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/ NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES ./ CALGARY, AB , Nov. 25, 2024 /CNW/ - Tourmaline Oil Corp. TOU (" Tourmaline " or the " Selling Shareholder ") and Topaz Energy Corp. TPZ (" Topaz " or the " Company ") announced today that they have entered into an agreement with Peters & Co. Limited and BMO Capital Markets (the " Lead Underwriters "), on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (together with the Lead Underwriters, the " Underwriters "), pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, from Tourmaline 8,700,000 common shares of the Company (the " Common Shares ") at a price of $27.80 per Common Share (the " Offering Price ") for total gross proceeds to the Selling Shareholder of approximately $242 million (the " Offering "). The Underwriters will have an option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Common Shares issued under the Offering at the Offering Price to cover over-allotments and for market stabilization purposes exercisable in whole or in part at any time until 30 days after the closing. The Company will not receive any of the proceeds of the Offering. The Selling Shareholder currently holds 45,149,494 common shares of Topaz, representing approximately 29.4% of the issued and outstanding common shares. Following the closing of the Offering, the Selling Shareholder will hold 36,449,494 common shares, representing approximately 23.8% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Topaz (22.9% if the over-allotment option is exercised in full). Tourmaline is selling the Common Shares as part of a long-term plan to reduce its equity position as Topaz develops and continues to succeed as an independent royalty and infrastructure company. Tourmaline will use the net proceeds of the Offering in part to fund its planned extensive NEBC infrastructure build-out, which is expected to add over 150,000 boepd of production over current levels in the next five years while maintaining net debt (1) at the long-term $1.5 billion target. The Offering will expand Topaz's free-trading share float and generate enhanced trading liquidity which is in-line with Topaz's structural objectives. The Common Shares will be offered by way of a short form prospectus to be filed in all of the provinces of Canada other than Quebec and may also be placed privately in the United States to "qualified institutional buyers" pursuant to Rule 144A of the United States Securities Act of 1933. The Offering is expected to close on or about December 11, 2024 and is subject to customary closing conditions including, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. __________________________________________________ ( 1 ) "Net debt" is a capital management measure. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in this news release and Tourmaline's Q3 MD&A. Reader Advisories CURRENCY All amounts in this news release are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains forward-looking statements and information (collectively, " forward-looking information ") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects Tourmaline's and Topaz's current expectations regarding future events, including but not limited to the use of proceeds of the Offering, Tourmaline's planned extensive infrastructure build out in NEBC and the benefits of such build out including the incremental production growth, the timing for such incremental production growth and the ability to maintain long-term net debt targets, the date the Offering is expected to close and the anticipated benefits for Tourmaline and Topaz to be derived from Tourmaline's reduction in Topaz equity including that the Offering will expand Topaz's free-trading share float and generate enhanced trading liquidity. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Tourmaline's and Topaz's control that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in Tourmaline's and Topaz's most recently filed Management's Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Tourmaline and Topaz do not undertake any obligations to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable laws. In this news release, production is presented on a "barrel of oil equivalent" or "BOE" basis. BOEs may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, as the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES This news release includes references to "net debt" which is considered a "capital management measure" and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards ("GAAP"). Tourmaline's management uses the term "net debt" as a key measure for evaluating Tourmaline's capital structure and to provide shareholders and potential investors with a measurement of total indebtedness. Accordingly, Tourmaline's use of this term may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. Investors are cautioned that this measure should not be construed as an alternative to or more meaningful than the most directly comparable GAAP measures in evaluating Tourmaline's performance. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in Tourmaline's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis for more information on the definition and description of these terms. ABOUT TOURMALINE OIL CORP. Tourmaline is Canada's largest and most active natural gas producer dedicated to producing the lowest-cost natural gas in North America . We are an investment grade exploration and production company providing strong and predictable operating and financial performance through the development of our three core areas in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. With our existing large reserve base, decades-long drilling inventory, relentless focus on execution and cost management, and industry-leading environmental performance, we are excited to provide shareholders an excellent return on capital, and an attractive source of income through our base dividend and surplus free cash flow distribution strategies. Website: www.tourmalineoil.com ABOUT TOPAZ ENERGY CORP. Topaz is a unique royalty and infrastructure energy company focused on generating free cash flow growth and paying reliable and sustainable dividends to its shareholders, through its strategic relationship with Canada's largest and most active natural gas producer, Tourmaline, an investment-grade senior Canadian E&P company, and leveraging industry relationships to execute complementary acquisitions from other high-quality energy companies. Topaz focuses on top-quartile energy resources and assets best positioned to attract capital in order to generate sustainable long-term growth and profitability. Topaz's common shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the trading symbol "TPZ" and it is included in the S&P/TSX Composite Index. This is the headline index for Canada and is the principal benchmark measure for the Canadian equity markets, represented by the largest companies on the TSX. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.topazenergy.ca . Topaz's SEDAR+ filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca . For further information pertaining to tourmaline, please contact: Tourmaline Oil Corp., Michael Rose , Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, (403) 266-5992 OR Tourmaline Oil Corp., Brian Robinson , Chief Financial Officer, (403) 767-3587; brian.robinson@tourmalineoil.com OR Tourmaline Oil Corp., Scott Kirker , Chief Legal Officer, (403) 767-3593; scott.kirker@tourmalineoil.com OR Tourmaline Oil Corp., Jamie Heard , Vice President, Capital Markets, (403) 767-5942; jamie.heard@tourmalineoil.com OR Tourmaline Oil Corp., Suite 2900, 250 – 6th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H7, Phone: (403) 266-5992; Facsimile: (403) 266-5952, E-mail: info@tourmalineoil.com For further information pertaining to Topaz, please contact: Topaz Energy Corp., Marty Staples , President and Chief Executive Officer, (587) 747-4830; Cheree Stephenson , VP Finance and CFO, (587) 747-4830 SOURCE Tourmaline Oil Corp. View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2024/25/c0279.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Second-half outburst powers DWU men past Valley City Statej nicolas medical clinic 。

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Pick your adjective to describe the Kansas City Chiefs this season — charmed, serendipitous, fortunate or just plain lucky — and it probably fits, and not just because they keep winning games that come down to the wire. Every time they need help at a position, they've found someone sitting on the couch, seemingly waiting for their call. First it was wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who returned to the Chiefs just before the season after Marquise Brown was lost to shoulder surgery. Then it was running back Kareem Hunt, who likewise returned to his former team when Isiah Pacheco broke his fibula. Left tackle D.J. Humphries came next when other options at the position were struggling, and this week it was Steven Nelson, who came out of retirement to help a secondary that has struggled for weeks. "Just got an opportunity, got a call. Was very excited about it," said Nelson, who spent his first four seasons in Kansas City before stints in Pittsburgh and Houston, and ultimately calling it quits in June so he could spend more time with his family. "I've got two daughters and been spending a lot of time with him," Nelson said, "but still trying to work out. It was kind of the perfect scenario, getting the call, especially where this team has been and this point in the season. Great opportunity." It's been a perfect opportunity for all of them. Perfect fits for the Chiefs, too. Each could have signed just about anywhere else and been able to contribute, yet they were still sitting around when Chiefs general manager Brett Veach reached out. In the case of Smith-Schuster, Hunt and Humphries, there were some concerns about injuries that had kept some teams away, but the Chiefs were willing to take a risk on them. Smith-Schuster, who has dealt with knee trouble for years, missed some time with a hamstring injury this season. But he still has 202 yards and a touchdown receiving, and has provided some veteran leadership in the locker room. Hunt was coming off a sports hernia surgery, a big reason why the Browns — whom the Chiefs visit Sunday — declined to bring him back after five years spent in a one-two punch with Nick Chubb. But when Pacheco went down, Hunt stepped in and their offense barely missed a beat; he has run for a team-leading 608 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. Humphries was still rehabbing a torn ACL at the start of the season, but the former Pro Bowl tackle was cleared just before the Chiefs called him. Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris had struggled to protect Patrick Mahomes' blind side, so they brought in Humphries to help out. And while he hurt his hamstring late in his debut last week against the Chargers, the Chiefs still hope he'll be recovered and fully up to speed in time for the stretch run and the playoffs. "I'm in Kansas City, bro. I'm pretty ecstatic. It don't get much better than this," Humphries said. "Everybody is excited for me to be here and that's a really good feeling. You're getting All-Pro guys' arms outstretched, like, 'We're so glad you're here.'" The providential signings don't stop at those four players, either. When the Chiefs lost kicker Harrison Butker to knee surgery, they signed Spencer Shrader off the Jets practice squad, and he promptly kicked a game-winner against Carolina. But then Shrader hurt his hamstring and landed on injured reserve. The 49ers had just waived Matthew Wright, and the Chiefs signed him up. He's gone 8 for 9 on field-goal tries, has been perfect on PATs, and banged the game-winner off the upright and through last week against Los Angeles. Just like Smith-Schuster, Hunt and Nelson, Wright had been with Kansas City a couple of years ago. "It definitely helps, him knowing how we do things, how we practice and what we expect," Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub said. "That all helped, for sure. And he's a veteran. He's been a lot of places. It wasn't like he was a rookie off the street." Or off the couch, for that matter. NOTES: Butker planned to kick again Thursday and could come off IR to face the Browns on Sunday. "He looked good," Toub said. "We have to see how he responds." ... Humphries (hamstring) did not practice Thursday. RT Jawaan Taylor (knee) was limited. ... SS Justin Reid will likely handle kickoffs against Cleveland. He has a stronger leg than Wright and also puts another athletic and adept tackler on the field on special teams. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Our top picks for the best gifts to give women this holiday season

By JESSICA DAMIANO Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Related Articles Things To Do | US airports with worst weather delays during holiday season Things To Do | The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novels Things To Do | Holiday gift ideas for the movie lover, from bios and books to a status tote Things To Do | ‘Gladiator II’ review: Are you not moderately entertained? Things To Do | Beer pairings for your holiday feasts If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.

Bill Belichick, the former NFL head coach who led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl wins, will be the new head coach of the University of North Carolina's football program. The school announced the news on social media Wednesday night. He's agreed to a five-year deal with the Tar Heels, which is pending approval from the university's board of trustees and board of governors. A press conference was held at the school on Thursday to formally announce Belichick as the new head coach, which he described as a dream come true. UNC Chancellor Lee H. Roberts and Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham jokingly gifted Belichick a Tar Heels sweatshirt with his trademark short sleeves. RELATED STORY | Bill Belichick 'moves on' from coaching New England Patriots "I grew up in college football with my dad," Belichick said, showing off one of his father's old sweatshirts from when he was an assistant coach at the school for a couple of years before he went on to coach at the U.S. Naval Academy for over three decades. He said Carolina was home and his family always joked when he was growing up that his first words were "beat Duke" — the Tar Heels' rival school. Belichick won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants before continuing his career with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets. But he's known for his career with the Patriots, where he was the head coach for 24 seasons and won 13 AFC championship titles and made nine Super Bowl appearances. He retired from the NFL as the second-winningest coach in NFL history.

WILMINGTON, N.C., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- nCino, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCNO), the leading provider of intelligent, best-in-class banking solutions, today announced its participation in the following investor conferences: Scotiabank Second Annual Global Technology Conference Presentation: Tuesday, December 10, at 12:45 p.m. ET Barclays 22 nd Annual Global Technology Conference Presentation: Wednesday, December 11, at 6:05 p.m. ET About nCino nCino (NASDAQ: NCNO) is powering a new era in financial services. The Company was founded to help financial institutions digitize and reengineer business processes to boost efficiencies and create better banking experiences. With over 1,800 customers worldwide - including community banks, credit unions, independent mortgage banks, and the largest financial entities globally - nCino offers a trusted platform of best-in-class, intelligent solutions. By integrating artificial intelligence and actionable insights into its platform, nCino is helping financial institutions consolidate legacy systems to enhance strategic decision-making, improve risk management, and elevate customer satisfaction by cohesively bringing together people, AI and data. For more information, visit www.ncino.com . CONTACTS INVESTOR CONTACT Harrison Masters nCino +1 910.734.7743 Harrison.masters@ncino.com MEDIA CONTACT Natalia Moose nCino natalia.moose@ncino.comTriumph Gold Corp. ( CVE:TIG – Get Free Report ) shares shot up 35.3% on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.23 and last traded at C$0.23. 178,150 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 599% from the average session volume of 25,471 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.17. Triumph Gold Trading Up 35.3 % The company has a market cap of C$9.83 million, a PE ratio of -7.67 and a beta of 1.64. The company has a current ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 56.37. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of C$0.19 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.19. About Triumph Gold ( Get Free Report ) Triumph Gold Corp., a junior natural resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, copper, and molybdenum deposits. Its flagship project is the Freegold Mountain project located in Yukon, Canada. The company was formerly known as Northern Freegold Resources Ltd. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Triumph Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Triumph Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Iridex Corporation (Nasdaq: IRIX), a worldwide leader providing innovative and versatile laser-based medical systems and delivery devices for the treatment of glaucoma and retinal diseases, today announced the publication of a landmark peer-reviewed study in Ophthalmology Therapy . This study highlights the sustained safety and efficacy of MicroPulse Transscleral Laser Therapy (TLT) (also referred to as Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation) in managing both primary and secondary glaucoma over five years. Conducted by Dr. Ronald de Crom and colleagues at the University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Netherlands, this research is the first to evaluate outcomes of MicroPulse TLT over such an extended period. The study assessed 165 pre- and post-cataract eyes treated between 2016 and 2019, with 112 eyes completing the five-year follow-up. Treatment was delivered using the Iridex Cyclo G6® Laser in its MicroPulse® Mode and the original MicroPulse P3® Delivery Device. Results demonstrated that MicroPulse TLT achieved significant (p

The downfall of America's 'most hated mayor' as he sparks fresh outrage among despairing residents Just 18 months into office and Johnson is already seen as Chicago's worst mayor By JAMES REINL, SOCIAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT, FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 19:02, 23 November 2024 | Updated: 19:02, 23 November 2024 e-mail View comments Brandon Johnson struck an uplifting note in his inaugural speech as Chicago 's mayor in May 2023, saying a 'better day is ahead' for a city gripped by 'violence and despair.' Eighteen months later, and residents of the third-biggest US city are waiting on the Democrat to deliver, as his popularity collapses amid a series of political missteps . Just 14 percent of Chicagoans approve of the mayor, and 70 percent view him unfavorably, according to a recent survey by San-Francisco based Change Research. Critics say the dad-of-three has been too hostile to police while abandoning his teachers' union pals and the cash-strapped Chicagoans who voted him into office. Stephen Maynard Caliendo, a political science professor, says Johnson, 48, gets bad advice and makes too many 'rookie mistakes.' 'The honeymoon is well over. There has to be some wins coming,' Caliendo told CBS News. Johnson's office did not answer our request for comment. His supporters say it's hard to reverse Chicago's long-standing problems of poverty, crime , and racial tensions overnight when the city faces a $1 billion budget deficit crisis. Against this backdrop, DailyMail.com takes a look at what's gone wrong for Chicago's mayor... THE THIN BLUE LINE Mayor Brandon Johnson's approval rating is 56 points underwater after just 18 months on the job The mayor was not welcome at the funeral this month of slain Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martine Read More Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson tries to blame Richard Nixon for July 4 weekend of gun violence Voters in Chicago, like anywhere else, want to feel safe when they walk down the street. But Johnson fell into the progressive politician's trap of going softer on lawbreakers than the public can stomach. As America grappled with the police killing of George Floyd, Johnson, then Cook County Commissioner, joined others in calls to 'defund the police.' He backtracked on this during a mayoral election campaign that pitted him against centrist Democrat Paul Vallas, who vowed to hire more officers amid widespread public safety concerns. Even so, his mayorship has suffered by a lack of commitment to law and order. The number of aggravated assaults in Chicago jumped 4 percent to 14,029 between 2023 and 2024, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA). The numbers of homicides, rapes, and robberies fell slightly, but remains alarmingly high. In his draft budget for the hard up city, Johnson last month proposed swingeing cuts to police training and reform efforts. Maggie Hickey, an independent monitor of the Chicago Police Department, said it 'risks undoing' progress in the force. Johnson's lack of support among street cops was plain to see this week. He planned to attend his funeral of Officer Enrique Martinez, who was killed during a traffic stop on the South Side. But the officer's family and the police union raised objections. Johnson eventually backtracked, saying he was 'honoring' the family's request to stay away. When it comes to cops, crime and public safety, Johnson just can't get it right. THE UNION'S MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE Johnson was supposed to be the mayor who could handle contract negotiations with a powerful teaching union Instead, a public school system for some 323,000 students has been thrown into chaos Read More America's 'most hated mayor' is blasted by fuming residents over radical new policy The Chicago Teachers Union bankrolled Johnson's mayoral campaign - pouring cash into the candidacy of one of its ex-organizers and former social studies teacher. As mayor, Johnson was expected to repay the largesse when teachers contracts were re-negotiated in 2024. But cash-strapped Chicago can't afford to meet educators' demand for a 9 percent annual pay bump. Johnson tied himself in knots trying to keep the union happy while balancing the books. His plan to fill a looming deficit in the schools budget with a $300m short-term, high-interest loan was rejected by the public school district's CEO, Pedro Martinez. When Johnson tried to get school board members to oust Martinez, they refused and resigned instead. Last month, the mayor hastily appointed new board members, but the damage was already done. The public spat threw a system for some 323,000 students into chaos, and Johnson had alienated many of his former backers. WINDY CITY WELCOME Mayor Johnson visits a police headquarters that was housing asylum-seekers and migrant new arrivals in May 2023 Johnson was in August ranked as America's 'worst sanctuary mayor' by the Immigration Reform Law Institute, a watchdog Read More School board is set to RESIGN after hated city mayor 'forced' bosses to remove public schools CEO Chicago is not the only liberal US city struggling to cope with the influx of immigrants and asylum seekers across the southern border. But Johnson has struggled especially hard to accommodate the tens of thousands of newcomers who arrived looking for work and schools and without a roof over their heads. When his administration turned public schools into shelters and doled out apartments to foreigners, residents in the mostly-black affected neighborhoods vented their ire on social media. In one viral clip, an African-American woman slammed the mayor's support for asylum seekers, with shelters and $9,000 payouts, saying it was at the expense of the blacks who helped elect him. 'I don't understand how they can give these immigrants thousands of dollars in the state of Illinois, but look what they're doing to our own f******g people,' said the Chicago woman. She described seeing 'Latinos' arriving in her neighborhood in a '12-foot box truck,' using government welfare checks to 'buy up everything' and effectively price black residents out. 'The fact they are here, and our government is giving more to them than to the people who were born here, is really starting to p**s us off,' she added. 'Mayor Brandon, we are coming for your a**.' Johnson was in August ranked as America's 'worst sanctuary mayor' by the Immigration Reform Law Institute, a watchdog. The group said he'd lavished hundreds of millions of dollars on immigrants while his own voters languished in poverty. DEARTH OF TAXES Downing a pint at a Chicago boozer will get more expensive under Mayor Johnson's tax hike plans Johnson has failed miserably at what 17th Century French statesmen Jean-Baptiste Colbert called the 'art of taxation.' For Colbert, it involved 'so plucking the goose as to obtain the largest amount of feathers with the least amount of hissing.' Yet the hissing after Johnson's hikes on property and liquor taxes has been hard to ignore. When he proposed $300 million rise in property taxes in the 2025 budget, City Council members had a rare moment of unanimity. They voted 50-0 against the proposal. The mayor's revised plan, a $150 million hike, is only slightly less unpopular. Chicagoans already pay among the highest property taxes in the country. Poor and minority groups have long said the taxes make homeownership a pipe dream. One Chicago resident, a woman known only as Mrs Lawrence, slammed the mayor at a recent city meeting. 'We paid for these properties for a purpose and not for you to go touchin' it with $300 million that you want to siphon out of the citizens' pockets,' she said. Seemingly not content with taxing Chicagoans into homelessness, the mayor also took aim at their Friday nights. He seeks to raise taxes in liquor in bars and restaurants to 35 percent, the first such bump since 2008. Hospitality groups are fighting against the plan, saying it will upend their industry. THE TRUMP SLUMP Donald Trump made gains with voters across Illinois in this month's election, but did not win the state Johnson's predecessor Lori Lightfoot didn't leave office with a smile on her face The writing has been on the wall for Johnson for some time. Voices calling for his recall are growing louder. This month's presidential election was another wake-up call about the changing face of blue US cities. President-elect Donald Trump's vote share rose from 15.8 percent across Cook County, which includes Chicago, in 2020, to 21.4 percent this year. MAGA Chicagoans blasted Johnson's tax hikes at a heated city council meeting this month in a sign of the city's shifting political sands. Among the most vocal critics was Tyjuan Sims, who confronted Johnson directly, accusing him of neglecting Chicagoans while helping undocumented immigrants. 'The feds need to address you! The DOJ needs to address you! And hopefully Donald Trump will address you,' Sims yelled in the chamber. 'You're gonna protect the undocumented, while you're gonna allow for the citizens in Chicago to suffer under your, what? Three percent?' Johnson has been on the back foot for weeks. Reporters quizzed him about his doomed taxation plans and dismal approval ratings this week. He said it was 'too early' to grade his performance, and talked up recent gains — investment flows to Chicago and a falling homicide rate. Johnson is having a hard time, but he can perhaps take some solace in the fact that he's not the only unpopular mayor Chicagoans have complained about. His predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, was so unpopular that she failed to make the mayoral run-off vote in 2023. Before her, Rahm Emanuel dropped his 2019 reelection bid amid controversies over rising crime, school closures and an infamous police shooting. Share or comment on this article: The downfall of America's 'most hated mayor' as he sparks fresh outrage among despairing residents e-mail Add commentBefore this time of the month was hijacked by the secular progressives as “the holidays” in deference to everyone – except the ones who have a real reason for the season – it was called Christmas. Associated with Christmas, including sentiments on cards we once sent to friends and family before the postage rates and cost of cards became too expensive for many, were the words from Scripture about the night the Savior was born: “Peace on Earth, goodwill to Men.” The reaction by radicals to two events in New York City again demonstrates how far we are from achieving peace of the social kind, much less goodwill of the political kind. Following the acquittal of Daniel Penny, found not guilty by an NYC jury in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely, (a man on New York City’s informal “Top 50 List” of home less people considered to be the most in need of assistance and treatment), members of Black Lives Matter threatened Penny inside the courtroom and later on the street in front of media and protesters. Walter “Hawk” Newsome, a BLM leader, even called for “Black vigilantes,” suggesting Black people should murder white people in revenge. Another BLM protester falsely claimed the Penny jury was composed entirely of white people. It included Blacks, Hispanics and whites. But why let facts get in the way of a familiar narrative promoted by what New York Post columnist Adam Coleman has called the “Civil Rights Industrial Complex.” The second example of this continuing madness came after the murder of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson by a man allegedly angry at health insurance companies. On social media, many suggested it would be a good idea for people to kill other health insurance CEOs. In fact, some of the problems with health insurance can be attributed to Obamacare, (aka The Affordable Care Act). While there can be no justification for what appears to have been the pre-meditated murder of Thompson, some facts about health insurance, its costs, and the reasons for denial of some claims can be traced to the involvement of government, which has a history of driving up prices whenever it inserts itself into the private sector. A report by the House Committee on Education and the WorkForce proves this point: 1. Obamacare has increased the cost of health care and health insurance. The ACA’s federal mandates and spending, including Medicaid expansion and subsidized individual plans, have drastically increased the cost of health care and health insurance. 2. Obamacare increases Americans’ reliance on the federal government ... Democrats are attempting to ... increase workers’ reliance on the federal government by moving them to exchange plans with higher deductibles, lower actuarial value, and narrower networks. 3. On a per person basis, Obamacare is far more expensive than anticipated for taxpayers. Employer-sponsored insurance provides better coverage and a better bargain for taxpayers compared to government-run health care programs. 4. Obamacare’s “expansion” is due in large part to improper Medicaid enrollments. In 2020, improper Medicaid payments totaled $86 billion, an increase of 21.4 percent. Most of these improper payments were due to eligibility errors. According to Dr. Brian Blase, the president of Paragon Health Institute, anywhere from 2.3 million to 3.3. million people are on Medicaid who do not actually qualify. Perhaps the most laughable comment after Penny’s acquittal came from the always reliable Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who said subway riders should be afraid of Penny because in her view he has not expressed remorse over Neely’s death. If fault is to be assigned it should go to the voters who elected New York City District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), the prosecutor in this weak case, and to New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D), who refuses to remove the progressive Bragg from office. It is to be hoped that these latest incidents and the reaction to them by radicals will diminish the attention the media give to race-hustlers and anti-capitalists. That might contribute to more peace in America and goodwill among us.