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CHARBONE annonce le debut officiel des travaux de construction civil a Sorel-Tracy, conformement a l’echeancier annonce

Investing 4 Mins Read

(TheNewswire)

Brossard, Quebec TheNewswire – le 28 octobre 2025 CORPORATION CHARBONE (TSXV: CH,OTC:CHHYF; OTCQB: CHHYF; FSE: K47) (« CHARBONE » ou la « Société »), un producteur et distributeur nord-américain spécialisé dans l’hydrogène propre Ultra Haute Pureté (« UHP ») et les gaz industriels stratégiques, a le plaisir d’annoncer que les travaux de construction civil ont officiellement débuté hier, le 27 octobre 2025 sur le site de Sorel-Tracy, conformément à l’échéancier présenté dans le communiqué du 22 octobre dernier .

Ce jalon marque le lancement concret de la phase de construction du premier module de production d’hydrogène propre UHP de CHARBONE au Québec. Les travaux visent la préparation complète des infrastructures techniques et la mise en place des fondations nécessaires à la réinstallation des équipements principaux, dont la livraison avait été complétée avec succès plus tôt ce mois-ci.

« Nous sommes très fiers de voir le projet progresser exactement selon le plan établi , grâce à l’engagement exceptionnel de nos équipes et de nos partenaires , » a déclaré Dave B. Gagnon, PDG de CHARBONE . « Le début des travaux civils concrétise notre vision d’une production locale et décarbonée d’hydrogène propre UHP au Québec. Chaque étape franchie nous rapproche de la mise en service prévue en novembre et du déploiement de notre modèle modulaire . »


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À propos de CORPORATION CHARBONE

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

Énoncés prospectifs

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

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

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

Pour contacter Corporation Charbone :

Téléphone bureau: +1 450 678 7171

Courriel: ir@charbone.com

Benoit Veilleux

Chef de la direction financière et secrétaire corporatif

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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1911 Gold Strengthens Operations Leadership with Appointment of Éric Vinet as COO and Additional Senior Site Personnel

Investing 8 Mins Read

1911 Gold Corporation (‘1911 Gold’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: AUMB; OTCQB: AUMBF; FRA: 2KY) is pleased to announce the appointment of Éric Vinet as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective December 1, 2025. The Company has also made several key site-level appointments to further strengthen its operations team, including Sam Bates (Mine Superintendent), David Towle (Mill Manager), and Dan Barrie (Director, Special Projects). These appointments reflect the Company’s strategic focus on building the operational leadership required to advance the 100%-owned and fully permitted True North Gold Project toward a planned restart of operations in 2027.

‘I am excited to welcome Éric Vinet to 1911 Gold as Chief Operating Officer,’ stated Shaun Henrichs, President & CEO. ‘Éric has already played a key role in shaping our technical and operational strategy through his current advisory work with the Company. His extensive experience in mine development, operational optimization, and risk management will be instrumental as we complete the Preliminary Economic Assessment and prepare for the trial mining program next year – important steps toward the restart of the True North Gold mine. Alongside other recent senior site-level appointments, Éric’s leadership further strengthens our capability to execute a safe, efficient, and successful restart of operations at True North.’

‘I look forward to joining 1911 Gold as it moves toward the restart of the True North gold mine,’ stated Éric Vinet. ‘The combination of a proven, high-grade gold system, a skilled operations team, and existing, permitted infrastructure creates an exceptional foundation for success. Having worked on similar underground operations throughout my career (and having spent the past year working alongside the 1911 Gold team as the project advanced), I see a tremendous opportunity to apply my technical and operational experience to safely and efficiently bring the mine back into production. I’m also eager to help evaluate other areas across the Rice Lake property that have strong potential to support additional near-term production.’

Éric Vinet, Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Vinet brings over 30 years of progressive technical and operational experience in the mining industry and has held several senior positions, including Senior Vice President (SVP) Operations at New Gold, where he was also General Manager at the Rainy River mine (2019-2020), repositioning the asset and reinitiating underground mining operations. Prior to this, Mr. Vinet served for several years as General Manager at Semafo Inc.’s gold operations in both Niger and Burkina Faso.

Prior to joining 1911 Gold, Mr. Vinet held key technical roles in several underground mining operations with production ranging from 800 to 4,800 tonnes per day. His experience includes the El Mochito Mine in Honduras with Breakwater Resources Ltd., the Nuestra Señora Mine in Sinaloa, Mexico with Scorpio Gold Corporation, and with African Barrick at the Bulyanhulu Mine in Tanzania. He also held progressively more senior positions at multiple underground operations in the Val-d’Or region, including the Louvicourt Mine, Sigma Mines, and the Kiena Gold and Copper Rand Mines in Chibougamau.

The breadth of this experience – spanning diverse mining methods, operational and capital budgeting, cost management, capital construction, contractor oversight, health and safety management, and the preparation of numerous technical studies – provides Mr. Vinet with a comprehensive and practical skill set that will greatly benefit the Company. He is a graduate of École Polytechnique de Montréal, earning his degree in Mining Engineering in 1989.

In connection with Mr. Vinet’s appointment as COO and under the terms of his current advisory agreement, he has been granted 800,000 options to purchase common shares of the Company, pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (the ‘LTIP’). Such options have an exercise price of $0.93 per common share and expire on October 28, 2030. The options vest as to one-third immediately and one-third after the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant. Mr. Vinet has also been granted 300,000 restricted share units (‘RSU’) under the LTIP, vesting one-third on December 1, 2025 and one-third after the first and second anniversaries of the effective date of his appointment.

Sam Bates, Mine Superintendent

Mr. Bates brings over 20 years of mining experience, primarily in the Red Lake gold camp, most recently serving as Mine Operations Superintendent at the Madsen Mine, where he oversaw underground development in support of the mine’s restart. His strong leadership and commitment to safety, combined with experience at operations such as McIlvenna Bay, Keno Hill, and Red Lake, further strengthen 1911 Gold’s site team.

