showering naked in the background while she promoted her beauty line – also has agreed to disclose his finances and undergo a federal ethics review if confirmed as health secretary, said spokesperson Katie Miller. "Both Mr. Kennedy and Dr. Oz plan to divest where appropriate and fully cooperate with the Office of Government of Ethics," Miller told ABC News. Whether Trump's nominees planned to follow traditional ethics rules that have governed Washington policymakers for decades had been an open question. Trump has picked several billionaires to lead his Cabinet, while Kennedy and Oz promoted wellness companies in new online posts even after being named as part of the incoming administration. Experts say it's still possible for any nominee to try to test the bounds of ethics rules. MORE: What to know about Dr. Oz as Trump picks him to lead Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services While many requirements are spelled out in law, Trump's Justice Department would be in charge of enforcing those rules. Trump also would ultimately be in charge of the federal ethics office after inauguration and would be responsible for pursuing or authorizing any disciplinary or corrective action among his cabinet members. Still, the transition's promise to follow ethics rules is an important first step, aid Delaney Marsco, ethics director for the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center. "It is one of the most basic commitments to not commit a criminal conflict of interest violation" when taking a government job, Marsco said. "The price of having all this power is that you have to use it to serve the public. And part of that deal is that you can't have financial conflicts of interest that would cloud your judgment," she added. Ethics laws require office holders to either divest investments that pose a conflict of interest or recuse themselves from making decisions related to those investments. Separate federal regulations impose standards of conduct that generally prohibit government officials from promoting products online that could be seen as a kind of federal endorsement. Five days after Oz was named as the incoming head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid – a federal agency that oversees federal health insure for 160 million Americans and regulates private insurers – he turned to social media to promote iHerb, an online retailer that sells vitamins and supplements. "Thanksgiving is a perfect excuse for practicing gratitude -- which also happens to be a proven way to reduce stress. You can also reduce stress with adaptogens like ashwagandha from a trusted source like iHerb. Happy Thanksgiving!" Oz wrote on X, with a similar video message posted on his personal Instagram account. Last month, Kennedy posted a similar post promoting an online fitness game called BoxBollen shortly after Trump named him to be health and human services secretary. "The ideal stocking stuffer! " Kennedy said in a video playing the game and wearing the game's headband. Kennedy quickly deleted his post. Miller said Kennedy has canceled his promotional contract already, while Oz plans to end his relationship with iHerb to avoid any potential conflict of interest. MORE: Could changes be coming to Medicare, Medicaid with Dr. Oz leading CMS? Oz also does not have any ongoing contractual agreements with weight-loss drugs, which he has promoted in the past on his syndicated television show. Separately, Oz's regular posts promoting iHerb prompted calls this week by the liberal consumer watchdog group Public Citizen for an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission. FTC rules requires online influencers to make clear in their posts if they are being paid to promote products. The FTC declined to comment on whether it would consider such a request. There are no records of past actions against Oz by the FTC. Less clear is how federal ethics rules might apply to the business owned by Kennedy's wife, Cheryl Hines, which sells home and body products. Marsco of the Campaign Legal Center said spouses typically aren't required to step away from their jobs or businesses because their partner was hired by the U.S. government. However, government officials are required to recuse themselves from making decisions that could impact their spouse's employment and would still have to divest financial holdings that conflict with their work. Those details would have to be worked out with the ethics office and enforced by the president, she said. Under the law, the couple could divest their financial interest in the company to Hines' adult daughter while he remains in office. Marsco said these requirements won't kick in until after Trump takes office and they are officially nominated. "Assuming they follow through with what they've said, which is that they're going to fully cooperate and divest and follow all the conflict of interest laws and rules, then that is what is frankly expected of people in their position," she said.
Nike Inc. Cl B stock rises Friday, outperforms marketThe Vikings have had starting inside linebackers Ivan Pace Jr. and Blake Cashman together for just six of 11 games this season, and now they’ll be without Pace for at least another four games. Pace was placed on injured reserve Tuesday because of the hamstring strain he suffered in the first quarter of Sunday’s win in Chicago. He left after five plays. He’ll now miss at least games against the Cardinals, Falcons, Bears and Seahawks. The earliest he can return is Dec. 29 vs. Green Bay. The Vikings signed fourth-year linebacker Jamin Davis off the Packers practice squad and to the active roster, joining Cashman, Kamu Grugier-Hill and Brian Asamoah on the depth chart. “We really feel for him,” Cashman said after Sunday’s win . “Hate to see one of your guys get injured. We gotta lean on him, be there for him, and we’re going to need him to get right because we have playoff football ahead.” Pace, the second-year undrafted linebacker, ranks third on the team with 59 combined tackles despite also missing two games earlier this season because of a knee injury. He also has three sacks and a fumble returned for a touchdown during the Oct. 20 loss to the Lions. The Vikings added Davis, a 25-year-old former first-round pick by the Washington Commanders. He spent the past month on Green Bay’s practice squad, where the Vikings acquired him from, after he had been released by Washington in October. Davis, drafted 19th overall out of Kentucky in 2021, was mostly an off-the-ball linebacker for the Commanders over three seasons, when he had seven sacks, six pass deflections and an interception in 36 starts. Washington used Davis sparingly on the defensive line this season before he was cut. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has previously used a committee approach to fill linebacker absences. Cashman missed three games due to turf toe as well. The Vikings leaned on 30-year-old veteran Grugier-Hill, who has played 138 defensive snaps, and safety Josh Metellus, among others, to fill the void.
Shohei Ohtani likely to win his third MVP award and Aaron Judge his second NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is expected to win his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge is likely to earn his second AL honor when the Baseball Writers’ Association announces its balloting. Ohtani was unanimously voted the AL MVP in 2021 and 2023 as a two-way star for the Los Angeles Angels. He signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December. Ohtani hit .310, stole 59 bases and led the NL with 54 homers and 130 RBIs, becoming the first player with 50 or more homers and 50 or more stolen bases in a season. He helped the Dodgers to the World Series title. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week