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Homerun Resources Inc. (TSXV: HMR,OTC:HMRFF) (OTCQB: HMRFF) (‘Homerun’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that Strand Hanson Limited has been appointed as its UK Financial Adviser.

This engagement marks a significant step as Homerun evaluates a potential dual listing on the international commercial companies secondary listing segment of the FCA’s Official List, and admission to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

Strand Hanson Limited is a leading independent financial advisory firm based in London, known for its expertise in corporate finance and capital markets. With a strong track record in advising growth companies, particularly in the natural resources and energy sectors. Their extensive experience in advising international companies on LSE listings brings valuable insight to Homerun’s growth objectives and ambition to increase its global investor base.

Homerun is a vertically integrated materials leader revolutionizing green energy solutions through advanced silica technologies. As an emerging force outside of China for high-purity quartz (HPQ) silica innovation, the Company controls the full industrial vertical from raw material extraction to cutting-edge solar, battery and energy storage solutions.

The decision to pursue a dual listing on the London Stock Exchange supports Homerun’s strategy of expanding its capital markets presence, improving share liquidity, and enhancing visibility with institutional and retail investors worldwide. London, as one of the world’s premier financial centers, offers unparalleled access to international capital and a diverse range of sophisticated investors.

This move will position Homerun to:

Broaden its shareholder base beyond North America.
Access deeper pools of capital and improve funding flexibility.
Enhance the Company’s brand recognition in the UK and European markets.
Attract high-caliber institutional investors who are active on the LSE.
Offer investors increased trading flexibility, transparency, and regulatory standards associated with London’s Main Market.

Commenting on the partnership, CEO, Brian Leeners, stated: ‘We are excited to welcome Strand Hanson Limited as our UK Financial Adviser. Their proven track record and expertise with London listings will be instrumental as we assess the merits of a dual listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, aligning with our objectives to create greater value for our shareholders.’

About Homerun (www.homerunresources.com)

Homerun (TSXV: HMR,OTC:HMRFF) is a vertically integrated materials leader revolutionizing green energy solutions through advanced silica technologies. As an emerging force outside of China for high-purity quartz (HPQ) silica innovation, the Company controls the full industrial vertical from raw material extraction to cutting-edge solar, battery and energy storage solutions. Our dual-engine vertical integration strategy combines:

Homerun Advanced Materials

Utilizing Homerun’s robust supply of high purity silica sand and quartz silica materials to facilitate domestic and international sales of processed silica through the development of a 120,000 tpy processing plant.
Pioneering zero-waste thermoelectric purification and advanced materials processing technologies with University of California – Davis.

Homerun Energy Solutions

Building Latin America’s first dedicated high-efficiency, 365,000 tpy solar glass manufacturing facility and pioneering new solar technologies based on years of experience as an industry leader in developing photovoltaic technologies with a specialization in perovskite photovoltaics.
European leader in the marketing, distribution and sales of alternative energy solutions into the commercial and industrial segments (B2B).
Commercializing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Energy Management and Control System Solutions (hardware and software) for energy capture, energy storage and efficient energy use.
Partnering with U.S. Dept. of Energy/NREL on the development of the Enduring long-duration energy storage system utilizing the Company’s high-purity silica sand for industrial heat and electricity arbitrage and complementary silica purification.

With six profit centers built within the vertical strategy and all gaining economic advantage utilizing the Company’s HPQ silica, across, solar, battery and energy storage solutions, Homerun is positioned to capitalize on high-growth global energy transition markets. The 3-phase development plan has achieved all key milestones in a timely manner, including government partnerships, scalable logistical market access, and breakthrough IP in advanced materials processing and energy solutions.

Homerun maintains an uncompromising commitment to ESG principles, deploying the cleanest and most sustainable production technologies across all operations while benefiting the people in the communities where the Company operates. As we advance revenue generation and vertical integration in 2025, the Company continues to deliver shareholder value through strategic execution within the unstoppable global energy transition.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

Homerun Resources Inc.

‘Brian Leeners’

Brian Leeners, CEO & Director
brianleeners@gmail.com / +1 604-862-4184 (WhatsApp)

Tyler Muir, Investor Relations
info@homerunresources.com / +1 306-690-8886 (WhatsApp)

FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE
The information contained herein contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be ‘forward-looking statements’.

