SYDNEY, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IREN Limited (NASDAQ: IREN) (ACN 629 842 799) (“IREN”) today announced the closing of its offering of $440 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “notes”) in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Key details of the transaction Oversubscribed and upsized from $300 million to $400 million, plus $40 million greenshoe Net proceeds of approximately $425.4 million 3.25% coupon, 30% conversion premium Capped call transactions entered into in connection with the notes are generally expected to provide a hedge upon conversions up to an initial cap price of $25.86 per share, which represents a 100% premium (as compared to the 30% conversion premium under the notes) Citigroup Global Markets Inc and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as joint bookrunners Oversubscribed and upsized In response to strong investor demand, IREN upsized the initial offering size of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes to $400.0 million, and the initial purchasers fully exercised their option to purchase an additional $40.0 million aggregate principal amount of the notes. The notes were issued pursuant to, and are governed by, an indenture, dated as of December 6, 2024, between IREN and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee. Use of proceeds The net proceeds from the offering are approximately $425.4 million, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and commissions and IREN’s estimated offering expenses. IREN intends to use the net proceeds as follows: $44.4 million to fund the cost of the capped call transactions (described below) $73.7 million to fund the cost of the prepaid forward transaction (described below) General corporate purposes and working capital Capped call transactions In connection with the pricing of the notes and the exercise by the initial purchasers of their option to purchase additional notes, IREN entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with certain of the initial purchasers or their affiliates and certain other financial institutions (the “option counterparties”). The capped call transactions cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, the number of ordinary shares of IREN that initially underlie the notes. The cap price of the capped call transactions is initially $25.86 per share, which represents a premium of 100% over the last reported sale price of IREN’s ordinary shares of $12.93 per share on December 3, 2024, and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call transactions. The capped call transactions are expected to generally reduce the potential dilution to IREN’s ordinary shares upon any conversion of the notes and/or offset any potential cash payments IREN is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted notes, as the case may be, with such offset and/or reduction subject to a cap price. If, however, the market price per ordinary share of IREN, as measured under the terms of the capped call transactions, exceeds the cap price of the capped call transactions, there would nevertheless be dilution and/or there would not be an offset of such potential cash payments, in each case, to the extent that such market price exceeds the cap price of the capped call transactions. The capped call transactions will be solely cash settled unless certain conditions are satisfied. Prepaid forward transactions In connection with the pricing of the notes, IREN also entered into a prepaid forward share purchase transaction (the “prepaid forward transaction”) with one of the initial purchasers of the notes or its affiliate (the “forward counterparty”), pursuant to which IREN purchased approximately $73.7 million of its ordinary shares (based on the last reported sale price of IREN’s ordinary shares on the pricing date), for settlement shortly after the maturity date of the notes, subject to any early settlement, in whole or in part, of the prepaid forward transaction. The prepaid forward transaction will be solely cash settled unless certain conditions are satisfied. The prepaid forward transaction is generally intended to facilitate privately negotiated derivative transactions, including swaps, between the forward counterparty or its affiliates and investors in the notes relating to IREN’s ordinary shares by which investors in the notes will establish short positions relating to IREN’s ordinary shares and otherwise hedge their investments in the notes. As a result, the prepaid forward transaction is expected to allow the investors to establish short positions that generally correspond to (but may be greater than) commercially reasonable initial hedges of their investment in the notes. In the event of such greater initial hedges, investors may offset such greater portion by purchasing IREN’s ordinary shares on or shortly after the day IREN prices the notes. No registration The notes were only offered and sold to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The offer and sale of the notes and any of IREN’s ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of the notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or any other securities laws, and the notes and any such shares cannot be offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the notes or any of IREN’s ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of the notes, nor will there be any sale of the notes or any such shares, in any state or other jurisdiction (including the United States and Australia) in which such offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the completion of the offering and the expected amount and intended use of the net proceeds. Forward-looking statements represent IREN’s current expectations, beliefs, and projections regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown uncertainties, risks, assumptions and contingencies, many of which are outside IREN’s control and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Among those risks and uncertainties are market conditions and risks relating to IREN’s business, including those described in