DJ Moore or David Montgomery: Who should I start in Fantasy Football Week 3?

**DJ Moore vs. David Montgomery: Who Should You Start in Fantasy Football Week 3?**

DJ Moore and David Montgomery stand out as two excellent flex options for fantasy football in Week 3. The Chicago Bears’ wide receiver and the Detroit Lions’ running back will face off against two defenses that have struggled to contain their respective positions, potentially opening the door for big performances. Whether you prefer wide receivers or running backs in your flex spot, either player could be a viable choice. However, this article aims to help you decide who should claim that coveted lineup spot.

### DJ Moore Fantasy Outlook for Week 3

After a slow start to the 2024 season, DJ Moore is eager to bounce back in his second year with Caleb Williams under center. So far, Moore has recorded eight receptions on 11 targets for 114 yards, but he has yet to find the end zone. His production has drawn criticism, especially following the Bears’ 52-21 Week 2 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Coach Ben Johnson has emphasized a focus on players’ efforts when the ball isn’t in their hands, and some fans feel Moore may be slipping in that regard. However, there is cause for optimism. The Dallas Cowboys have allowed a significant number of fantasy points to wide receivers this season, which could give Moore an opportunity to shine in Week 3.

### David Montgomery Fantasy Outlook for Week 3

David Montgomery’s production also dipped entering 2024. After rushing for 1,105 yards on 219 carries in 2023, Montgomery managed 775 yards on 185 carries last year. His start to the current season has been modest as well, with 22 rushes for 82 yards and one touchdown through two games.

Meanwhile, Jahmyr Gibbs has emerged as the Lions’ primary running back, outpacing Montgomery’s Week 2 output (94 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown). Despite this, the Baltimore Ravens have allowed an average of 19 fantasy points per game to running backs — a positive sign for Montgomery’s Week 3 outlook.

### DJ Moore vs. David Montgomery: Final Verdict

Choosing between DJ Moore and David Montgomery is a tough call. According to Sportskeeda’s fantasy analyzer, Moore holds a slight edge, outperforming Montgomery by just 0.1 fantasy points.

However, with Rome Odunze gaining traction as a key target for Caleb Williams and Baltimore struggling to contain opposing running backs, the Monday night matchup could be an ideal stage for Montgomery. As defenses focus on Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery may have the chance to exploit Baltimore’s weaknesses and help lead the Lions to their second victory of the early NFL season.

**In summary:** If you prefer a slightly safer play, DJ Moore might be your pick given his target volume. But if you’re looking for a potential breakout fueled by a favorable matchup, David Montgomery could be the flex option to start in Week 3.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/dj-moore-david-montgomery-who-i-start-fantasy-football-week-3

Wyoming vs. Colorado projected starting lineup and depth chart for Week 4 | 2025 college football season

It hasn’t been a desirable start to the 2025 season for Colorado (1-2). The Buffaloes opened the season with a loss to Georgia Tech before defeating Delaware in Week 2. They suffered their second loss of the season last week when they fell on the road to Houston.

Deion Sanders and his team return to Boulder this weekend with the hope of getting a win. The Buffaloes are heavily favored in the encounter, and it will be an opportunity to build some momentum moving forward.

Wyoming has only suffered one loss this season. The Cowboys are coming off a blowout loss to Utah after defeating Akron and Northern Iowa in their first two games. They will be aiming to stage an upset in Boulder on Saturday night.

**Game Details:**
– **Kickoff:** 10:15 p.m. ET
– **Location:** Folsom Field

### Projected Starting Lineups

**Wyoming’s Projected Starting Lineup**
– Offense
– Defense
– Special Teams

**Colorado’s Projected Starting Lineup**
– Offense
– Defense
– Special Teams

### Depth Charts

**Wyoming’s Depth Chart**
– Offense
– Defense
– Special Teams

**Colorado’s Depth Chart**
– Offense
– Defense
– Special Teams

### Where to Watch Wyoming vs. Colorado

The game between Wyoming and Colorado is set to be broadcast live on ESPN. Fans can also livestream the game on ESPN+ and FuboTV.

**Expert Betting Insight:**
Colorado holds a 70% win probability (110-25-1), making them the favorites going into this matchup.

Unlock free tips from our experts and get picks now to enhance your viewing experience!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/news-wyoming-vs-colorado-projected-starting-lineup-depth-chart-week-4-2025-college-football-season

How BFX Stacks Up Against BNB, TRON, Cardano, And Polkadot

The crypto market in 2025 is buzzing with activity. Established projects are proving their staying power, while new entrants are offering investors opportunities for exponential growth. Among them, BlockchainFX (BFX) has emerged as one of the most talked-about presales of the year, raising millions in just weeks.