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/260662

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Investing

SAGA Metals Completes Strategic Infrastructure Upgrades in Preparation for Major Drill Program at the 100% Owned Radar Titanium Property in Labrador, Canada

Saga Metals Corp. (‘SAGA’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: SAGA,OTC:SAGMF) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H) a North American exploration company focused on critical mineral discovery, is pleased to announce SAGA’s team has completed the 4 km access trail along the core of the Trapper zone providing necessary access for future drill programs and exploration activities. The access trail is located to run along the surface trend of extensive outcropping and sub-cropping oxide layers. In addition, a 25-tonne excavator from Gladiator drilling has opened 3 trenches across the two significant aeromagnetic anomalies of the Trapper zone, exposing a total of 504m 2 (5,425ft 2 ) of semi-massive to massive vanadiferous titanomagnetite (‘VTM’) mineralization.

Figure 1 : Radar Pro ject’s Trapper Zone depicting two aeromagnetic anomalies and the trend of the inferred oxide layering. The Trapper trail will support a new diamond drilling program. SAGA has demonstrated the reliability of the regional airborne magnetic surveys after ground-truthing and drilling in the 2024 and 2025 field programs.

Located just 10 km from Cartwright, Labrador, the 24,175-hectare Radar Titanium Project is supported by existing infrastructure, including road access, a deep-water port, an airstrip, and nearby hydroelectric power. The property completely encompasses the Dykes River Intrusive Complex, a previously underexplored layered mafic body.

With a large oxide layering thickness, a near-monomineralic Vanadiferous Titanomagnetite (VTM) composition, and extensive mineral tenures, the Radar Titanium Project shows the potential to become a globally significant VTM project.

Figure 2: Radar Property map, depicting aeromagnetic anomalies, oxide layering and the site of the 2025 drill program. The Property is well serviced by road access and is conveniently located near the town of Cartwright, Labrador. A compilation of historical aeromagnetic anomalies is shown. SAGA has demonstrated the reliability of the regional airborne magnetic surveys after ground-truthing and drilling in the 2024 and 2025 field programs.

2025 Summer Field Program – Road Maintenance, Trail Access, Trenching and Geophysics

The 2025 summer field program marked a critical phase in advancing the exploration efficiency and cost-effectiveness of future drill programs and exploration activities in the western portion of the property, including the highly prospective Trapper zone. Key components of this program include:

Maintenance of the forestry road

Construction of the drill rig compatible access trail across the Trapper zone

Trenching in the Trapper and Hawkeye zones

Ground-based magnetometer surveys over the two major anomalies in the Trapper zone

Forestry Road Maintenance:

The first step for the team was to perform maintenance on the Cartwright Forest Service road, which had not seen regular clearing for the last few decades. This work included:

Objective: Clear overgrown sections of the existing forestry road to enable access for trucks and heavy equipment to reach the laydown area. This road is essential for allowing the team proper access to the west of the property claims, and includes an equipment lay-down area and an access trail into the Trapper Zone.

Work: Brush-cutting and removal with heavy equipment.

Equipment: Brush-saws, Chain-saws, 6-tonne excavator, 25-tonne excavator.

Outcome: The 4.2 km of refurbished track now provides reliable access to the lay-down area, enhancing logistical efficiency for the Trapper zone trail building.

Figure 3.1: Completed maintenance on the Cartwright Forest Service Road

Figure 3.2: Start of the Trapper Zone Trail, viewed from the lay down along the Cartwright Forest Service Road

2. Trapper Trail Construction:

The next phase of infrastructure development aimed to upgrade the pre-existing snowmobile/ATV trail into a drill rig-compatible trail, which gains access to the heart of the Trapper zone and extends past the two major anomalies. This work included:

Facilitate Access: Provide direct trail access into the Trapper Zone on the western extent of the 20 km aerial oxide layer of the Dykes River Intrusion, connecting the eastern Hawkeye Zone to the western Trapper Zone.

Support Drilling Operations: Enable efficient mobilization of diamond drilling equipment to high-priority targets identified through geophysical surveys within the Trapper zone.

Enhance Cost Efficiency: Reduce logistical costs for future exploration campaigns by leveraging existing infrastructure and minimizing reliance on helicopter support.

Ensure Sustainability: Minimize environmental impact through strategic trail planning and compliance with Newfoundland and Labrador’s permitting requirements.

Figure 3.3: Excavator and work truck located along the Trapper Trail over the northern portion of the oxide layer trend within the Trapper zone.

