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Snow squalls and strong winds made for treacherous conditions , closing portions of the 401 and 402 on Thursday. In between heavy squalls, traffic crawled. But transport drivers contend some motorists aren’t respecting the conditions. “Just look at this highway. It's unreal. [Motorists] just won't slow down,” said Transport Driver Don Mote. And that’s partly why emergency officials decided early in the day to put a stop to traffic on a section of Highway 401 and most of the 402. The decision to close the highway was made just after midnight as police reported 80 crashes and near zero visibility. With a police escort, CTV News London traveled on the 402 just as the squalls were letting up. “I know it's unbelievable because there's no traffic on the roadway, but we're standing in the westbound lanes of Highway 402,"said Sgt. Ed Sanchuk. While CTV News, along with the police escort, stopped in the westbound lanes, traffic appeared normal in the eastbound lanes. “We can see people here travelling in the closed eastbound lanes. They're obviously going around the gates and barriers, and we obviously had some people go around the barriers to Highway 401 this morning,” said Sanchuk. “I can tell you, the first of those individuals that were going through the road closed barricades have received tickets this morning.” The fine is $110 dollars. It may not seem like much to some, but Sanchuk warned of a potentially greater price to pay. “There may be an investigation or maybe people in the roadway. And if people aren't paying attention, that now puts emergency personnel in jeopardy as well,” he said. 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. 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LIVE UPDATES | Anger, vitriol against health insurers filled social media in the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO's killing The masked gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson used ammunition emblazoned with the words 'deny,' 'defend' and 'depose,' a law enforcement official said Thursday. Here's the latest. Man wanted for military desertion turns himself in at Canada-U.S. border A man wanted for deserting the U.S. military 16 years ago was arrested at the border in Buffalo, N.Y. earlier this week. Life expectancy in Canada: Up last year, still down compared to pre-pandemic The average Canadian can expect to live 81.7 years, according to new death data from Statistics Canada. That’s higher than the previous year, but still lower than pre-pandemic levels. 'At the dawn of a third nuclear age,' senior U.K. commander warns The head of Britain’s armed forces has warned that the world stands at the cusp of a 'third nuclear age,' defined by multiple simultaneous challenges and weakened safeguards that kept previous threats in check. These foods will be hit hardest by inflation in 2025, according to AI modelling The new year won’t bring a resolution to rising food costs, according to a new report that predicts prices to rise as much as five per cent in 2025. Pete Davidson, Jason Sudeikis and other former 'SNL' cast members reveal how little they got paid Live from New York, it’s revelations about paydays on 'Saturday Night Live.' The National Weather Service cancels tsunami warning for the U.S. West Coast after 7.0 earthquake A 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook a large area of Northern California on Thursday, knocking items of grocery store shelves, sending children scrambling under desks and prompting a brief tsunami warning for 5.3 million people along the U.S. West Coast. Alleged Alberta Bitcoin extortionist, arsonist arrested Authorities have arrested Finbar Hughes, a man wanted in connection with alleged plots in Calgary and Edmonton that threatened to burn victims' homes if they did not pay him Bitcoin ransoms. Kitchener developing | Arrest made, replica firearm seized, after early morning standoff in Stratford One woman has been sent to hospital as Stratford Police investigate an intimate violence investigation Thursday morning. One person sent to hospital after collision near Brantford One person was sent to hospital after a collision involving a tractor trailer and a pedestrian near Brantford early Thursday morning. jeewan chanicka no longer Waterloo Regional District School Board director The Waterloo Region District School Board is under new leadership. Barrie BREAKING | Ontario police charge man in connection with deadly police-involved shooting in Innisfil A 19-year-old man has been charged in connection with a fatal police-involved shooting in an Innisfil, Ont. community nearly four months ago. Snow squall warning issued for Simcoe County, with up to 50 cm of snow possible Snow squall warnings for most of central Ontario with snow accumulations up to 50 centimetres likely. Preliminary hearing begins for man accused in Orillia murder case Brian Lancaster sat in the prisoner’s box inside a Barrie courtroom on Thursday for the start of his preliminary hearing - the details of which are protected by a publication ban. Windsor 'It’s a big milestone': New CK children’s treatment centre expanding The new Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre is taking a big next step in its expansion process. 14-year-old boys charged with gunpoint robbery and kidnapping Windsor police officers have arrested two 14-year-old boys related to a kidnapping and gunpoint robbery in south Windsor. Suspect wanted, another arrested following string of break-ins One man has been arrested following a string of commercial break-ins, according to police. Northern Ontario Four transport truck drivers charged in northern Ont. collisions on Hwy. 11 Bad weather and bad driving contributed to multiple collisions on Highway 11 on Wednesday, leading to charges for several commercial motor vehicle drivers. Layoffs at Vale's Sudbury operations not affecting members of Local 6500 Some non-union staff at Vale in the Sudbury area are being laid off, but the company is not saying how many and what positions are being affected. Northern Ont. police catch liquor store thief, getaway driver Two people from southern Ontario have been charged in connection with a liquor store robbery Wednesday in the Town of Thessalon. The suspects were caught after trying to flee on Highway 17 and hiding the booze in a snowbank. Sault Ste. Marie Northern Ont. police catch liquor store thief, getaway driver Two people from southern Ontario have been charged in connection with a liquor store robbery Wednesday in the Town of Thessalon. The suspects were caught after trying to flee on Highway 17 and hiding the booze in a snowbank. 'Sense of relief' for lottery winner who recently went through rough times Adding Encore to a few free plays in the Ontario 49 lottery turned out to be very lucky for a PSW from Timmins. New addition to the CTV Northern Ontario family The CTV Northern Ontario family got a little bigger Tuesday when longtime anchor Marina Moore and her husband welcomed their second baby into the world. Ottawa Sprung structures could be converted to community centres after asylum seeker use A City of Ottawa official says the proposed Sprung structures that the city wants to use to house asylum seekers could be converted to other public uses once they are no longer needed as newcomer welcoming centres. OPP lay charges against two Ottawa towing companies Ontario Provincial Police have laid numerous charges against two local towing companies. Ottawa family urge government to approve husband and father's paperwork to get him back from Lebanon Being home for the holidays is a common desire at this time of year, but for one Ottawa family, they say it's a life-saving request. Toronto 2 men, 4 teens charged in Markham jewelry store robbery as police search for 6 more suspects York Regional Police have charged four teenage boys and two men and are looking for six more suspects in connection with a jewelry store robbery in Markham on Wednesday. Video shows moments leading up to fatal shooting in Brampton Video has surfaced showing the moments leading up to a fatal shooting outside of a Brampton home late Wednesday night. 'It was like I was brainwashed': 2 Ontarians lose $230K to separate AI-generated cryptocurrency ad scams Two Ontarians collectively lost $230,000 after falling victim to separate AI-generated social media posts advertising fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. Montreal WEATHER | Montreal hit with first major snowfall of the year Montrealers woke up on Thursday to the first real dump of snow as winter looks ready to set in. BREAKING | Canada expands list of banned firearms to include hundreds of new models and variants The Canadian government is expanding its list of banned firearms, adding hundreds of additional makes, models and their variants, effective immediately. The majority of 17-month-old babies in Quebec use a screen every day: study Screens have found their way into families and are now an integral part of everyday life. Even under the age of two, babies in Quebec are using screens every day. Toddlers from low-income households use screens more frequently, according to a report by the Quebec statistics institute (ISQ) published on Thursday. Atlantic Weather update: Conditions in the Maritimes change Thursday night In the thick of a mix of snow and rain, accompanied in some cases by high winds, the Maritimes will see a change in weather conditions Thursday night into Friday. Police search for Halifax bank robber who fled on bike Halifax Regional Police are searching for a suspect in connection with a robbery at a city bank. Police investigating after second homeless Nova Scotia man dies in as many weeks Police in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley are investigating the second sudden death of a homeless person within the past two weeks, prompting a local social advocate to sound the alarm about worsening weather. Winnipeg Manitoba bill would toughen penalties for some impaired-driving offences The Manitoba government is looking to bring in tougher penalties on people who are convicted of impaired driving offences that cause injury or death. Jordan’s Principle spending, Manitoba requests only increasing In the last five years, the number of approved Jordan’s Principle requests and the subsequent spending have nearly tripled. Speed limit change on Wellington Crescent voted down by city committee The mayor’s inner circle is putting the brakes on a plan to lower the speed limit in an area of Wellington Crescent that has seen fatal crashes and near misses between cyclists and drivers. Calgary Glenmore Landing redevelopment defeated by vote at Calgary council Calgary city council has defeated a motion to rezone a piece of land in Glenmore Landing to allow for a high-density development in the area. New Stampeder QB Vernon Adams Jr. visits McMahon Stadium with high hopes for 2025 season The Calgary Stampeders’ new number one quarterback has arrived in Calgary. After spending American Thanksgiving in Arizona, Vernon Adams checked out the facilities at McMahon Stadium and met with the media. Here's how much Calgary housing prices are expected to increase by the end of 2025 Calgary’s real estate prices are expected to continue to increase next year, according to a recent market forecast. Edmonton 30 robberies involving the swarming of store employees reported to Edmonton police The Edmonton Police Service is warning of a new shoplifting trend where groups of young people swarm store employees to steal expensive products. BREAKING | Canada expands list of banned firearms to include hundreds of new models and variants The Canadian government is expanding its list of banned firearms, adding hundreds of additional makes, models and their variants, effective immediately. Ottawa, Alberta announce $162M rare disease drug agreement Alberta has entered a $162-million agreement with the federal government to provide access to drugs for rare diseases. Regina Affordability, carbon tax bills pass as Sask. legislature continues short sitting The Saskatchewan Party's election promises of action on affordability and continued carbon tax exemptions have been fulfilled as the short sitting of the legislature carries on. Roughriders re-sign veteran quarterback Trevor Harris, inside source confirms The Saskatchewan Roughriders have re-signed veteran quarterback Trevor Harris, according to TSN's Farhan Lalji. Saskatoon dog rescue operator ordered to pay $27K for defamatory Facebook posts A Saskatoon dog rescue operator has been ordered to pay over $27,000 in damages to five women after a judge ruled she defamed them in several Facebook posts. Saskatoon Saskatoon dog rescue operator ordered to pay $27K for defamatory Facebook posts A Saskatoon dog rescue operator has been ordered to pay over $27,000 in damages to five women after a judge ruled she defamed them in several Facebook posts. Sask. school bus driver arrested for impaired driving after transporting 50 kids A Saskatchewan school bus driver, who was transporting 50 children shortly before his arrest, is facing impaired driving related charges. Saskatoon firefighters called back to home after ember rekindles the next morning Saskatoon firefighters had to return to the scene of a house fire on Thursday morning after an ember in the attic rekindled. Vancouver Fatal crash closes Vancouver intersection Police are on scene after a fatal collision between a cyclist and a vehicle in East Vancouver Thursday afternoon. No tsunami threat to B.C. after powerful earthquake off California Emergency management officials say there is no tsunami threat to British Columbia after a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off California on Thursday morning. B.C. premier says feds and provinces plan right-left approach to Trump's tariff plans British Columbia Premier David Eby says Canada's premiers and the federal government have hatched a game plan over possible U.S. tariffs, where Conservative premiers lobby their Republican counterparts and left-leaning leaders court the Democrats, while the federal government focuses on president-elect Donald Trump. Vancouver Island No tsunami threat to B.C. after powerful earthquake off California Emergency management officials say there is no tsunami threat to British Columbia after a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off California on Thursday morning. B.C. minister stepping away from role following cancer diagnosis B.C.'s Minister of Children and Family Development, Grace Lore, is stepping away from her role after being diagnosed with cancer. B.C. premier says feds and provinces plan right-left approach to Trump's tariff plans British Columbia Premier David Eby says Canada's premiers and the federal government have hatched a game plan over possible U.S. tariffs, where Conservative premiers lobby their Republican counterparts and left-leaning leaders court the Democrats, while the federal government focuses on president-elect Donald Trump. Stay ConnectedRecession-Proofing Your Portfolio With Gold
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Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100 ATLANTA (AP) — Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died. He was 100 years old and had spent more than a year in hospice care. The Georgia peanut farmer served one turbulent term in the White House before building a reputation as a global humanitarian and champion of democracy. He defeated President Gerald Ford in 1976 promising to restore trust in government but lost to Ronald Reagan four years later amid soaring inflation, gas station lines and the Iran hostage crisis. He and his wife Rosalynn then formed The Carter Center, and he earned a Nobel Peace Prize while making himself the most internationally engaged of former presidents. The Carter Center said he died peacefully Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’ PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — The 39th and longest-lived U.S. president, James Earl Carter Jr., died Sunday at the age of 100. His life ended where it began, in Plains, Georgia. He left and returned to the tiny town many times as he climbed to the nation’s highest office and lost it after four tumultuous years. Carter spent the next 40 years setting new standards for what a former president can do. Carter wrote nearly a decade ago that he found all the phases of his life challenging but also successful and enjoyable. The Democrat's principled but pragmatic approach defied American political labels, especially the idea that one-term presidents are failures. The Latest: Former President Jimmy Carter is dead at age 100 Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. He left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Jimmy Carter: A brief bio Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at his home in Plains, Georgia. His death comes more than a year after the former president entered hospice care. He was 100 years old. Jetliner skids off runway and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179 SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames in South Korea after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. Officials said all but two of the 181 people on board were killed Sunday in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The 737-800 operated by Jeju Air plane arrived from Bangkok and crashed while attempting to land in the town of Muan, about 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, evidently with its landing gear still closed. Tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi kill 2 and injure 6 as severe weather system moves east HOUSTON (AP) — A strong storm system is threatening to whip up tornadoes in parts of the U.S. Southeast, a day after severe weather claimed at least two lives as twisters touched down in Texas and Mississippi. Strong storms moving eastward Sunday are expected to continue producing gusty, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes through Sunday. That is according to National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira. So far, the line of severe weather has led to about 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, Pereira said, but those reports remain unconfirmed until surveys of damage are completed. Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday and that he was recovering. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. Syria's de facto leader says it could take up to 4 years to hold elections BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s de facto leader has said it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans on dissolving his Islamist group that led the country’s insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview Sunday. That's according to the Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assad’s decades-long rule, ending the country’s uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011. A fourth infant dies of the winter cold in Gaza as families share blankets in seaside tents DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives. The baby's father says the 20-day-old child was found with his head as “cold as ice” Sunday morning in their tent. The baby’s twin brother was moved to the intensive care unit of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Their father says the twins were born one month premature and spent just a day in hospital, which like other Gaza health centers has been overwhelmed and only partially functions. Musk causes uproar for backing Germany's far-right party ahead of key elections BERLIN (AP) — Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD.Dublin ‘still has its challenges’ a year on from riot, says Minister for Justice
AES Announces 2% Increase in Quarterly DividendThe chief technology officer at Foot Locker, Butler brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across all areas of technology to the Board NORFOLK, Va. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PRA Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRAA), a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, announced today that Adrian Butler has been elected as an independent director of the company, effective January 1, 2025 . Butler is the chief technology officer (CTO) of Foot Locker, Inc., a leading global footwear and apparel retailer with approximately 2,450 retail stores in 26 countries across North America , Europe , Asia , Australia and New Zealand , and a licensed store presence in the Middle East and Asia . As Foot Locker's CTO, Butler is responsible for driving technology strategy, innovation and delivery across their digital, data and analytics, supply chain/merchandising and omni-channel experiences. Prior to this role, he was chief information officer at Casey's General Stores, Inc., and senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer at Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee's and IHOP restaurants. He also served as vice president in the technology services division at Target Corporation. In addition to serving on boards such as Potbelly Corporation and Grambling University Foundation, his alma mater, Butler is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including Los Angeles Business Journal's CIO of the Year, CIO Magazine's CIO 100, Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders, Board Prospects' 50 Military Veteran Board Members Making a Difference and the 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Dallas-Fort Worth . "We are thrilled to welcome Adrian to the Board," said Steve Fredrickson, PRA Group Board chairman. "Adrian is an experienced public company board member and business leader with demonstrated success driving technology innovations to transform large global organizations across multiple industries after serving as captain in the United States Air Force. His business and technology insights and expertise will be invaluable to the Board and management as we continue to advance our IT strategy and preparedness in support of initiatives that drive profitable growth." "I am honored to join the talented Board at PRA Group as a strategic business partner and contribute my experience to support its continued growth and success around the globe," said Butler. About PRA Group As a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, PRA Group, Inc. returns capital to banks and other creditors to help expand financial services for consumers in the Americas, Europe and Australia . With thousands of employees worldwide, PRA Group companies collaborate with customers to help them resolve their debt. For more information, please visit www.pragroup.com . News Media Contact: Elizabeth Kersey Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Policy (757) 641-0558 Elizabeth.Kersey@PRAGroup.com Investor Contact: Najim Mostamand , CFA Vice President, Investor Relations (757) 431-7913 IR@PRAGroup.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adrian-butler-elected-to-pra-group-board-of-directors-302334284.html SOURCE PRA Group, Inc.
NoneThe Chicago Blackhawks shook up their coaching staff Thursday by firing head coach Luke Richardson and naming Anders Sorensen as his interim replacement. General manager Kyle Davidson made the decision, which was supported by chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz. "Today I made the difficult decision to move on from Luke as our head coach. We thank him for his efforts and contributions to the organization and our community,” Davidson said in a statement . “As we have begun to take steps forward in our rebuilding process, we felt that the results did not match our expectations for a higher level of execution this season and ultimately came to the decision that a change was necessary. We wish Luke and his family all the best moving forward.” “On behalf of the entire Blackhawks organization, I’d like to thank Luke for his dedication over the past three seasons,” Wirtz added. “I fully support Kyle’s decision in making this change as he continues to do what is needed to move our team forward. I have the utmost confidence in him and the rest of our Hockey Operations team as they begin their search for the next head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks.” Richardson compiled a 57-118-15 record overseeing the Blackhawks in parts of three rebuilding seasons. Chicago's 8-16-2 record to begin the 2024-25 campaign is the worst mark in the NHL. The Blackhawks' roster was built to lose in Richardson's first two seasons at the helm but received mid-level upgrades this past offseason. While Chicago wasn't expected to compete for playoff contention in 2024-25, a disappointing start to the campaign marred by inconsistency clashed with Davidson's vision for on-ice improvements. Sorensen replaces Richardson on the Blackhawks bench after serving as AHL-affiliate Rockford IceHogs' head coach for parts of four seasons. He owns a 117-89-16-7 record in 229 career AHL games. With Sorensen taking over the NHL club, Blackhawks assistant general manager overseeing player development Mark Eaton will step in as the IceHogs' interim head coach. This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Immediately With Just $1,000
STATESVILLE, N.C. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kewaunee Scientific Corporation (NASDAQ: KEQU ) today announced results for its second quarter ended October 31, 2024 . Fiscal Year 2025 Second Quarter Results: Sales during the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 were $47,764,000 , a decrease of 5.3% compared to sales of $50,436,000 from the prior year's second quarter. Pre-tax earnings for the quarter were $3,931,000 compared to $4,845,000 for the prior year quarter, a decrease of 18.9%. Net earnings were $3,008,000 compared to net earnings of $2,732,000 for the prior year quarter. EBITDA 1 for the quarter was $4,883,000 compared to $5,662,000 for the prior year quarter. Diluted earnings per share was $1.01 compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.93 in the prior year quarter. The Company's order backlog was at a historically high level of $184 .4 million on October 31, 2024 , as compared to $146 .3 million on October 31, 2023 , and $155 .6 million on April 30, 2024 . Domestic Segment - Domestic sales for the quarter were $36,409,000 , an increase of 6.5% from sales of $34,185,000 in the prior year quarter. Domestic segment net earnings was $4,524,000 compared to $3,054,000 in the prior year quarter. Domestic segment EBITDA was $6,838,000 compared to $5,230,000 for the prior year quarter. The increase in Domestic sales and earnings was primarily driven by higher product demand. International Segment - International sales for the quarter were $11,355,000 , a decrease of 30.1% from sales of $16,251,000 in the prior year quarter. International segment net earnings was $356,000 compared to $525,000 in the prior year quarter. International segment EBITDA was $592,000 compared to $1,635,000 for the prior year quarter. The decline in sales is attributable to customer construction site delays in India which pushed out the timing of deliveries. Corporate Segment – Corporate segment pre-tax net loss was $2,444,000 for the quarter, as compared to a pre-tax net loss of $1,243,000 in the prior year quarter. Corporate segment EBITDA for the quarter was ($2,547,000) compared to corporate segment EBITDA of ($1,203,000) for the prior year quarter. The change in EBITDA was primarily driven by an increase in professional service and other fees during the quarter related to the acquisition of Nu Aire, Inc., which closed on November 1, 2024 , and costs incurred related to Sarbanes-Oxley 404(b) compliance readiness. Total cash on hand on October 31, 2024 was $29,664,000 , as compared to $25,938,000 on April 30, 2024 . Working capital was $59,965,000 , as compared to $52,144,000 at the end of the second quarter last year and $56,037,000 on April 30, 2024 . The Company had short-term debt of $805,000 as of October 31, 2024 , as compared to $3,099,000 on April 30, 2024 . Long-term debt was $28,047,000 on October 31, 2024 , as compared to $28,479,000 on April 30, 2024 . The building lease from the Company's December 2021 sale-leaseback transaction accounts for $27,782,000 of the long-term debt on October 31, 2024 and $28,133,000 of the long-term debt on April 30, 2024 . Long-term debt, net of the sale-leaseback transaction, was $265,000 on October 31, 2024 as compared to $346,000 on April 30, 2024 . The Company's debt-to-equity ratio on October 31, 2024 was 0.59-to-1, as compared to 0.70-to-1 on April 30, 2024. The Company's debt-to-equity ratio, net of the sale-leaseback transaction, on October 31, 2024 was 0.14-to-1, as compared to 0.20-to-1 on April 30, 2024 . "Our financial performance for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 was strong," said Thomas D. Hull III , Kewaunee's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Domestic segment operating performance improved compared to last year's second quarter as a result of higher product demand, highlighting our continued health and advantage in the market. As discussed during the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, customer construction site delays in India on multiple projects continue to impact our ability to ship products and deliver services, leading to a decrease in sales and earnings when compared to the prior year second quarter." "Looking ahead, our backlog remains very healthy, demonstrating the continued vitality and investment in the markets in which Kewaunee participates and the success both Kewaunee and our channel partners continue to achieve in the marketplace. The strength of Kewaunee's backlog positions the company well to deliver another strong year for our fiscal year." "Additionally, on November 1, 2024 , Kewaunee announced the acquisition of Nu Aire, Inc.," Hull continued. "Nu Aire is renowned for its manufacturing of robust containment solutions, such as biological safety cabinets, airflow products, and more, which serve a diverse range of industries. While not reflected in our second quarter fiscal year 2025 results, Nu Aire will be included going forward, beginning with our third quarter fiscal year 2025 results. It is worth noting the company incurred expenses related to the acquisition of $2.3 million in the current fiscal year, which are outlined in the attached exhibits." "The acquisition of Nu Aire presents a unique opportunity for Kewaunee to expand its capabilities, allowing the combined organization to better meet the diverse needs of end-users in laboratory furnishings and, through Nu Aire's established distribution partners, reach regions where Kewaunee has not previously had a presence. This move accelerates the Company's vision of becoming the market leader in the design and manufacturing of laboratory furniture and technical products essential for outfitting the laboratories of tomorrow." About Non-GAAP Measures The Company includes non-GAAP financial measures such as adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share, in the information provided with this press release as supplemental information relating to its operating results. Adjusted net earnings represents GAAP net earnings adjusted for professional and other fees related to the acquisition of Nu Aire, Inc. and the corresponding tax impact. This financial information is not in accordance with, or an alternative for, GAAP-compliant financial information and may be different from the operating or non-GAAP financial information used by other companies. The Company believes that this presentation of adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share provides useful information to investors regarding certain additional financial and business trends relating to its financial condition and results of operations. EBITDA and Segment EBITDA are calculated as net earnings (loss), less interest expense and interest income, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Segment EBITDA are calculated as EBITDA or Segment EBITDA less the impact of the professional and other fees related to the Company's acquisition of Nu Aire, Inc., as discussed in more detail above. We believe EBITDA, Segment EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Segment EBITDA allow management and investors to compare our performance to other companies on a consistent basis without regard to depreciation and amortization or the professional fees not related to our core business incurred during the current period, which can vary significantly between companies depending upon many factors. EBITDA, Segment EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Segment EBITDA are not calculations based upon generally accepted accounting principles, and the method for calculating EBITDA, Segment EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Segment EBITDA can vary among companies. The amounts included in the EBITDA, Segment EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Segment EBITDA calculations, however, are derived from amounts included in the historical consolidated statements of operations. EBITDA, Segment EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Segment EBITDA should not be considered as alternatives to net earnings (loss) or operating earnings (loss) as an indicator of the Company's operating performance, or as an alternative to operating cash flows as a measure of liquidity. About Nu Aire Founded in 1971 and based in Minneapolis , the Company is a leading manufacturer of equipment for a diverse range of laboratory and pharmacy environments. Nu Aire is the North American market share leader in biological safety cabinets and other airflow products and also offers a complete line of CO2 incubators, ultralow freezers, animal handling equipment, pharmacy compounding isolators, and parts and accessories. Nu Aire's equipment is required for safety and quality in every type of laboratory: life sciences research, clinical, hospital, biotech and pharmaceutical R&D, academia, food and beverage, industrial and more. Nu Aire's website is located at http://www.nuaire.com/ . About Kewaunee Scientific Founded in 1906, Kewaunee Scientific Corporation is a recognized global leader in the design, manufacture, and installation of laboratory, healthcare, and technical furniture products. The Company's products include steel and wood casework, fume hoods, adaptable modular systems, moveable workstations, stand-alone benches, biological safety cabinets, and epoxy resin work surfaces and sinks. The Company's corporate headquarters are located in Statesville, North Carolina . Sales offices are located in the United States , India , Saudi Arabia , and Singapore . Three manufacturing facilities are located in Statesville serving the domestic and international markets, and one manufacturing facility is located in Bangalore, India serving the local, Asian, and African markets. Kewaunee Scientific's website is located at http://www.kewaunee.com . This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including statements regarding the Company's future financial condition, results of operations, business operations and business prospects, are forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "predict," "believe" and similar words, expressions and variations of these words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other important factors that could significantly impact results or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to: our ability to realize the benefits anticipated as a result of the Nu Aire acquisition; competitive and general economic conditions, including disruptions from government mandates, both domestically and internationally, as well as supplier constraints and other supply disruptions; changes in customer demands; technological changes in our operations or in our industry; dependence on customers' required delivery schedules; risks related to fluctuations in the Company's operating results from quarter to quarter; risks related to international operations, including foreign currency fluctuations; changes in the legal and regulatory environment; changes in raw materials and commodity costs; acts of terrorism, war, governmental action, and natural disasters and other Force Majeure events. The cautionary statements made pursuant to the Reform Act herein and elsewhere by us should not be construed as exhaustive. We cannot always predict what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Over time, our actual results, performance, or achievements will likely differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, and such difference might be significant and harmful to our stockholders' interest. Many important factors that could cause such a difference are described under the caption "Risk Factors," in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2024 , which you should review carefully, and in our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. These reports are available on our investor relations website at www.kewaunee.com and on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. The Company assumes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Kewaunee Scientific Corporation
Actress Neha Sharma , well-known for her roles in films like Bad Newz and Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, has recently sparked rumors about her relationship status. The actress was spotted walking hand-in-hand with Croatian footballer Petar Sliskovic in Mumbai, with the moment captured by paparazzi. Neha, dressed in a chic black dress, and Petar, in casual attire, appeared comfortable and happy as they strolled together, leaving fans intrigued. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for The video of the pair has quickly gone viral, with fans and media outlets speculating whether the two are romantically involved. Neha, who has remained relatively private about her personal life, has not commented on the reports, but the sighting has certainly caught attention. The question on everyone's mind now is: Who is Petar Sliskovic? — Harii33 (@Harii33) Who Is Petar Sliskovic? Petar Sliskovic, 33, is a Croatian professional footballer who hails from Bosnia. He is known for his impressive career as a striker, having played for various football clubs, including Mohammedan SC in Kolkata, India. Petar made his professional debut with Mainz 05 in 2011, and over the years, he has also played for teams like St. Pauli and Dynamo Dresden in Germany. His most recent club was Jamshedpur FC, where he signed a one-year deal in 2023 after a successful stint with Chennaiyin FC. Known for his technical skills, goal-scoring ability, and aerial strength, Petar has made a name for himself in the Indian Super League (ISL). In 2022, he joined Chennaiyin FC, where he contributed significantly with eight goals and four assists in 17 appearances. His performance on the field has earned him recognition both in India and internationally, including representing Croatia's U-21 team in the past. Neha Sharma’s Personal and Professional Life Neha Sharma, born in Bhagalpur, Bihar, is a versatile actress who has earned acclaim for her work in both Bollywood and regional cinema. She is known for her roles in Chirutha (2007), Crook: It’s Good to Be Bad (2010), and Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum (2012), among others. Recently, she starred in Bad Newz, alongside Triptii Dimri and Vicky Kaushal. While Neha’s upcoming projects remain unannounced, fans are eagerly awaiting news of her next film. Despite being very active on social media, where she often shares pictures with her sister Aisha Sharma, Neha had kept her romantic life under wraps. The recent appearance with Petar has finally ended the speculation about her relationship status, confirming that she is indeed dating the Croatian footballer. The revelation that Neha is dating Petar has left many of her fans in shock. While Neha has kept a low profile regarding her relationships in the past, the public appearance indicates that the two share a special bond. Neither Neha nor Petar have made an official statement regarding their romance.Musk heads to US Congress to discuss slashing government costs
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