David Towle, Mill Manager

Mr. Towle has over 40 years of milling and processing experience and was most recently Mill Manager at the Madsen Mine in Red Lake, where he managed mill commissioning and startup to achieve nameplate production. His extensive background in plant operations, commissioning, and leadership across multiple Canadian gold projects will be invaluable as 1911 Gold advances toward the restart of operations.

Dan Barrie, Director, Special Projects

Mr. Barrie brings over 30 years of experience in supply chain management, contract administration, and project execution across major Canadian mining projects. His proven expertise in procurement, logistics, and operational readiness will be instrumental as 1911 Gold strengthens its supply chain capabilities in support of long-term operational excellence.

About 1911 Gold Corporation

1911 Gold is a junior developer with a highly prospective, consolidated land package totaling more than 61,647 hectares within and adjacent to the Archean Rice Lake greenstone belt in Manitoba, Canada. The Company also owns the True North mine and mill complex in Bissett, Manitoba. 1911 Gold believes its land package represents a prime exploration opportunity, with the potential to develop a mining district centred on the True North complex.

In addition, the Company holds the Apex project near Snow Lake, Manitoba and the Denton-Keefer project near Timmins, Ontario, and remains focused on advancing organic growth while pursuing accretive acquisition opportunities across North America.

1911 Gold’s True North complex and the exploration land package are located within and among the First Nation communities of the Hollow Water First Nation and the Black River First Nation. 1911 Gold looks forward to maintaining open, cooperative, and respectful communications with all of our local communities and stakeholders to foster mutually beneficial working relationships. 

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Shaun Heinrichs
President and CEO

www.1911gold.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as ‘plans’, ‘expects’ or ‘does not expect’, ‘is expected’, ‘budget’, ‘scheduled’, ‘estimates’, ‘forecasts’, ‘intends’, ‘anticipates’ or ‘does not anticipate’, or ‘believes’, or describes a ‘goal’, or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘would’, ‘might’ or ‘will’ be taken, occur or be achieved.

All forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made. Actual results or events may differ from those predicted in these forward-looking statements. All of the Company’s forward-looking statements are qualified by the assumptions that are stated or inherent in such forward-looking statements, including the assumptions listed below. Although the Company believes that these assumptions are reasonable, this list is not exhaustive of factors that may affect any of the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, predictions, projections, forecasts, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including, but not limited to, statements about the completion of the Preliminary Economic Assessment, and the timing and results thereof, commencement of trail mining next year, and the potential re-start of mining operations in 2027, are forward-looking statements. Although 1911 Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking 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.

All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are given as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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

SOURCE 1911 Gold Corporation

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2025/28/c4303.html

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This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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EXCLUSIVE: OIG report shows major turnaround in Social Security Administration’s phone service under Trump

Politics 6 Mins Read

The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) internal watchdog has confirmed that the agency’s publicly reported phone service data was accurate and that performance improved during fiscal year 2025, according to a new audit completed after Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., questioned whether the figures could be trusted.

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) reviewed the SSA’s national 800-number telephone metrics and found that the data the agency released to the public was correct, and that overall service improved during fiscal year 2025, according to a draft audit report provided to agency leadership ahead of public release. The report did not issue any recommendations to the agency.

The review was initiated after Warren expressed concerns in June about long wait times and the reliability of SSA’s phone performance data. She formally requested an audit on July 24, prompting SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano, who serves under President Donald Trump, to agree to an independent review by the watchdog.

The audit found that SSA served 68 million callers during fiscal year 2025, either through live agents or automated systems, a 65% increase from the prior year. Average wait times fluctuated early in the year but improved steadily, according to the audit, ending the fiscal year at roughly seven minutes in September after peaking at about 30 minutes in January.

The metric cited by the agency, known as Average Speed of Answer, measures only the time callers actively wait on hold before speaking to an employee and does not include time spent waiting for callbacks.

‘Last year, people waited 40 minutes on the phone, and now they’re in single digits. We’re doing twice as many calls,’ Bisignano said.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Bisignano said the audit confirmed what agency leadership had been reporting publicly about improvements in service levels.

‘Senator Warren was completely wrong in everything that she was saying, and it’s now been proven out,’ Bisignano said, citing the watchdog’s finding that SSA’s publicly reported telephone metrics were calculated accurately.

Bisignano said he welcomed the audit and was confident the data would withstand independent scrutiny.

The inspector general’s report concluded that SSA’s telephone performance improved during fiscal year 2025 largely because of operational changes, including the rollout of a new cloud-based telecommunications platform, expanded automation and staffing realignments. The platform, implemented in August 2024, allowed SSA to increase call capacity, expand self-service options and monitor performance in real time, according to the report.

The watchdog also confirmed that SSA’s internal data-verification process ensured accuracy by comparing raw data with reported metrics and working with vendors to resolve any discrepancies. The audit found no evidence that the agency misrepresented its national 800-number performance.

Bisignano said improvements were driven by a combination of technology, process changes and workforce adjustments.

The report explains that SSA experienced especially high call volumes between January and March 2025 due to Medicare and tax-related questions, as well as the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, which affected more than 3.2 million beneficiaries. 

Despite the surge, the agency reduced average wait times over the course of the year.

The audit also found that about 25 million calls during fiscal year 2025 ended without callers receiving service, either because callers disconnected, did not answer callback attempts or encountered busy signals. Those calls were not included in the agency’s wait-time metrics.

Automation played a growing role in absorbing the surge. According to the audit, automated systems handled an average of nearly 2.9 million calls per month in fiscal year 2025, up from about 300,000 per month the year before. Automated services allowed callers to complete common tasks without speaking to a live agent, reducing pressure on phone lines.