But how does it compare with market veterans like Binance Coin (BNB), TRON (TRX), Cardano (ADA), and Polkadot (DOT)? Here’s a closer look at five tokens shaping the market right now.

### 1. BlockchainFX (BFX): The Newcomer with Multi-Market Ambitions

BlockchainFX is currently in its presale phase, with over $7.7 million already raised. At just $0.024 per token, and a launch price of $0.05, early buyers are securing an immediate upside.

What sets BFX apart is its vision: a trading super app where users can swap between crypto, stocks, forex, commodities, and ETFs seamlessly. The token rewards holders through daily USDT payouts funded by platform fees. Half of all fees are shared with stakers, while buybacks and burns reduce supply.

Investors also gain access to exclusive perks such as the BFX Visa Card, Founders Club membership, and even NFTs. With its BLOCK30 bonus code, buyers currently get 30% extra tokens, making it one of the most attractive presale offers of the year.

If BlockchainFX delivers on its promise of bridging crypto with traditional finance, BFX could become one of the breakout tokens of this cycle.

### 2. Binance Coin (BNB): The Veteran Powerhouse

BNB remains one of the most dominant exchange tokens in the market. Tied directly to Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, BNB is used for transaction fees, launchpad access, staking, and DeFi integration.

In 2025, it broke through the $1,000 mark, cementing its place as a blue-chip crypto asset. The BNB Chain continues to evolve, with recent upgrades improving scalability and performance. Analysts remain bullish on its mid-term outlook, projecting prices between $1,200 and $2,000 as adoption grows.

While regulatory challenges around Binance present risks, BNB’s strong ecosystem ensures it remains a core holding for many investors.

### 3. TRON (TRX): The Quiet Performer

TRON has built its reputation on speed, low fees, and high transaction throughput. It is one of the most widely used blockchains for stablecoins, especially USDT, which drives enormous daily transaction volumes.

In 2025, TRON’s price hovers around $0.34, with forecasts projecting slow but steady growth to about $0.43 by 2030. Technical indicators show TRON trending bullish in the short term, with its moving averages sloping upward.

While it may not offer explosive gains, TRON remains a reliable blockchain with a loyal community and a strong use case in payments and stablecoin transfers.

### 4. Cardano (ADA): The Long-Term Builder

Cardano is known for its careful, research-driven approach. Its focus on peer-reviewed development has sometimes slowed adoption, but it has built a solid reputation as a secure and sustainable blockchain.

In 2025, ADA is trading below its all-time highs but continues to develop through upgrades like Hydra, which enhances scalability and transaction speed. Cardano has strong backing in regions like Africa, where it is involved in projects for identity and governance.

Price predictions for ADA are conservative but positive, with expectations it could move toward the $1.50 to $2.00 range in the next few years if adoption accelerates.

### 5. Polkadot (DOT): The Web of Blockchains

Polkadot stands out for its vision of connecting multiple blockchains through its parachain ecosystem. By enabling interoperability, it allows projects to build specialized chains while still communicating with the broader network.

This gives DOT a unique position in the market, as interoperability is seen as a key challenge for the future of Web3. In 2025, DOT trades in the $6 to $8 range, with forecasts suggesting a move toward $15 or more by 2026 if parachain adoption increases.

While Polkadot hasn’t captured mainstream attention like Ethereum or Solana, its technological foundation remains one of the strongest in the space.

### Final Thoughts

Each of these tokens represents a different aspect of crypto’s evolution.

– **Binance Coin** is the established leader with massive utility and proven value.
– **TRON** continues to shine quietly as the backbone of stablecoin transactions.
– **Cardano** pushes forward with its methodical development.
– **Polkadot** bets on interoperability as the key to the next phase of Web3.
– **BlockchainFX**, meanwhile, offers something new: a presale opportunity that combines the high-growth potential of an exchange token with the ambitious vision of bridging crypto and traditional finance.

With its staking rewards, buybacks, Visa card perks, and the generous BLOCK30 presale bonus, BlockchainFX could be one of the most interesting projects to watch in 2025.

**For More Information**
Website: X:
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/how-bfx-stacks-up-against-bnb-tron-cardano-and-polkadot/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-bfx-stacks-up-against-bnb-tron-cardano-and-polkadot

How to Watch Michigan vs Nebraska: Live Stream NCAA College Football, TV Channel

Nebraska (3-0) plays host to No. 21 Michigan (2-1) on Saturday as it looks to snap a streak of 27 straight losses against ranked opponents.