3. Trapper & Hawkeye Zone Trenching:

The trenches within the Trapper zone were identified as targets due to extremely high readings on the GSM-19 Magnetometer. On numerous occasions, the geophysics team had the GSM-19 Magnetometer Instruments reading well beyond the highest highs of the Hawkeye zone, which reached 74,000 nt.

Upon trenching these locations, it was discovered that the presence of semi-massive to massive VTM – oxide layering outcrops were not far from the surface. A total of 504m ² (5,425ft ² ) was trenched across the oxide layering strike in the north and south anomalies of the Trapper zone. Work is ongoing to complete pressure washing of the outcrops, clearing away dirt and debris to better show the structure and mineralogy of these exposures.

Figure 4.1: Excavator and Michael Garagan (CGO & Director of SAGA) standing on a VTM oxide layer outcrop in the northern anomaly at the Trapper zone.

Figure 4.2: Semi-massive to Massive VTM oxide layer outcrop in the southern anomaly at the Trapper zone.

4. Trapper Zone Geophysics:

As previously reported, SAGA mobilized two geophysical crews to complete magnetic and VLF-electromagnetic survey coverage across the north and south anomalies within the Trapper Zone.

SAGA’s geophysics team has continued to report strong magnetic detection levels over both anomalies, requiring recalibration of the geophysical instruments. The team is excited to report that readings have exceeded the 74,000 nT detected in the Hawkeye zone, with readings recorded as high as 115,498 nT over the northern Trapper zone anomaly and over 113,000 nT over the southern Trapper zone anomaly. In some cases, the instruments reached the maximum level of detection (120,000 nt).

Figure 5: Reading off of the Magnetometer GSM-19 geophysical instrument recording 115,498 nT over the Tapper zone.

SAGA’s geophysics team is working to complete the remaining lines over the coming days and will be the subject of a future new release in the near term.

Michael Garagan, CGO & Director of SAGA stated: ‘This summer has been a critical juncture in the development of the project and preparation for efficient and cost-effective drilling in the future. We believe that with the infrastructure upgrades completed our drilling cost per meter has come down significantly, setting us on the right track to reach our goal of approximately $300-$350/m. SAGA’s plans and objectives over the next 12-month are to complete a 10,000-15,000-meter drill program, setting the stage for the completion of a maiden resource calculation. A project like this, with homogenous geochemistry and large oxide layers, can move towards a resource calculation with 100 m drill spacing over the 2.5 km stretch of the entire oxide layering strike that runs continuously through the Trapper zone.’

Qualified Person

Paul J. McGuigan, P. Geo., is an Independent Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information related to the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project disclosed in this news release.

About Saga Metals Corp.

Saga Metals Corp. is a North American mining company focused on the exploration and discovery of a diversified suite of critical minerals that support the global transition to green energy. The Radar Titanium Project comprises 24,175 hectares and entirely encloses the Dykes River intrusive complex, mapped at 160 km² on the surface near Cartwright, Labrador. Exploration to date, including a 2,200m drill program, has confirmed a large and mineralized layered mafic intrusion hosting vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) with strong grades of titanium and vanadium.

The Double Mer Uranium Project, also in Labrador, covers 25,600 hectares featuring uranium radiometrics that highlight an 18km east-west trend, with a confirmed 14km section producing samples as high as 0.428% U ₃ O ₈ and uranium uranophane was identified in several areas of highest radiometric response (2024 Double Mer Technical Report).

Additionally, SAGA owns the Legacy Lithium Property in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. This project, developed in partnership with Rio Tinto, has been expanded through the acquisition of the Amirault Lithium Project. Together, these properties cover 65,849 hectares and share significant geological continuity with other major players in the area, including Rio Tinto, Winsome Resources, Azimut Exploration, and Loyal Metals.

With a portfolio that spans key minerals crucial to the green energy transition, SAGA is strategically positioned to play an essential role in the clean energy future.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mike Stier, Chief Executive Officer

For more information, contact:

Rob Guzman, Investor Relations
Saga Metals Corp.
Tel: +1 (844) 724-2638
Email: rob@sagametals.com
www.sagametals.com

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

Cautionary Disclaimer

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘should’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘believes’, and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the exploration of the Company’s Radar Project. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage, inherent risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, particularly given the early-stage nature of the Company’s assets, and the risks detailed in the Company’s continuous disclosure filings with securities regulations from time to time, available under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e8128200-d3b7-48da-aee0-484bad883fca

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c8d3aa5-99b1-4eba-ab0c-616ac8aa84eb

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/26751ee2-942d-431f-8bf1-c64df78353de

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fdf6776f-80be-4a01-b78b-1dcc786d5051

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/66c2fa8f-6518-4aed-988f-09d98f483a25

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c5ff730b-9a14-4cad-843f-696bcf80efad

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/63807f35-1f7c-4a3c-b3c7-6fa0df9d0d83

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/42529e33-6d14-4c03-bfc4-9ec7030a7fc6

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Investing

Gold Retreats, Equities Down as Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged

The US Federal Reserve held its fifth meeting of 2025 from Tuesday (July 29) to Wednesday (July 30) against a backdrop of trade tensions, spurred on by the Trump administration’s tariffs.

The central bank met analysts’ expectations by holding its benchmark rate in the 4.25 to 4.5 percent range.

Chair Jerome Powell stated that although there were differences of opinion among the Federal Open Markets Committee members, they were clear on why they made their decisions, noting that inflation was tracking higher, but the job market remained stable.

“The labor market looks solid, inflation is above target, and even if you look through the tariff effects, we think it’s still a bit above target, and that’s why our stance is where it is,” Powell said.

The Fed chair also noted a slowing in gross domestic product, which he pointed out was up 2.5 percent in 2024, but initial data from 2025 points to a slowing in growth to 1.1 percent.

The vote to hold the rate was 9-2, with Governors Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller being the dissenters who advocated for cuts. It marks the first time since December 1993 that two board members have broken with consensus.

Both Bowman and Waller were appointed by Donald Trump during his first term in office, with Waller being one of the front-runners to replace Powell when his term as board chairman ends in May 2026.

Trump has been critical of Powell in recent months, with the latest statements coming just minutes before the Fed meeting. The president has said Powell has not moved quickly enough to make rate cuts, despite data suggesting inflation has been starting to increase.

North of the Border, the Bank of Canada (BoC) also held its June meeting on Wednesday.

It also met expectations by holding its benchmark rate at 2.75 percent, with Bank Governor Tiff Macklem citing resilience in the economy despite trade disputes brought on by the Trump administration in the United States.

The BoC last changed its rate with a 0.25 percent cut in March to the current 2.75 percent from 3 percent.

Gold was down in the day’s trading, losing 1.6 percent to US$3,272.75 per ounce. Silver declined more sharply, losing 3.37 percent to US$36.93 per ounce at 3:30 p.m. EST.

The S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) was down, recording a 0.4 percent decline to reach 6,344.17. The Nasdaq-100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) slipped 0.17 percent to come in at 23,265 , and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) lost 0.74 percent, coming to 44,297.

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

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Investing

Psychedelics Market Update: H1 2025 in Review

The psychedelic drugs market is emerging as a strategic investment opportunity in healthcare, with forecasts generally placing its value around US$6.4 billion in 2025.

This burgeoning sector is set for robust, double-digit compound annual growth, significantly driven by North America, which is anticipated to account for approximately 45–50 percent of this market.

The first half of 2025 was characterized by clinical advancements and softening policy stances, furthering momentum and contributing to growing market interest.

Clinical progress and policy shifts drive market interest

Interest in the space continued in H1 as drug candidates advanced into pivotal trials, particularly in the treatment of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Cybin (NYSEAMERICAN:CYBN) reported meaningful progress, citing investor and regulatory confidence in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, LSD analogs and DMT derivatives.

Cybin’s 2025 financial results, released on June 30, highlighted significant progress in its lead programs, as well as its strong financial position, with C$135 million in cash reported.

CEO Doug Drysdale emphasized the company’s progress in building a strong foundation for anticipated clinical and regulatory milestones.

Key highlights include strengthened intellectual property with new patents for CYB003 and CYB004, strategic partnerships with Osmind and Thermo Fisher Scientific, and promising Phase 2 efficacy data for CYB003 in MDD, showing 100 percent responder rates and 71 percent remission with two 16 mg doses. The Phase 2 study for CYB004 in GAD is underway and expected to be completed around mid-2025.

Likewise, COMPASS Pathways (NASDAQ:CMPS) announced that its COMP360 psilocybin treatment successfully met its primary goal in a Phase 3 trial for treatment-resistant depression on June 23.

A single 25mg dose of COMP360 significantly reduced depression symptoms compared to a placebo at six weeks, showing a clinically meaningful difference and strong statistical significance. This marks the first Phase 3 efficacy data reported for a classic psychedelic, and Compass Pathways said it plans to discuss these positive results with the FDA.

Policy signals were equally consequential. Notably, the Texas House and Senate passed SB 2308 in May, which will provide up to US$100 million in state funds for ibogaine trials.

The results of the trials will be presented to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for potential approval of ibogaine for opioid use disorder, co-occurring substance use disorder and other neurological or mental health conditions. Governor Abbott signed the bill into law on June 11, representing a notable and progressive shift in the Republicans’ approach to drug policy.

However, the sector continues to face real challenges, such as costly clinical access and inconsistent regulatory frameworks that have resulted in a patchwork of state-level regulations. Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts towards federal reform and standardized guidelines.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently told members of Congress that new therapeutics using psychedelic substances could revolutionize treatment for mental health challenges.

‘This line of therapeutics has tremendous advantage if given in a clinical setting and we are working very hard to make sure that happens within 12 months,” he said during a House subcommittee meeting regarding the Trump administration’s proposed budget for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

FDA head Marty Makary has likewise labeled the assessment of MDMA and other psychedelics as a “top priority,” announcing initiatives aimed at potentially expediting their approval.

One new program in particular aims to accelerate drug approval, potentially cutting review times from six months to one month.

This initiative might relax requirements for some drugs, possibly waiving placebo-controlled studies, which have been a hurdle for psychedelic research because patients often know if they’ve received the drug.

Looking ahead

The National Psychedelic Landscape Assessment (NPLA) identifies 11 states with a high likelihood of future movement based on legislative viability, advocacy strength, public support, legislative momentum and strategic impact: New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Illinois, Missouri, California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Indiana, New York and Arizona.

The report also points to several key trends and persistent challenges in the current psychedelic market.

Decriminalization at the state level has seen an enactment rate of just two percent, despite being a frequently introduced legislative concept, with 67 bills introduced since 2020. Movements have been hampered by public health and safety concerns, although local efforts are gaining momentum.

However, adult-use access has seen no legislative enactments through state legislatures, with existing programs in Oregon and Colorado being implemented predominantly via citizen-led ballot initiatives.

When it comes to medical access programs, New Mexico stands out as the sole state to successfully enact a licensed and regulated psilocybin therapy program through SB 219, battling hurdles such as regulatory complexity, affordability and securing sufficient provider participation.

The report also found that clinical trials have been gaining traction, particularly when state-funded and focused on vulnerable populations like veterans and first responders, with Indiana emerging as a leader in this area.

The state established a therapeutic psilocybin research fund in 2024 that compares psilocybin against existing treatments, and ensures transparent fund administration and research application processing.

A more moderate approach is seen in pilot programs, which offer a controlled environment for access and data collection. The crucial step of implementing legislation, necessary to operationalize enacted policies, shows a 50 percent success rate, according to the report’s findings.

The report also points to corporate influence and the strategic efforts by corporate entities to gain commercial advantage through state trigger laws and compound-specific legislation favoring patented compounds like COMP360.

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

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Business

Trump ends de minimis exemption for global low-cost goods

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order ending the de minimis trade loophole for low-value packages shipped from all countries.

The order, which takes effect Aug. 29, will subject any shipments of imported goods into the U.S. worth $800 or less to duties, the White House said.

Any goods shipped through the international postal network will be subject to tariff rates based on the value of the package and its country of origin.

The move comes after Trump in May shuttered the de minimis loophole for goods from China and Hong Kong. A federal trade court on Monday declined to block Trump’s de minimis ban, even after an auto parts retailer argued the action was unlawful and threatened its business.

Use of the de minimis provision has exploded in recent years as online shopping has become more prevalent. Ultra-cheap online retailers such as Temu and Shein have used the loophole to ship packages to American shoppers directly from China duty-free.

Shares of PDD Holdings, the parent company of Temu, dipped lower following the announcement.

The Trump administration has sought to close the loophole, calling it a “big scam” that hurts U.S. businesses. Officials have said de minimis facilitates shipments of fentanyl and other illicit substances, saying the packages are less likely to be inspected by customs agents.

The volume of de minimis shipments has skyrocketed to 309 million units so far this fiscal year, up from 115 million for all of last year, the White House said.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

Business

Recall warns some Celsius energy drink cans accidentally contain alcohol

The canned cocktail maker High Noon is warning customers that some of its vodka seltzers were accidentally labeled as Celsius energy drinks.

In a recall notice posted to the Food and Drug Administration’s website, High Noon said an unspecified number of its Beach Variety packs contain cans are filled with High Noon vodka seltzer alcohol but have been mislabeled as Celsius Astro Vibe energy drink, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition, with a silver top.

Celsius Astro Vibe Energy Drink, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition.Celsius

The products were shipped to retailers in Florida, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin from July 21 to July 23.

The recall was initiated after High Noon discovered that a shared packaging supplier mistakenly shipped empty Celsius cans to High Noon, it said.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

Politics

North Korea breaks silence on Trump’s return, sends message from ‘Rocket Man’

Kim Jong-Un’s powerful sister opened up about relations with the second Trump administration, warning the U.S. not to try to restart talks centered on getting North Korea to give up its nuclear program.

Kim Yo Jong, in remarks blasted out by state media, said relations between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un are ‘not bad’ but added Pyongyang would view any attempt to pressure North Korea to denuclearize as ‘nothing but a mockery.’

She said that North Korea’s nuclear arsenal has sharply increased since Trump and Kim last spoke, and the pair would not meet for a summit again if denuclearization was on the table.

The North Korean dictator’s sister did not rule out bilateral talks entirely — as she did with South Korea in a separate statement.

‘If the U.S. fails to accept the changed reality and persists in the failed past, the DPRK- U.S. meeting will remain as a ‘hope’ of the U.S. side,’ Kim Yo Jong said, referring to the nation by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

She said it would be ‘advisable to seek another way of contact.’

Trump held three unprecedented summits with the North Korean leader he dubbed ‘Little Rocket Man’ during his first term: in Singapore in 2018, Hanoi in 2019 and the Korean Demilitarized Zone in 2019, becoming the first president to step foot on North Korean territory.

None of the meetings resulted in any breakthroughs: North Korea kept its nukes, and the U.S. left sanctions that have isolated it from international markets in place.

Kim Yo Jong is a top official on the Central Committee of the North’s ruling Workers’ Party and handles relations with the U.S. and South Korea.

Kim Yo Jong’s comments came after an article posted by Yonhap news agency cited an unnamed White House official as saying Trump ‘remains open to engaging with Leader Kim to achieve a fully denuclearized North Korea.’

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said last month Trump would like to see ‘progress’ this term on the summits he held during the first term.

In a statement commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the end of the Korean War on Monday, Trump said, ‘I was proud to become the first sitting President to cross this Demilitarized Zone into North Korea.’

He underscored the U.S. alliance with South Korea.

‘Although the evils of communism still persist in Asia, American and South Korean forces remain united in an ironclad alliance to this day.’

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Politics

‘Critical’ closed-door congressional huddle focuses on growing antisemitism in US, Mamdani’s rise

Lawmakers on the House Homeland Security Committee met with stakeholders and law enforcement to address the rise of antisemitic violence in the U.S., during a closed-door congressional roundtable on July 22, Fox News Digital has learned.

The roundtable comes amid growing concerns about antisemitic violence months after recent attacks in Boulder, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., along with growing fears surrounding the potential election of Zohran Mamdani, who has espoused anti-Israel viewpoints, as New York City mayor.

‘Jewish communities across the country are living in fear, and I am committed to standing with them. This roundtable comes at a critical moment: a far-left activist who has defended the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’ is inching closer to leading a city home to one of the world’s largest Jewish populations,’ Rep. August Pfluger, the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee’s counterterrorism and intelligence subcommittee, said in his opening statement, obtained by Fox News Digital.

‘Antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric is becoming dangerously mainstream. We must act now to expose and combat this vile hatred wherever it is spread,’ Pfluger said.

The roundtable focused on improving interagency coordination, intelligence sharing, training, and enforcement to better prevent and respond to antisemitic violence, according to a House Homeland Security Committee aide.

In particular, the meeting addressed ways to bolster communication between the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, along with state and local law enforcement, according to Michael Masters, the CEO of the Secure Community Network, a non-profit organization focused on the safety of the Jewish community in North America.

This interagency coordination is absolutely paramount as the Secure Community Network has flagged 500 credible threats to life this year – which all have required immediate law enforcement intervention, according to Masters.

‘Bad guys don’t respect orders. Bad actors don’t respect jurisdictions, and that means that our intelligence can’t be siloed,’ Masters told Fox News Digital on Monday.

Additionally, the roundtable’s discussion highlighted how extremist rhetoric can spread, especially on college campuses and via social media, the aide said. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, student protests have erupted across college campuses in the U.S., including at Columbia University in New York.

Likewise, those participating in the roundtable addressed the prevalence of homegrown and foreign-influenced extremism, when one participant highlighted instances where anti-Israel terrorist organizations have disseminated tool kits and talking points aimed at promoting attacks in the U.S., the committee aide said.

The discussion is expected to inform legislative priorities centered around bolstering officer training, improving data collection, and ensuring ‘robust prosecution’ of antisemitic offenses, the committee aide said.

Those who participated in the roundtable included representatives from the Secure Community Networks; the Anti-Defamation League, an organization dedicated to stopping the defamation of the Jewish people; the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence & Analysis; and law enforcement officials.

Pfluger, a Republican from Texas, has spearheaded legislation that would bar any visa holders backing Hamas or other designated terror groups from staying in the U.S.

He also led a hearing last month on the rise of antisemitic violence in the U.S., following a May shooting that killed two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington and a terrorist attack in Colorado targeting a grassroots group advocating for the release of Israeli hostages.

Antisemitic violence reached a new high in 2024, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

The group recorded 9,354 antisemitic instances of harassment, assault, and vandalism in the U.S. in 2024 – a 5% increase from the 8,873 incidents recorded in 2023 and a 344% increase in the past five years. Likewise, the number of incidents is the highest the group has recorded since 1979, when the group first started tracking these cases.

Incidents of antisemitic violence in 2024 were highest in the state of New York, where Mamdani is currently a state assemblyman.

Mamdani has attracted scrutiny, including from Democrats, for initially failing to condemn the term ‘globalize the intifada,’ a phrase used to back Palestinian resistance against Israel. However, he has since said he will not use the term and will discourage others from using it as well.

Still, concerns remain over what his potential leadership as mayor could mean for the Jewish community in New York City. Roughly 1.4 million people in the Greater New York Area identified as Jewish in 2023, according to UJA-Federation of New York.

‘There’s a lot of fear in the Jewish community if this guy becomes mayor,’ New York City Republican councilwoman Inna Vernikov told Fox News Digital.

‘This is a guy who wants to globalize the intifada,’ Vernikov said. ‘We’ve never seen anything close to this in New York City. We have the largest Jewish population in America, and I’ll tell you Jews are telling me they’re going to run away from New York City, and Jews have contributed a lot to the city and to this country, and the idea that they are now afraid to live here – it’s unacceptable and unprecedented really, this has never happened here.’

Fox News’ Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.

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Politics

Starmer says UK to recognize Palestinian state if Israel doesn’t agree to ceasefire, Hamas must ‘disarm’

The United Kingdom will recognize a Palestinian state if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire and move toward peace in Gaza by September, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned Tuesday.

Starmer made the announcement during a press conference on Tuesday, just a day after meeting with President Donald Trump in Scotland and discussing the Israel-Hamas war and the hunger crisis in Gaza.

‘I can confirm that the U.K. will recognize the State of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, unless the Israeli government take substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution,’ Starmer told reporters. ‘This includes allowing the U.N. to restart the supply of aid and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.’

‘Meanwhile, our message to the terrorists of Hamas is unchanged and unequivocal. They must immediately release all the hostages. Sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza,’ he continued.

Trump declined to endorse Starmer’s move in a statement to reporters aboard Air Force One. He noted that both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have now moved toward recognizing a Palestinian state.

‘Essentially, they’re saying the same thing and that’s okay. But you know it doesn’t mean I have to agree,’ Trump said.

Starmer said his government will make a final assessment ahead of the UNGA meeting to determine what steps both Israel and Hamas have taken and make a final decision on recognizing a Palestinian state.

The U.K. leader went on to say that the primary motive behind the announcement is to change the situation on the ground in Gaza as well as facilitate the release of more hostages.

Israel’s foreign ministry rejected Starmer’s announcement in a countering statement on Tuesday.

‘The shift in the British government’s position at this time, following the French move and internal political pressures, constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages,’ the ministry said.

The U.K.’s announcement comes just one day after Starmer met with Trump in Turnberry, Scotland, where both leaders condemned the humanitarian and hunger crisis in Gaza.

Trump publicly broke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the meeting, saying he disagreed that the hunger crisis is a false narrative put forward by Hamas.

‘Based on television, I would say not particularly, because those children look very hungry,’ Trump said when asked if he agreed with Netanyahu’s claims. ‘That’s real starvation stuff.’

Trump has highlighted America’s efforts to secure aid for Gaza, noting some $60 million the U.S. spent on the issue in recent days.

‘We gave $60 million two weeks ago for food for Gaza, and nobody acknowledged it. Nobody talks about it. And it makes you feel a little bad when you do that,’ Trump said during a Sunday meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. ‘And, you know, you have other countries not giving anything. None of the European countries, by the way, gave – I mean, nobody gave but us and nobody said, gee, thank you very much. And it would be nice to have at least a thank you.’

Israel has begun conducting aid drops across Gaza in recent days, bending to pressure after months of restricting the flow of aid. The IDF had long said Hamas was stealing much of the resources being sent into the region, a statement Trump and the U.S. have echoed.

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Politics

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation: What to know about the US-backed aid group

President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing hunger crisis in Gaza on Monday in Scotland, where he addressed the urgency of getting food into the enclave immediately, while doing it safely and securely.

‘The United States recently, just a couple of weeks ago, we gave $60 million … No other nation gave money,’ as he urged other nations ‘to step up.’

$30 million in U.S. contributions to Gaza have been channeled through the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began its operations on May 27, the organization has partnered with local Palestinian aid workers and non-governmental organizations to deliver 97 million meals to date to Gazans.

GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay told Fox News Digital that GHF ‘has one exclusive mission: to feed the people of Gaza in a way that prevents Hamas from being able to steal or loot or divert the aid.’ In addition to having ‘zero diversion,’ Fay said GHF has ‘put [aid] directly into the hands of the people who need it the most.’

What is GHF providing the local population?

At its four distribution sites in Gaza, it provides boxes of aid sufficient to provide 2,400 daily calories for 5.5 people over a total of 3.5 days. GHF’s sites are able to distribute, on average, 2 million total meals per day.

Fay said GHF has also started a potato pilot program which has seen ‘hundreds of tons of potatoes’ delivered into Gaza.

Another new pilot program in association with local Gazan NGO Al-Amal has allowed GHF to deliver 2,000 boxes of food to families in Gaza. Fay said that GHF is in the process of scaling up the operation, vetting hundreds of inquiries received since the program’s announcement and working on establishing additional local NGO partnerships.

Attacks on GHF’s aid model

The U.N. has lambasted GHF’s distributions, with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini calling the organization an ‘abomination’ that ‘provides nothing but starvation and gunfire to the people of Gaza.’

Though media headlines are thick with accusations of violence at GHF sites, Fay said that the reality of GHF distributions ‘is almost the opposite of what you read about, what you see on TV.’

Though he admitted that ‘there’s some chaos when thousands of desperate, hungry people are trying to get aid,’ he claims that only two violent incidents have transpired at GHF distributions. A stampede and a grenade attack that harmed two American veteran employees were ‘Hamas-fomented terrorist attacks,’ he said.

The U.N. and many NGOs have also opposed GHF’s use of armed security to protect aid-seekers. However, U.N. data shows that only 8% of U.N. aid had reached its destination without being looted in the last 10 weeks, according to a Reuters report.

Fay says that GHF is ready and willing to provide security support for U.N. aid. ‘We need to stop pretending that there’s only one way to get aid into Gaza,’ he explained.

GHF’s adaptations and improvements on the ground

As GHF continues to assist Gazans, Fay says the organization has ‘adapt[ed] in a dynamic environment, and our distributions seem to be going more smoothly every day.’

New adaptations include a red-light, green-light system to indicate whether distribution sites are open and a suggestion from aid-seekers. GHF has also added more shelf-stable onions to its aid boxes.

Fay said that workers are also holding back some aid to ensure that women and children receive needed assistance. Because of this change, Fay says he recently ‘saw women leaving and smiling at our personnel with their onions on their way home.’

GHF is set to deliver its 100 millionth meal to Gazans later this week.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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