The inspector general also reviewed how SSA calculates its Average Speed of Answer metric, which measures the time callers actively wait on hold before speaking to an employee. The audit clarified that callers who accept a callback are counted as having zero active wait time, a methodology that reduces the average but does not include the time callers wait to receive callbacks.

Bisignano said transparency about how the numbers are calculated is essential.

‘We figured out how to leverage technology, process engineering, and human capital,’ he said.

Staffing changes also contributed to the turnaround. Early in fiscal year 2025, the number of employees available to answer national 800-number calls declined by about 13%. By July, SSA began assigning roughly 1,000 field office employees each day to help handle national call volume. The audit found that this coincided with sharp improvements in wait times, with Average Speed of Answer dropping from about 13 minutes in June to roughly 7.5 minutes in July.

The audit did not evaluate service levels or wait times at local Social Security field offices.

Beyond wait times, the audit found that service quality remained high. About 87% of callers who responded to post-call surveys said their issue was resolved on the first contact. The survey results reflect feedback from callers who reached an SSA employee and do not include callers who only used automated services.

Bisignano said the improvements matter most for seniors and beneficiaries who rely on Social Security services.

‘We’re investing in Social Security and servicing the American public at a level they’ve never been serviced before,’ he said. ‘We’ll meet you where you want to be met: on the phone, in the field offices or on the web.’

He added that people who haven’t called the agency recently may be surprised by how much has changed.

‘What would surprise them the most is how quickly they can get their phone call answered,’ he said.

Looking ahead, Bisignano said the agency plans to continue expanding digital services and reducing backlogs, including in disability claims, while maintaining accountability through ongoing oversight.

‘Expect us to always have double-digit improvements in every metric we have,’ he said. ‘This is just the beginning.’

The OIG report in full can be read here.

‘The bottom line is that Donald Trump’s Social Security chief lied about call wait times to cover up his customer service mess,’ Sen. Warren said in an email to Fox News Digital. ‘This new watchdog report reveals that true wait times were more than three times higher than what Commissioner Bisignano claimed, and tens of millions of callers were simply unable to get help on the phone at all.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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From Zapruder to smartphones: assassination footage reshapes America’s view of political violence

Politics 3 Mins Read

When President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, it took more than a decade before Americans saw the infamous Zapruder film.

Today, the killing of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk can be replayed in dozens of high-definition clips across social media, reshaping how the nation confronts political violence in real time.

‘You’ll never have an assassination again that we don’t have footage of,’ presidential historian and former Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Bush administration, Tevi Troy, told Fox News Digital. 

‘I have an image in my head of what Lincoln’s assassination might have looked like, but every assassination since the Kennedy era, or even assassination attempts, there’s generally going to be footage about it now, and that’s just a very difficult thing,’ he said.

The Zapruder footage of Kennedy’s assassination remained largely unseen by the public until 1975, when it aired on national television more than a decade after his death. Its grainy frames shocked viewers. Americans, at the time, were ‘much more dependent on what the caretakers of the culture would put on TV,’ Troy said, and if a broadcast was missed, there was often no second chance to see it. 

Troy added, ‘The gatekeepers controlled what you saw.’

In the minutes after Kirk was shot in the neck on his ‘American Comeback Tour’ at the Utah Valley University on Wednesday, graphic video clips captured by bystanders using phones flooded social platforms like X, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. 

Traditional outlets held back from airing the moment of impact, but social media users shared multiple angles—including real-time replays and slowed-down segments—many without content warnings or editing.

‘Desensitizing is the right word… It’s not good for you,’ Troy said when asked what the impact of such high-speed graphic footage could do to the public. 

‘It’s not good for your soul. It’s not a question of not being available — it is available. Then you have to make an effort not to see it,’ he said.

Troy noted that in the immediate aftermath of Kirk’s killing, some voices on the left appeared to rationalize or downplay the violence, while others rushed to frame the suspect’s background in ways that minimized political fallout for their side. He called the reaction ‘a ghoulish exercise.’

‘There’s a horrible tragedy where this person who just wants to have political conversations was murdered with three young kids,’ Troy said. ‘But this is where we are today. If there is political violence, they want to make sure it’s framed in such a way that it doesn’t bring their side down.’

Turning Point Founder and commentator, Kirk, 31, was killed on Wednesday by suspected shooter Tyler Robinson while answering a question at Utah Valley University. He leaves behind his wife and two children, ages one and three. 

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China’s phony conviction of Jimmy Lai is a warning

Politics 4 Mins Read

For Americans wondering about the future of China and its relationship with the West, the latest verdict in the Jimmy Lai case proves an ominous harbinger of Hong Kong’s continued slide towards authoritarianism. Lai, the self-made billionaire, media entrepreneur and pro-democracy activist, has been held prisoner of the Chinese Communist Party for five years under Hong Kong’s National Security Law. He was finally convicted Dec. 14 on trumped-up charges of sedition.    

This verdict, handed down in 855 pages of meaningless gobbledygook, is Lai’s second conviction during his state-sponsored persecution since Hong Kong’s 2019 pro-democracy protests. Lai was previously found guilty of lease violations in connection with Apple Daily, his popular former newspaper that was closed by the Chinese government in 2021, and sentenced to 69 months in prison. The latest charges, for which Lai will be sentenced in early January, carry a penalty of 10 years to life in prison.   

Of course, these nuances and timelines are meaningless; Lai has been imprisoned since December 2020, with his case delayed, extended, postponed, appealed and otherwise stage-managed in accordance with the wishes of the CCP. Lai was also denied the lawyers of his choice. Hong Kong will likely throw the book at him in January, and Lai – already in failing health due to the apparently inhumane conditions of his solitary confinement – will face eventual death in prison. It’s a grim birthday present for Lai, who turned 78 recently.  

How did we get here? Lai knows why, describing himself as a ‘troublemaker, but one with a good conscience.’ ‘The establishment hates my guts,’ Lai says, and you’d have to say he’s earned that hatred from a leadership in Beijing and now Hong Kong that doesn’t tolerate dissent. Having participated in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests in 2019, supported the Umbrella Movement in 2014, and expressed public concern in the aftermath of 1989’s Tiananmen Square massacre, Lai has long been a thorn in the side of the CCP.   

Lai’s irreverent, pro-free-speech publications, Apple Daily and Next Magazine, frequently reported unwelcome facts, challenged the status quo and asked hard questions of Chinese officialdom amid growing state censorship. It was Lai’s courageous, decades-long commitment to democratic values that led my organization, The Fund for American Studies, to honor him in 2022 with the Kenneth Y. Tomlinson Award for Courageous Journalism.

Among all his causes, Lai’s most dear was the protection of his adopted city, Hong Kong. Having escaped there as a child after growing up in 1950s mainland China, Lai knew firsthand that Communist regimes deprive their people of fundamental freedoms. Despite China’s treaty agreement with the U.K. and the CCP’s ‘one country, two systems’ commitment, which guaranteed Hong Kong’s autonomy until at least 2047, Lai foresaw that the CCP would accelerate its ultimate takeover of Hong Kong.   

The mainland’s creeping authoritarianism is why my organization ended its program at the University of Hong Kong after 2019. We foresaw the coming crackdown in Hong Kong, and this week’s verdict is one more nail in the coffin of Hong Kong’s once internationally respected legal system. In a chilling coincidence, Hong Kong’s Democratic Party, the city’s largest opposition group, also voted to disband on the eve of the verdict. Unfortunately, our worries (and Lai’s) about Hong Kong’s future have been proven true.

Where do we go from here? First, Western leaders must continue to seek Lai’s release on humanitarian grounds. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to visit China next month, and his government has said that freeing Lai (who is a British citizen) is a priority. This week, President Donald Trump also asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping to free Lai. With Lai’s formal conviction now public, it may open up space for a diplomatic resolution. Now is the time to ramp up the pressure for his release.  

Second, the West must remain vigilant in the face of China’s continued belligerence toward its neighbors and its suppression of values such as freedom of speech, religious liberty and press freedom. These are values under siege worldwide. Journalists, religious figures and democracy advocates have been killed or imprisoned for exercising these rights. Jimmy Lai is an example of incredible bravery and commitment to democratic values, but his imprisonment is also a sobering warning of the dangers of authoritarianism.  

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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Crypto Market Update: Trump Pardons Binance Founder, Wall Street and Jane Street Embrace Crypto

Investing 6 Mins Read

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (October 24) as of 5:00 p.m. UTC.

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

Bitcoin and Ether price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$110,645, a 0.3 percent increase in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$109,873, and its highest was US$111,266.

Bitcoin price performance, October 24, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Bitcoin’s medium-sized investors are continuing to buy even after the US$19 billion liquidation event earlier this month, preserving the market’s long-term bullish structure, according to CryptoQuant.

Entities holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC have added roughly 907,000 BTC over the past year, which analysts say represents a strong accumulation trend that historically aligns with upward price momentum.

Recent price action reflects this institutional backing, with Bitcoin reclaiming levels above US$110,000 amid softer inflation data and improved market sentiment. However, CryptoQuant warned that short-term demand is softening as the cohort’s 30-day balance has fallen below its moving average, suggesting potential near-term caution until a catalyst, such as renewed exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows, emerges.

Ether (ETH) was priced at US$3,928.56, a 1.8 percent increase in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3,872.67, and its highest was US$3,968.61.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$193.09, at its highest valuation of the day, up by 0.9 percent over the last 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$189.23.
  • XRP was trading for US$2.51, an increase of 4.2 percent over the last 24 hours and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest was US$2.46.

Crypto derivatives and market indicators

The cryptocurrency market has experienced some fluctuations with a mixed but generally cautious outlook. The crypto derivatives market has shown some signs of recovery and increased activity after the earlier October volatility.

Liquidations for contracts tracking Bitcoin have totaled approximately US$5.89 million in the last four hours, the majority of which have been short positions, indicating a possible short squeeze or short-covering rally.

This aligns with Bitcoin’s price rebound and trader repositioning after recent dips.

Ether liquidations showed a different pattern; its US$7.01 million liquidations were fairly evenly split between long and short positions, suggesting balanced market dynamics and some ongoing indecision or consolidation.

Futures open interest for Bitcoin was up by 0.4 percent to US$71.27 billion over four hours, indicating growing trader interest and increasing liquidity, with a slight decrease in the final hour of trading. Ether futures open interest moved by +0.86 percent to US$45.94 billion, also showing a modest pullback as markets closed.

The funding rate remains positive, with both Bitcoin and Ether showing it at 0.005, a sign of modest bullish sentiment but not extreme leverage. Bitcoin’s relative strength index stood at 55.4, in a neutral to slightly bullish momentum phase, further supporting a stable recovery rather than a parabolic move.

Fear and Greed Index snapshot

CMC’s Crypto Fear & Greed Index has slightly trended upwards into 32, but remains in fear territory, an improvement from this week’s lowest score (25).

CMC Crypto Fear and Greed Index, Bitcoin price and Bitcoin volume.

Chart via CoinMarketCap

Today’s crypto news to know

Trump pardons Binance founder

US President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, wiping away his 2024 conviction for violating US anti-money laundering laws. Zhao, better known as “CZ,” served four months in prison and had been barred from running financial ventures under the plea deal.

The move follows months of lobbying by Binance, which paid a record US$4.3 billion fine as part of its own settlement with federal prosecutors. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the case “a politically motivated overreach by the Biden administration,” insisting the pardon was meant to correct an injustice.

Critics argue the decision reflects Trump’s growing financial ties to the crypto industry, citing his personal investments and recent push for a “national cryptocurrency reserve.” Zhao thanked Trump on social media, saying he is “deeply grateful” for the decision and eager to “continue supporting innovation responsibly.”

Bitfarms surges on Jane Street investment

Crypto miner Bitfarms (TSX:BITF) saw its shares surge on Friday after trading firm Jane Street said it has acquired a 5.4 percent ownership stake in the company, as well as a 5 percent stake in Cipher Mining (NASDAQ:CIFR).

This move from a major institutional market maker, known for its strategic investments in the digital asset space, highlights the growing institutional involvement in cryptocurrency mining businesses and their expanding role within the tech sector’s market rally.

Polymarket confirms POLY token launch

Prediction platform Polymarket has confirmed plans to launch its long-awaited POLY token following a US$2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange.

Speaking on the Degenz Live podcast, Chief Marketing Officer Matthew Modabber said both the token and airdrop are “officially in motion,” confirming rumors that have swirled for months.

Modabber emphasized that the launch will prioritize real utility and “long-term viability,” aligning with Polymarket’s push to relaunch its US app after receiving fresh regulatory clearance.

Sygnum Bank, Debifi partner for multiSYG Bitcoin lending product

Sygnum Bank has partnered with Debifi, a Bitcoin-backed lending platform, to introduce MultiSYG, a new multisignature Bitcoin lending product slated for launch in the first half of 2026.

MultiSYG allows clients to borrow fiat currencies against their Bitcoin holdings. These Bitcoin assets are held in a 3-of-5 multisig escrow wallet, with keys distributed to the borrower, Sygnum and independent signers. This structure ensures borrowers maintain partial control and on-chain cryptographic proof of their collateral for the loan term.

The product is designed to enhance transparency and security in lending by preventing rehypothecation and eliminating the need for blind trust in custodians, which are common issues in traditional lending practices. MultiSYG is specifically tailored for institutional and high-net-worth clients seeking bank-grade terms and flexible loan services.

JPMorgan to let institutions borrow against Bitcoin, Ether holdings

JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) is preparing to let its institutional clients borrow cash using Bitcoin and Ether as collateral. Set to launch by the end of 2025, the initiative will allow the firm’s clients to pledge cryptocurrencies directly rather than through ETFs, using a third-party custodian to safeguard tokens.

The pilot follows successful internal testing involving BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (NASDAQ:IBIT) earlier this year. JPMorgan already accepts crypto-linked ETFs as loan collateral.

Crypto.com applies for national trust bank charter

Crypto.com has applied to the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a National Trust Bank Charter.

This federal charter would enable Crypto.com to provide regulated crypto financial services across the US, including custody and staking. The company plans to focus on institutional clients, offering solutions such as digital asset treasuries, ETFs and corporate custody. This move signifies Crypto.com’s progression towards compliance with traditional financial regulations and the expansion of its regulated presence in the US.

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

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

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Investing

Cartier Resources

Investing 6 Mins Read

Investor Insight

Cartier Resources presents a compelling gold investment opportunity, driven by a growing Abitibi resource, solid institutional support, and upcoming development milestones.

Overview

Cartier Resources (TSXV:ECR,FSE:6CA) is a Quebec-based gold exploration company advancing a compelling growth story anchored in one of Canada’s most prolific gold regions — the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. With a focused strategy, institutional support and a commitment to innovation, Cartier is building a significant gold resource base while positioning its flagship Cadillac project as an emerging mining camp east of Val-d’Or. As the company transitions from explorer to potential developer, the coming months present multiple catalysts for a significant valuation uplift.

Cartier projects in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt in Quebec

The Cadillac project has evolved from a single mine project into an emerging gold camp with multiple deposits, advanced resource modeling, and a clear development path. Located in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with existing infrastructure, the Cadillac project is ideally positioned to attract development partners, strategic investments, or acquisition interest from senior producers.

In 2023, using a gold price of US$1,750, Cartier completed a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) which confirmed the project’s robust economics, with a production forecast of 116,900 oz/year over 9.7 years and a low AISC of US$755/oz.

With permitting pathways de-risked by historical mining activity and extensive drilling already completed, Cartier has launched a fully funded 100,000-metre diamond drilling program. By combining AI and geostatistical reinterpretation techniques with traditional exploration methods, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of modern mineral discovery.

The Cadillac project has all the hallmarks of a high-potential development-stage gold asset: grade, scale, jurisdiction, infrastructure, and strategic backing. Cartier is also actively pursuing parallel value-creation opportunities, including the reprocessing of legacy tailings at the Chimo site and monetization of non-core assets like Wilson, Fenton and Benoist.

Company Highlights

  • District-Scale Gold Project: Cadillac: Cartier’s core asset consolidates the former Chimo Mine and East Cadillac properties into a district-scale land package on the prolific Larder Lake-Cadillac Fault — host to more than 100 million ounces of historic gold production.
  • Aggressive Exploration Program: In 2025, Cartier launched a 100,000-meter drill program — one of the largest in the region — to expand its substantial gold resources and unlock Cadillac’s camp-scale potential.
  • Innovation in Discovery: The company is leveraging AI-assisted mineral discovery tools, in partnership with VRIFY, to sharpen drill targeting and accelerate new discoveries.
  • Strategic Partnership with Agnico Eagle: Agnico Eagle, Cartier’s largest shareholder with a 28 percent equity stake, provides financial strength and validates the company’s assets and strategy.
  • ESG-Friendly Tailings Reprocessing: Cartier has introduced a low-capex initiative to evaluate reprocessing 600,000 tons of historic tailings, representing a potential near-term revenue stream with ESG benefits.
  • Attractive Valuation With a clean share structure and a market cap of C$52.9 million, Cartier offers significant re-rating potential as exploration and development catalysts unfold.

Key Projects

Cadillac Project

The company’s flagship Cadillac project is a consolidated land package totaling 11,525 hectares, located along a 15-kilometre strike of the Larder Lake–Cadillac Fault (LLCF) — one of the most productive gold-bearing structures in Canada. This fault zone has historically produced over 100 million ounces of gold across multiple camps. Cartier’s land package includes the past-producing Chimo Mine (379,012 oz gold from 1964 to 1997), West Nordeau, and several new discovery zones over a 10-km strike length straddling the LLCF.

Cartier has completed four mineral resource estimates (MREs) between 2019 and 2022. The most recent, published in May 2023, outlined 7.1 million tons (Mt) @ 3.1 grams per ton (g/t) gold (720,000 oz) indicated and 18.5 Mt @ 2.8 g/t gold (1.63 Moz) inferred. The PEA evaluated an underground mining operation fed from three primary zones (Chimo, East Chimo, West Nordeau), with a 2.9-year payback on a C$341 million capex. The PEA assumes an average head grade of 3.0 g/t gold and annual production of 116,900 oz gold. Infrastructure advantages include an existing shaft, power line and permitted tailings facility.

Cartier Resources has commenced its fully funded 100,000-metre drill program at the Cadillac Project in Quebec, the largest ever on the property. The 18-month campaign is designed to both expand known gold zones and test new high-priority targets along the Cadillac Fault Zone. With $11 million in cash and no debt, Cartier is well positioned to advance Cadillac’s district-scale gold potential.

Chimo Tailings Project

As part of Cartier’s sustainability-focused development strategy, the company is evaluating the potential for reprocessing approximately 600,000 tons of historical tailings deposited during the Chimo Mine operations. This project could unlock near-term, low-cost production with a minimal environmental footprint. Cartier will launch metallurgical characterization to assess gold recovery potential and economic viability. The project benefits from proximity to several underutilized gold mills in the Val-d’Or region, potentially enabling toll milling agreements.

Other Projects: Wilson, Fenton and Benoist

Cartier also holds 100 percent ownership of three additional gold projects — Wilson, Fenton and Benoist — all located within the Abitibi Belt and each hosting historical gold mineralization or compliant resources. The Wilson Project (1,750 ha, three zones), Fenton (671 ha, 12 zones) and Benoist (3,086 ha, two zones) are currently available for joint ventures or sale. These assets offer significant exploration upside and optionality, allowing Cartier to remain focused on Cadillac while preserving long-term value.

Management Team

Philippe Cloutier – Founder, President, CEO and Director

Philippe Cloutier is the founder and driving force behind Cartier Resources. A professional geologist with over 35 years of experience in the exploration and development of precious and base metal deposits, Cloutier has a deep technical understanding of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, having spent most of his career advancing projects in this prolific region.

Nancy Lacoursière – Chief Financial Officer

Nancy Lacoursière brings over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, accounting and strategic financial management. She has held CFO and senior finance positions across the natural resources and manufacturing sectors, with a strong focus on Quebec-based operations.

Ronan Déroff – VP of Exploration

Ronan Déroff is a senior exploration geologist and Cartier’s designated qualified person under NI 43-101. With over 15 years of experience in mineral exploration, resource modeling, GIS and project management, Déroff leads the technical execution of Cartier’s exploration strategy. He has overseen the development of multiple MREs and PEAs for the Cadillac project, and played a central role in integrating modern data analysis and AI-assisted targeting into the company’s workflow. He holds a Masters in operations and management of mineral resources (EGERM), from the Université d’Orléans (France).

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Politics

FCC announces ban on new Chinese-made drones over national security concerns

Politics 3 Mins Read

The Federal Communications Commission announced on Monday that it would ban new foreign-made drones, citing national security concerns.

The FCC said it was adding uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and their critical components made in China and other foreign countries to its ‘covered list’ that features equipment that has been determined to pose an ‘unacceptable risk’ to U.S. national security and the safety of Americans. Specific drones or components would be exempt if the Pentagon or Department of Homeland Security determined they did not pose such risks.

The distinction prohibits the products from being sold or imported in the U.S. The order does not apply to technology that has already been sold in the U.S.

The agency said that allowing foreign-made UAS and component parts to be sold in the U.S. ‘undermines the resiliency of our UAS industrial base, increases the risk to our national airspace, and creates a potential for large-scale attacks during large gatherings,’ citing upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

‘Criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors have intensified their weaponization of these technologies, creating new and serious threats to our homeland,’ the FCC said in its notice.

The announcement comes a year after a defense bill was adopted that raised national security concerns about Chinese-made drones, which have been used in farming, mapping, law enforcement and filmmaking.

The bill called for stopping two Chinese companies — DJI and Autel — from selling new drones in the U.S. if a review found they posed a risk to U.S. national security.

A spokesperson for DJI said in a statement that it is ‘disappointed’ by the FCC’s decision and that ‘no information has been released regarding what information was used’ in the government’s determination to add its drones and component parts to the covered list.

‘Concerns about DJI’s data security have not been grounded in evidence and instead reflect protectionism, contrary to the principles of an open market,’ the statement said.

The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party praised the FCC’s move, saying it ‘strongly supports’ the decision.

‘It will help safeguard our national security, protect the American people, and wind down the unacceptable national security threat posed by DJI and other Chinese drones,’ the committee wrote on X.

‘Taken together with the Administration’s recent executive actions to accelerate domestic drone commercialization, this sends an unmistakable signal to American industry: The U.S. is open for drone innovation—and American manufacturing will be rewarded,’ it added.