periodic reports that IREN files from time to time with the SEC. IREN cannot provide any assurances regarding its ability to effectively apply the net proceeds after funding the cost of entering into the capped call transactions and financing the prepaid forward as described above. The forward-looking statements included in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and IREN does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking statements included in this press release for subsequent developments, except as may be required by law. For a further discussion of factors that could cause IREN’s future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in IREN’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended June 30, 2024 and other risks described in documents filed by IREN from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. About IREN IREN is a leading data center business powering the future of Bitcoin, AI and beyond utilizing 100% renewable energy. Bitcoin Mining: providing security to the Bitcoin network, expanding to 50 EH/s in H1 2025. Operations since 2019. AI Cloud Services: providing cloud compute to AI customers, 1,896 NVIDIA H100 & H200 GPUs. Operations since 2024. Next-Generation Data Centers : 460MW of operating data centers, expanding to 810MW in H1 2025. Specifically designed and purpose-built infrastructure for high-performance and power-dense computing applications. Technology : technology stack for performance optimization of AI Cloud Services and Bitcoin Mining operations. Development Portfolio: 2,310MW of grid-connected power secured across North America, >2,000 acre property portfolio and additional development pipeline. 100% Renewable Energy (from clean or renewable energy sources or through the purchase of RECs) : targets sites with low-cost & underutilized renewable energy, and supports electrical grids and local communities. ContactsUS added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Police believe the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO left NYC on a bus after the shooting NEW YORK (AP) — Police officials say the gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer three days ago may have quickly left New York City on a bus after escaping on a bicycle and hopping in a cab. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN on Friday that video of the gunman fleeing Wednesday’s shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson showed him riding through Central Park and later taking a taxi to a bus terminal, directly across from New Jersey. Kenny said police have video of the man entering the bus station but no video of him exiting, leading them to believe he left the city. Investigators also believe the shooter left his backpack in Central Park and are trying to find it. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states. Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the ammunition used to kill UnitedHealthcare's CEO. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The words are similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend.” That's how attorneys describe insurers denying services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the words. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year. A bill to protect digital reproductive health data including data logged on menstrual cycle tracking apps is a Democratic priority as lawmakers meet this month. Democratic women and supporters of the legislation say they are acting with new urgency before President-elect Donald Trump takes office because they don't believe his campaign promise to leave abortion to the states. The rush is also a reaction to Republicans taking control of the state House in January. Democrats kept control of the state Senate in the November election. Japan's Nippon Steel sets sights on a growing overseas market in its bid to acquire US Steel KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — The signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel,” underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its $15 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. Japan's domestic market isn't growing, so Nippon Steel has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the United States, where populations are still growing. Nippon Steel gave reporters a tour of one of its plants in Japan on Friday. The bid for U.S. Steet is opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. If the deal goes through, U.S. Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but become subsidiary of Nippon Steel. China's ban on key high-tech materials could have broad impact on industries, economy BANGKOK (AP) — China has banned exports of key materials used for a wide range of products, including smartphones, electric vehicles, radar systems and CT scanners, swiping back at Washington after it expanded export controls to include dozens of Chinese companies that make equipment used to produce computer chips. Both sides say the controls are justified by national security concerns. Analysts say they could have a much wider impact on manufacturing in many industries and supply chains, depending on the ability of each side to compensate for loss of access to strategically important materials, equipment and components. Here's why this could be a tipping point in trade conflict between the two biggest economies.
