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(TheNewswire)

Toronto, Ontario TheNewswire – January 21, 2026 Homeland Nickel Inc. (‘Homeland’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX-V: SHL, OTC: SRCGF), at the request of Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), wishes to confirm that the Company’s management is unaware of any material change in the Company’s operations that would account for the recent increase in market activity.

Homeland Nickel is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company focused on critical metal resources with nine nickel projects in Oregon, United States and copper and gold projects in Newfoundland, Canada. The Company holds a significant portfolio of mining securities including 442 thousand shares of Canada Nickel Company Inc. (TSX-V: CNC), 9.960 million shares of Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: NOB), 11.447 million shares of Benton Resources Inc. (TSX-V: BEX), 81,150 shares of Vinland Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: VLD) and 2.761 million shares of Magna Terra Minerals Inc. (TSX-V: MTT). Homeland Nickel’s common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ‘SHL’ and on the OTCQB under the symbol ‘SRCGF’. More detailed information can be found on the Company’s website at:

http://www.homelandnickel.com

This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

Neither the 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Stephen Balch, President & CEO

Phone: 905-407-9586

Email: steve@beci.ca

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Investing

Sankamap Advances Toward Inaugural Drilling at Kuma Property in the Solomon Islands

Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) (‘Sankamap‘ or the ‘Company‘) is pleased to provide an exploration update from its 4,500-hectare (‘Ha’) Kuma property (‘Kuma’) located approximately 37 kilometers (‘km’) southeast of Honiara in south-central Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

In preparation for its inaugural drill program, the Company has mobilized a field crew to advance camp construction, complete drill pad development, and conduct rock sampling, while integrating existing data to refine and prioritize high-potential targets.

The Kuma Property is strategically located along a highly prospective trend that hosts several major deposits including Lihir1 and Panguna2, both sharing geological similarities to the Kuma property.

1 Lihir containing 71 Moz Au1 (310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Proven+Probable (‘P&P’), 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred)

2 Panguna containing 19.3 Moz Au + 5.3 Mt Cu2 (1.5 Mt containing 16.1 Moz Au at 0.33 g/t and 4.6 Mt Cu at 0.3 % Indicated, 300 Mt containing 3.2 Moz Au 0.4 g/t and 0.7 Mt Cu Inferred)

CEO John Florek commented:

‘We are excited to launch our inaugural drill program at Kuma. With ongoing field work, including camp and drill pad development, rock sampling, and a drill rig on route to the property we are well-positioned to advance high-potential targets. The team is focused on efficiently progressing the program in this highly prospective region, with drilling on track to begin in February 2026.

Kuma benefits from established in-country support, located approximately 15 km south of the producing Gold Ridge Mine3. Compelling historical and recent exploration results indicate the presence of a significant mineralized system, interpreted to be analogous to porphyry-style copper-gold systems. Notably, historical boulder sampling has returned values of up to 13.5 g/t Au and 11.7% Cu, underscoring the exceptional exploration potential.’

3Goldridge containing 8.4 Moz Au (23 Mt containing 0.86 Moz Au at 1.15 g/t measured, 79 Mt containing 3.1 Moz Au at 1.2 g/t indicated, 89 Mt containing 3.3 Moz Au at 1.14 g/t inferred (191 Mt containing 7.2 Moz Au at 1.17 g/t) 13.4 Mt containing 0.59 Moz Au at 1.28 g/t Proven, 14.3 Mt containing 0.6 Moz au at 1.30 Probable (P&P 27.7 Mt containing 1.2 Moz Au at 1.29 g/t))

Highlights

Drill pad construction at Kuma completed to support the upcoming program.
Field crew mobilized to advance camp construction and rock sampling.
Reconnaissance sampling near the drill pad ongoing to refine target confidence.
Additional downstream sampling conducted to expand the target area.
Drill rig dispatched to Guadalcanal to begin operations.
Exploration program focused on discovering new mineralization and prioritizing future drill targets based on alteration, copper (Cu) and gold (Au) geochemical anomalies, and coincident geophysical responses.
Timing remains on track to commence drilling at Kuma in February 2026.

Field Program Update – Kuma Property

Field activities at the Kuma Property are focused on preparing for the planned inaugural drill program, including pad and camp construction, as well as prospecting and sampling. Initial drill pad construction has been completed, establishing the groundwork for safe and efficient drilling operations. Camp construction is underway and expected to be completed in the coming weeks (Figure 1).

The Company has completed an initial phase of surface rock sampling, with 44 samples collected and shipped to Australia for geochemical analysis and hyperspectral characterization (Figure 2). Sampling was conducted to complement historical datasets, refine the geological understanding, and support ongoing drill targeting. Additional surface rock sampling is planned across other prospective areas of the property, including near numerous additional geophysical anomalies, as field activities continue.

Encouraging cross-cutting relationships observed in the field indicate multiple phases of veining and mineralization, consistent with a long-lived hydrothermal system. Recent sampling highlights early-stage stockwork quartz veining that is overprinted by later, cross-cutting quartz-sulfide veins containing abundant pyrite (Figure 3).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Quality Assurance and Control Procedures

Sample preparation and analysis were completed at the ALS Global facility in Brisbane, Australia, which is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and compliant with international standard ISO/IEC 17025. Samples were analyzed using four-acid digestion methods on 34 elements, including HF-HNO3-HClO4 digestion, HCl leach, and ICP-AES. Gold was analyzed by fire assay using a 50-gram sample under ALS analytical code Au-AA26. Hyperspectral analysis was conducted on all samples using ALS analytical code TRSPEC-20, which uses a TerraSpec® 4 HR spectrometer. A secure chain-of-custody procedure was maintained during sample storage and transportation. Sankamap uses industry standards for collecting samples taken on the Kuma property, internal quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) procedures were followed by ALS.

About Sankamap Metals Inc.

Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) is a Canadian mineral exploration company dedicated to the discovery and development of high-grade copper and gold deposits through its flagship Oceania Project, located in the South Pacific. The Company’s fully permitted assets are strategically positioned in the Solomon Islands, along a prolific geological trend that hosts major copper-gold deposits; including Newmont’s Lihir Mine, with a resource of 71.9 million ounces of gold¹ (310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred).

Exploration is actively advancing at both the Kuma and Fauro properties, part of Sankamap’s Oceania Project in the Solomon Islands. Historical work has already highlighted the mineral potential of both sites, which lie along a highly prospective copper and gold-bearing trend, suggesting the possibility of further, yet-to-be-discovered deposits.

At Kuma, the property is believed to host an underexplored and largely untested porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) system. Historical rock chip sampling has returned consistently elevated gold values above 0.5 g/t Au, including a standout sample assaying 11.7% Cu and 13.5 g/t Au4; underscoring the area’s significant potential.

At Fauro, particularly at the Meriguna Target, historical trenching has returned highly encouraging results, including 8.0 meters at 27.95 g/t Au and 14.0 meters at 8.94 g/t Au5. Complementing these results are exceptional grab sample assays, including historical values of up to 173 g/t Au5, along with recent sampling by Sankamap at the Kiovakase Target, which returned numerous high-grade copper values, reaching up to 4.09% Cu. In addition, limited historical shallow drilling intersected 35.0 meters at 2.08 g/t Au5, further underscoring the property’s strong mineral potential and the merit for continued exploration. With a commitment to systematic exploration and a team of experienced professionals, Sankamap aims to unlock the untapped potential of underexplored regions and create substantial value for its shareholders. For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under Sankamap’s profile.

Newcrest Technical Report, 2020 (Lihir: 310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred)
Bougainville Copper Ltd. Annual Report, 2016 (1.5 Mt containing 16.1 Moz Au at 0.33 g/t and 4.6 Mt Cu at 0.3 % Indicated, 300 Mt containing 3.2 Moz Au 0.4 g/t and 0.7 Mt Cu Inferred)
Wanguo International Mining Group Limited Annual Results Announcement, 2024 (23 Mt containing 0.86 Moz Au at 1.15 g/t measured, 79 Mt containing 3.1 Moz Au at 1.2 g/t indicated, 89 Mt containing 3.3 Moz Au at 1.14 g/t inferred (191 Mt containing 7.2 Moz Au at 1.17 g/t) 13.4 Mt containing 0.59 Moz Au at 1.28 g/t Proven, 14.3 Mt containing 0.6 Moz au at 1.30 Probable (P&P 27.7 Mt containing 1.2 Moz Au at 1.29 g/t))
Historical grab, soil and BLEG samples from SolGold Kuma Review June 2015, and SolGold plc Annual Report 2013/2012
September 2010-June 2012 press releases from Solomon Gold Ltd. and SolGold Fauro Island Summary Technical Info 2012

QP Disclosure

The technical content for the Oceania Project in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person in accordance with CIM guidelines. Mr. John Florek is in good standing with the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (Member ID:1228) and a director and officer of the Company.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

s/ ‘John Florek’
John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol
Chief Executive Officer
Sankamap Metals Inc.

Contact:
John Florek,
Chief Executive Officer
T: (807) 228-3531
E: johnf@sankamap.com

Krystle Adair,
Vice President, Exploration
T: (778) 558-3635
E: krystlea@sankamap.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved nor disapproved this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this release constitute ‘forward-looking statements’ or ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, the timing, nature, scope and details regarding the Company’s exploration plans and results at its projects. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as ‘may’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘will’, ‘intend’, ‘expect’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’, ‘scheduled’, ‘forecast’, ‘predict’ and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘would’, ‘might’ or ‘will’ be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.

Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

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Investing

Signing of Share Subscription Agreement with Quorium Global Photonics SPC (“QGP”),

Valereum Plc (the ‘Company’ or ‘Valereum’) is delighted to announce that, further to the announcements on 25 November 2025 and 2 December 2025, it has signed a Share Subscription Agreement (the ‘Agreement’) with Quorium Global Photonics SPC (‘QGP’) acting on behalf of and for Valereum Quorium Global Photonics SPC (‘V-QGP’), a segregated portfolio company of QGP. The transaction materially strengthens the Company’s balance sheet, delivers immediate recurring income, and positions Valereum as a cash-flow positive, asset-backed financial technology platform.

The key terms of the Agreement are:

Long Term Strategic Partner – QGP has committed to being a long-term partner and strategic investor and will subscribe for 243,478,438 ordinary shares of £0.001 in the Company (the ‘Subscription Shares’). As per the announcement on 2 December 2025, application has been made for 12,595,437 ordinary shares (‘Initial Subscription Shares’). A further application will be made for 230,883,001 ordinary shares (‘Further Subscription Shares’). QGP will be subject to a ‘no sale’ lock-in agreement until the Company is listed on Nasdaq Stock Exchange or New York Stock Exchange, except that each month up to 1.44% of such shares held by QGP may be sold, transferred, or disposed of or pledged.
Valereum receives $200,000,000 of medium term notes – In consideration for the Subscription Shares, QGP will transfer $200,000,000 of QMTN2601001 medium term notes (‘QMTN’) from V-QGP to the Company. These will generate an annual coupon of 7.95% on the outstanding principal, which shall be paid in USD or USDC quarterly from 29 March 2026 until its maturity on 31 December 2030. Valereum will therefore receive contracted income equivalent to USD 15.9 million per annum for the next 5 years.
Agreement in principle for a further USD 1 billion – The Agreement includes a provision for QGP to provide the Company with up to a USD $1 billion facility to support future growth initiatives and operational expansion.

Further Terms of the Agreement

Board Representation: Subject to satisfactory due diligence, QGP will appoint two executive directors to the Board, a further announcement will follow.
Fees: the Company agree to pay USD 100,000 to the subscriber on signing and a further USD 100,000 to be offset against first payment receivable by the Company from the QMTN.
Performance Warrants: QGP will participate in Company’s existing Long-Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’), which permits the granting up to 30% of warrants over outstanding shares immediately vesting in equal instalments at 20p, 40p, 60p, 80p and £1.00, with the pool equally split between existing performance warrant holders, Company senior executives, and QGP together with its senior executives.
Issue of Warrants: In addition to the Performance Warrants, the Company will issue warrants over 10 million ordinary shares each to Pieter Scholtz, Managing Director of QGP, and Illiquid Assets Solutions Limited with an exercise price of £0.001 and an expiry period of 5 years.

Related Party Transaction – Rule 4.6 Statement

The issue of warrants to Illiquid Assets Solutions Limited (‘IASL’) is a related party transaction as Gary Cottle and Grant Gischen, Directors of the Company, have an option to acquire 36% of the issued share capital of IASL (Guernsey). The Directors (excluding Gary Cottle and Grant Gischen) confirm that, having exercised reasonable care, skill and diligence, the related party transaction is fair and reasonable as far as the shareholders of the issuer are concerned.

Application for admission of the Further Subscription Shares to trading on Aquis

Application will be made for the 230,883,001 Further Subscription Shares, which will rank pari passu with the existing ordinary shares in issue, to be admitted to trading on the Aquis Growth Market (‘Admission’). Dealings are expected to commence on or around 23 January 2026.

Conditional on Admission of the 230,883,001 Further Subscription Shares, the Company’s issued ordinary share capital will be 487,932,742 ordinary shares of £0.001 each, all carrying voting rights. This figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for determining whether they are required to notify the Company of an interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company’s securities pursuant to the Company’s Articles.

Appointment of Aquis Corporate Adviser

The Company also announces the appointment of Guild Financial Advisory Limited as the Company’s Aquis Corporate Adviser with immediate effect and that the Ordinary Shares in the Company will be restored to trading on the Apex Segment of the AQSE Growth Market with effect from 08:00 a.m. on 21st January 2026.

