Florida officials let public universities free up millions to pay student-athletes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida's public universities can free up $22.5 million a year to compensate student-athletes under an emergency rule approved by a state board Wednesday ahead of a landmark legal settlement allowing schools to pay their players through licensing deals.
The sprawling $2.8 billion antitrust settlement, going into effect July 1, allows schools to directly pay their pay their players for the use of their name, image and likeness. It's upending the way college sports have been run for more than a century and has sent universities across the country scrambling for new revenue streams in the hopes of gaining an edge — or at least keeping pace — in the rapidly evolving and highly competitive field of college athletics.
Public universities in Florida, which is home to some of the country's most high-profile college sports teams, will now be able to dip into the funding reserves of campus auxiliary programs like bookstores, food service, student housing and parking in order to cut checks to student-athletes. Under the policy approved Wednesday, the funds can be issued as a transfer or a loan.
'Athletic departments are already currently recruiting student-athletes for fall 2025, and they need clarity on the available funding to retain and recruit the best talent for their rosters,' said Alan Levine, vice chair of the board of governors, which oversees Florida's state universities. 'If the universities cannot react to the settlement immediately, there will be irreparable harm to the athletic programs and to the financial welfare of our institutions.'
Florida's emergency rule goes into effect immediately and will last 90 days, at which point the board of governors can reassess the issue.
Other schools are also taking actions because of deficits in their athletic departments. Last week, University of Kentucky trustees approved a $31 million operating loan for the athletics department as it begins making direct payments to athletes.
Meanwhile, Louisiana is poised to hike taxes on sports betting to pump more than $24 million into athletic departments. And Arkansas this year became the first to waive state income taxes on payments made to athletes by higher education institutions.
___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
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Noble Plains Uranium Secures Duck Creek Project in Heart of Powder River Basin Uranium District
Over 4,000 Historic Drill Holes Outline 3-Mile Uranium Trend in One of America's Most Prolific ISR Districts Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 19, 2025) - Noble Plains Uranium Corp. (TSXV: NOBL) (OTCQB: IXIXF) (FSE: INE0) ("Noble Plains" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a property option agreement to acquire an 80% interest in the Duck Creek Project ("Duck Creek Property", "Duck Creek", the "Project", or the "Property"), a strategically located brownfield uranium asset in Wyoming's highly productive Powder River Basin. The Project spans 4,133 acres (6.5 square miles) of mineral rights and is directly surrounded by a cluster of major in-situ recovery ("ISR") uranium resources and operations—including those held by Uranium Energy Corp., Cameco Corporation, and GTI Energy Limited (see Figure 1). These neighboring operations, together with the Project's dense historical drill coverage and shallow roll-front mineralization, strongly support the prospectivity and strategic value of Duck Creek. "Duck Creek sits in the heart of a proven uranium district and is backed by an enormous amount of historical drilling, giving us high confidence in the geological potential," said Drew Zimmerman, President of Noble Plains. "This is exactly the kind of brownfield project we target—shallow mineralization, extensive data, and near existing infrastructure. It aligns with our goal of building out pounds in the ground quickly and efficiently to provide shareholders real leverage to the uranium market." The Property includes 78 lode mining claims (1,573 acres) and four State of Wyoming mineral leases (2,560 acres). Importantly, the Project hosts a 3-mile-long corridor of high-density drilling completed by Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corporation in the 1970s. A total of 4,068 historical drill holes outline a consistent, shallow roll-front uranium system within the Eocene-aged Wasatch Formation, with mineralization occurring from less than 50 feet to 260 feet below surface. Surface features also show evidence of historic open-pit production from these same mineralized zones (see Figure 2). "The Powder River Basin is reasserting its importance as a centre of U.S. uranium production," added Paul Cowley, CEO of Noble Plains. "Our review of the historic dataset for Duck Creek confirmed not only the continuity of near-surface mineralization, but also significant upside in the untested deeper Fort Union Formation which hosts resources and production from many of our neighbours. It's a rare combination of near-term development potential and meaningful exploration upside." Figure 1: Duck Creek Project Surrounded by resource and production projects To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Note: source of resource numbers: Allemand-Ross, Barge, and Ludeman projects, from 2022-09 technical report Exhibit 96.1. Smith Ranch Highland, from Cameco website. Lo Herma, from company website. Technical and scientific information disclosed from neighbouring properties does not necessarily apply to the Duck Creek Project. Figure 2: 3-mile-long trend of high-density historic drilling and historic production areas To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: A National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") technical report is nearing completion and will present an exploration target of pounds of uranium based on the historical drilling, prepared by an independent Qualified Person. Noble Plains has spent the last two months conducting a detailed review of the drillhole database and modeling key mineralized zones, and the Company is confident in both the data quality and the resource potential. Confirmation drilling is planned for later this year to advance the Project toward an initial NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate. Strategic Context Wyoming has produced over 238 million pounds of uranium since the 1950s, with the Powder River Basin(the "PRB") representing a key district in that legacy of production. With ISR now the dominant extraction method in the PRB and Wyoming overall, Duck Creek represents a low-impact, low-cost path to resource development. ISR mining allows for faster permitting, minimal surface disturbance, and lower capital and operating costs-aligned with Noble Plains' strategy of environmentally responsible uranium development. The addition of Duck Creek significantly strengthens Noble Plains' Wyoming portfolio, following the Company's recent acquisitions in the Shirley Basin, including the Shirley Central project announced earlier this month (see news release dated June 3, 2025). Terms of Transaction The Company has entered into a property option agreement (the "Agreement") effective June 13, 2025, with a private vendor (the "Optionor") pursuant to which the Company can acquire an 80% interest in the Duck Creek Property over three years. Pursuant to the Agreement and within seven days of TSX Venture Exchange approval, the Company will (a) pay US$250,000 to the Optionor; (b) reimburse the Optionor staking costs and Bureau of Land Management fees; and (c) issue 1,250,000 shares of Noble Plains ("Shares") to the Optionor. On or before the first anniversary of the Agreement, the Company will (a) pay a further US$300,000 to the Optionor, and (b) issue 1,500,000 Shares to the Optionor (or pay US$200,000 to the Optionor at the Optionor's option). On or before the second anniversary of the Agreement, the Company will (a) pay a further US$450,000 to the Optionor, and (b) issue 1,500,000 Shares to the Optionor (or pay US$300,000 to the Optionor at the Optionor's option). On or before the third anniversary of the Agreement, the Company will (a) pay US$500,000 to the Optionor, and (b) issue 1,250,000 Shares to the Optionor (or pay US$400,000 to the Optionor at the Optionee's option), at which time a joint venture will be created on a 80:20 ratio, subject to a 1% net smelter royalty retained by the Optionor. The Duck Creek Property option transaction requires acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange prior to closing. No finder's fees are being paid in connection with the Duck Creek Property transaction and the Shares to be issued pursuant to the Agreement will be subject to the statutory hold period of four months from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to available exemptions therefrom. About Noble Plains Uranium Corp. Noble Plains Uranium (TSXV: NOBL) is focused on acquiring and advancing U.S.-based uranium projects amenable to In-Situ Recovery (ISR)-the most capital-efficient and environmentally responsible method of uranium extraction. The Company targets historically explored, geologically robust projects in uranium-friendly jurisdictions with the goal of rapidly delineating NI 43-101 resources and building out a pipeline of ISR-development opportunities. "Paul Cowley", CEO For further information, please contact Paul CowleyTelephone: (604) 340-7711 Website: Bradley Parkes, VP Exploration and Director of Noble Plains Uranium Corp., is the Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, who has read and approved the technical content of this news release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operations and activities of Noble Plains, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Duck Creek Property, the merits of the Project, including potential mineralization therein, completion of an NI 43-101 compliant technical report on the Property, and the planned 2025 exploration program to advance the Project towards an NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate. 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. Forward-looking statements reflect beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Noble Plains, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to obtain TSX Venture Exchange approval, the ability of the Company to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Readers are urged to refer to the Company's filings on SEDAR+ at for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. Noble Plains does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 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Live Updates: LSU baseball storms back to take lead vs. Arkansas in College World Series