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Med-Con Technologies: Revolutionizing Patient Adherence with Groundbreaking SoftwareThousands of Syrians celebrate in central Damascus during first Friday prayers since Assad's fall DAMASCUS (AP) — Thousands of Syrians have celebrated in Umayyad Square, the largest in Damascus, after the first Muslim Friday prayers following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The leader of the insurgency that toppled Assad, Ahmad al-Sharaa, appeared in a video message in which he congratulated “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the Turkish capital of Ankara that there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria. The top U.S. diplomat also called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian" interim government. American released from Syrian prison is flown out of the country, a US official says WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has transported an American who was imprisoned in Syria for seven months out of the country. That's according to a U.S. official, who says Travis Timmerman was flown out on a U.S. military helicopter. Timmerman, 29, told The Associated Press he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she 'sustained an injury' from fall on official trip to Luxembourg WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi is 84. She was in Europe to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen's friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes to seafood, one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy. Some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they fear Trump’s pending trade hostilities with major trading partners Canada and China could make an already pricy kind of protein more expensive. Conservationists also fear Trump’s emphasis on deregulation could jeopardize fish stocks already in peril. But many in the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries said they expect Trump to allow fishing in protected areas and crack down on offshore wind expansion. Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure with a massive attack by cruise missiles and drones KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments. He says it is one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago. He says Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin. But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital U.S. military support for Kyiv will continue. Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump's suite at football game FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A military veteran who choked an agitated New York subway rider and was acquitted of homicide this week has been invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Donald Trump’s suite at the Army-Navy football game on Saturday. Daniel Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s 2023 death. A more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week. Vance served in the Marine Corps and had commented on the acquittal earlier this week. He said that “justice was done in this case” and Penny should never have been prosecuted. New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into the ongoing investigation of mysterious drone sightings being reported in the state and other parts of the region. Murphy, a Democrat, made the request in a letter Thursday, noting that state and local law enforcement remain “hamstrung” by existing laws and policies in their efforts to successfully counteract any nefarious drone activity. Murphy and other officials say there is no evidence that the drones pose a national security or a public safety threat. A state lawmaker says up to 180 aircraft have been reported to authorities since Nov. 18. About 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military oversight: AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans may have elected Donald Trump to a second term in November, but that doesn’t mean they have high confidence in his ability to choose well-qualified people for his Cabinet or effectively manage government spending, the military and the White House. That's according to a new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About half of U.S. adults are “not at all confident” in Trump’s ability to appoint well-qualified people for high-level government positions. Only about 3 in 10 are “extremely” or “very” confident that Trump will pick qualified people to serve in his administration. President Macron names centrist ally Bayrou as France's next prime minister PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist ally François Bayrou as prime minister, after a historic parliamentary vote ousted the previous government last week. The 73-year-old is a crucial partner in Macron’s centrist alliance and has been a well-known figure in French politics for decades. His political experience is seen as key in efforts to restore stability as no single party holds a majority in the National Assembly. Bayrou was recently cleared in a case relating to embezzlement of European Parliament funds. His predecessor resigned last week following a no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes in the parliament, leaving France without a functioning government. Macron vowed last week to remain in office until his term ends in 2027. Yankees to get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin, AP source says NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the trade tells The Associated Press that the New York Yankees have agreed to acquire All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28.
A gas leak that happened at a compressor station near Cornwall, Ont. Saturday morning has been controlled, according to TC Energy. TC Energy’s emergency response procedures were immediately activated following the incident, the company told CTV News Ottawa in a statement. The gas company says it received information around 5:40 a.m., reporting “an event at its compressor station" in the Municipality of Martintown on County Road 20. “We worked closely with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the South Glengarry Fire Department to ensure a safe response,” read the statement. The South Glengarry Fire Department said on Facebook it responded to a natural gas leak early Saturday morning, noting that the incident has been "resolved by the appropriate agencies." Control of the site was returned to TC Energy after the affected area was isolated at 7:17 a.m. The company notes that the incident did not affect commercial operations. It says the system is operating normally, adding that safety of its workers, the public and the environment remains its top priority. “We continue to communicate with our stakeholders in the area,” TC Energy said in the statement. CTV News Ottawa has reached out to the OPP for more information. More to come With files from CTV News Ottawa's Natalie van Rooy Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks Here Are All The Best Amazon Boxing Day Deals You Can Find On Beauty Products In Canada These Walking Pads Will Help You Get 10,000 Steps Every Day (And They're On Sale In The Name Of Boxing Day) 10 Family Calendars And Planners That'll Help You Keep Track Of Everything In The New Year Home If You're Headed Somewhere Warm On Vacation, Don't Forget To Pack These 16 Things Our Guide To The Best Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals 11 Bestselling Coffee Makers And Espresso Machines You Can Get On Sale Right Now Don’t Walk, Run! These LEGO Kits Are On Sale For Boxing Day 2024 The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 41% Off For Boxing Day Ottawa Top Stories G2 driver stopped going more than 100 km/h over the speed limit on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario TC Energy says early morning gas leak near Cornwall, Ont. resolved FREEZING RAIN WARNING | Freezing rain warning in effect for Ottawa this Saturday Here’s what’s next for your Christmas tree Police watchdog investigating after officer shot crowd control gun at Ottawa man Seeking solutions to the troubles facing downtown Ottawa Fan activities surrounding the World Juniors in Ottawa 24th annual Bell Capital Cup returns to arenas across Ottawa CTVNews.ca Top Stories G2 driver stopped going more than 100 km/h over the speed limit on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario A 17-year-old driver is facing charges after being caught speeding and driving dangerously on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario Friday evening, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal joins growing chorus of Liberals calling for Trudeau to step down Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal has publicly released letters he sent to the Liberal caucus and president of the Liberal Party of Canada, calling on them to begin the process of moving on from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. How some men are trying to fight online misogyny amid 'your body, my choice' rhetoric A young man with a buzz cut leans on a pristine countertop in a stark white kitchen and looks directly into the camera as he delivers what he presents as the secret to dating success for straight men. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Physical therapy is 'the best-kept secret in health care' If you think physical therapy is only about rehabilitation after surgery or recovering from an accident, think again. For the vast majority, seeing a physical therapist should be about prevention, routine assessment and staying well. Sportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78 Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster who broke barriers during his career calling some of the biggest sporting events, has died from cancer, according to a statement from his family released by the network on Friday. He was 78. The husband-wife legal team working on two of today’s biggest criminal cases The rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs and the suspected health care CEO assassin Luigi Mangione have decided on a similar defense strategy: Hire an Agnifilo. Or two. Russia's Putin apologizes to Azerbaijan over 'tragic' airliner crash Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to Azerbaijan's leader for what the Kremlin called a 'tragic incident' over Russia in which an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed after Russian air defenses were fired against Ukrainian drones. MAGA opponents of Elon Musk claim he stripped them of their X badges The debate roiling the MAGA world in recent days over visas for highly skilled workers shows no signs of abating. Some prominent online personalities are now accusing Elon Musk of using his social media platform, X, to retaliate against those who disagree with his support of the H-1B visa program. Atlantic One dead in two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B. One person has died following a two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B., Friday. 'Nobody should have to go through that': N.B. family grieving father, daughter killed in crash A New Brunswick family is grieving the loss of a father and daughter in a crash. Man found dead inside tent in Dartmouth, police investigating Halifax Regional Police is investigating a sudden death in Dartmouth, N.S. Toronto One person injured, suspect charged with arson following Etobicoke apartment fire A suspect has been charged with arson after a two-alarm fire at an Etobicoke apartment complex early Saturday morning left one person with injuries. Motorcyclist dead after 2-vehicle crash in Stouffville, Ont.: police A motorcyclist is dead following a two-vehicle crash in Stouffville, Ont., police say. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Montreal Here are the changes coming to Quebec in 2025 With the new year just days away, here is a look at the changes that are in store for Quebecers in 2025. Cyprus-flagged ship MV MACCOA remains stuck near Verchères The MV MACCOA, a cargo ship registered in Cyprus, that ran aground on Christmas Eve in the St. Lawrence River near Verchères, Que., was still trapped on Saturday, after the Friday’s attempt to refloat it failed. Montreal SPCA at full capacity amid spike in pet surrenders The holiday season is typically a slow period for the Montreal SPCA, but this year is different. The animal shelter says the tough economic climate has taken a toll on its operation, leaving it at full capacity. Northern Ontario Hwy. 11 remains closed near Kirkland Lake following five-vehicle crash on Friday A serious collision involving five vehicles closed Highway 11 in both directions Friday morning between Golf Course Drive in New Liskeard and Highway 66 in Kenogami. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Windsor Community partners in Windsor propose education campaign to veer people away from payday loans In a move aimed at combatting the financial strain caused by payday loans, the City of Windsor is considering the launch of a comprehensive education campaign to promote alternative financial options. Ex-boyfriend arrested for violating bail conditions Chatham-Kent police have made an arrest after a man allegedly violated his bail conditions. VIDEO | Vehicle flipped on its roof in west Windsor collision A dramatic collision on Windsor's west side left one van overturned on its roof earlier this afternoon. London Power restored in east London following outage, police investigating crash A reported two vehicle collision in the area of Adelaide Street and Hamilton Road shut down many roads over a large area while emergency crews investigated Friday night. Ending the year with above seasonal temperatures Warmer conditions are expected in the London, Ont. region this weekend, with the high forecast in the double digits. Despite best efforts, Cowan and Knights couldn't help Canada past Latvia at World Juniors Canada looked to continue their perfect start to the World Juniors in Ottawa on Friday – but were stopped just short of victory by the Latvians, losing 2 – 3 in a shootout. Kitchener Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Sportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78 Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster who broke barriers during his career calling some of the biggest sporting events, has died from cancer, according to a statement from his family released by the network on Friday. He was 78. Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company. Barrie 43-quintillion combinations: Speedcubers solve Rubik's Cubes in record breaking times On Saturday, Barrie is testing the abilities of some of the fastest cube solvers from across the province and around the world. 'No excuse,' Driver caught speeding 160km/h in posted 80 zone: OPP Provincial police issued a reminder to motorists to slow down after a driver was stopped for allegedly travelling double the posted speed limit though Kawartha Lakes on Friday afternoon. Driver faces licence suspension after nearly crashing into OPP cruiser A Midland man received a seven-day licence suspension on Friday after a close call with an OPP cruiser led to an impaired driving investigation. Winnipeg The most-read stories on CTV Winnipeg in 2024 Historic events, community pride and significant losses dominated headlines in Manitoba in 2024. Here’s a list of the most-read stories of each month of 2024 on CTV News Winnipeg. Police search for suspect in fatal assault Winnipeg police are searching for a suspect after a man was fatally assaulted early Friday morning. 2 transported to hopsital in 3 unrelated stabbings Two people were transported to hospital Friday evening following three unrelated stabbings within five hours. Calgary Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal joins growing chorus of Liberals calling for Trudeau to step down Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal has publicly released letters he sent to the Liberal caucus and president of the Liberal Party of Canada, calling on them to begin the process of moving on from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police. Uninspired Canada upset by Latvia in a shootout at world juniors Eriks Mateiko scored the only goal of the shootout as Latvia stunned an alarmingly uninspired Canada 3-2 at the world junior hockey championship Friday. Edmonton Edmonton street photographer captures moments and people one frame at a time A local photographer who is passionate about capturing moments in one-hundredth of a second embraced many styles of his trade before landing on one which truly represents his mantra: street photography. Uninspired Canada upset by Latvia in a shootout at world juniors Eriks Mateiko scored the only goal of the shootout as Latvia stunned an alarmingly uninspired Canada 3-2 at the world junior hockey championship Friday. 'Way more expensive this year': Canadians feeling post-Christmas, Boxing Day spending squeeze As the holiday rush starts to slow, stress from holiday spending starts to grow. Regina Regina police chief says new initiatives to enhance community safety will come in 2025 Looking back after one year in his new role as the chief of the Regina Police Service, Farooq Hassan Sheikh is highlighting challenges the city faces, what has worked during his tenure and what can be done to improve policing in 2025. 'Something that connected us all': For 53 years, Sask. family celebrates holidays with street hockey game For over 50 years, Stephen Lentzos and his family have celebrated Christmas Day with a street hockey game. Regina police launch homicide investigation after injured man dies at scene Regina police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man found gravely injured Thursday evening. Saskatoon The thrill is gone from Boxing Week shopping, Saskatoon residents say Christmas has come and gone for most people, but the shopping hype continues as some get out of the house to take in the post-Christmas scene. Police made two arrests following a shooting in Saskatoon A swift response from Saskatoon police led to the arrest of a man and woman following a reported shooting Friday afternoon. Saskatoon fire crews battle house fire Saskatoon firefighters responded to a house fire on the 100 block of Klassen Crescent Friday afternoon. Vancouver New Canadians, non-traditional demographics boost minor hockey uptake in B.C. Participation in hockey in British Columbia was struggling in 2021 — the pandemic had dealt a heavy blow to player registrations, and numbers had already been flagging before COVID-19 arrived. Vancouver artist and HIV advocate Joe Average dies at 67 Renowned Vancouver artist Joe Average, whose colourful work adorns murals and banners around the city, died at age 67 Tuesday, according to family and friends. 'We're sending a clear message': B.C. prepares for home flipping tax amid criticism Next week, when the calendars turn to 2025, the provincial government will begin imposing a 20-per-cent tax on all profits if a home is sold within a year of purchasing it. Vancouver Island New Canadians, non-traditional demographics boost minor hockey uptake in B.C. Participation in hockey in British Columbia was struggling in 2021 — the pandemic had dealt a heavy blow to player registrations, and numbers had already been flagging before COVID-19 arrived. 'We're sending a clear message': B.C. prepares for home flipping tax amid criticism Next week, when the calendars turn to 2025, the provincial government will begin imposing a 20-per-cent tax on all profits if a home is sold within a year of purchasing it. Former B.C. lawyer disbarred for 2nd time over sexual harassment A former lawyer who was convicted of sexual assault in 2020 and disbarred last year has been handed a second disbarment for sexual harassment of a different client. Kelowna B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025. B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year. B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision. Stay ConnectedST. PAUL — Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic died Friday following a battle with cancer. She was 62. Her family said she died surrounded by loved ones. “She had a heart of gold, willing to go to any measure to help those she loved,” they said in a statement. ADVERTISEMENT Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin the Minneapolis Democrat was committed to working for Minnesotans. She served in the Minnesota Senate for more than a decade. “It is impossible to overstate the positive impact that Senator Dziedzic’s leadership has had on our state,” Martin said in a statement. “She devoted her life to making her fellow Minnesotans’ lives better, and she refused to allow cancer to get in her way. Minnesota has lost a giant, but her extraordinary legacy will outlast us all.” Dziedzic was instrumental in holding together the Senate DFL caucus in 2023 as they passed, with a one-vote majority, a variety of Democratic priorities like funding universal school meals for students, approving a paid family and medical leave program, cementing legal protections for abortion and gender-affirming care and legalizing cannabis for recreational use. She was respected on both sides of the political aisle and her demeanor was always steady, even amid tense times in the Senate. Dziedzic’s laid-back style made her a surprising pick for majority leader after the 2022 election. Leaders from both major political parties said they were heartbroken by her death. “Senator Kari Dziedzic was a passionate legislator, a respected leader, and a trusted colleague and friend. She will be remembered for her integrity and her compassion for Minnesotans, something that we all saw as she continued to serve even as she battled cancer,” said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, an East Grand Forks Republican. “I’m deeply saddened at her passing and am praying for her family and friends as we all mourn this loss.” House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said she was “one of the most skilled diplomats ever to serve in elected office.” ADVERTISEMENT “Her legacy includes significant achievements in policy and investment in Minnesota, but more importantly she will be remembered for treating people with dignity and respect and never giving up on finding workable compromises,” Hortman said. “She had an incredible ability to work diligently through the most arcane and difficult policy issues to find resolution.” Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, agreed, saying she was “an uncommon leader.” “Her talents as a consequential and thoughtful leader made us all better legislators, and her examples of kindness humor, and selflessness made us all better people,” Murphy said. Former Senate DFL Leader Melisa López Franzen praised Dziedzic as a hard worker. “The last time I spoke to Kari a few weeks ago she was still serving her constituents,” she wrote on social media. “That’s Senator Dziedzic, the hardest working legislator I have ever had the honor to serve with. Rest in peace my friend.” Dziedzic was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023 and underwent emergency surgery to limit its spread. She stepped down from her leadership position in February after her cancer recurred. The Senate will now stand in a 33-33 tie between Democrats and Republicans heading into the 2025 legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz has not yet said when he might call for a special election in the Minneapolis district. ADVERTISEMENT Dziedzic had a degree in engineering but couldn’t resist the family pull into public service. Her father, Walt, was a colorful Minneapolis city council member who later served on the park board. Dziedzic told MPR News that she felt drawn into politics after watching her father’s example. “I knew the long hours. I knew the phone calls at home. I knew what I was walking into,” she said. “But I also knew the opportunity that you have to help other people. And it’s about helping people and making your community better.” Dziedzic began a career in public service as a campaign volunteer and later moved on to become a scheduling aide for former U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone. After a stint working for a Hennepin County commissioner, she was nudged to run for a state Senate seat when longtime lawmaker Larry Pogemiller stepped down to take another government job. Gov. Tim Walz called Dziedzic a “one-of-a-kind leader.” He added, “Her legacy should inspire all of us in elected office to be better public servants.” Details for a memorial service have not yet been announced. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .Tharimmune Announces $2.02 Million Private Placement to Advance Development Programs
KENNEDY: I already know how the hunt for the UnitedHealthcare CEO assassin ends... and it makes my blood run cold By KENNEDY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 22:09 GMT, 6 December 2024 | Updated: 22:23 GMT, 6 December 2024 e-mail 64 View comments The spreading cancer of social-media celebration following the vicious early morning murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson proves that brutal bloodlust runs deep in America. It's not just that this cold-blooded NYC assassination carries all the hallmarks of an addictive true crime saga. With a handsome and mysterious gunman still on the loose, New York's top coppers in chaos and little to no leads after three full days, seething online hatred is filling the vacuum and attempting to justify a sickening act. The first failed attempt on Donald Trump 's life this summer appears to have whetted our collective appetite for the macabre. Now we've bypassed the Polite Period – in which we are at least supposed to pretend to be sympathetic to the victim's family – and headed straight for the comments section to see who can be the crueler ghoul. Thompson – a dad of two – had it coming, these corpulent keyboard thugs yell, pointing to his $10 million pay packet and United's $280 billion yearly revenue as 'proof'. It's not just the armchair abominations. The professional attention shrews – like former Washington Post crackpot Taylor Lorenz – soon crawled to the surface. Loathsome Lorenz appeared to celebrate Thompson's death. 'CEO down,' she raged, later sharing a pic of another insurer boss, as if to say, 'you're next!' I get it, the hatred for the rapacious insurance industry is palpable. It's one of the few things to anger a Midwestern Karen more than politics. And people should be allowed to be actively hopping at Big Health. But gleefully celebrating a man's murder because you're incapable of articulating your resentment is varsity level mass psychosis if I've ever seen it. The spreading cancer of social-media celebration following the vicious early morning murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson proves that brutal bloodlust runs deep in America. (Pictured: The alleged gunman). The only thing more idiotic than cheering for the real-life Purge is treating the alleged gunman like an adorable winner of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest. We've woken up in the Joker movie, which, I hate to break it to you, ends badly for everyone. Famished Felon Convicted Epstein madam Ghislaine Maxwell is whining because the cash-strapped Florida lockup where she's rotting can no longer afford her fancy ' vegetarian diet plan'. She was 'left starving' over Thanksgiving , sources told the Mail, adding that conditions are supposedly so bad the roof regularly leaks and there's no money for medicine. Yeah lady, prison sucks. Why do you think Jeffrey Epstein offed himself? Shave it off, Jacob! Perhaps he went from Saltburn to razor burn, because former hot pot of coffee Jacob Elordi showed up at the Marrakech Film Festival looking like a hobo with a full, red beard. Who does he think he is, Prince Harry ? For someone so genetically gifted, he's doing himself a disservice rocking that marmot on his face. Perhaps he went from Saltburn to razor burn, because former hot pot of coffee Jacob Elordi showed up at the Marrakech Film Festival looking like a hobo with a full, red beard. Who does he think he is, Prince Harry? MSNBC meltdown In the wake of the election, it's meltdown over at lefty MSNBC. In fact, there might soon be a wake for the entire network if Comcast spins this loser off to the highest bidder. Anyone got a spare tenner? Elon Musk is threatening to buy it, and lord only knows what would happen then to Rachel Maddow's hefty new $25 million salary – which is actually $5 million lighter than her last contract. There's plenty of blame to go around, and Maddow herself is placing it on morning show turncoats Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for suddenly sucking up to Trump at Mar-a-Lago after months of comparing him to Hitler. They literally brunched at the Eagle's Nest! If this sinking ship didn't have enough pirates, former MSNBC grump (and Maddow mentor) Keith Olbermann has turned on Raging Rachel and slammed her as 'unprincipled'. Man, if they spun the cameras round and started a staff reality show, ratings would be a hit! Grubby Gillian Gillian Anderson has gone from X Files to X-rated with her latest artistic romp: an anthology of anonymized women's sexual fantasies, collected and titled 'Want'. Sounds like faux feminized and overly intellectualized smut destined for the clearance shelves. Though I must confess my want was once to share the same male model as Gillian. Oh wait, that actually happened in the 90s. But, unlike Gillian's sexually suppressed lady whingers, I don't kiss and tell. Gillian Anderson has gone from X Files to X-rated with her latest artistic romp: an anthology of anonymized women's sexual fantasies, collected and titled 'Want'. Still standing Sir Elton John, 77, has revealed that he's now blind in one and worries he won't live long enough to see his young sons get married. The revelation, made in a new documentary, caused his husband David Furnish, 62, to tear up. No doubt he was weighing the sad reality and eventuality of an age-gap relationship. Truth is, old Elton will probably outlive us all. At least his music will. White House Grinch Fresh off pardon-gate , the White House mantel is looking a little bare this year . There used to be stockings hung for each Biden grandchild with such cruel care. You see, only legitimate grandkiddies were represented in Christmases past, with Hunter's bastardess – sired via stripper – denied a festive sock. Sure, her mom worked at a jiggle joint, but she's got just as much Biden blood coursing through her as the rest of the brood and deserved a little public love (if not a future Burisma board seat). Now she'll never get the chance. Share or comment on this article: KENNEDY: I already know how the hunt for the UnitedHealthcare CEO assassin ends... and it makes my blood run cold e-mail Add commentA former stock car racer and self-proclaimed paranormal investigator has posted footage to YouTube he said shows drones flying off the New Jersey coast in “deliberate formations” over the Atlantic Ocean. CJ Faison, a Delaware YouTuber with 600,000 subscribers, rented himself a boat, grabbed his night vision video camera, and ventured from the Pine Barrens to the ocean 26 miles