**How to Watch Michigan vs Nebraska**
**Date:** Saturday, September 20, 2025
**Time:** 6:00 PM EDT
**Location:** Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
**Channel:** CBS
**Stream:** Fubo (Watch for free)

Almost a decade has passed since Nebraska last defeated a ranked opponent. This Saturday, No. 21 Michigan has the pleasure of visiting Memorial Stadium, looking to extend its dominance with a fifth straight win over the Cornhuskers in their recent meetings.

Nebraska currently boasts a strong 3-0 record heading into the Lincoln showdown, while Michigan stands at 2-1 so far this season. That lone loss for the Wolverines came against John Mateer’s Oklahoma squad, which makes it a more understandable setback.

The Cornhuskers’ fall from grace over the years has been well-documented, while Michigan is navigating its own transition under second-year head coach Sherrone Moore. Despite the loss to Oklahoma by 11 points, the Wolverines performed well in convincing victories over New Mexico (34-17) and Central Michigan (63-3).

It wouldn’t be a complete shock if underdog Nebraska managed to end its drought of wins against ranked opponents while maintaining its perfect record in front of a sell-out home crowd at Memorial Stadium.

Last year, head coach Matt Rhule faced a similar Week 4 opportunity but fell short with a 3-1 record after losing to Illinois. This season, he and his team hope they have learned from those mistakes and are ready to rise to the challenge.

**Watch Live:**
You can live stream Michigan vs Nebraska on CBS via Fubo. Start your subscription now!
*Please note: Regional restrictions may apply.*

*If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.*
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/how-watch-michigan-vs-nebraska-live-stream-ncaa-college-football-tv-channel-2131636

Russia launches large-scale attack on Ukraine, three dead, dozens injured

The enemy’s target was our infrastructure, residential areas, and civilian enterprises, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated. He added that a missile armed with cluster munitions struck a multi-storey building in the city of Dnipro.

“Each such strike is not a military necessity but a deliberate strategy by Russia to intimidate civilians and destroy our infrastructure,” Zelenskyy wrote on his official Telegram account.

The Ukrainian president also informed that he expected to meet United States (US) President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) next week. He added that the first ladies of Ukraine and the US would likely hold separate talks focused on humanitarian issues concerning children. His comments, made on Friday, were embargoed until Saturday morning.

At least 30 people were wounded in the attack in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region, Governor Serhii Lysak said. Several high-rise buildings and homes were damaged in the eastern city of Dnipro, according to the Associated Press (AP).

### Russia-Ukraine War: Drone and Missile Strikes Continue

In the Kyiv region, authorities reported strikes in Bucha, Boryspil, and Obukhiv, damaging homes and cars. In western Lviv, Governor Maxim Kozytsky said two cruise missiles were shot down.

Russia launched a total of 619 drones and missiles, the Ukrainian Air Force reported. This included 579 drones, eight ballistic missiles, and 32 cruise missiles. Ukrainian forces successfully shot down 552 drones, two ballistic missiles, and 29 cruise missiles.

“Western weapons once again prove their effectiveness on the battlefield,” the Air Force said.

### Russia Denies Violating Estonia’s Airspace

Russia’s Defence Ministry has denied that its aircraft violated Estonia’s airspace after Tallinn reported that three Russian fighter jets crossed into its territory on Friday without permission for 12 minutes.

The incident, described by Estonia’s top diplomat as an unprecedentedly brazen incursion, occurred just over a week after NATO planes downed Russian drones over Poland, raising fears that the war could spill over into neighboring countries.

Moscow stated that the MiG-31 fighter jets remained over neutral Baltic Sea waters, more than 3 kilometres from Estonia’s Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland. On September 19, the three MiG-31 jets completed a scheduled flight from Karelia to an airfield in the Kaliningrad region. The flight was conducted in strict compliance with international airspace regulations and did not violate the borders of other states, the ministry added, citing objective monitoring data.

In response, Estonian officials said Tallinn had summoned a Russian diplomat to protest and initiated consultations among NATO allies under Article 4, which allows members to confer whenever territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened.

### Polish and Allied Aircraft Scrambled

Poland’s Operational Command reported that Polish and allied aircraft were deployed overnight in response to Russian long-range airstrikes in neighboring Ukraine. The operation was described as preventive and aimed at securing airspace near the threatened zones.

Polish jets have frequently patrolled the country’s airspace amid Russian attacks on Ukraine. Last week, Romania also deployed two F-16 jets to intercept a drone that briefly entered its airspace.

### Zelenskyy Seeks to Finalise Security Guarantees in New York Meetings

Zelenskyy said Ukraine and its partners have laid the groundwork for long-term security guarantees, and he hopes to gauge progress during next week’s meetings in New York.

European nations are ready to move forward with a framework if the United States remains closely engaged, Zelenskyy added, noting that discussions are ongoing among military leadership and general staffs in Europe and the US.

“I would like to receive signals for myself on how close we are to understanding that the security guarantees from all partners will be the kind we need,” Zelenskyy said.

He stressed that sanctions against Russia must remain if peace efforts stall and said he would press the issue with Trump.

“If the war continues and there is no movement toward peace, we expect sanctions,” he said, adding that Trump is seeking strong steps from Europe.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/russia-ukraine-war-three-killed-in-massive-drone-and-missile-attack-across-nine-regions-says-volodymyr-zelenskyy-23594995

Jesse Watters Steamrolls Tarlov’s ‘Both Sides’ Fascist Rhetoric Narrative [WATCH]

Fox News host Jesse Watters challenged Democratic strategist Jessica Tarlov during a broadcast of *The Five* on Friday, saying he no longer takes issue with Democrats labeling Republicans as fascist because the term has become routine and uncontrollable.

The exchange occurred during a panel discussion about political violence following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Some Democrats have attempted to link Republicans and former President Donald Trump to the rise in violence, a claim Watters dismissed.

Tarlov referenced Trump’s recent criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris, noting that Trump himself had called her a fascist. Watters interrupted her response, saying, “He’s only saying Kamala’s fascist because he ran out of things that she was dumb. That’s your word. He was just making fun of it. But Jessica, just listen.”

Tarlov pushed back, responding, “No, it was literally my turn. I do mind, deeply.”

The tense exchange highlighted how partisan divides have remained sharp since the 2024 election. During the campaign, Harris and her allies accused Trump of fascism, while President Joe Biden said Trump should be locked up. These statements followed the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt against Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire on the crowd, killing volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore. Trump was struck by a bullet that grazed his ear.

Watters argued that Democrats’ use of the “fascist” label has lost meaning. “You guys have called us this word a lot. You can’t control yourselves. We can’t control you. Nancy [Pelosi] can’t. No one can. At this point, say it. Say it all you want. I’m done complaining about it because we look weak when we complain,” Watters said.

He continued, “Please don’t say it. We’re warning you. It’s putting people in danger. Everyone’s getting shot. Their cars are getting firebombed. Conservatives can’t give a speech at a college. I’m done with saying it. You guys are going to say it.”

Watters added, “It kind of reminds me of little kids when they call you a name and then you react. They’re like, ‘Oh, we’re going to call that name again.’ So we’re done. Call us whatever you want. Call us the F-bomb. Call us the real F-bomb. I don’t care anymore.”

The issue of political rhetoric resurfaced after a second attempt on Trump’s life was uncovered on September 15, 2024, when Secret Service agents arrested Ryan Routh outside Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Agents reported Routh was hiding in bushes with an AK-47-style rifle.

Democrats have continued to portray Trump’s administration as a threat to democracy since the start of his second term. This debate has spilled into the media, where Disney-owned ABC indefinitely suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after he made remarks about Kirk’s alleged shooter, sparking renewed criticism of the network’s handling of political commentary.

Polling data reflects divisions in public opinion. According to a survey conducted by Napolitan News Service, 26 percent of Americans aged 18 to 34 said the country is better off now that Charlie Kirk has been killed, though respondents also acknowledged it is always difficult to wish ill of another human being. Among Democrats, 24 percent agreed with the sentiment.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/09/jesse-watters-steamrolls-tarlovs-both-sides-fascist-rhetoric-narrative-watch/

Drones Made By MP’s Satna Boy Pass Test At Army Camp

**Innovative Drone Project by Satna Resident for Indian Army**

Satna (Madhya Pradesh): Anshuman Shukla, a resident of the Kitaha area in Satna district, has developed two advanced drones for the Indian Army designed to neutralize enemy targets. These drones successfully passed testing at the campus of the 609 EME Battalion in Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh.

Currently, Anshuman is working on enhancing the drones’ operational range. Alongside him, his two friends, Abhijit Patel and Akhilesh Singh Rathore, are actively involved in the project.

The Government of India has announced that this initiative is part of **Operation Sindoor**, under which the manufacturing of these drones is underway. One drone is specifically built for attacking enemy positions, while the other is designated for post-mission damage assessment.

Anshuman, the son of contractor Anil Shukla, was inspired to develop these drones following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering at the Institute of Engineering Technology, Indore.

The team handed over their project to Lieutenant Colonel Nitin Verma of the 609 Battalion. The development spanned from August 10 to September 5, during which the trio stayed at the army camp to complete the work.

Both drones are equipped with modern systems, featuring SIM cards that enable activation from anywhere in the world via Short Message Service (SMS). Currently, the drones have a maximum range of 20 km, a significant improvement over existing drones that typically have a 5 km range. Their top speed reaches 180 km/h.

Anshuman explained that the attack drone is designed to self-destruct after completing its mission to avoid capture. The surveillance drone, meanwhile, is fitted with a night vision camera to estimate damage inflicted on the enemy.

The drones boast a portable, lightweight design and were developed with a total expenditure of Rs 3 lakh. They take off from altitudes of 100-200 metres, keeping them below radar detection, and operate at a flying height of approximately 400 metres above ground level.

Each drone can carry between 2 to 4 kilograms of explosives, making them highly effective tactical tools for the battlefield.

This pioneering project marks a significant contribution from young innovators towards strengthening India’s defense capabilities.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/drones-made-by-mps-satna-boy-pass-test-at-army-camp

Indore: Over 1000 Students Participate In DAVV’s Internal Hackathon

**IET DAVV Organises Internal Hackathon for Smart India Hackathon 2025 Selection**

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), a part of Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), hosted an internal hackathon on Saturday as part of the selection process for the upcoming Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025.

Students from various DAVV teaching departments—including IET, IIPS, the School of Data Science and Forecasting, and other University Teaching Departments (UTDs)—participated enthusiastically in the event. Out of 190 registered teams, each comprising six members, over 1,000 students presented innovative technical solutions.

A panel of 29 judges evaluated the projects. The panel included 11 industry experts and 18 faculty members from IET and other DAVV departments. Divided into 14 evaluation panels, the judges assessed the projects based on creativity, feasibility, and potential real-world impact, focusing on practical solutions to pressing problems.

“The hackathon featured a strong emphasis on addressing real-world problem statements, leading to the selection of several outstanding projects for their innovation and practical potential,” said Prof. Pratosh Bansal, Director of IET.

The event was expertly coordinated by Prof. Vaibhav Jain, the College SPOC for SIH 2025, with co-coordination support from Prof. Praveen Karma.

**Key Problem Statements Addressed**

Participants tackled challenges provided by various ministries and state governments under the following major themes:

– **Healthcare Data Management:** Developing secure and efficient systems for handling patient records.
– **Smart Traffic Management Systems:** Creating AI-driven solutions aimed at reducing congestion and accidents.
– **Cybersecurity and Phishing Detection:** Designing tools to promote safer internet usage.
– **IoT-based Agricultural Solutions:** Innovating smart irrigation and crop monitoring systems to support farmers.

The enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by the participants underscore DAVV’s commitment to nurturing future innovators and equipping students to solve real-world challenges.

*Stay tuned for updates on the selected teams advancing to the Smart India Hackathon 2025.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indore-over-1000-students-participate-in-davvs-internal-hackathon

Can you get your nutrition intake from ‘random leftovers’? A dietitian weighs in

Annie Jacobs-Perkins is a 28-year-old cellist who shares a glimpse into her typical day’s meals and eating habits.

**8:00 AM**
A cup of black coffee starts her day. “I don’t always eat breakfast; today was one of those days,” Annie admits.

**11:45 AM**
For a mid-morning snack, she enjoys homemade pumpkin bread with cream cheese, accompanied by some red plums sourced from a local farmer. “I prioritise plant-heavy meals and local produce,” she explains.

**1:00 PM**
Lunch consists of a variety of random leftovers: lentil curry, tofu salad, kimchi, sprouts, salad, and a few bites of local cheddar cheese.

**4:30 PM**
While on a family holiday, Annie visits an Amish food stand called Sharps Market in Adams, New York, to pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheese. At home, the family shares half a watermelon. They save the rinds, which Annie is fermenting into watermelon rind pickles using gochujang and garlic.

**6:30 PM**
Dinner features grilled corn, beans, and peppers tossed into a salad with lime juice and tomatoes. She also roasts chickpeas and butter beans with salt, pepper, and olive oil. The roasted chickpeas and salad are served on a bed of yoghurt mixed with lemon juice, ricotta cheese, and garlic.

**10:00 PM**
Annie ends the day with a sweet treat: a bowl of vanilla ice cream drizzled with maple syrup.

**Expert Nutrition Insights**
Dr Joanna McMillan praises Annie’s eating habits:
“Top marks for your strong focus on local produce and the wide variety of plant foods. I love how you use up leftovers and your home-fermenting, which both reduces waste and promotes emerging gut and immune health benefits.”

However, Dr McMillan also offers some advice for continued health:
“If you keep eating like this, you’ll need to watch your iron intake, which can be low for women in their 20s if animal foods are limited. Without fish or seafood, your omega-3 intake is also on the low side. While dairy supplies some high-quality protein, the lack of eggs, meat, or seafood means you need to be mindful of replacing or supplementing certain nutrients.”

She suggests a few practical tips:
– Increase your intake of iron-rich plant foods such as lentils, beans, pumpkin seeds, and dark leafy greens.
– Pair these with vitamin C-rich foods to boost iron absorption.
– Consider a marine algae omega-3 supplement if fish isn’t on the menu.
– For extra protein variety, try nut butters, tempeh, or quinoa.

Annie Jacobs-Perkins will perform in the Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Music series on October 12.

Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. [Sign up here](#) for our free newsletter.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/can-you-get-your-nutrition-intake-from-random-leftovers-a-dietitian-weighs-in-20250903-p5mrzx.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

Shake-up at the top for billionaire-backed budget retailer

The chief executive of Best & Less has left after just nine months in the role, marking the second early departure of a CEO at the budget retailer within a short period.

Aaron Faraguna, who previously served as chief executive at JD Sports and chief operating officer at David Jones, was appointed to lead Best & Less in January. However, the company has now confirmed that Faraguna has tendered his resignation.

In a statement, Best & Less announced that Ray Itaoui, executive chairman of Best & Less Group, has assumed day-to-day responsibilities to maintain business continuity. Faraguna will continue to be available to ensure a smooth handover, the spokesperson added.

Faraguna had publicly announced his appointment as CEO of Best & Less on LinkedIn earlier this year, expressing gratitude to Itaoui for believing in him and offering the opportunity to lead “such a talented and passionate team.”

Founded in 1965, Best & Less operates more than 200 stores across Australia. The clothing and homewares retailer is co-owned by Ray Itaoui — who became CEO of Sanity in 2007 and purchased it two years later — alongside billionaire businessman Brett Blundy.

Itaoui had personally recruited Faraguna from sneaker chain JD Sports, reconnecting after Faraguna began his retail career at Sanity in 1999. Describing the appointment earlier this year, Itaoui told The Australian Financial Review that Faraguna was “exactly what we are looking for” and possessed “the energy we need.”

Before Faraguna’s appointment, Best & Less had announced in April 2023 that former The Iconic CEO Erica Berchtold would be joining as its incoming chief executive. However, in May, Itaoui and Blundy made a takeover bid for the discount fashion retailer.

By late June — months before Berchtold was due to start in September — the company and Berchtold agreed not to proceed with her appointment. Itaoui then assumed the CEO responsibilities himself.

In July 2023, Itaoui and Blundy delisted Best & Less from the Australian Securities Exchange, privatising the company two years after its initial public offering.

Reflecting on the role, Berchtold told Australian businessman Mark Bouris on his podcast, The Mentor, in August 2023: “I resigned, I quit my job, I signed up. I wasn’t allowed to start straight away, and that was fine because I wanted to do the right thing by The Iconic and see out my notice period. During that notice period, the company got bought out, privatised, and the role I wanted — the role I signed up for — was no longer the role that was there. That role just wasn’t there anymore.”

Today, Itaoui co-owns Best & Less alongside Brett Blundy, who is also the founder of Lovisa and holds a 40% stake in Dissh.

A spokesperson for Best & Less declined to answer further questions, and Itaoui was unavailable for interview.

In the 12 months to June 30, 2024, Best & Less reported a 2.2% decline in sales to $625.1 million. Despite the fall in revenue, net profits nearly doubled to $17.5 million from $9.1 million in 2023, according to the company’s most recent financial report filed with the corporate regulator.

*The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage, and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.*
https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/shake-up-at-the-top-for-billionaire-backed-budget-retailer-20250919-p5mwhn.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_business