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Gage Wood threw a no-hitter vs. Murray State, and Arkansas kept it rolling, sending UCLA home on Tuesday night. Stay tuned here for LSU Wire's live coverage throughout the game. LSU baseball vs Arkansas time today Date: Wednesday, June 18 Start time: 6:00 p.m. CT The LSU baseball vs Arkansas game starts at 6:00 p.m. CT from Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska. What channel is LSU baseball vs Arkansas on today? TV Channel: ESPN Advertisement Livestream: Fubo (free trial) or ESPN+ (Subscriber Only) Watch LSU baseball vs Arkansas live on Fubo (free trial) LSU baseball vs Arkansas will be broadcast nationally on ESPN in the 2025 College World Series. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers. Chase Shores enters the game Jay Johnson is going back to the bullpen as Chase Shores enters the game for Jaden Noot. Shores has been dynamite in the postseason and will look to keep it rolling here. LSU leads 2-1. Jake Brown delivers. LSU leads. 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On Jaden Noot Noot enters the game with one out and a runner on first in the sixth inning. Noot's last appearance was a start vs. Little Rock in the regional. He only made it through 1.1 innings, allowing two earned runs. On the year, Noot has a 4.26 ERA in 31.2 innings. In those 31.2 innings, Noot has missed 43 bats. The strikeout stuff is there. LSU makes a pitching change Jaden Noot is entering the game for Zac Cowan. Cowan gave LSU exactly what it was looking for. He struck out six in 5.1 innings and limited Arkansas to just one run. 5.1 innings was Cowan's longest outing of the year. Cowan is getting the best of Wehiwa Aloy Wehiwa Aloy is one of the best hitters in the country, but LSU starter Zac Cowan is winning the matchup tonight. Aloy is 0-3 with two strikeouts. Can the LSU offense figure it out? Cowan is doing his part, but LSU needs something from the offense. LSU only has two hits, and the Tigers are 0-4 with runners in scoring position. LSU and Zac Cowan continue to limit Arkansas LSU pitcher Zac Cowan is commanding it and the LSU defense continues to do its job behind him. Three up, three down for the Razorback batters in the fifth. Advertisement Cowan has allowed a homer, but Arkansas has just three hits. Cowan has struck out five without issuing a walk. He's thrown first pitch strikes to 16 of 19 batters. LSU still isn't on the board Another inning, another blank frame for the Tigers' offense. Through four innings, LSU has just two hits. LSU gets out of the fourth without any more damage Cowan settled back in after the home run and made quick work of the next three Arkansas hitters. The Razorbacks lead 1-0 as we move to the bottom of the fourth. Arkansas strikes first Ryder Helfrick got enough of one, and it carried over the centerfield wall. Arkansas leads 1-0. Cowan continues to roll Through three innings, LSU starter Zac Cowan is yet to allow a run. Advertisement In his last five appearances entering the night, Cowan allowed a combined nine runs. LSU needed a pitcher to step up tonight, and so far, Cowan has delivered. LSU strands two runners With runners on first and second, Michael Braswell struck out and the game remains scoreless. Arkansas starter Landon Beidelschies has struck out two and walked one. The pitch count is at 33 with 20 strikes. LSU ends the inning After the catcher's interference put a second Arkansas runner on, a ground out to short ended the inning. Cowan is at 40 pitches. Catcher's interference keeps Arkansas alive Zac Cowan thought he was out of the second inning, but an Arkansas challenge led to catcher's interference and Cowan is back out there. The Razorbacks have runners on first and second with two out. The game remains tied 0-0. LSU strands Curiel at third Derek Curiel led off the bottom of the first with a double and later advanced to third on a sac fly. 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Against Little Rock in the regional, he allowed five runs in just 1.1 innings. What is LSU's pitching plan? Lineups will be released soon and we'll get an idea of how LSU baseball head coach Jay Johnson plans to deploy the Tigers' pitching staff. The big question right now: Will Anthony Eyanson get the start? Eyanson threw 48 pitches on Monday and has shown he's capable of pitching on short rest this season. Eyanson is one of the best pitchers in the country, and if he's capable of going, it makes sense to give him the ball. If it's not Eyanson, then Chase Shores, Zac Cowan, and Jaden Noot are in the mix. Shores is pitching the best of that group right now, but Johnson may want to save the big righty for a high-leverage opportunity with Casan Evans unavailable. Who is starting for Arkansas? The Razorbacks are starting Landon Beidelschies. The left-hander began his career at Ohio State in 2023 before transferring to Arkansas after two seasons with the Buckeyes. In 2025, Beidelschies has a 4.92 ERA in 56.2 innings. He has some swing and miss stuff, notching 61 strikeouts. Advertisement Beidelschies started vs. LSU earlier this year and only made it through two innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs. His last time out, he pitched two scoreless innings vs. North Dakota State. Don't expect a ton of length from Beidelschies, but Arkansas will count on two or three solid innings. This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Live Updates: LSU baseball vs. Arkansas in College World Series
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Lorenzo Alexander recently visited back with the Bills
The Buffalo Bills welcomed Lorenzo Alexander back in Orchard Park. Last week, the Bills took on their 2025 minicamp. During those, the familiar face of Alexander showed up and took in the workouts. Alexander has not played in the NFL or Bills since 2019, but he has previously showed up at practices. Clearly, he's always welcomed back. Advertisement Alexander at minicamp can be found in the clip below: This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Lorenzo Alexander recently visited back with the Bills
