Latest news with #USC
USA Today
27 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
USC football countdown to kickoff—O.J. Simpson in focus
The countdown to USC's 2025 football season is officially on! The Trojans kick off their new campaign 32 days from today. You need something to help you while away the days and hours in the spring and summer. This is one way to do so. In this new series, countdown to kickoff, we will be counting down the days by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number. Today, we look at one of the most controversial figures in American history, USC Heisman Trophy running back O.J. Simpson. Position: Running back Years played at USC: 1967-1968 Career highlights: After playing two years at the junior college level, Simpson arrived at USC in 1967. It did not take him very long to make an impact. In his first season, with the Trojans, Simpson led the country in rushing, and was named a Unanimous All-American. His iconic 64-yard touchdown run propelled USC to a 21-20 victory over UCLA en route to winning the national championship. The following season, Simpson once again led the country in rushing, and was once again named a Unanimous All-American. He was also awarded the Heisman Trophy, becoming the second Trojans to win the award, following Mike Garrett three years prior. Simpson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973. After USC: The Buffalo Bills selected Simpson with the first overall pick in the 1969 NFL Draft. He would go on to have a Hall of Fame career that featured five first-team All-Pro honors, four times leading the league in rushing, and becoming the first player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a season. Of course, Simpson is best known for what happened after his playing career came to an end. From the alleged murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman, to the Ford Bronco chase, to the highly-publicized criminal trial that ended in his extremely controversial acquittal, to his being found liable for their deaths in the civil trial, to his arrest for burglary in Las Vegas more than a decade later, books could be (and have been) written about Simpson and one of the wildest sagas that we have ever seen from a celebrity. Simpson passed away from cancer last year at the age of 76. USC did not issue a statement following his death.
The Market Online
an hour ago
- Business
- The Market Online
Cuba challenges spur Sherritt to cut costs, revise guidance, and push Moa expansion
Cuban operational challenges prompted Sherritt to lower its full-year nickel and cobalt production guidance, despite progress on the Moa JV Phase Two expansion Debt restructuring reduced obligations by C$68 million and extended maturity to 2031, improving liquidity and cutting annual interest expenses by C$3 million Cost-cutting measures, including a 10 per cent workforce reduction in Canada, are expected to deliver C$20 million in annualized savings amid prolonged low nickel prices and a global slowdown in the EV supply chain Sherritt International stock (TSX:S) last traded at $0.14 Sherritt International Corp. (TSX:S) reported its financial and operational results for Q2 2025, a quarter marked by debt restructuring, operational headwinds in Cuba, and a renewed focus on cost efficiency. This content has been prepared as part of a partnership with Sherritt International Corp. and is intended for informational purposes only. Financial highlights Sherritt posted net earnings from continuing operations of C$10.4 million, or C$0.02 per share, while adjusted net loss stood at C$25.6 million, or C$(0.06) per share, primarily due to a C$32.4 million gain from recent debt and equity transactions. Adjusted EBITDA came in at C$2.6 million. The company successfully closed strategic transactions that reduced debt obligations by C$68 million, extended debt maturity to November 2031, and cut annual interest expenses by approximately C$3 million. Liquidity in Canada as of June 30 stood at C$45 million, including C$14.7 million in cash and C$30.3 million in available credit. Operational performance At the Moa Joint Venture (Moa JV), Sherritt's share of finished production totaled 3,431 tonnes of nickel and 389 tonnes of cobalt, with sales slightly lower at 3,256 tonnes and 380 tonnes, respectively. The net direct cash cost was USC$5.27/lb, benefiting from favorable by-product credits and reduced maintenance costs. Electricity production reached 176 GWh, with the Varadero facility continuing to support Cuba's national grid through frequency control operations. Despite gas supply challenges from a legacy CUPET well, a new well brought online in late 2024 and a replacement well expected in Q3 2025 are helping stabilize output. Revised guidance and expansion progress Due to ongoing challenges in Cuba and limited availability of profitable third-party feedstock, Sherritt revised its 2025 production guidance. Finished nickel production is now expected between 27,000–29,000 tonnes (down from 31,000–33,000), and cobalt between 3,000–3,200 tonnes (down from 3,300–3,600). Despite these setbacks, the Phase Two expansion of the Moa JV is entering its final commissioning stage, with ramp-up activities slated for the second half of 2025. The expansion includes the addition of a sixth leach train, expected to boost production capacity once operational. Cost reductions and tightening focus In response to prolonged low nickel prices and a subdued global EV supply chain outside China, Sherritt announced a 10 per cent workforce reduction across Canadian operations, targeting non-operating roles. These measures are projected to yield C$20 million in annualized savings, on top of the C$17 million saved through 2024 initiatives. Capital spending guidance was also adjusted: sustaining capital was reduced from C$35 million to C$30 million, and tailings facility spending was deferred from C$40 million to C$35 million, without affecting the overall project timeline. ESG and market positioning In May, Sherritt became a participant in the Copper Mark assurance framework, aiming to secure the Nickel Mark for its Fort Saskatchewan refinery. This move aligns with Sherritt's commitment to responsible production and its strategic positioning in the critical minerals sector. 'Extensive challenges within Cuba's operating environment spurred by the escalating U.S. policies against Cuba are continuing unabated, which have directly impacted our Cuban operations and particularly at Moa, resulting in lower than expected production of mixed sulphides,' the company's executive chairman, president and CEO, Leon Binedell said in a media statement. 'Sherritt has implemented mitigation strategies to protect our interests and operations in Cuba and has a history of overcoming these challenges in collaboration with our partners. We have confidence that we will overcome the current situation; however, it may take additional time to resolve these near-term challenges and to meet our full expansion potential at Moa.' About Sherritt Using hydrometallurgical processes to mine and refine nickel and cobalt, Sherritt International Corp. is engaged in the production of these high purity metals from lateritic ore. Its technologies group creates solutions for oil and mining companies around the world to improve environmental performance. Sherritt International stock (TSX:S) last traded at $0.14. While down 9.38 per cent since the year began, its stock is up 11.54 per cent since the end of May 2025. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this stock on the Sherritt Bullboard, and check out Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here .
USA Today
an hour ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Caleb Williams will dictate how far the Bears will go this season
More than any team in the NFL, the Chicago Bears have seen how important it truly is to have a good quarterback. General manager Ryan Poles and staff are hoping they finally have one in Caleb Williams. The USC star has been under pressure since his arrival in Chicago. This season more than ever, with his team constructed around him, he holds the Bears' potential success in his hands. In the latest Bears Wire feature, Caleb Williams is named the second most important Bear for this upcoming season. Here are Brendan Sugrue and Alyssa Barbieri's thoughts on this ranking: "With a new scheme, a coach that has a history of getting the most out of the quarterback, and quality players at crucial positions, everything should be in place for Williams to take a leap in Year 2. It always comes down to the quarterback and whether or not he can be the transcendent signal caller that has eluded this franchise for years. While Williams has plenty to clean up going into this season, he set the bar higher than any other Bears rookie quarterback ever has. No quarterback in team history ever had a season with 3,500 passing yards, at least 20 touchdowns, and fewer than 10 interceptions before Williams. Add in that Johnson and his staff are working to break Williams of his bad habits and play within structure, and the stage is set for a leap forward in production. Just a few days into training camp, it's impossible to tell whether or not Williams will succeed. He has the tools and the resources to get there, though, and much of the Bears' success will hinge on his development." Last season the media was saying Caleb Williams had the most to work with out of any rookie quarterback in NFL history. That did not turn out to be true. This season, with an even better supporting cast, the expectations are high for Caleb. Even in the toughest moments last season Caleb showed flashes of potential. This season the Bears will need a lot more than flashes to take back the NFC North. The Bears can make all the additions they want, and they can hire the best coaching staff possible, but it will ultimately come down to Caleb Williams. Will he be exactly who we thought he was? With the talent Caleb Williams has, and the winning mindset he owns, we could see 2022 USC Trojan Caleb Williams. That would result in a very successful year for the Bears as they begin the Ben Johnson era.
USA Today
2 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
USC women's basketball announces nonconference schedule for 2025-2026 season
While the start of the 2025 college football season is just around the corner, college basketball is also not all that far away. On Tuesday, USC women's basketball released its nonconference schedule for the 2025-2026 season. The Trojans will certainly not be shying away from high-profile opponents this year. USC's nonconference slate includes matchups with the two teams who played in last year's national championship game in South Carolina and UConn, as well as a trip to South Bend, Indiana to take on annual powerhouse Notre Dame. Let's take a look at the Trojans' full nonconference slate: Vs. New Mexico State, November 4 USC will tip off its season at Galen Center in early November. Vs. North Carolina State (in Charlotte), November 9 It will not take long for Lindsay Gottlieb's team to face their first real test of the season. Less than a week in, the Women of Troy will travel across the country to take on NC State at Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Vs. South Carolina (at Arena), November 15 USC will take on the defending national runners-up in Dowtown Los Angeles in an early season showdown. Vs. Portland, November 18 The Trojans will return to Galen Center for a matchup with Portland on November 18. At Notre Dame, November 21 After falling to the Irish at home last season, USC will make the trip to South Bend in 2025. Vs. Tennessee Tech, November 25 The Trojans will spend Thanksgiving week at home with a matchup against Tennessee Tech. Vs. Pepperdine, November 28 The Waves will come to Galen Center for a Southern California showdown on Black Friday. Vs. Saint Mary's, December 2 The Women of Troy will host a West Coast Conference foe to kick off the month of December. Vs. UConn, December 13 In a rematch of the past two Elite Eights, USC and UConn will square off at Galen Center. Both teams will be without their respective superstars from last season, however, as the Huskies' Paige Bueckers is now in the WNBA, and the Trojans' Juju Watkins will almost certainly still be recovering from the ACL injury that she suffered during last year's NCAA Tournament. Vs. Cal Poly, December 18 In one final tune-up game against a mid-major opponent, the Trojans will host Cal Poly. Vs. Cal (In San Francisco), December 21 USC will close out nonconference play with an old Pac-12 showdown in the Bay Area.
USA Today
3 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua gives his thoughts on the USC rivalry and the CFP format
Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua spoke with members of the media today, and gave his thoughts on the USC rivalry continuing along with changes to how the College Football Playoff will select teams. While the CFP is important, keeping the annual game with the Trojans was at the top of his mind. Bevacqua said that 'we want to play USC every year. I think it would be a horrible thing if we don't. I think it would be bad for us … college football. And USC knows that,' as reported by Pete Sampson. It's a familiar tone that has been presented by many in South Bend including Marcus Freeman, they want this game to keep happening every season. The Irish AD wasn't shy about exploring other options to keep the rivalry alive, as Bevacqua also said that they'd be willing to move the date around and even play the game at a neutral site. It very much looks like Notre Dame will do whatever it takes to continue the series. As for the CFP, he likes it as is, with each power conference champion gaining an automatic bid with 11 at-large teams if expansion makes it to 16-teams. The Big Ten and SEC are trying to flex their muscle to make it easier for their conference teams to make it in, which doesn't make much sense. Bevacqua wants teams to 'earn it on the field,' which makes complete sense. Overall, it looks like he knows exactly what he wants for the future of Notre Dame football and the sport in general, and it was great to see him reiterate those points as the season preparation begins on Thursday for the Irish. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen
