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‘BitBoy’ Arrested Again

Self-described “crypto icon” Ben Armstrong, known as “BitBoy,” has been arrested and is being held without bail after sending multiple emails to a judge overseeing a defamation lawsuit against him, according to correctional records.

The Volusia County Division of Corrections has classified Armstrong as a fugitive from justice. This marks his second arrest since September 2023.

Armstrong himself revealed the situation on X last Friday, claiming an arrest warrant had been issued after he contacted Cobb County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Childs. In those posts, he referred to Judge Childs as “corrupt,” a “future convicted felon,” and “dishonorable,” while claiming she was “holding my children hostage.”

You can read more on the matter here.

What’s going on?

• Court Approves Sale of 23andMe DNA Data in Bankruptcy Proceedings (theDeepDive)

• Trump Threatens Europe and Canada if They Band Together Against U.S. (NYT)

• Rescue Efforts Continue for Missing American Troops in Lithuania (theDeepDive)

• Trump announces 25 per cent tariff on all auto imports to the U.S. (CTV)

• Is There Trouble Brewing Between JD Vance and Elon Musk? (theDeepDive)

• US economic data at risk from Elon Musk’s Doge cuts (FT)

• China Unveils Technology That Could Sever 95% of Global Communications (theDeepDive)

• RFK Jr. Plans 10,000 Job Cuts in Major Restructuring of Health Department (WSJ)

• Carbon Tax: Canada’s CO2 Savings Equate To Just HOURS Of China’s Emissions (theDeepDive)

What’s the latest?

• Telus: Telus is exploring selling a minority stake in its wireless tower portfolio to strengthen its balance sheet and pay down debt. CEO Darren Entwistle said the sale would enhance network operations, while CFO Doug French noted it’s one of several debt-reduction strategies. Telus did not disclose the potential sale’s estimated value but emphasized transparency with stakeholders.

• Oil: Canadian oil producers are benefiting from reduced discounts on Western Canada Select (WCS), which recently narrowed to $9.75 per barrel, the smallest since late 2020. This is due to U.S. President Donald Trump's actions, including revoking Venezuela's oil production license and imposing tariffs, increasing U.S. demand for Canadian heavy crude. The completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion has also boosted Canadian exports, with record shipments of 643,000 bpd expected in March. However, OPEC+ may soon increase heavy crude supply, which could end this windfall.

• Markets: Canada's S&P/TSX composite index rose 24.69 points to 25,185.75, driven by strength in the telecommunications sector. In the U.S., the Dow Jones dipped 6.56 points to 42,448.23, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq gained 12.61 and 48.49 points, respectively. The Canadian dollar fell to 69.93 cents US, while gold increased by $43.90 to $3,096.20 an ounce. Crude oil was up $0.21 to $69.86 per barrel, and natural gas dropped $0.05 to $3.82 per mmBTU.

• Dollarama: Dollarama Inc. is acquiring Australian discount retailer Reject Shop Ltd. for A$259 million (US$163 million), offering A$6.68 per share — more than double Wednesday’s closing price of A$3.15. Reject Shop shares surged 111% after the announcement, marking a record gain. Reject Shop, with over 390 stores, is Australia’s largest discount retailer, while Dollarama operates 1,600+ outlets in Canada and owns 60% of Dollarcity in Latin America. Kin Group, holding a 20.8% stake, plans to accept the offer.

• RBC: Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) CEO Dave McKay warned of near-term headwinds due to economic uncertainty, softening business performance, and tariffs impacting commercial client sentiment. While lower interest rates offer some relief, companies are deferring investments amid uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% auto import tariffs set to take effect next week. Despite challenges, McKay emphasized the need for a long-term economic agenda to boost competition and prosperity.

Why ‘Elbows Up’ Is a Slap in the Face to Working Canadians

The stock market and stuff

• Lundin Mining Cuts Dividend By 69% In Favor Of Share Buybacks (theDeepDive)

• Ferrari says it will raise prices by 10% on some models to offset auto tariffs (CNBC)

• SoftBank Set to Lead Massive $40 Billion Investment in OpenAI (theDeepDive)

• Nvidia to anchor CoreWeave IPO at $40 a share, source says (CNBC)

• GameStop Reports Upswing In Net Income Despite 28% Sales Drop (theDeepDive)

In the juniors

• Hot Chili Outlines $1.2 Billion Net Present Value For Costa Fuego In Pre-Feasibility Study (theDeepDive)

• Jaguar Mining Agrees To US$10 Million In Victim Compensation For Tailings Landslide (theDeepDive)

• Aya Gold & Silver Drills 3,794 g/t Silver Over 10 Metres At Zgounder (theDeepDive)

FULL DISCLOSURE: Nations Royalty is a client of Canacom Group, the parent company of The Deep Dive. Canacom Group is long the equity of Nations Royalty. The author has been compensated to cover Nations Royalty on The Deep Dive, with The Deep Dive having full editorial control. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security.