Arthur Erickson, chief executive officer and co-founder of the Texas-based drone-making company Hylio, told The Associated Press that the departure of DJI would provide more opportunity for American companies like his to grow. He said new investments are coming in to help him boost production of spray drones, which farmers use to fertilize their fields, and it will bring down prices.

But Erickson also called it ‘crazy’ and ‘unexpected’ that the FCC would expand the restrictions to all foreign-made drones and their components.

‘The way it’s written is a blanket statement,’ Erickson said. ‘There’s a global-allied supply chain. I hope they will clarify that.’

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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Biotech and Pharma Market Update: Q3 2025 in Review

Investing 7 Mins Read

The third quarter was a pivotal period for both the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, with regulatory developments and an increase in business deals shaping the landscape for the industries.

Public biotech indexes rallied above critical levels last seen in 2021, with the NASDAQ Biotech Index (INDEXNASDAQ:NBI) closing 21 points ahead for the quarter and up 11 percent year-to-date.

Emerging artificial intelligence (AI) applications are becoming increasingly critical in drug discovery and R&D, highlighted by products like AlphaFold and new draft guidance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that encourages AI use in regulatory submissions. However, cautious funding approaches remain, especially for early stage companies.

This confluence may signal a sector resurgence, despite continued funding caution for early stage firms.

Biopharma M&A activity picks up

In a Q3 report on M&A activity, Oppenheimer notes that biopharma market sentiment showed an upward trajectory during the quarter, with expectations that deal flow will continue to increase through the end of 2025.

William Blair, a global investment banking and asset management firm specializing in biopharma investments, also notes an uptick in momentum in a recap of Q2 activity in the biopharma space, citing positive clinical data, a wave of public M&A activity and more clarity on tariffs and drug pricing as catalysts.

Total M&A transaction value reached US$38 billion for the quarter, according to data analyzed by Oppenheimer, including US$20 billion in September alone. Clinical-stage acquisitions saw their strongest quarter since late 2023, driven by early stage assets in the oncology, immunology and cardiovascular-metabolic areas.

The central nervous system space saw a pause in deals for the first time since the beginning of 2024, reflecting shifting investment priorities. Small molecules and antibodies maintained their leading positions as prevalent treatment modalities in deals, while emergents like bispecific antibodies, multi-specific antibody-drug conjugates and CAR-T therapies gained traction. However, the overall M&A market for antibody-drug conjugates remained cautious, with the exception of Seribant Therapeutics’ acquisition of Y-mAbs Therapeutics for US$412 million.

Public company takeouts continued to outnumber private company acquisitions for the second consecutive quarter; however, private companies still attracted strong interest from investors after a sluggish first half of 2025.

Oppenheimer’s Private Placement Activity report notes that a significant increase was observed in September, with companies with a clinical pipeline and a platform commanding the highest valuations.

Strategic partnerships between established pharmaceutical leaders and innovative biotech firms continued to underscore the ongoing efforts by pharma leaders to build and diversify their pipelines.

Roche Holding (OTCQX:RHHBY,SWX:ROG) and Zealand Pharma (OTC Pink:ZLDPY,CPH:ZEAL) entered into an agreement to co-develop and co-commercialize weight-loss drug candidate petrelintide in a deal valued at up to US$5.3 billion, reflecting ongoing interest in weight-management therapies, despite market challenges and competitive pressure.

Meanwhile, Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) and BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX) agreed to co-develop and co-commercialize a novel cancer immunotherapy targeting multiple tumor types in a deal worth up to US$11 billion, and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) partnered with 3SBio (OTC Pink:TRSBF,HKEX:1530) to advance a new cancer drug candidate.

Both agreements highlight ongoing efforts to expand oncology treatment options.

Cell and gene therapies continued to draw investor attention, and the central nervous system space saw an increase in average deal size. William Blair notes that cell and gene therapies remain a priority area for venture capital investors, as well as public market investors, despite regulatory complexities.

Initial public offering (IPO) activity rebounded meaningfully in Q3 after a quieter first half of 2025, with LB Pharmaceuticals’ (NASDAQ:LBRX) September offering serving as a marker of renewed capital markets appetite.

Secondary public offerings and clinical-stage private financings also increased, fueled by promising clinical data and expanding investor participation, including from international markets such as China.

In parallel, funding for AI-driven drug discovery platforms continued to capture investor interest, with rounds for companies like Isomorphic Labs, Pathos and Lila Sciences.

Regulatory and policy developments

US President Donald Trump’s second term has brought a shift to more business-friendly stances, impacting healthcare M&A and trade. The Federal Trade Commission has signaled intentions to ease antitrust scrutiny, potentially speeding up big pharma and biotech dealmaking and encouraging higher transaction volumes that consolidate the sector.

A central policy focus is the onshoring of biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with the administration actively pursuing tariff negotiations to reduce import costs and bolster supply chain resilience. The landmark deal between the government and Pfizer to lower drug prices in Medicaid in exchange for tariff relief exemplifies this dual approach.

These tariff adjustments are designed to ease the burden on drug importation costs, incentivizing companies to invest more domestically while managing global supply chain risks. Lara Castleton, US head of portfolio construction and strategy at Janus Henderson Investors, has identified this agreement as “the catalyst for healthcare.” She further suggests that the sector is likely overdue for a comeback, having lagged behind the tech market earlier in the year.

Trump has emphasized the expectation that other pharma companies will follow suit, intensifying onshoring efforts. As of September 30, large pharma had committed roughly US$368 billion to US-based manufacturing facilities.

Additionally, the FDA approved 45 new drug applications in Q3, marking a notable increase from previous quarters. This surge was driven by accelerated approvals, largely in the gene and cell therapy sectors, as well as innovative biologics targeting rare diseases and oncology.

Biotech and pharma market forecast for 2025

The biotech and pharma sectors entered Q4 on firm footing. Supportive market dynamics are expected to persist as the year continues, with 2025 on track to reach US$93 billion in total transaction value.

Several catalysts are poised to shape the healthcare landscape moving forward.

An anticipated IPO from MapLight Therapeutics, focusing on neurology therapies, will reveal investor appetite for specialty pharma assets in a market that had a bullish close to Q3, but faces questions about sustaining momentum.

On the regulatory front, FDA decisions are expected for a handful of treatments in gene and cell therapy, as well as oncology. Approvals are expected to accelerate, bolstered by programs aimed at speeding up evaluations of novel treatments like CRISPR-based medicines, stem cell research and nutraceuticals.

Leadership changes may also foster innovation in unconventional medical fields such as stem cell research and nutraceuticals. Amid an evolving regulatory and political landscape, Reed Jobs has advocated for sustained public funding to fuel biomedical progress, delivering a key congressional address on National Institutes of Health protection in September. Beyond advocacy, he is also building a nearly US$1 billion biotech fund focused on next-generation cancer therapies, highlighting the vital intersection of public research funding and private sector innovation.

Policy clarity around drug pricing reforms and Medicaid tariff relief will critically influence commercial access and pricing dynamics. The GLP-1 sector remains under the spotlight following the announcement of Trump’s plans to reduce the monthly cost of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to US$150.

AI’s expanding role in drug discovery, clinical trial design and digital therapeutics will continue to inspire industry innovation, likely attracting significant funding and fostering new collaborations.

However, volatility related to regulatory appointments, trade uncertainties and notably the ongoing US federal government shutdown presents near-term challenges. Investors and industry participants will closely monitor clinical data and regulatory shifts to navigate the evolving landscape successfully.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Kash Patel’s false start on Charlie Kirk killer draws scrutiny, but FBI nabbed suspect in the end

Politics 5 Mins Read

The FBI’s success in apprehending Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin came one day after Director Kash Patel initially misreported that a suspect was in custody, a move that sparked consternation and criticism as the nation reeled over Kirk’s violent death.

Patel’s misstep during the fast-moving investigation was overshadowed Friday by the breakthrough news that a 22-year-old Utah man had been detained and will face charges for the deadly shooting. But the flaws during the whirlwind 33-hour manhunt did not go unnoticed.

Patel on Thursday announced — then quickly retracted — that authorities had detained the person responsible for killing Kirk.

Fox News’ Laura Ingraham responded ‘unreal’ to Patel’s revelation that the gunman was still at large. Conservative activist Chris Rufo said Friday he was ‘grateful’ authorities arrested a suspect but that it was ‘time for Republicans to reassess’ whether Patel was fit for the job.

‘He performed terribly in the last few days,’ Rufo wrote on social media Friday, adding that he has been talking with conservative leaders who are questioning the FBI’s leadership structure, which includes Patel, Deputy Director Dan Bongino, and, as of next week, Andrew Bailey, who is taking on the unprecedented role of FBI co-deputy director.

The backlash began after Patel said Thursday that ‘the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody,’ before saying less than two hours later that he had the wrong person.

‘The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement,’ Patel said, adding the investigation was ongoing.

At the same time that Patel said the killer had been caught, Utah law enforcement officials were giving a news conference saying the gunman was at large, leading social media users to convey confusion over the mixed messages.

The blip during the manhunt for the person responsible for Kirk’s killing also put a spotlight on Patel’s and Bongino’s apparent fixation on social media, a point that a lawsuit against Patel and the Department of Justice laid out in thorough detail days prior.

The lawsuit was brought by three top FBI officials who alleged their constitutional rights were violated when they were fired without explanation. One of the fired officials said Patel and Bongino lamented the ‘political capital’ they had to spend to keep the official on the job, a reference to pressure Patel and Bongino were getting on social media about the official. Patel’s and Bongino’s actions were often dictated by social media comments, the lawsuit said.

Also fueling the fire was a delayed news conference on Thursday that offered little new detail as the investigation was underway. Patel appeared at the news conference but did not speak. Upon announcing the suspect’s arrest Friday morning, the FBI director gave remarks of gratitude to the agency, local law enforcement, the media and public for contributing to the arrest. Patel made clear that he had been directing the FBI behind the scenes during the past couple days.

‘Warroom’ podcast host Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, said on his show that he didn’t ‘know why Kash Patel flew out there, thousands of miles’ merely to thank people. Bannon suggested he wanted more details about the suspect and any possible accomplices.

At this stage, the Trump administration has shown no outward signs of wavering on Patel. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and the FBI for comment.

The White House did not respond. One source familiar said Patel’s social media posting during the Kirk case could have been handled better but that his initial erroneous message and the surrounding criticism of it came during the ‘fog of war,’ as the investigation was rapidly evolving and emotions were high. The source said the focus should be on the success of the FBI’s operation and the ‘good police work’ involved.

A spokeswoman for Patel pointed to a statement she posted online highlighting that the FBI’s mission to identify Kirk’s assassin was a success and that Patel was intentional every step of the way.

‘Over these last few days, what has mattered isn’t ignorant criticism or petty assumptions — it’s been the pursuit of justice. Justice that was promised, justice that has now been delivered,’ spokeswoman Erica Knight said.

One retired FBI agent who worked at the bureau for two decades said Patel’s premature post seemed ‘reckless’ and ‘too quick to the draw,’ but the retired agent also said he viewed it as a problem that went beyond Patel.

‘It’s becoming a popularity contest,’ the retired agent told Fox News Digital. ‘It’s not necessarily something that’s new either, because J. Edgar Hoover was big about leveraging the press to make the FBI look good. I mean, he was notorious for that. That tradition in the bureau has continued, but now it’s sort of like that on steroids.’

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