Gary Cottle, Group CEO of Valereum Plc, commented:

‘Today marks a fundamental turning point for Valereum. With this transaction, we’re not just announcing a deal; we are activating an engine for growth. We have strategically swapped 49.9% of our company for $200m of fully verified asset backed notes, as well as $79.5m of cash ($15.9m for 5yrs). This transforms our financial foundation overnight. Valereum is now a cash-flow positive company with a robust balance sheet. This complete recapitalisation removes funding risk and provides the stable, recurring capital we need to relentlessly execute our vision for AI-driven Tokenisation, and the digital asset ecosystem, where we will accelerate our partnerships, and build substantial, lasting value.’

James Bannon, Chair of Valereum Plc, adds:

‘I’d like to personally thank my team, in particular Gary and Pieter, for their tireless work on this transformative deal. We’ve arrived at a position where we are de-risked and have removed the burden of ongoing fundraising. My main focus is now towards the US-listing and supporting the team as we continue to change the face of fintech.’

Pieter Scholz, Managing Director of QGP, comments:

‘Our extensive due diligence confirmed our conviction in Valereum’s vision and team. We’re committing as a long-term partner because we see a clear path to market leadership. We are not just investors in this transaction; we are providing the financial architecture to power what will be a momentous journey ahead, fully aligned with every shareholder.’

For further information, please contact:

Valereum Plc

Karl Moss

Tel: +44 7938 767319

Investor Hub

Fortified Securities

Guy Wheatley

Tel: +44 203 4117773

Aquis Corporate Adviser

Guild Financial Advisory Limited

Ross Andrews

E: ross.andrews@guildfin.co.uk

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

Please visit the Company’s website at www.vlrm.com

For more information, and the chance to have your questions directly answered by the management team, please head to our interactive investor hub via: Investor Hub.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

The Company holds cryptocurrencies or crypto assets in its treasury. Whilst the Board of Directors of the Company considers holding cryptocurrencies to be in the best interests of the Company, the Board remains aware that the financial regulator in the UK (the Financial Conduct Authority or FCA) considers investment in cryptocurrencies to be high risk. At the outset, it is important to note that an investment in the Company is not an investment in cryptocurrencies, either directly or by proxy and shareholders will have no direct access to the Company’s holdings. However, the Board of Directors consider cryptocurrencies to be an appropriate store of value and potential growth and therefore appropriate for the Company. Accordingly, the Company is and intends to continue to be materially exposed to cryptocurrencies.

The Company is neither authorised nor regulated by the FCA, and the purchase of certain cryptocurrencies are generally unregulated in the UK. As with most other investments, the value of cryptocurrencies can go down as well as up, and therefore the value of the Company’s cryptocurrencies holdings can fluctuate. The Company may not be able to realise its cryptocurrencies holdings for the same as it paid to acquire them or even for the value the Company currently ascribes to its cryptocurrencies positions due to market movements. Neither the Company nor investors in the Company’s shares are protected by the UK’s Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Cryptocurrencies may present special risks to the Company’s financial position. These risks include (but are not limited to): (i) the value of cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile, with value dropping as quickly as it can rise. Investors in cryptocurrencies must be prepared to lose all money invested in cryptocurrencies; (ii) the cryptocurrencies market is largely unregulated. There is a risk of losing money due to risks such as cyber-attacks, financial crime and counterparty failure; (iii) the Company may not be able to sell its cryptocurrencies at will. The ability to sell cryptocurrencies depends on various factors, including the supply and demand in the market at the relevant time. Operational failings such as technology outages, cyber-attacks and commingling of funds could cause unwanted delay; and (iv) crypto assets are characterised in some quarters by high degrees of fraud, money laundering and financial crime. Prospective investors in the Company are encouraged to do their own research before investing.

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Investing

Gold Price Hits New Record, Soaring Over US$4,800

The gold price reached new highs yet again, driven higher by safe-haven demand as US President Donald Trump escalates trade tensions with Europe, and the US dollar weakens.

The spot price of gold hit US$4,888.80 per ounce in early trading on Wednesday (January 21) ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos where Trump is expected to face pushback against his bid for Greenland.

Gold price chart, January 14 to 21, 2026.

The yellow metal’s latest rise adds to an ongoing historic run.

After starting 2025 around US$2,640, gold had risen to the US$3,200 level by April. It stayed within a fairly flat range until the end of August, when it launched higher once again, breaking US$4,300 in mid-October.

The price of gold took a breather following that move, even falling briefly below US$4,000; however, its retracement was neither as steep nor as long as many market watchers expected it to be.

Gold began gaining steam again in mid-November, and took off again in earnest at the end of 2025.

In 2026, precious metals have continued to benefit from geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Expectations of interest rate cuts after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s term ends later this year have provided support too. Trump’s feud with the Fed over rates took an eyebrow-raising turn on January 9, when the US Department of Justice served the Fed with grand jury subpoenas targeting Powell with a criminal indictment.

This latest upswing for the gold comes as investors moved out of global stocks following Trump’s threats over the weekend that the European nations opposing his bid to acquire Greenland will face 10 percent tariffs starting February 1. That figure could rise to 25 percent if a deal to secure Greenland for the US is not reached by June.

The nations targeted by the new tariffs include France, Germany, the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland. The news has prompted fears of a full-blown US-Europe trade war, a weaker US dollar, higher inflation and a worsening outlook for the global economy. There are even concerns the conflict over Greenland could seriously weaken or dismantle the NATO alliance. Gold is traditionally used as a hedge against such risks.

Greenland’s key geographic position in the Arctic has long been coveted by the United States as a necessary strategic asset in its geopolitical struggle with Russia and China. “China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that!”

‘As soon as the probability of escalation increases, defensive capital tends to move preemptively, rather than waiting for tangible impacts to materialize in economic data. In this context, gold functions as a portfolio risk-balancing asset.’

European leaders have responded with vows that they will not be blackmailed into allowing Trump to take Greenland, and are now preparing counter measures to the president’s tariffs.

Gold also continues to benefit from strong central bank buying, while silver’s industrial side is attracting attention. Although it is valued as an investment metal, silver is key for technology such as solar panels. Silver had reached a new record high overtaking the US$95 level briefly this week. However, the notoriously volatile metal is experiencing a slight pullback on Wednesday back into the US$93 range.

Elsewhere in the precious metals space, platinum rose to record highs on Wednesday, reaching US$2,543 per ounce. Palladium remains below its top price level, but is elevated above US$1,800 per ounce.

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

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Business

Valentino, founder of Italian luxury empire, dies at 93

ROME — Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died, his foundation said Monday.

Usually known only by his first name, Valentino was 93, and had retired in 2008.

Founder of the eponymous brand, Valentino scaled the heights of haute couture, created a business empire and introduced a new color to the fashion world, the ‘Valentino Red.’

‘Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,’ the foundation said on Instagram.

He will lie in state Wednesday and Thursday, while the funeral will take place in Rome on Friday, it added.

Ira de Fürstenberg, president of Valentino Parfums, alongside Valentino Garavani in his perfume laboratory in 1978.Alain Dejean / Getty Images file

Valentino was ranked alongside Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld as the last of the great designers from an era before fashion became a global, highly commercial industry run as much by accountants and marketing executives as the couturiers.

Lagerfeld died in 2019, while Armani died in September.

Valentino was adored by generations of royals, first ladies and movie stars, from Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Julia Roberts and Queen Rania of Jordan, who swore the designer always made them look and feel their best.

“I know what women want,” he once remarked. “They want to be beautiful.”

Italian fashion designer Valentino.Andrea Blanch / Getty Images file

Never one for edginess or statement dressing, Valentino made precious few fashion faux-pas throughout his nearly half-century-long career, which stretched from his early days in Rome in the 1960s through to his retirement in 2008.

His fail-safe designs made Valentino the king of the red carpet, the go-to man for A-listers’ awards ceremony needs.

His sumptuous gowns have graced countless Academy Awards, notably in 2001, when Roberts wore a vintage black and white column to accept her best actress statue. Cate Blanchett also wore Valentino — a one-shouldered number in butter-yellow silk — when she won the Oscar for best supporting actress in 2004.

Valentino and a group of models in his designs during a fashion show in Paris in 1993.Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images file

Valentino was also behind the long-sleeved lace dress Jacqueline Kennedy wore for her wedding to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968. Kennedy and Valentino were close friends for decades, and for a spell, the one-time U.S. first lady wore almost exclusively Valentino.

He was also close to Diana, Princess of Wales, who often donned his sumptuous gowns.

Beyond his signature orange-tinged shade of red, other Valentino trademarks included bows, ruffles, lace and embroidery; in short, feminine, flirty embellishments that added to the dresses’ beauty and hence to that of the wearers.

Perpetually tanned and always impeccably dressed, Valentino shared the lifestyle of his jet-set patrons. In addition to his 152-foot yacht and an art collection including works by Picasso and Miro, the couturier owned a 17th-century chateau near Paris with a garden said to boast more than a million roses.

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Politics

Faith returns to the public square during Trump’s second term, Christian leader says

President Donald Trump is garnering praise from a prominent faith leader who says the White House is reinforcing the religious revival growing across America as churches report growing attendance and younger parishioners.

‘There’s causality from the culture into politics and from politics that influences the culture, and I think we’re seeing that duality play out,’ JP De Gance, founder and president of Communio, a non-profit ministry that trains churches on how to evangelize, told Fox News Digital. ‘Religious non-affiliation had been growing for about 40 years, and it’s flatlined over the last four years. That’s a real change in trends.’

De Gance said that Communio had heard anecdotally that churches across the country have seen major increases in new member classes.

In the case of Texas A&M, De Gance said there were currently 420 students enrolled in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) class, with approximately 100 or more adult baptisms expected, something he said was ‘really unusual.’ OCIA classes are meant for adults looking to enter the Catholic Church. Regarding Protestant denominations, Communio is seeing an ‘increase in small and intimate church settings,’ De Gance said.

The faith leader said that the White House has not only been reacting to a growing interest in faith, but is also embracing it more publicly than prior administrations. He also stated that he sees a ‘huge difference’ in the Trump administration’s approach to faith versus that of the Biden administration.

‘When you look at the Biden administration, his final Easter celebration had a proclamation of ‘Transgender Day’ instead of an Easter proclamation,’ De Gance noted, referring to former President Joe Biden’s acknowledgment of Transgender Day of Visibility. In 2024, Easter Sunday fell on the same day.

‘I think you had a last administration that was seen by a lot of people of faith as being actively hostile to faith, and now I think a view that there’s an openness and an interest by the current administration to more embrace faith in their work and in their actions,’ De Gance added.

The Trump administration has not been quiet about faith and even created an entity to represent faith-based communities.

In February 2025, Trump signed an executive order establishing the White House Faith Office, which was meant to ’empower faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship to better serve families and communities,’ according to the White House. The office is led by senior advisor Paula White and faith director Jenny Korn.

For Holy Week, Trump issued a proclamation on behalf of himself and first lady Melania Trump that put faith front and center.

‘This Holy Week, Melania and I join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ — the living Son of God who conquered death, freed us from sin, and unlocked the gates of Heaven for all of humanity,’ the proclamation read. ‘We pray that America will remain a beacon of faith, hope, and freedom for the entire world, and we pray to achieve a future that reflects the truth, beauty, and goodness of Christ’s eternal kingdom in Heaven.’

Trump also issued a faith-filled message for Christmas, saying that he and the first lady ‘send our warmest wishes to all Americans as we share in the joy of Christmas Day and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.’ The president included a brief retelling of the Christmas story and prayers for ‘an outpouring of God’s abiding love, divine mercy, and everlasting peace upon our country and the entire world.’

The Trump administration has also invoked faith in times of tragedy, from the flooding at Camp Mystic in Texas to the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota and the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

‘These are times where a president can be a comforter in chief, and I think it’s appropriate for the president, members of the administration to not compartmentalize and shelve their faith in these moments,’ De Gance said. ‘I think when there are times of great suffering, I think that it’s an opportunity to also embrace our faith.’

As Trump enters the second year of his second term and America approaches its 250th birthday, De Gance says many are looking to see the administration continue to reaffirm the role that religion plays in American life.

‘I think American Christians would love to see the president, the White House continue, or find ways to embrace the core pillars that made this country so excellent on the world stage,’ De Gance told Fox News Digital. ‘In this 250th anniversary, I think it’s a time where we can reflect and see that the American founding was grounded in sort of core cultural pillars that allowed self-governance to exist.’

De Gance emphasized the importance of strong families and Americans maintaining connections to faith communities, saying Christianity served as a ‘core bedrock’ at the nation’s founding.

Fox News Digital spoke to Communio’s founder before Sunday’s incident at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minn., made headlines over the weekend. Anti-ICE agitators disrupted a worship service, chanting slogans including ‘ICE Out’ and ‘Justice for Renee Good,’ a reference to the woman shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month.

The Trump administration responded swiftly, with the Justice Department launching an investigation into potential violations of federal law. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that she spoke to the pastor of the church and affirmed that ‘attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law.’

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Politics

Trump to head to Davos as Greenland dispute sparks rising tensions with NATO allies

President Donald Trump is expected to head to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum this week — on the heels of threatening tariffs against NATO members as he seeks to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory.

The Davos World Economic Forum is an annual summit bringing world leaders together to discuss global issues related to politics, business and society.

Other world leaders who are expected to attend include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Trump is expected to deliver a special address Wednesday, per the World Economic Forum’s program. But the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital regarding Trump’s schedule in Switzerland.

Trump previously attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, twice during his first term, according to the State Department’s records.

Trump is poised to enter the forum in the middle of heightened tensions between the U.S. and European allies. After a group of NATO members sent troops to Greenland amid Trump’s latest efforts to acquire the island, Trump announced Saturday that those countries would be subjected to a 10% tariff on all goods starting Feb. 1.

That number would climb to 25% in June, until a deal is reached for Trump to secure Greenland, according to Trump.

While the Danish territory claims it is seeking independence from Copenhagen, Denmark, and doesn’t want to join the U.S., Trump has regularly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland for the U.S. as Russian and Chinese presence grows in the Arctic since his first administration.

Trump has revived his rhetoric toward Greenland in recent weeks, claiming that the region is critical for national security purposes, including the creation of a Golden Dome project, a defense shield initiative for the U.S. similar to the one Israel has safeguarding itself.

Likewise, Trump said in text messages to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Sunday that Norway released Monday that he’s not inclined to only think of peace, after the Norwegian Nobel Committee did not award him with the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Instead, the committee awarded the prize to Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado.

‘Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America,’ Trump said in the text messages.

‘Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway? There are no written documents, it’s only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also,’ Trump said.

Meanwhile, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland said in a joint statement Sunday that the tariff threats ‘undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.’

Likewise, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Sunday that he and Trump spoke over the weekend, and would see each other in Switzerland.

‘We will continue working on this, and I look forward to seeing him in Davos later this week,’ Rutte said in a post on social media Sunday.

Meanwhile, Trump has refused to back down from his aspirations to acquire Greenland following his tariff threat, and issued another stern warning to Denmark.

‘NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.’ Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!’ Trump said in a social media post late Sunday.

Greenland has a trove of natural resources, including oil and natural gas. Meanwhile, both Russia and China have bolstered their presence in the region in recent years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Politics

NORAD aircraft to arrive in Greenland for routine exercises

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) aircraft are headed to Pituffik Space Base, Greenland, for ‘long-planned’ activities, as President Donald Trump continues his controversial push for the U.S. to acquire the island.

The NORAD aircraft at Pituffik Space Base, along with aircraft operating from bases in the U.S. and Canada, will support the planned efforts, ‘building on the enduring defense cooperation between the United States and Canada, as well as the Kingdom of Denmark,’ NORAD said in a statement posted on X.

Multiple governments allegedly approved of the NORAD activities, as the command said in its statement that it coordinated with Denmark and that Greenland was ‘informed’ of its efforts.

‘This activity has been coordinated with the Kingdom of Denmark, and all supporting forces operate with the requisite diplomatic clearances. The Government of Greenland is also informed of planned activities,’ NORAD said.

‘NORAD routinely conducts sustained, dispersed operations in the defense of North America, through one or all three NORAD regions (Alaska, Canada, and the continental U.S.),’ the command added.

Trump has said in recent weeks that the U.S. needs Greenland for national security reasons. The president claims that if the U.S. does not step in, China or Russia could use the Arctic territory to their advantage.

Denmark and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies have condemned the Trump administration’s rhetoric about Greenland.

In recent days, several European nations have sent small numbers of military personnel to Greenland for exercises as a symbolic show of support for Danish sovereignty over the territory. Some countries have since withdrawn their troops.

On Monday, Denmark ramped up its military presence in Greenland and deployed extra troops to the Arctic territory.

Local Danish broadcaster TV 2 said the Danish Armed Forces confirmed a new contingent of troops, described as ‘a substantial contribution,’ were arriving at Greenland’s main international airport Monday night.

Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen, head of Denmark’s Arctic Command, said about 100 Danish soldiers have already arrived in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, with others later deployed to Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland.

Despite the objections from allies, Trump administration officials have continued to argue that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary to protect national security interests in the Arctic.

On Saturday, Trump said the U.S. would impose 10% tariffs on multiple European countries unless Denmark agreed to the ‘complete and total purchase of Greenland,’ warning that global security and U.S. national defense were at stake.

The president said that starting on Feb. 1, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Finland would be subjected to a 10% tariff. The tariff would then increase to 25% on June 1 and ‘will be due and payable until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social.

While addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the tariff threat ‘a mistake, especially between long-standing allies,’ according to The Associated Press.

Fox News Digital’s Emma Bussey and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Politics

DOGE era overhaul: GSA touts $60B in savings as Trump shrinks gov’t footprint: ‘Results speak for themselves’

One year into President Donald Trump’s second term, the federal agency responsible for managing government buildings, contracts and technology says it has delivered tens of billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced on Tuesday that it has driven more than $60 billion in federal contract savings since January 2025, as part of the agency’s push to shrink the federal real estate footprint in the era of DOGE, cutting red tape for small businesses and rewriting decades-old procurement rules that critics long said fueled waste and inefficiency.

Over the past year, the agency disposed of 90 federal properties, cutting more than 3 million square feet from its portfolio and avoiding an estimated $415 million in repairs and operating costs. Property sales generated an additional $182 million in revenue, while renegotiated leases and portfolio reductions avoided another $730 million in future costs.

GSA officials say they have also identified 45 additional high-cost, underused properties for accelerated sale, moves that could save taxpayers more than $3 billion in repairs and operating expenses if completed.

GSA, established in 1949, manages more than 360 million rentable square feet nationwide.

‘Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re delivering on our promise to create a leaner, smarter, and more accountable government,’ GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst said in a statement to Fox News Digital. ‘GSA is right-sizing our federal real estate portfolio, streamlining operations, and using the buying power of the United States government to get the best deals in procurement for American taxpayers.’

The agency is also touting significant changes in the area of federal contracting.

GSA, working in partnership with the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Defense and NASA, also completed a historic rewrite of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), a rulebook governing federal purchasing.

The rewrite cut roughly one-quarter of the FAR, eliminating 484 pages and 230,000 words, while removing more than 2,700 ‘shall’ and ‘must’ mandates that officials say slowed procurement and discouraged competition.

The agency also says it canceled more than $500 million in unnecessary or underperforming contracts and reduced the federal vehicle fleet by over 1,000 vehicles.

Cutting red tape for small businesses has also been an objective GSA says it has made headway on, including reducing the Federal Management Regulation by about 72% and streamlining the Federal Travel Regulation by roughly 50%, while eliminating 84 outdated policy bulletins from the Federal Register.

For small businesses specifically, officials say compliance burdens have been cut by 70%, and vendor onboarding, previously taking up to 30 days, has been reduced to same-day approval.

The regulatory changes are projected to save $900 million over the next decade, according to the agency.

The federal government has also moved to modernize the way payments are made and the way Americans access their federal services and the GSA highlighted the expanded use of Login.gov as part of a broader effort to combat improper federal payments, an issue the government estimates costs taxpayers roughly $200 billion each year.

The agency says the system now blocks thousands of suspected fraudulent identity verification attempts daily and has upgraded major partner agencies to a higher level of identity assurance, including biometric facial matching, to better protect access to federal benefits and services.

GSA also pointed to expanded use of artificial intelligence and automation, which Fox News Digital has previously reported on, as part of its effort to modernize federal operations without expanding the size of government.

The agency highlighted its development of a new USAi platform to support federal AI testing and deployment, allowing agencies to evaluate and adopt emerging technologies while maintaining security and oversight.

In a press release, the agency voiced its belief that the first-year accomplishments as part of Trump’s ‘vision’ of streamlining government ‘sets the tone for a results-driven second term.’

‘The results speak for themselves,’ Forst said.

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Politics

Trump seeks Davos signing ceremony for Gaza Board of Peace

Plans are being put together at President Donald Trump’s direction to hold a signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, for the Gaza Board of Peace, Fox News confirmed on Tuesday.

Bloomberg was first to report the plans.

The Trump administration began sending invitations to countries over the weekend, asking them to become founding members of the so-called Board of Peace.

‘Dozens’ of countries have been invited to join the board, Fox News confirmed. The official invites went out Friday.

Trump extended invitations to leaders from Russia, Belarus, China, Ukraine, India, Canada, Argentina, Jordan, Egypt, Hungary and Vietnam, among others.

Some invited countries have raised concerns about the terms of the proposed Gaza peace board, as participation would come with a substantial financial commitment, according to Bloomberg.

European allies are seeking to adjust the proposal and organize a joint response, including enlisting Arab nations to push for changes to the $1 billion permanent membership fee, the outlet reported.

When questioned on Tuesday about French President Emmanuel Macron seemingly signaling reluctance to accept the invitation, Trump said, ‘Did he say that? Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon. So, you know, that’s alright.’

‘What I’ll do is if they feel like hostile, I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he’ll join,’ Trump said. ‘But, he doesn’t have to join.’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also pushed back on the proposal after Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi were named as appointed members to a separate ‘Gaza Executive Board.’

Netanyahu’s office said the move was not coordinated with Israel and ‘runs contrary to its policy.’

The White House said on Friday that Trump will chair the Board of Peace and be joined by a group of senior political, diplomatic and business figures, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and billionaire Marc Rowan, among others.

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