east. Faison claimed in the 45-minute video to be “doing something no YouTuber or news outlet has done.” He teased in the footage “we think we uncovered the truth” about the recent sightings of mysterious unmanned aircraft hovering over the Garden State. Sightings of unidentified drones emitting strange light patterns started back in mid-November, and reached a fever pitch around Dec. 8. The debate over what the drones actually are and who is controlling them rages on, with the feds providing little more than assurances they pose no threat to the public. Like most of the purported drone footage online, Faison’s footage from the rented boat fails to provide clear images of what he claimed were drones that emerged from the ocean. A series of blinking lights was caught by Faison’s camera. He noted the lights blinked in a pattern similar to the lights of commercial aircraft. “They’re blending in,” the YouTuber said. “Hidden in plain sight!” Some of the alleged drones Faison filmed moved quickly, darting across the horizon. “It’s wild,” he proclaimed. “It’s eerie.” “This is only the beginning,” Faison further warned. “I have so many questions. What’s launching these drones? How are they staying airborne for hours? What’s their energy source? And why here? Why New Jersey?” New Jersey officials said this week the number of sightings had dropped, with very little activity reported around Christmas. The drop-off follows FAA-imposed restrictions on New York and New Jersey airspace. The FBI said it has investigated approximately 5,000 of the various reports it received from the public, with about 100 deemed credible.
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The close-knit community of Durant, Oklahoma, reels from a tragic Christmas Eve incident that claimed the life of a beloved high school basketball coach and left an 8-year-old girl missing. Will Robinson died when the vehicle he and his family were traveling in was swept away by floodwaters near Sherman, Texas. Durant Public Schools expressed their sorrow over the loss and pledged support to students coping with the tragedy, as stated in a press release obtained by OKC FOX . The search efforts for Robinson's daughter, Clara, after the crash on U.S. Highway 75 have continued into their fourth day, with officials utilizing K9 and dive teams in tandem with drone technology, reported by KOCO. Found unresponsive near a tree in the engulfed vehicle, a 5-year-old girl was heartbreakingly pulled from the water, but subsequently revived, bringing a glimmer of hope amidst the catastrophe. "To be able to experience bringing that child back to life is amazing. In a tragic time like this, it's that glimpse of hope that God is good," said Sherman Police Chief Jason Jeffcoat in a quote provided to Sports Illustrated . Robinson remembered for his transformative leadership as a coach for the Durant girls basketball team, was mourned across various platforms. "As many of you may already know, Coach Will Robinson and his family were involved in a devastating car accident on Christmas Eve. Sadly, Coach Robinson did not survive the accident and one of his daughters is still missing," Superintendent Mark Moring of Durant Independent School District stated, sharing their collective grief, as noted by KOCO . During the intensive search for Clara, Sherman officials urged the public to be cautious of scam fundraising efforts. Verified donation channels, like the Kristen Robinson Benefit established at First United Bank, were communicated as the proper means to financially support the grieving family. Rain barriers impeded efforts on Wednesday and Thursday, yet, despite these obstructions, the determination to locate Clara remains undeterred. "We are going to keep looking until we find her," Jeffcoat expressed in Sports Illustrated.
NoneNoneEntergy Corp. stock underperforms Friday when compared to competitorsInsurers Urged to Safeguard Data Amid Rising AI Adoption and Privacy Risks, Says Info-Tech Research Group
Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares ( NYSEARCA:LABU – Get Free Report )’s share price gapped down before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $96.24, but opened at $94.00. Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares shares last traded at $94.42, with a volume of 203,924 shares trading hands. Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares Stock Down 4.3 % The firm has a fifty day moving average of $116.47 and a two-hundred day moving average of $123.16. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Bank of New York Mellon Corp bought a new stake in Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares during the second quarter valued at about $596,000. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares by 25.3% in the 2nd quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,087 shares of the company’s stock worth $464,000 after buying an additional 825 shares during the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in shares of Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $68,000. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its position in Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares by 49.3% during the third quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 3,199 shares of the company’s stock valued at $412,000 after acquiring an additional 1,057 shares during the last quarter. Finally, McGuire Investment Group LLC boosted its stake in Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares by 3.9% in the third quarter. McGuire Investment Group LLC now owns 4,633 shares of the company’s stock valued at $596,000 after acquiring an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. About Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares The Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X Shares (LABU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry index. The fund provides daily 3 times exposure to the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. LABU was launched on May 28, 2015 and is managed by Direxion. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .