Source: United Nations (Video News)
Danny Danon, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivers informal comments to the media regarding the recent Houthi attack on Israel. He also discusses other key topics during the Security Council media stakeout.
Source: European Parliament
Türkiye’s geopolitical and strategic importance cannot make up for the government’s democratic backsliding, and EU membership criteria are not up for negotiation, MEPs say.
Under current circumstances, despite the democratic and pro-European aspirations of a large part of Turkish society, Türkiye’s EU accession process cannot resume, MEPs say in a report adopted on Wednesday with 367 votes in favour, 74 against and 188 abstentions.
The Turkish government has failed to address fundamental democratic shortcomings, the report says, pointing to the increasing shift within the EU towards “a different framework for the relationship, which might come at the expense of the accession process”. Parliament urges the Turkish government, the EU institutions and EU member states to continue working towards a closer, more dynamic and strategic partnership with particular emphasis on climate action, energy security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and regional stability.
EU membership criteria are not up for negotiation
MEPs are deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of democratic standards in Türkiye and by the relentless suppression of critical voices. They condemn the harsh crackdown on the recent peaceful mass protests and the prosecution of hundreds of protesters through hasty mass trials lacking any evidence of criminal wrongdoing.. MEPs also consider the attacks against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu are a politically motivated move aimed at preventing a legitimate challenger from standing in the upcoming elections. With these actions the current Turkish authorities are pushing the country further towards a fully authoritarian model.
EU membership is contingent on fulfilling specific accession criteria, such as stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, respect for and the protection of minorities, good neighbourly relations, compliance with international law and alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy. These are absolute criteria, not matters subject to transactional strategic considerations or negotiations, the report says
MEPs also condemn the recent illegal visit of President Erdogan to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus and his “provocative statements” as a unilateral action and tantamount to a direct illegitimate intervention against the interests of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.
They stress that the democratic and pro-European aspirations of the majority of Turkish society, particularly among Turkish youth, are a major reason for keeping Türkiye’s accession process alive, even if frozen.
Deeper cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest
MEPs acknowledge Türkiye’s strategic and geopolitical importance, and its increasing presence and influence in areas critical for international security, such as the Black Sea region, Ukraine and the Middle East. Türkiye is a strategic partner and a NATO ally. It is also a country with which the EU has close relations in security, trade, economy and migration, MEPs add. Therefore, it is important to maintain a constructive dialogue and to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest. However, democratic backsliding and non-alignment with EU common foreign and security policy are not conducive to significant progress being made in that regard, MEPs warn.
Quote
The rapporteur, Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, ES), said: “We are constantly hearing from Turkish authorities about their supposed commitment to EU membership and how important it is for us to revive this process due to security and geopolitics, but they have got it wrong. Membership is about democracy, and the further they push towards a full authoritarian model – as observed recently with Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest – the further they move away from EU membership.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) released the following statement on recent developments in the Middle East:
“As the Middle East continues to be a tinder box of tensions, it is critical that the United States maintain its work with our partners to counter Iran and other extremist groups and bring stability to the region. During my limited time in Congress, I have been to the Middle East more than any other region in an effort to ensure that countries, including Israel, continue their commitment to work with the U.S. to achieve peace. This includes establishing mechanisms that prevent Iran from furthering tensions and diplomatic efforts to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Israel has the right and obligation to defeat Hamas and rescue the remaining 59 hostages still held in Gaza. At the same time, it is critical that Israel enables the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. During the recent ceasefire, Israel surged humanitarian supplies into Gaza, including 25,000 trucks full of food, essential medicine, and fuel. Unfortunately, Hamas prevented or negated some of that aid from reaching civilians in dire need. While the temporary truce allowed for the release of hostages, the ceasefire was ended in March after Hamas refused to cooperate on any further release of hostages. Israel subsequently issued a blockade of Gaza to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages and negotiate a regional security plan. However, this restriction has impacted Palestinian civilians by furthering suffering and malnutrition in Gaza and creating resentment in the region.
“Israel will defend itself against Iran and its proxies of Hamas, Hezbollah, and others. Yet, those extremist groups drive chaos, recruit, and garner support from the suffering of civilian populations in war zones. Israel’s security will be enhanced when stable governing structures emerge in those places where Iran’s proxies act. That starts with Israel immediately allowing humanitarian assistance back into Gaza to alleviate suffering. Hamas must release every hostage now. Israel must continue to work with the U.S. and Arab partners in the region to support Palestinian leadership that can be an alternative to Hamas. The cycle of regional conflict that has been devastating to civilian populations will be broken only with the foundation of humanity, stability, and security.
“As threats from Iran and its proxy networks persist across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, the United States will continue its work with willing partners to confront terrorism, counter the spread of radical influence, and protect regional energy infrastructure and international shipping lanes. The United States can do that by continuing to build a coalition of partners to deter Iran. Israel will be a part of that effort, while it works to defeat Hamas and immediately deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. That would help stop the suffering of Palestinians and provide a foundation of stability and security for Israel and a path to peace in the Middle East.”
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Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001699/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
The CHP leader confirmed reports about a corruption scandal in Türkiye and occupied Cyprus, denouncing a bribery case in the Occupied Territories, referring to five lost videos that the Turkish National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) is looking for, and naming the sons of former Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The case relates to Halil Falyalı, a mafia boss in the Occupied Territories, who possessed 45 video recordings for blackmailing politicians and bureaucrats. The CHP claimed that the pseudo-ambassador of the Occupied Territories was connected to organised crime, revealing the existence of ‘missing video recordings’. He also reinforced the allegations, stating that the blackmail network includes top officials in the Turkish Government, with the involvement of Cemil Önal, Falyalı’s former finance director. It is worth noting Sedat Peker’s earlier revelations.
In view of the above:
Submitted: 29.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001700/2025
to the Council
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
Over the past 70 years, Greeks have suffered significant persecution by Türkiye, with serious consequences for Hellenism in its ancestral homeland.
In 1955, the September Pogrom in Constantinople was a tragic climax of tension: Greek property was looted, churches were destroyed and thousands of Greeks were expelled. In 1964, the Turkish Government ordered the expulsion of Greek nationals and the confiscation of their property, further reducing the Greek population of Constantinople. At the same time, the situation on Imbros and Tenedos worsened, as Türkiye violated international agreements and effectively altered the ethnological character of the islands. To this day, the Greeks of Constantinople, Imbros and Tenedos remain very few in number, bearing the scars of displacement and oppression, with over 99 per cent having sought asylum in order to survive outside Türkiye.
Certainly, the invasion of Cyprus in 1974 brought a new wave of refugees and ethnic cleansing against Hellenism by the Turkish military forces who illegally invaded, occupied and purged the Greeks on over one third of the island.
Clearly, it is absolutely essential to protect human rights and cultural heritage, especially when it comes to Greek (European) citizens.
In view of this:
Submitted: 29.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001728/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Sophie Wilmès (Renew)
Samidoun: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network is linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which is considered to be a terrorist organisation by the EU. Samidoun also has links with terrorist groups such as the Islamic Resistance Movement, also known as Hamas, and actively supports the latter’s actions. As a result, some countries have imposed sanctions on Samidoun. Germany, for example, has prohibited and dismantled the organisation.
Given this, several MEPs sent a written question (Written Question E-003092/2023/rev.1[1]) to the former Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, in 2023 to find out whether Borrell intended to propose adding Samidoun to the EU’s list of terrorist organisations. He replied that such an inclusion could only be made ‘on the basis of precise information and material in the national file indicating that such a decision is conforming to the requirements of CP 931’ (Council Common Position of 27 December 2001 on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism).
Therefore, does the Commission intend to propose adding Samidoun to the EU list of terrorist organisations?
Submitted: 30.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001794/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Lynn Boylan (The Left)
In the early hours of 2 May 2025, the Conscience – a vessel that is part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla – was attacked by a drone in international waters and sustained significant damage.
The Gaza Freedom Flotilla is seeking to break the blockade of Gaza, which is now so severe that no humanitarian aid has entered since the ceasefire was broken by Israel in March 2025. EU citizens were present, on board the ship, when it was attacked.
Thus far, Israeli officials have refused to comment on the attack.
Will the VP/HR:
Submitted: 2.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001801/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE)
On 15 January 2025, in a written response, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič stated that the ‘EU positions and policies are fully aligned’ with the UN General Assembly resolution of 13 September 2024[1].
However, this resolution, recalling the conclusions of the 19 July 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), calls on all states ‘to take steps towards ceasing the importation of any products originating in the Israeli settlements’.
Submitted: 5.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
The Commission has made combating antisemitism and hate a political priority. There is no place for antisemitism or any form of hatred and violence in the EU[1].
The Commission recommends the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition as a practical guidance and useful tool, in particular for education and training purposes for teachers, Non-Governmental Organisations, state authorities and the media in line with the 2024 Council declaration on fostering Jewish life and combating antisemitism[2], the 2022 Council Conclusions on combating racism and antisemitism[3] and the 2018 EU Council declaration on combating antisemitism[4].
As also stated in the first progress report of the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life[5], to date, 25 Member States have adopted or endorsed the IHRA working definition of antisemitism[6].
The IHRA definition states that criticism of Israel similar to that levelled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. Israel-related antisemitism is the most frequent form experienced online[7] and the EU is working towards an EU free from antisemitism.
The non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism by the IHRA serves as a benchmark for the Commission’s work to combat antisemitism. EU funding is used for projects in line and for the implementation of the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.
Source: WTO
Headline: DG Okonjo-Iweala: Broad agreement on WTO reform as “central priority” for MC14
“We are now in the midst of one of the largest disruptions in world trade in history,” the Director-General told members. “But we are also now less than a year away from MC14, and we must think of what we need to do to maximize our chances for success there, including tackling some of the issues thrown up by this trade crisis.”
Against this backdrop, DG Okonjo-Iweala said, she has spent the past few weeks engaging with members to discuss what might constitute a credible roadmap to MC14, which will begin on 26 March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The Director-General said members stressed the importance of MC14 sending a clear political message reaffirming the WTO’s relevance and resilience amidst ongoing global uncertainty. There was also strong support for prioritizing WTO repositioning and reform at MC14, she noted.
In regard to substance, many members have proposed forward-looking corrective actions to inadequacies in the WTO’s existing rulebook, together with reforms across core functions, including monitoring and transparency, negotiations, and dispute settlement, she said.
“The present disruption is seen as a vital opportunity to address the system’s weaknesses and reposition the WTO for the future,” the Director-General said. “We must not waste a crisis.”
As part of this, workstreams could be established on issues such as dispute settlement reform, how to ensure the current WTO agreements remain dynamic and relevant, and looking at future trade rules so that the WTO remains responsive to evolving needs, the Director-General said.
She proposed a phased approach, consisting of a facilitator-led scoping exercise prior to MC14, ministerial guidance at MC14 on actionable steps for moving forward, and post-MC14 implementation within the workstreams, with the view to presenting concrete outcomes for endorsement at the 15th Ministerial Conference or earlier.
“We must seize this reform opportunity with seriousness and urgency,” the Director-General declared. Members “need to consider not what the organization can do for us, but what we are willing to give up to reform the organization so it can survive and thrive.”
The Director-General noted other priority areas identified for MC14, including agriculture, the “second wave” of fisheries subsidies negotiations, the e-commerce work programme and moratorium, the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the joint initiative e-commerce agreement into the WTO framework, and development issues.
On all these issues, a stocktaking of the progress made will take place in July, and by December members “will need to make a clear decision on which negotiating issues are mature enough to be carried forward to MC14, and which are not,” the Director-General said. “The overarching goal in all this is to enable productive and meaningful ministerial engagement in Yaoundé.”
Reports from negotiating chairs
Members received updates from the chairs of the ongoing WTO negotiations on agriculture, fisheries subsidies, trade and development, the establishment of a multilateral system of notification and registration of geographical indications for wines and spirits, trade and environment, and services.
Reporting in his capacity as Chair of the agriculture negotiations, Ambassador Ali Sarfraz Hussain (Pakistan) noted his consultations with members and the first negotiating group meeting since his appointment as Chair earlier this year. He said there was “broad recognition” that delivering an outcome on agriculture is “critical for reinforcing the credibility of the WTO” but acknowledged that on substance, “the main positions have not shifted significantly.”
On the way forward, the Chair said he would first give proponents space to intensify their engagement and then hold targeted meetings with both proponents and non-proponents to explore ways forward. This would be followed by open-ended meetings of the negotiating group, whenever needed, to ensure full transparency and inclusivity. This could lead to a stocktaking event in late September or early October after which members will collectively assess the progress made and decide on the best path forward, including the nature of any possible outcomes at MC14.
Reporting in his capacity as the Chair of the fisheries subsidies negotiations, Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson (Iceland) noted that he led a series of bilateral consultations in late March/early April to hear views on the next steps. In light of this, the Chair said he would organize meetings over the coming weeks to exchange views on the “second wave” negotiations as well as the entry into force and implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, where 14 acceptances are still needed.
In regard to the former, the Chair said four focused sessions would take place to give members the opportunity to bring a new thinking into the negotiations that could unlock the current stalemate. Noting that an existing draft text exists which embodies “painstaking negotiation and numerous hard-fought compromises,” the Chair said: “We need not reinvent the wheel … with the right level of engagement and flexibility, meaningful progress remains within reach.”
Reporting in her capacity as Chair of the negotiations on trade and development, Ambassador Kadra Hassan (Djibouti) noted that work is continuing through the facilitator-led processes in three areas of work: sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade; technology transfer; and trade-related investment measures. She also noted the mandate from ministers at MC13 to continue work on the application of special and differential treatment provisions under various WTO agreements. With MC14 drawing closer, the Chair called for “further flexibility, creativity and pragmatism from all delegations” in order to achieve outcomes.
Ambassador Alfredo Suescum (Panama), Chair of the negotiations on the multilateral register for wines and spirits, said that no new proposals have been submitted and that members’ underlying positions remain unchanged. Ambassador Eunice M. Tembo Luambia (Zambia), Chair of the negotiations on trade and environment, said that her consultations with members made clear that WTO members “have no appetite to engage in negotiations on this topic at this time.”
Ambassador Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid (Nigeria), Chair of the services negotiations, said he was in the process of consulting with members on the way forward in view of the built-in mandate to improve schedules of commitments, as well as the call by ministers at MC13 to reinvigorate work.
General Council Chair report on informal consultations
The Chair of the General Council, Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of), reported on his recent informal consultations with members to explore the nexus between the current economic climate and its impact on the multilateral trading system.
The assessment is clear, the Chair said: “The situation is challenging, but our resolve must be stronger. There is a firm belief that the WTO and the rules-based multilateral trading system it embodies must remain a cornerstone of our collective response to the challenges. Indeed, many members see this as an opportunity for the WTO to reaffirm its relevance and proactively address the current situation.”
The Chair said he was considering convening an informal information session at the level of heads of delegations. This would start with a factual presentation on the current situation by WTO economists followed by a forward-looking exchange among heads of delegations on steps the WTO could take to address these impacts, particularly for the most vulnerable economies.
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Source: World Trade Organization
In her opening remarks, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that sustainable agriculture remains at the core of the WTO’s work and of critical importance to all members.
“Agriculture is not merely another sector. It is the backbone of many economies, a huge employer in many countries, the lifeblood of rural development and the foundation of food security and nutrition. No society can be stable economically, financially or socially if its people are unable to reliably access affordable and nutritious food,” she said.
The Chair of the General Council, Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel of Saudi Arabia, underlined the importance of the retreat as the world stands at a critical juncture in global development.
“With the world’s population expected to exceed 10 billion by 2050, the demand for food and resources is increasing exponentially. The intersection of trade and sustainable agriculture has never been more essential. It is key to achieving global food and livelihood security, promoting rural development, fostering economic growth and building environmental resilience,” he said.
Experts from international and regional organizations shared insights on the foundational elements of sustainable agriculture, helping WTO members over the two-day retreat to engage, understand key issues, and appreciate diverse local and regional contexts.
Takeaways from the retreat and suggestions from the chair will be circulated to members in the coming days.
Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies
James Glenday, Host: On federal politics, Don Farrell joins us now from Parliament House. Don, good morning and welcome back to News Breakfast.
Trade Minister, Don Farrell: Good morning, James.
Glenday: On the final sitting day, could you have imagined returning to Canberra knowing that you’d knocked off the Liberal Party’s leader, Peter Dutton, and the leader of The Greens, Adam Bandt as well?
Minister Farrell: Well, the truth is, James, I don’t think anybody could have predicted that. I was confident, based on the work that we’d done over the previous three years, especially in my space, of trade, that we would be returned and returned with a majority. But even I couldn’t believe the results as they came in on Saturday night. I think the Greens have suffered because so many times in the last Parliament they blocked sensible policies of the Albanese Government. They voted with the Coalition in the Senate to block, for instance, legislation on housing, sensible housing policy, and I think they’ve paid the political price for that.
Glenday: This outcome must be deeply satisfying for you. Personally, I just wonder, have you ever felt so satisfied after an election win? Where does this rank? Is it the sweetest victory, almost a fairytale for Labor?
Minister Farrell: Look, it doesn’t, doesn’t get any better than this, James. When you’ve been involved in politics as long as I have, this has to be the sweetest victory of all.
Glenday: There you go. Now there’s a trade war happening. I’m not sure where you’re going to end up, but if you are reinstalled as Trade Minister, you’ll have a lot on your plate. Do you know where you’ll head?
Minister Farrell: First of all, look, we’ve got a number of objectives that we will need to prosecute and prosecute very quickly. On election night I got messages from my European colleagues, they’re very keen to re-engage and have another crack at an EU free trade agreement. The EU has 450 million people, and a $17 trillion economy. They’ll be very important if we can get a breakthrough there. The Indians also contacted me. We were very close to a new free trade agreement with them and I think we can move very quickly now to finalise that agreement. And of course, in the next few weeks, our new free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates, which sends all of our products into the UAE tariff free, will come into force and that will be important. And of course we, we want to continue discussions with the United States. We believe in free and fair trade and that’s the argument we’ll be prosecuting with them.
Glenday: I think it’ll be closely watched. Do you expect to head to either China or to the States first?
Minister Farrell: Look, we’ll worry about that after we know who the new Trade Minister is next week.
Glenday: That’s fair.
Minister Farrell: But we will move very quickly to ensure that Australia’s interests are protected here. China, of course, is our largest trading partner. We’re concerned about the tariff war between China and the United States. We believe in free and fair trade and we think that those tariffs should be removed on China.
Glenday: Okay. You are a factional leader of the Labor right. You were once unkindly referred to as a faceless man. Of course you do have a face. And here you are speaking to us. What are you asking the Prime Minister for though? You’ve got a lot of influence as these Ministerial portfolios are carved up.
Minister Farrell: A face that a mother could love. And they do call me other things too, by the way. That’s not the only thing they call me. Look, I’m not going to give the Prime Minister any advice on what he should do. He’s won a fabulous victory here. He ran a flawless campaign. His strategy throughout the whole of the last term was about getting reelected and continuing the policies that we took to the election. I’m very happy to leave it all to him and to accept whatever he might wish me to do in the new government.
Glenday: Ok, just before I let you go, I want to get you on an international issue that’s been developing. Has the Albanese government made any contact with India or Pakistan regarding these cross border strikes we’re seeing?
Minister Farrell: Look, that’s an issue of course, that is in the hands of our very competent and successful Foreign Minister, Penny Wong. But of course we don’t want to see any conflict in our region. We’d like to see an end to the conflict in the Middle East, the conflict in Ukraine, Russia, and we certainly don’t want to see any conflict in our own region.
Glenday: And Don, just one last one. We saw smoke this morning from the Vatican. You went to the Pope’s funeral. I’m not sure what that was like, but do you have a personal preference of who the next Pope should be or the direction of the Catholic Church? I’m guessing this is outside the bounds of your factional influence.
Minister Farrell: Well, as a matter of fact, James, I do have a personal favourite in the Conclave at the moment. And that is the Australian – Ukrainian Cardinal, Cardinal Bychok. I was lucky enough to meet with him twice while I was in Rome. He’s a very, very fine man. A very holy man. I’d like to see him as the next pope. My wife, on the other hand, who’s Filipino, she would like to see Cardinal Tagle as the next pope. And we also had the opportunity of meeting him at the Vatican. So, there’s a couple of candidates for you, James.
Glenday: There you go. Well, we’ll have to wait and see if you’ve backed a winner there, Don Farrell, the Trade Minister. Perhaps the continuing Trade Minister. We’ll wait and see for that as well. Thank you so much for joining News Breakfast this morning.
Minister Farrell: Thanks, James.
PSNA and the NZ Māori Council are jointly publishing advertisements today in the Post, Press and Waikato Times calling on the government to end its silence and take action on the Israeli genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza.
The Israeli blockage on all food, fuel and other essential supplies entering Gaza is now into its third month.
PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says, during the first year or so of the Israeli genocide in Gaza, Foreign Minister Winston Peters had been making statements warning Israel that it must not break the rules of international humanitarian law.
“Israel went ahead and flattened all of Gaza, displaced most of the people in the region and is now starving them. Israeli forces have killed tens of thousands – mostly civilians. It has attacked an international aid convoy in the western Mediterranean. It is bombing Syria again. These are all clearly war crimes.”
“Our government’s response has been to stop saying anything. It is giving licence to Israel to do anything it wants.”
“Since our advertisement was signed off, Israel has announced it will intensify its attacks on Gaza, openly declared its plans to cleanse the Palestinian population and that its forces will remain in Gaza indefinitely, leading to a return of Israeli settlements there.
“Added to the increasing rate of ethnic cleansing in the Occupied West Bank, Israel has clearly signalled it intends to finish the job of depopulating Palestine of Palestinians which it began in 1948,” Minto says.
In the UK parliament MPs from across the house have united in condemning Israel’s actions but not a peep from our government. (ref. https://youtube.com/watch?v=f9dws0yuaPY&feature=shared )
We expect the media to hold this government to account for its silent complicity with Israel’s heinous crimes.
John Minto
Co-National Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese vice premier meets chairman of management committee of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
BEIJING, May 7 — Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with Majed Al Romaithi, chairman of the Management Committee of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) of the United Arab Emirates, in Beijing on Wednesday.
He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China’s economy got off to a good start this year, with solid progress in high-quality development and continued improvements in social confidence and expectations.
China is continuing to deepen its reform comprehensively, and making efforts to promote high-level opening-up in various fields such as finance, He noted, adding that China welcomes foreign financial institutions including the ADIA and long-term investors to engage in business in China and share in its development opportunities.
Majed said the ADIA is optimistic about China’s economic prospects and is looking forward to conducting cooperation and exchanges with China in different fields.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Wednesday dismissed a recent media report and the speculations about a proposal by Tehran on direct nuclear talks with Washington and an imminent meeting between the Iranian and U.S. presidents.
He made the remarks to Iran’s Press TV while reacting to a recent report by the Israeli news website Ynet, which claimed that Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had approached U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, requesting direct nuclear negotiations with the U.S. delegation due to “frustration” with Omani mediation efforts to bridge the gap between the two sides.
Baghaei also rejected media speculations that U.S. President Donald Trump, during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia next week, may meet with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian.
The spokesman described the media report and rumors as “fabricated and baseless,” saying that “all updates on Iran’s diplomatic activities, including indirect talks with the United States, are communicated transparently, professionally, and in a timely manner by the (Iranian) Foreign Ministry.”
The delegations of Iran and the United States, headed by Araghchi and Witkoff, have so far held three rounds of indirect talks. The first and third rounds were held in the Omani capital Muscat on April 12 and April 26, and the second one in Rome on April 19.
The fourth round, which was originally scheduled for May 3 in Rome, was postponed due to what the mediator Oman described as “logistical reasons.”
Nour News, affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported Tuesday that the fourth round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States would be held in Muscat on Sunday. However, Baghaei said earlier on Wednesday that the definite date and venue of the fourth round of Iran-U.S. dialogue have not been determined yet.
Source: US State of California
An indictment was unsealed today in the Southern District of New York charging Tarek Bazrouk 20, of New York, New York, with three counts of committing hate crimes in connection with his repeated assaults of Jewish victims in New York City between 2024 and 2025. Bazrouk was arrested this morning and will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.
“The Civil Rights Division will continue to relentlessly pursue allegations of antisemitic violence and will not stop until justice is served for the victims and their families,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under Attorney General Pam Bondi’s leadership, we will use all available resources to investigate and charge those who target and assault others because of their faith.”
“As alleged, on three separate occasions, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately targeted and assaulted Jewish victims at protests relating to the Israel/Gaza war,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “Despite being arrested after each incident, Bazrouk allegedly remained undeterred and quickly returned to using violence to target Jews in New York City. This Office is dedicated to seeking justice for victims of hate crimes and will aggressively prosecute those who spread bigotry and discrimination through violence.”
According to court documents, other public filings, and statements previously made on the record in this case, over the course of approximately nine months, Bazrouk physically assaulted three Jewish individuals at protests concerning the Israel/Gaza war. First, on April 15, 2024, Bazrouk — while wearing a green headband typically worn by Hamas terrorists — attended a protest concerning the Israel/Gaza war in Lower Manhattan, outside the New York Stock Exchange. During the protest, Bazrouk was arrested by officers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) after lunging at a group of pro-Israel protestors. As Bazrouk was being escorted to an NYPD vehicle, Bazrouk kicked a different individual — Victim-1, a Jewish college student — in the stomach. At the time of the assault, Victim-1 was standing near other Jewish protestors, who were wearing kippahs (that is, brimless skullcaps traditionally worn by Jewish men), carrying Israeli flags, and singing Jewish songs.
Approximately eight months later, on Dec. 9, 2024, Bazrouk assaulted another individual at a protest relating to the Israel/Gaza war next to a university campus in upper Manhattan. The victim of the second assault — Victim-2 — is a Jewish student who attended the nearby university. On the date of the assault, Victim-2 and his brother were wearing kippahs, Victim-2 had an Israeli flag draped around his shoulders, and Victim-2 was singing Jewish songs. As the protest continued, Bazrouk — with his mouth covered — stole an Israeli flag from Victim-2’s brother and fled. After Victim-2 and his brother followed Bazrouk through a crowd to retrieve the flag, Bazrouk snuck up beside Victim-2 and struck him in the face with a closed fist.
Roughly one month later, on Jan. 6, 2025, Bazrouk assaulted a third Jewish victim — Victim-3 — at a protest concerning the Israel/Gaza war near 1st Avenue and East 18th Street in Manhattan. At this protest, Victim-3 was wearing an Israeli flag around his shoulders, a hat with an Israeli flag, and a chain with a Jewish star. During the protest, Bazrouk, who was wearing a keffiyeh on his face, made contact with Victim-3’s shoulder and wrapped his foot around Victim-3’s ankle. Victim-3 attempted to push BAZROUK away and cursed at him. Bazrouk then punched Victim-3 in the nose with a closed fist.
“Over the course of nine months, Tarek Bazrouk allegedly targeted and violently attacked multiple Jewish victims in a series of physical assaults, while demonstrating a pattern of supporting anti-Semitic terrorist organizations,” said Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia of the FBI New York Field Office. “These alleged hate crimes not only violated the victims’ ability to exercise their first amendment rights, but also intimidated and sparked fear among a broader population. The FBI won’t tolerate this behavior and will apprehend any individual who commits a federal crime seeking to harm others for their religious beliefs.”
“As alleged, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately set out to harm Jewish New Yorkers — targeting them at protests, singling them out, and assaulting them for nothing more than their identity,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “The NYPD worked closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to track him down and ensure he faces real consequences. Antisemitism and all forms of bigotry have no home here in New York — period. New Yorkers of all faiths are welcome to live and worship in our city freely, and we will never stop fighting to protect that right.”
According to court documents, pursuant to judicially authorized warrants, law enforcement subsequently searched a cellphone used by Bazrouk. Evidence from that device revealed Bazrouk’s anti-Semitic bias and his support for anti-Jewish terrorist groups including Hamas, demonstrating his motivation for repeatedly assaulting Jewish victims. In text messages, for example, Bazrouk identified himself as a “Jew hater,” labeled Jews as “worthless,” extorted “Allah” to “get us rid of [Jews],” called an acquittance a “Fucking Jew,” and told a friend to “slap that bitch” in reference to a woman with an Israeli sticker on her laptop. Bazrouk also told a friend that he was “mad happy” to have learned that certain of his family members overseas are part of Hamas. Bazrouk’s phone was also littered with pro-Hamas and pro-Hizballah propaganda, showing his support for organizations that have murdered thousands of Jews and Israelis.
Bazrouk is charged with three counts of committing hate crimes, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The maximum potential penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD for their assistance.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Jim Ligtenberg for the Southern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: United States Attorneys General
An indictment was unsealed today in the Southern District of New York charging Tarek Bazrouk 20, of New York, New York, with three counts of committing hate crimes in connection with his repeated assaults of Jewish victims in New York City between 2024 and 2025. Bazrouk was arrested this morning and will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.
“The Civil Rights Division will continue to relentlessly pursue allegations of antisemitic violence and will not stop until justice is served for the victims and their families,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under Attorney General Pam Bondi’s leadership, we will use all available resources to investigate and charge those who target and assault others because of their faith.”
“As alleged, on three separate occasions, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately targeted and assaulted Jewish victims at protests relating to the Israel/Gaza war,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “Despite being arrested after each incident, Bazrouk allegedly remained undeterred and quickly returned to using violence to target Jews in New York City. This Office is dedicated to seeking justice for victims of hate crimes and will aggressively prosecute those who spread bigotry and discrimination through violence.”
According to court documents, other public filings, and statements previously made on the record in this case, over the course of approximately nine months, Bazrouk physically assaulted three Jewish individuals at protests concerning the Israel/Gaza war. First, on April 15, 2024, Bazrouk — while wearing a green headband typically worn by Hamas terrorists — attended a protest concerning the Israel/Gaza war in Lower Manhattan, outside the New York Stock Exchange. During the protest, Bazrouk was arrested by officers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) after lunging at a group of pro-Israel protestors. As Bazrouk was being escorted to an NYPD vehicle, Bazrouk kicked a different individual — Victim-1, a Jewish college student — in the stomach. At the time of the assault, Victim-1 was standing near other Jewish protestors, who were wearing kippahs (that is, brimless skullcaps traditionally worn by Jewish men), carrying Israeli flags, and singing Jewish songs.
Approximately eight months later, on Dec. 9, 2024, Bazrouk assaulted another individual at a protest relating to the Israel/Gaza war next to a university campus in upper Manhattan. The victim of the second assault — Victim-2 — is a Jewish student who attended the nearby university. On the date of the assault, Victim-2 and his brother were wearing kippahs, Victim-2 had an Israeli flag draped around his shoulders, and Victim-2 was singing Jewish songs. As the protest continued, Bazrouk — with his mouth covered — stole an Israeli flag from Victim-2’s brother and fled. After Victim-2 and his brother followed Bazrouk through a crowd to retrieve the flag, Bazrouk snuck up beside Victim-2 and struck him in the face with a closed fist.
Roughly one month later, on Jan. 6, 2025, Bazrouk assaulted a third Jewish victim — Victim-3 — at a protest concerning the Israel/Gaza war near 1st Avenue and East 18th Street in Manhattan. At this protest, Victim-3 was wearing an Israeli flag around his shoulders, a hat with an Israeli flag, and a chain with a Jewish star. During the protest, Bazrouk, who was wearing a keffiyeh on his face, made contact with Victim-3’s shoulder and wrapped his foot around Victim-3’s ankle. Victim-3 attempted to push BAZROUK away and cursed at him. Bazrouk then punched Victim-3 in the nose with a closed fist.
“Over the course of nine months, Tarek Bazrouk allegedly targeted and violently attacked multiple Jewish victims in a series of physical assaults, while demonstrating a pattern of supporting anti-Semitic terrorist organizations,” said Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia of the FBI New York Field Office. “These alleged hate crimes not only violated the victims’ ability to exercise their first amendment rights, but also intimidated and sparked fear among a broader population. The FBI won’t tolerate this behavior and will apprehend any individual who commits a federal crime seeking to harm others for their religious beliefs.”
“As alleged, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately set out to harm Jewish New Yorkers — targeting them at protests, singling them out, and assaulting them for nothing more than their identity,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “The NYPD worked closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to track him down and ensure he faces real consequences. Antisemitism and all forms of bigotry have no home here in New York — period. New Yorkers of all faiths are welcome to live and worship in our city freely, and we will never stop fighting to protect that right.”
According to court documents, pursuant to judicially authorized warrants, law enforcement subsequently searched a cellphone used by Bazrouk. Evidence from that device revealed Bazrouk’s anti-Semitic bias and his support for anti-Jewish terrorist groups including Hamas, demonstrating his motivation for repeatedly assaulting Jewish victims. In text messages, for example, Bazrouk identified himself as a “Jew hater,” labeled Jews as “worthless,” extorted “Allah” to “get us rid of [Jews],” called an acquittance a “Fucking Jew,” and told a friend to “slap that bitch” in reference to a woman with an Israeli sticker on her laptop. Bazrouk also told a friend that he was “mad happy” to have learned that certain of his family members overseas are part of Hamas. Bazrouk’s phone was also littered with pro-Hamas and pro-Hizballah propaganda, showing his support for organizations that have murdered thousands of Jews and Israelis.
Bazrouk is charged with three counts of committing hate crimes, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The maximum potential penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD for their assistance.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Jim Ligtenberg for the Southern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)
U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Ami Bera (D-CA-06) are leading 94 House Democrats in calling for the Israeli government to immediately resume shipments of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
“As supporters of a strong US-Israel relationship, we write to express our opposition to the current Israeli government policy to block all humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “In addition to the harm imposed on Palestinian civilians, it is strategically counterproductive and will only hurt Israel’s international standing and long term security. While we share concerns about Hamas diverting humanitarian assistance, we encourage your government to work with the United States, alongside humanitarian organizations, to do everything possible to minimize the risk of diverted resources without harming civilians.”
Resuming humanitarian aid in Gaza is an urgent need.
In their letter, the lawmakers underscore, “…nine weeks into the total blockade, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza are staggering, leading to new levels of despair for Palestinian civilians. Food stockpiles from the ceasefire have been largely depleted, and the World Food Programme has stated that all 25 subsidized bakeries across Gaza have been forced to close without enough cooking gas or flour.”
This letter further emphasizes the need for putting the region on a path towards security and stability.
“We implore your government to resume the flow of aid into Gaza. We also reiterate our support for a renewed ceasefire and hostage release deal to finally end this war — the only option to alleviate the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians,” the lawmakers concluded.
For a full copy of the letter, click here.
Rep. Carbajal has been a leader in pushing for delivering humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Since the fall of 2023, Rep. Carbajal has persistently called for the passage of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in the Gaza Strip. In May of 2024, Rep. Carbajal raised significant concerns over Israel’s severe restriction of humanitarian goods amid mounting civilian deaths.
In the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel, Rep. Carbajal voted to formally condemn Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks, call for swift support for both Israel’s security needs and humanitarian relief to help innocent civilians in Gaza, and to cut off funding sources for terrorist organizations in the region.
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
The Government is encouraging New Zealanders to mark Victory in Europe Day’s 80th anniversary today by paying tribute to those who fought for freedom and peace.
“On the 8th of May 1945, the Second World War in Europe came to an end, bringing relief and hope to millions after six years of devastating conflict,” Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“Today marks a significant milestone in world history, and a poignant moment for New Zealand.
“I encourage all New Zealanders to commemorate this day in their own way. Whether that is by laying a tribute at a local war memorial, pausing to take a moment of quiet reflection, or simply learning more about New Zealand’s effort in this global fight for peace,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“New Zealand played a crucial role in the Second World War, with about 140,000 New Zealanders serving in military forces overseas,” Defence Minister Judith Collins says.
“By the end of the war, nearly 12,000 New Zealanders had lost their lives, and 9,000 had been taken as prisoners of war. Many more served on the home front, supporting the war effort in numerous ways.”
“The nation’s contributions spanned various theatres of war, from Egypt, Italy, and Greece to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and our people lie in cemeteries around the world.
“We must never forget their service and their sacrifice,” Ms Collins says.
“VE day is a time to remember the immense sacrifice of all who contributed to the Second World War effort, in particular our veterans, of whom fewer than 100 remain with us,” Veterans Minister Chris Penk says.
“As we honour this significant anniversary, we reflect on the courage of those who fought for peace and acknowledge that the most meaningful way to uphold their legacy is by striving for a world free from conflict.”
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage has detailed a variety of ways people can commemorate this significant moment on its website.
The Second World War ended for New Zealand on 15 August 1945, when conflict ceased in the Asia-Pacific region with Japan’s surrender.
Leila Serhan, Senior Vice President at Visa and Group Country Manager for the North Africa, Levant and Pakistan (NALP) region, commented on the partnership: “This strategic partnership between Visa and Whish is the first in the levant region with an e-wallet and money transfer company, and we align with Whish on multiple pillars, most of which, trust and innovation. This partnership will enable us to bring our advanced payment technologies to a broader audience, facilitating seamless and secure money movement across the world. And as Whish is already present globally and is further expanding its reach, we can further facilitate the international growth through our presence in over 200 countries.”
Toufic Koussa, CEO and Co-Founder of Whish Money, added: “We are excited to embark on this new collaboration with Visa which marks a significant milestone for Whish Money. By integrating Visa’s cutting-edge technology and services, we are poised to enhance our payment solutions and provide even more secure and efficient financial services to our customers. This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the fintech industry and is a testament to the thorough and careful due diligence Visa undertakes while engaging in such an affiliation given their high compliance standards. Our commitment to compliance and security has enabled us to achieve this unique partnership in the region.”
This strategic alliance between Visa and Whish Money is set to revolutionize the fintech sector, bringing unparalleled advancements to digital payments and financial services regionally and globally. As both entities leverage their strengths and innovative technologies, the partnership will not only drive economic growth but also set a new benchmark for excellence and security in the industry.
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com .
About Whish Money:
As a licensed and regulated company by the Central Bank of Lebanon, Whish Money adheres strictly to all local and international laws, regulations, and best practices including stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) measures. Whish works closely with local and international authorities to detect and prevent financial crime. Its robust compliance framework, backed by advanced technology and experienced professionals, ensures that every transaction is screened against local and international watch lists, and is scrutinized to identify and mitigate potential risks, enabling it to provide secure and reliable financial services to its customers.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney
An emphatic election victory for the incumbent Labor government means Australia’s rapid shift to renewable energy will continue. As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday:
In 2022, the Australian people voted to finally act on climate change. After three years of progress […] in 2025 they said keep going.
The election result also means the debate about energy policy is now, in broad terms, over. Australia’s energy future is wind and solar, backed by storage.
Coal and gas will have a fast-declining role to play and nuclear energy will have none at all. Australia is set to be a renewables nation. There is no turning back now.
By continuing to build renewables capacity, the returned Labor government can position Australia on the world stage as a genuine leader on clean energy.
The Albanese government has set a national target of more than 80% of the main national electricity grid running on renewables by 2030. With such a large majority in parliament, Labor may well be in government at that time.
Australia already has the world’s highest per-capita solar uptake, with about 300,000 solar systems installed each year. One in three Australian homes now has rooftop solar.
Labor is complementing this boom with a new home battery discount scheme, which aims to have more than one million batteries installed by 2030. This will help stabilise the grid by reducing demand at peak times.
But more investment in renewables is needed. The policy certainty of a returned Labor government should help to attract international capital. This is important, because more than 70% of investment in renewables in Australia comes from offshore.
Labor’s win also means it can finally bed down a national consensus on climate policy.
A recent survey on Australian attitudes to climate action suggested community views can shift if people see action is taken by governments and big business.
This does not mean community opposition to renewable energy will evaporate – especially in regional Australia. The federal government must work with industry players and other levels of government to ensure proper public consultation. The new Net Zero Economy Authority will play an important role in ensuring the regions and their workers benefit from the energy transition.
For its part, the Coalition needs to do some soul-searching. Australian voters returned a number of climate-friendly independents in key seats. The Coalition also failed to win support from younger Australians, who typically view renewables favourably.
All this suggests continued opposition to renewables is unlikely to help the Coalition form government anytime soon. What’s more, continuing to promote nuclear power – which some in the Coalition are pushing for – makes little sense in an increasingly renewables-dominated grid.
Labor’s plans to rapidly expand renewable energy strengthen Australia’s credentials to host the COP31 UN climate talks with Pacific island countries next year.
Australia’s bid has strong support from other nations. Turkey – the only other nation with its hand up to host – has so far resisted pressure from Australia to withdraw its bid. In support of their own bid, Turkish representatives pointed to uncertainty in Australia ahead of the May election – however that uncertainty has now passed.
Adelaide will host the talks if Australia’s bid succeeds. This will be a chance to share our world-beating renewables story – including in South Australia, which is set to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2027.
Australia could also use the talks in South Australia to promote new export industries that use renewable energy, especially plans to produce green iron and green steel at Whyalla.
Hosting rights could attract investment in Australia’s renewables rollout and help promote exports of critical minerals and green metals. And it would enable Australia to cement its place in the Pacific during a time of increased geo-strategic competition, by promoting a renewables partnership for the whole region.
Australia must move fast and secure the COP31 bid at climate talks in Germany next month. Any delay risks a less ambitious summit next year, because building consensus for new initiatives takes time.
As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said during his victory speech on Saturday, renewable energy is “an opportunity we must work together to seize for the future of our economy”.
Australia is the world’s largest exporter of raw iron ore and metallurgical coal, both used extensively in offshore steelmaking.
But Australia can create jobs and reduce emissions by refining iron ore in Australia using renewables and green hydrogen.
The potential export value of green iron is estimated at A$295 billion a year, or three times the current value of iron ore exports. More broadly, our clean energy exports – including green metals, fertilisers and fuels – could be worth six to eight times more than our fossil fuel exports, analysis suggests.
A key challenge for the returned government is assuring markets such as Japan that Australia is a long-term strategic partner, even while redirecting trade and investment away from coal and gas exports and toward long-term clean energy industries.
Australians have delivered a strong mandate for climate action. The returned Labor government must ensure this support is not squandered, and voter trust is not lost.
This means seizing the opportunity, once and for all, to shift Australia from our past as a fossil fuel heavyweight to our future as a renewables superpower.
Wesley Morgan is a fellow with the Climate Council of Australia
Ben Newell receives funding from the Australian Research Council
– ref. Australia is set to be a renewables nation. After Labor’s win, there’s no turning back – https://theconversation.com/australia-is-set-to-be-a-renewables-nation-after-labors-win-theres-no-turning-back-256081
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
REVENUE GROWTH AND RECORD QUARTERLY ADJUSTED EBITDA SUPPORT ONGOING STRATEGIC PORTFOLIO EXPANSION
HIGHLIGHTS
RENO, Nev., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ORA) (the “Company” or “Ormat”), a leading renewable energy company, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.
KEY FINANCIAL RESULTS
| Q1 2025 | Q1 2024 | Change (%) | ||||||||
| GAAP Measures | ||||||||||
| Revenues ($ millions) | ||||||||||
| Electricity | 180.2 | 191.3 | (5.8 | %) | ||||||
| Product | 31.8 | 24.8 | 27.9 | % | ||||||
| Energy Storage | 17.8 | 8.1 | 119.7 | % | ||||||
| Total Revenues | 229.8 | 224.2 | 2.5 | % | ||||||
| Gross Profit | 72.9 | 78.8 | (7.5 | %) | ||||||
| Gross margin (%) | ||||||||||
| Electricity | 33.5 | % | 39.0 | % | ||||||
| Product | 22.3 | % | 14.8 | % | ||||||
| Energy Storage | 30.6 | % | 7.5 | % | ||||||
| Gross margin (%) | 31.7 | % | 35.2 | % | ||||||
| Operating income ($ millions) | 50.9 | 52.6 | (3.2 | %) | ||||||
| Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders | 40.4 | 38.6 | 4.6 | % | ||||||
| Diluted EPS ($) | 0.66 | 0.64 | 3.1 | % | ||||||
| Non-GAAP Measures | ||||||||||
| Adjusted Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders | 41.5 | 39.6 | 4.8 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted Diluted EPS ($) | 0.68 | 0.65 | 4.6 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA2($ millions) | 150.3 | 141.2 | 6.4 | % | ||||||
1 Net Income attributable to the Company’s stockholder
2 See reconciliation table below
“Ormat had a strong start to 2025, achieving a 2.5% increase in revenue, a 4.6% rise in net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders, and a 6.4% increase in adjusted EBITDA. This growth was driven by improved performance in both our Product and Storage segments,” said Doron Blachar, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat Technologies. “Our Storage segment benefited from new capacity added over the last 12 months and from higher merchant prices in the PJM market. We expect continued good performance throughout 2025 as we transition our Storage segment to a more predictable portfolio designed to maximize profitability.”
“While our Electricity segment experienced a slight year-over-year decline in the quarter due to previously disclosed curtailments in California and Nevada, the balance of our geothermal operations delivered a consistent, solid performance. We have several projects under development that we anticipate will reach commercial operation by the end of 2025, which we expect will deliver solid generation growth and further strengthen our earnings trajectory. Additionally, we believe that the potential easing of project permitting timelines combined with increased focus on geothermal exploration will further support our growth in the segment, expand our revenues, and help us achieve our long-term targets.”
“I am pleased to announce that Ormat signed an agreement to acquire the Blue Mountain geothermal power plant from Cyrq Energy for $88 million, subject to standard working capital adjustments. The 20 MW facility, located in Humboldt County, was built using Ormat technology, features an existing 51 MW interconnection capacity and a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NV Energy (NVE) that expires at the end of 2029. Following the acquisition, Ormat plans to upgrade the power plant, increasing its capacity by 3.5 MW. Additionally, subject to permit and PPA approval, Ormat intends to add a 13 MW solar facility to support the plant’s auxiliaries. The acquisition is anticipated to close towards the end of the second quarter. This acquisition underscores Ormat’s capability to strategically expand and enhance assets in the U.S., leveraging our advanced technology and expertise to optimize performance and efficiency. The planned upgrades and solar addition demonstrate our commitment to innovation and maximizing renewable energy output, contributing to a sustainable future.”
Blachar continued, “The demand for electricity, particularly from baseload renewable sources, remains strong, and we continue to observe high PPA pricing in the Electricity Segment, and increased Resource Adequacy (RA) pricing in the Storage Segment. Regarding the recent reciprocal tariffs, we anticipate a limited short-term impact on our Storage Segment as we have already procured batteries for all projects currently under construction. Additionally, our Electricity Segment operations and project development have limited exposure to China, mitigating potential adverse effects from the tariffs. Ormat remains committed to delivering reliable and sustainable energy solutions and enhancing shareholder value. We will continue navigating this fluid regulatory environment with a focus on maintaining our growth trajectory and supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future.”
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS:
2025 GUIDANCE
The Company provides a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure for the three months ended March 31, 2025. However, the Company does not provide guidance on net income and is unable to provide a reconciliation for its Adjusted EBITDA guidance range to net income without unreasonable efforts due to high variability and complexity with respect to estimating certain forward-looking amounts. These include impairments and disposition and acquisition of business interests, income tax expense, and other non-cash expenses and adjusting items that are excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.
DIVIDEND
On May 7, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared, approved, and authorized payment of a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share pursuant to the Company’s dividend policy. The dividend will be paid on June 4, 2025, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 21, 2025. In addition, the Company expects to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share in each of the next three quarters.
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
Ormat will host a conference call to discuss its financial results and other matters discussed in this press release on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Participants within the United States and Canada, please dial +1-800-715-9871, approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. If you are calling outside of the United States and Canada, please dial +1-646-960-0440. The access code for the call is 3818407. Please request the “Ormat Technologies, Inc. call” when prompted by the conference call operator. The conference call will also be accompanied by a live webcast which will be hosted on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website.
A replay will be available one hour after the end of the conference call. To access the replay within the United States and Canada, please dial 1-800-770-2030. From outside of the United States and Canada, please dial +1-647-362-9199. Please use the replay access code 3818407. The webcast will also be archived on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website.
ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES
With over five decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company, and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter – a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,400 MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company’s activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1,538MW with a 1,248MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 290MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.
ORMAT’S SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such matters as our projections of annual revenues and Adjusted EBITDA, expenses and debt service coverage with respect to our debt securities, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, development or operation of generation assets, legal, market, industry and geopolitical developments and incentives, demand for renewable energy, and the growth of our business and operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, or “contemplate” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words or expressions. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat’s plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management’s current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve these plans or objectives. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties and other risks described under “Risk Factors” as described in Ormat’s most recent annual report, and in subsequent filings.
These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and, except as legally required, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
| ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations | ||||
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025, and 2024 | ||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| Revenues: | (Thousands, except per share data) | |||
| Electricity | 180,241 | 191,253 | ||
| Product | 31,769 | 24,832 | ||
| Energy storage | 17,752 | 8,081 | ||
| Total revenues | 229,762 | 224,166 | ||
| Cost of revenues: | ||||
| Electricity | 119,833 | 116,730 | ||
| Product | 24,684 | 21,154 | ||
| Energy storage | 12,318 | 7,472 | ||
| Total cost of revenues | 156,835 | 145,356 | ||
| Gross profit | 72,927 | 78,810 | ||
| Operating expenses: | ||||
| Research and development expenses | 2,542 | 1,564 | ||
| Selling and marketing expenses | 4,172 | 5,126 | ||
| General and administrative expenses | 17,909 | 19,537 | ||
| Other operating income | (3,125 | ) | — | |
| Write-off of unsuccessful exploration and storage activities | 516 | — | ||
| Operating income | 50,913 | 52,583 | ||
| Other income (expense): | ||||
| Interest income | 1,313 | 1,839 | ||
| Interest expense, net | (34,473 | ) | (30,968 | ) |
| Derivatives and foreign currency transaction gains (losses) | 2,060 | (1,582 | ) | |
| Income attributable to sale of tax benefits | 17,571 | 17,476 | ||
| Other non-operating income, net | 222 | 26 | ||
| Income from operations before income tax and equity in earnings of investees | 37,606 | 39,374 | ||
| Income tax (provision) benefit | 3,795 | 147 | ||
| Equity in earnings (losses) of investees | (367 | ) | 829 | |
| Net income | 41,034 | 40,350 | ||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (672 | ) | (1,763 | ) |
| Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders | 40,362 | 38,587 | ||
| Earnings per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders: | ||||
| Basic: | 0.67 | 0.64 | ||
| Diluted: | 0.66 | 0.64 | ||
| Weighted average number of shares used in computation of earnings per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders: | ||||
| Basic | 60,559 | 60,386 | ||
| Diluted | 60,840 | 60,536 | ||
| ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet | |||||
| For the Period Ended March 31, 2025, and the Period Ended December 31, 2024 | |||||
| March 31, 2025 |
December 31, 2024 |
||||
| ASSETS | (In thousands) | ||||
| Current assets: | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 112,704 | 94,395 | |||
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents (primarily related to VIEs) | 112,001 | 111,377 | |||
| Receivables: | |||||
| Trade less allowance for credit losses of $249 and $163 respectively (primarily related to VIEs) | 173,590 | 164,050 | |||
| Other | 45,489 | 50,792 | |||
| Inventories | 42,107 | 38,092 | |||
| Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts | 20,940 | 29,243 | |||
| Prepaid expenses and other | 94,023 | 59,173 | |||
| Total current assets | 600,854 | 547,122 | |||
| Investment in unconsolidated companies | 158,618 | 144,585 | |||
| Deposits and other | 89,021 | 75,383 | |||
| Deferred income taxes | 165,983 | 153,936 | |||
| Property, plant and equipment, net ($3,261,700 and $3,271,248 related to VIEs, respectively) | 3,497,915 | 3,501,886 | |||
| Construction-in-process ($370,762 and $251,442 related to VIEs, respectively) | 844,873 | 755,589 | |||
| Operating leases right of use ($13,725 and $13,989 related to VIEs, respectively) | 32,232 | 32,114 | |||
| Finance leases right of use (none related to VIEs) | 2,935 | 2,841 | |||
| Intangible assets, net | 295,225 | 301,745 | |||
| Goodwill | 151,291 | 151,023 | |||
| Total assets | 5,838,947 | 5,666,224 | |||
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 201,354 | 234,334 | |||
| Commercial paper (less deferred financing costs of $22 and $23, respectively) | 99,978 | 99,977 | |||
| Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts | 52,198 | 23,091 | |||
| Current portion of long-term debt: | |||||
| Limited and non-recourse (primarily related to VIEs) | 70,453 | 70,262 | |||
| Full recourse | 184,227 | 161,313 | |||
| Financing Liability | 5,905 | 4,093 | |||
| Operating lease liabilities | 3,657 | 3,633 | |||
| Finance lease liabilities | 1,451 | 1,375 | |||
| Total current liabilities | 619,223 | 598,078 | |||
| Long-term debt, net of current portion: | |||||
| Limited and non-recourse: (primarily related to VIEs and less deferred financing costs of $8,216 and $8,849, respectively) | 560,824 | 578,204 | |||
| Full recourse: (less deferred financing costs of $4,782 and $4,671, respectively) | 957,027 | 822,828 | |||
| Convertible senior notes (less deferred financing costs of $6,138 and $6,820, respectively) | 470,299 | 469,617 | |||
| Financing Liability | 213,810 | 216,476 | |||
| Operating lease liabilities | 22,722 | 22,523 | |||
| Finance lease liabilities | 1,544 | 1,529 | |||
| Liability associated with sale of tax benefits | 144,081 | 152,292 | |||
| Deferred income taxes | 71,479 | 68,616 | |||
| Liability for unrecognized tax benefits | 6,481 | 6,272 | |||
| Liabilities for severance pay | 11,147 | 10,488 | |||
| Asset retirement obligation | 131,431 | 129,651 | |||
| Other long-term liabilities | 33,533 | 29,270 | |||
| Total liabilities | 3,243,601 | 3,105,844 | |||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interest | 9,573 | 9,448 | |||
| Equity: | |||||
| The Company’s stockholders’ equity: | |||||
| Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 60,662,626 and 60,500,580 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively | 61 | 61 | |||
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,640,910 | 1,635,245 | |||
| Treasury stock, at cost (258,667 shares held as of March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively) | (17,964 | ) | (17,964 | ) | |
| Retained earnings | 847,607 | 814,518 | |||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (9,410 | ) | (6,731 | ) | |
| Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Company’s stockholders | 2,461,204 | 2,425,129 | |||
| Noncontrolling interest | 124,569 | 125,803 | |||
| Total equity | 2,585,773 | 2,550,932 | |||
| Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity | 5,838,947 | 5,666,224 | |||
ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025, and 2024
We calculate EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, adjusted for (i) mark-to-market gains or losses from accounting for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments; (ii) stock-based compensation, (iii) merger and acquisition transaction costs; (iv) gain or loss from extinguishment of liabilities; (v) cost related to a settlement agreement; (vi) non-cash impairment charges; (vii) write-off of unsuccessful exploration and storage activities; and (viii) other unusual or non-recurring items. We adjust for these factors as they may be non-cash, unusual in nature and/or are not factors used by management for evaluating operating performance. We believe that presentation of these measures will enhance an investor’s ability to evaluate our financial and operating performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity or an alternative to net earnings as indicators of our operating performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our Board of Directors and senior management use EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our financial performance. However, other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do.
The following table reconciles net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and 2024:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||
| Net income | 41,034 | 40,350 | ||||
| Adjusted for: | ||||||
| Interest expense, net (including amortization of deferred financing costs) | 33,160 | 29,129 | ||||
| Income tax provision (benefit) | (3,795 | ) | (147 | ) | ||
| Adjustment to investment in unconsolidated companies: our proportionate share in interest expense, tax and depreciation and amortization in Sarulla and Ijen | 3,421 | 3,352 | ||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 69,157 | 61,676 | ||||
| EBITDA | 142,977 | 134,360 | ||||
| Mark-to-market (gains) or losses of derivative instruments | 939 | 813 | ||||
| Stock-based compensation | 4,911 | 4,769 | ||||
| Allowance for bad debts | 26 | — | ||||
| Merger and acquisition transaction costs | — | 1,299 | ||||
| Settlement agreement | 900 | — | ||||
| Write-off of unsuccessful exploration and storage activities | 516 | — | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 150,269 | 141,241 | ||||
ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income attributable to the Company’s stockholders and Adjusted EPS
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025, and 2024
Adjusted Net Income attributable to the Company’s stockholders and Adjusted diluted EPS are adjusted for one-time expense items that are not representative of our ongoing business and operations. The use of Adjusted Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders and Adjusted diluted EPS is intended to enhance the usefulness of our financial information by providing measures to assess the overall performance of our ongoing business.
The following tables reconciles Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders and Adjusted diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and 2024.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| (Dollars in millions, except per share data) | ||||
| GAAP Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders | 40.4 | 38.6 | ||
| Write-off of unsuccessful exploration and storage activities | 0.41 | – | ||
| Merger and acquisition transaction costs | – | 1.0 | ||
| Allowance for bad debts | 0.02 | – | ||
| Settlement agreement | 0.71 | – | ||
| Adjusted Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders | 41.5 | 39.6 | ||
| GAAP diluted EPS | 0.66 | 0.64 | ||
| Write-off of unsuccessful exploration and storage activities | 0.01 | – | ||
| Merger and acquisition transaction costs | – | 0.02 | ||
| Allowance for bad debts | 0.00 | – | ||
| Settlement agreement | 0.01 | – | ||
| Adjusted Diluted EPS ($) | 0.68 | 0.65 | ||
| Ormat Technologies Contact: Smadar Lavi VP Head of IR and ESG Planning & Reporting 775-356-9029 (ext. 65726) slavi@ormat.com |
Investor Relations Agency Contact: Joseph Caminiti or Josh Carroll Alpha IR Group 312-445-2870 ORA@alpha-ir.com |
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
HOUSTON, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — APA Corporation (Nasdaq: APA) today announced first-quarter 2025 results. Results can be found on the company’s website by visiting www.apacorp.com or investor.apacorp.com.
APA will host a conference call on May 8 at 10 a.m. Central time via the webcast link available on the company website to discuss the results. Following the conference call, a replay will be available for one year on the “Investors” page of the company’s website.
About APA
APA Corporation owns consolidated subsidiaries that explore for and produce oil and natural gas in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom and that explore for oil and natural gas offshore Suriname and elsewhere. APA posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, www.apacorp.com.
| Contacts | ||
| Investor: | (281) 302-2286 | |
| Media: | (713) 296-7276 | |
| Website: | www.apacorp.com | |
APA-F
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Achieved gross bookings of $13.7 million and revenue of $14.1 million in the first quarter 2025
Signed 9 new customers in the first quarter 2025 and expanded relationship with existing customers across key markets including AI, Photonics, and IoT
Expanded Product Portfolio with the Acquisition of Tech-X Corporation
SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silvaco Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SVCO) (“Silvaco” or the “Company”), a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable innovative semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and automation, today announced its first quarter 2025 results.
“We are pleased to have completed our first acquisition since our IPO in the first quarter of 2025, and have since announced our second acquisition of 2025, advancing our inorganic growth strategy and expanding our product portfolio,” said Dr. Babak Taheri, Silvaco’s Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Taheri continued, “We believe our solid fundamentals and focus on innovation position us to sustain strong customer momentum and drive continued growth in our EDA and TCAD product lines through 2025. We are committed to defending shareholder value through performance, transparency, and responsible capital management. We believe the fundamentals of Silvaco are strong—and we’re taking clear, measurable steps to align our market presence with the long-term strength of our business.”
Commenting on the financial results and outlook, Keith Tainsky, Silvaco’s Interim Chief Financial Officer, added, “Given the current economic uncertainty, we have provided a broad guidance range for the second quarter of 2025. The company remains well positioned to deliver solid growth, supported by strong customer demand. We also updated our full-year guidance and remain confident in our ability to achieve our strategic and financial objectives.”
First Quarter 2025 and Recent Business Highlights
First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
GAAP Financial Results
Key Operating Indicators and Non-GAAP Financial Results:
For a discussion of the non-GAAP metrics presented in this press release, as well as a reconciliation of non-GAAP metrics to the nearest comparable GAAP metric, see “Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Key Business Metrics” and “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation” in the accompanying tables below.
Supplementary materials to this press release, including first quarter 2025 financial results, can be found at https://investors.silvaco.com/financial-information/quarterly-results.
Second Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Outlook
As of May 7, 2025, Silvaco is providing updated guidance for its second quarter of 2025 and its full-year 2025, which represents Silvaco’s current estimates on its operations and financial results. The financial information below represents forward-looking financial information and in some instances forward-looking, non-GAAP financial information, including estimates of non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating income (loss) and non-GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share. GAAP gross margin is the most comparable GAAP measure to non-GAAP gross margin and GAAP operating income (loss) is the most comparable GAAP measure to non-GAAP operating income (loss). GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share is the most comparable GAAP measure to non-GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share. Non-GAAP gross margin differs from GAAP gross margin in that it excludes items such as stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonuses. Non-GAAP operating income (loss) differs from GAAP operating income (loss) in that it excludes items such as acquisition-related estimated litigation claim and legal costs, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonuses and IPO preparation costs. Non-GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share differs from GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share in that it excludes certain costs, including IPO preparation costs, acquisition-related estimated litigation claim and legal costs, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonuses, change in fair value of contingent consideration, foreign exchange (gain) loss, and the income tax effect on non-GAAP items. Silvaco is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of these exclusions without unreasonable effort. Therefore, Silvaco has not provided guidance for GAAP gross margin, GAAP operating income or GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share or a reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP gross margin or non-GAAP operating income or non-GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share guidance to GAAP gross margin or GAAP operating income or GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share, respectively. However, it is important to note that these excluded items could be material to our results computed in accordance with GAAP in future periods.
Based on current business trends and conditions, the Company expects for second quarter 2025 the following:
Based on current business trends and conditions, the Company expects for full year 2025, the following:
Q1 2025 Conference Call Details
A press release highlighting the Company’s results along with supplemental financial results will be available at https://investors.silvaco.com/ along with an earnings presentation to accompany management’s prepared remarks. An archived replay of the conference call will be available on this website for a limited time after the call. Participants who want to join the call and ask a question may register for the call here to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN.
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time
Webcast: Here (live and replay)
About Silvaco
Silvaco is a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and innovation. Silvaco’s solutions are used for semiconductor and photonics processes, devices, and systems development across display, power devices, automotive, memory, high performance compute, foundries, photonics, internet of things, and 5G/6G mobile markets for complex SoC design. Silvaco is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has a global presence with offices located in North America, Europe, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on Silvaco’s current expectations. The words “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “project”, “will”, and similar phrases as they relate to Silvaco are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current views and assumptions of Silvaco and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations.
These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to, statements regarding our future operating results, financial position, and guidance, our business strategy and plans, our objectives for future operations, our development or delivery of new or enhanced products, and anticipated results of those products for our customers, our competitive positioning, projected costs, technological capabilities, and plans, and macroeconomic trends.
A variety of risks and factors that are beyond our control could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the following: (a) market conditions; (b) anticipated trends, challenges and growth in our business and the markets in which we operate; (c) our ability to appropriately respond to changing technologies on a timely and cost-effective basis; (d) the size and growth potential of the markets for our software solutions, and our ability to serve those markets; (e) our expectations regarding competition in our existing and new markets; (f) the level of demand in our customers’ end markets; (g) regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; (h) changes in trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs; (i) proposed new software solutions, services or developments; (j) our ability to attract and retain key management personnel; (k) our customer relationships and our ability to retain and expand our customer relationships; (l) our ability to diversify our customer base and develop relationships in new markets; (m) the strategies, prospects, plans, expectations, and objectives of management for future operations; (n) public health crises, pandemics, and epidemics and their effects on our business and our customers’ businesses; (o) the impact of the current conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and Israel and Hamas and the ongoing trade disputes among the United States and China on our business, financial condition or prospects, including extreme volatility in the global capital markets making debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain, more costly or more dilutive, delays and disruptions of the global supply chains and the business activities of our suppliers, distributors, customers and other business partners; (p) changes in general economic or business conditions or economic or demographic trends in the United States and foreign countries including changes in tariffs, interest rates and inflation; (q) our ability to raise additional capital; (r) our ability to accurately forecast demand for our software solutions; (s) our expectations regarding the outcome of any ongoing litigation; (t) our ability to successfully integrate recent acquisitions; (u) our expectations regarding the period during which we qualify as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act and as a smaller reporting company under the Exchange Act; (v) our expectations regarding our ability to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce intellectual property protection for our technology; (w) our status as a controlled company; and (x) our use of the net proceeds from our initial public offering.
It is not possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. Accordingly, you should not rely on any of the forward-looking statements. Additional information relating to the uncertainty affecting Silvaco’s business is contained in Silvaco’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents are available on the SEC Filings section of the Investor Relations section of Silvaco’s website at http://investors.silvaco.com/. These forward-looking statements represent Silvaco’s expectations as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events may cause these expectations to change, and Silvaco disclaims any obligation to update or alter these forward-looking statements in the future, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Key Business Metrics
We use certain non-GAAP financial measures to supplement the performance measures in our consolidated financial statements, which are presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss), and non-GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share. We use these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to assist us in evaluating period-to-period comparisons.
We define non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross margin as our GAAP gross profit and GAAP gross margin adjusted to exclude certain costs, including stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets and acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonuses. We define non-GAAP operating income (loss), as our GAAP operating income (loss) adjusted to exclude certain costs, including IPO preparation costs, acquisition-related estimated litigation claim and legal costs, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonuses. We define non-GAAP net income (loss) as our GAAP net income (loss) adjusted to exclude certain costs, including IPO preparation costs, acquisition-related estimated litigation claim and legal costs, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonuses, change in fair value of contingent consideration, foreign exchange (gain) loss, and the income tax effect on non-GAAP items. Our non-GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated in the same way as our non-GAAP net income (loss), but on a per share basis. We monitor non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share as non-GAAP financial measures to supplement the financial information we present in accordance with GAAP to provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results.
Certain items are excluded from our non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share because these items are non-cash in nature or are not indicative of our core operating performance and render comparisons with prior periods and competitors less meaningful. We adjust GAAP gross profit, GAAP gross margin, GAAP operating income (loss), GAAP net income (loss), and GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share for these items to arrive at non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss), and non-GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share because these amounts can vary substantially from company to company within our industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structure and the method by which the assets were acquired. By excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our recurring core operating results, we believe that non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance.
We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors and others because they allow for additional information with respect to financial measures used by management in its financial and operational decision-making and they may be used by our institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze our financial performance and the health of our business. However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of non-GAAP financial measures, and these non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or in isolation from, our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures differently or not at all, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures.
Annual Contract Value (“ACV”) is a key performance metric for Silvaco and is useful to investors in assessing the strength and trajectory of the business. ACV is a supplemental metric to help evaluate the annual performance of the business. Over the life of the contract, ACV equals the total value realized from a customer. ACV is not impacted by the timing of license revenue recognition. ACV is used by management in financial and operational decision-making. ACV is not a replacement for, and should be viewed independently of, GAAP revenue and deferred revenue, as ACV is a performance metric and is not intended to be combined with any of these items. There is no GAAP measure comparable to ACV.
ACV is composed of the following: (i) the annualized value of term based software licenses with start dates or anniversary dates during the period, plus; (ii) the value of perpetual license contracts with start dates during the period, plus; (iii) the annualized value of maintenance & support as well as any fixed-term services contracts with start dates or anniversary dates during the period, plus; (iv) the value of fixed-deliverable services contracts. Silvaco and the Silvaco logo are registered trademarks of Silvaco Group, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
| SILVACO GROUP, INC. | |||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |||||||
| (Unaudited, in thousands except share and par value amounts) | |||||||
| March 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | ||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 29,489 | $ | 19,606 | |||
| Current marketable securities | 45,048 | 63,071 | |||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 5,783 | 9,211 | |||||
| Contract assets, net | 15,102 | 11,932 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 4,500 | 3,460 | |||||
| Total current assets | 99,922 | 107,280 | |||||
| Non-current assets: | |||||||
| Non-current marketable securities | — | 4,785 | |||||
| Property and equipment, net | 890 | 865 | |||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | 1,534 | 1,711 | |||||
| Intangible assets, net | 9,997 | 4,369 | |||||
| Goodwill | 14,337 | 9,026 | |||||
| Non-current portion of contract assets | 9,860 | 12,611 | |||||
| Other assets | 1,595 | 1,698 | |||||
| Total non-current assets | 38,213 | 35,065 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 138,135 | $ | 142,345 | |||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 2,137 | $ | 3,316 | |||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 32,426 | 19,801 | |||||
| Accrued income taxes | 1,728 | 1,668 | |||||
| Deferred revenue, current | 8,618 | 7,497 | |||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current | 644 | 744 | |||||
| Vendor financing obligation, current | 1,191 | 1,462 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 46,744 | 34,488 | |||||
| Non-current liabilities: | |||||||
| Deferred revenue, non-current | 3,604 | 3,593 | |||||
| Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 866 | 946 | |||||
| Vendor financing obligation, non-current | 2,995 | 2,928 | |||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 333 | 307 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 54,542 | 42,262 | |||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||
| Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 , respectively | — | — | |||||
| Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 28,805,280 and 28,526,615 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively | 3 | 3 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 132,937 | 130,360 | |||||
| Accumulated deficit | (47,285 | ) | (28,012 | ) | |||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (2,062 | ) | (2,268 | ) | |||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 83,593 | 100,083 | |||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 138,135 | $ | 142,345 | |||
| SILVACO GROUP, INC. | |||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME | |||||||
| (Unaudited, in thousands except share and par value amounts) | |||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||
| Software license revenue | $ | 10,009 | $ | 12,258 | |||
| Maintenance and service | 4,083 | 3,631 | |||||
| Total revenue | 14,092 | 15,889 | |||||
| Cost of revenue | 3,016 | 1,973 | |||||
| Gross profit | 11,076 | 13,916 | |||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||
| Research and development | 4,800 | 3,616 | |||||
| Selling and marketing | 4,719 | 3,312 | |||||
| General and administrative | 8,120 | 4,600 | |||||
| Estimated litigation claim | 13,069 | — | |||||
| Total operating expenses | 30,708 | 11,528 | |||||
| Operating (loss) income | (19,632 | ) | 2,388 | ||||
| Interest income | 863 | — | |||||
| Interest and other expense, net | (291 | ) | (205 | ) | |||
| (Loss) income before income tax provision | (19,060 | ) | 2,183 | ||||
| Income tax provision | 213 | 805 | |||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (19,273 | ) | $ | 1,378 | ||
| Net (loss) income per share: | |||||||
| Basic and diluted | $ | (0.67 | ) | $ | 0.07 | ||
| Weighted average shares used in computing per share amounts: | |||||||
| Basic and diluted | 28,694,295 | 20,000,000 | |||||
| SILVACO GROUP, INC. | |||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |||||||
| (Unaudited, in thousands) | |||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (19,273 | ) | $ | 1,378 | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 438 | 120 | |||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 2,277 | — | |||||
| Provision for credit losses | 10 | 222 | |||||
| Estimated litigation claim | 13,069 | — | |||||
| Accretion of discount on marketable securities, net | (261 | ) | — | ||||
| Change in fair value of contingent consideration | 35 | (8 | ) | ||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts receivable | 3,520 | (1,844 | ) | ||||
| Contract assets | 440 | (3,679 | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (1,026 | ) | 788 | ||||
| Other assets | 119 | (274 | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable | (1,183 | ) | 877 | ||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 55 | (729 | ) | ||||
| Accrued income taxes | 58 | 574 | |||||
| Deferred revenue | 567 | (21 | ) | ||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 20 | 24 | |||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (1,135 | ) | (2,572 | ) | |||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||
| Maturities of marketable securities | 23,000 | — | |||||
| Acquisition of Process Proximity Compensation | (11,500 | ) | — | ||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | (96 | ) | (10 | ) | |||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 11,404 | (10 | ) | ||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||
| Proceeds from loan facility | — | 4,250 | |||||
| Deferred transaction costs | — | (364 | ) | ||||
| Payroll taxes related to shares withheld from employees | (252 | ) | — | ||||
| Contingent consideration | (46 | ) | (13 | ) | |||
| Payments of vendor financing obligation | (205 | ) | — | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (503 | ) | 3,873 | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents | 117 | 27 | |||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 9,883 | 1,318 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 19,606 | 4,421 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 29,489 | $ | 5,739 | |||
| SILVACO GROUP, INC. | ||||||||||||||
| REVENUE | ||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Year | Q1 | |||||||||
| Revenue by Region: | ||||||||||||||
| Americas | 27 | % | 51 | % | 31 | % | 40 | % | 38 | % | 20 | % | ||
| APAC | 62 | % | 41 | % | 58 | % | 52 | % | 53 | % | 66 | % | ||
| EMEA | 11 | % | 8 | % | 11 | % | 8 | % | 9 | % | 14 | % | ||
| Total revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||
| Revenue by Product Line: | ||||||||||||||
| TCAD | 66 | % | 69 | % | 59 | % | 71 | % | 68 | % | 56 | % | ||
| EDA | 30 | % | 20 | % | 24 | % | 24 | % | 24 | % | 36 | % | ||
| SIP | 4 | % | 11 | % | 17 | % | 5 | % | 8 | % | 8 | % | ||
| Total revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||
| Revenue Item Category: | ||||||||||||||
| Software license revenue | 77 | % | 74 | % | 62 | % | 78 | % | 74 | % | 71 | % | ||
| Maintenance and service | 23 | % | 26 | % | 38 | % | 22 | % | 26 | % | 29 | % | ||
| Total revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||
| Revenue by Country: | ||||||||||||||
| United States | 26 | % | 50 | % | 30 | % | 39 | % | 37 | % | 20 | % | ||
| China | 11 | % | 17 | % | 25 | % | 23 | % | 18 | % | 14 | % | ||
| Other | 63 | % | 33 | % | 45 | % | 38 | % | 45 | % | 66 | % | ||
| Total revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||
| SILVACO GROUP, INC. | |||||||
| GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation | |||||||
| (Unaudited, in thousands except per share amounts) | |||||||
| Three Months Ended | |||||||
| 3/31/2025 | 3/31/2024 | ||||||
| GAAP Cost of revenue | $ | 3,016 | $ | 1,973 | |||
| Less: Stock-based compensation expense | (199 | ) | — | ||||
| Less: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | (249 | ) | — | ||||
| Less: Acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonus | (8 | ) | — | ||||
| Non-GAAP Cost of revenue | $ | 2,560 | $ | 1,973 | |||
| GAAP Gross profit | $ | 11,076 | $ | 13,916 | |||
| Add: Stock-based compensation expense | 199 | — | |||||
| Add: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 249 | — | |||||
| Add: Acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonus | 8 | — | |||||
| Non-GAAP Gross profit | $ | 11,532 | $ | 13,916 | |||
| GAAP Research and development | $ | 4,800 | $ | 3,616 | |||
| Less: Stock-based compensation expense | (244 | ) | — | ||||
| Less: Acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonus | (18 | ) | — | ||||
| Less: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | (51 | ) | (70 | ) | |||
| Non-GAAP Research and development | $ | 4,487 | $ | 3,546 | |||
| GAAP Selling and marketing | $ | 4,719 | $ | 3,312 | |||
| Less: Stock-based compensation expense | (323 | ) | — | ||||
| Less: IPO preparation costs | — | -127 | |||||
| Non-GAAP Selling and marketing | $ | 4,396 | $ | 3,185 | |||
| GAAP General and administrative | $ | 8,120 | $ | 4,600 | |||
| Less: Stock-based compensation expense | (1,511 | ) | — | ||||
| Less: Acquisition-related estimated litigation claim and legal costs | (726 | ) | (594 | ) | |||
| Less: Acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonus | (677 | ) | — | ||||
| Less: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | (62 | ) | — | ||||
| Less: IPO preparation costs | — | (139 | ) | ||||
| Non-GAAP General and administrative | $ | 5,144 | $ | 3,867 | |||
| GAAP Estimated litigation claim | $ | 13,069 | $ | — | |||
| Less: Acquisition-related estimated litigation claim and legal costs | (13,069 | ) | — | ||||
| Non-GAAP Estimated litigation claim | $ | — | $ | — | |||
| GAAP Operating expenses | $ | 30,708 | $ | 11,528 | |||
| Less: Stock-based compensation expense | (2,078 | ) | — | ||||
| Less: Acquisition-related estimated litigation claim and legal costs | (13,795 | ) | (594 | ) | |||
| Less: Acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonus | (695 | ) | — | ||||
| Less: IPO preparation costs | — | (266 | ) | ||||
| Less: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | (113 | ) | (70 | ) | |||
| Non-GAAP Operating expenses | $ | 14,027 | $ | 10,598 | |||
| GAAP Operating (loss) income | $ | (19,632 | ) | $ | 2,388 | ||
| Add: Stock-based compensation expense | 2,277 | — | |||||
| Add: Acquisition-related estimated litigation claim and legal costs | 13,795 | 594 | |||||
| Add: Acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonus | 703 | — | |||||
| Add: IPO preparation costs | — | 266 | |||||
| Add: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 362 | 70 | |||||
| Non-GAAP Operating (loss) income | $ | (2,495 | ) | $ | 3,318 | ||
| GAAP Net (loss) income | $ | (19,273 | ) | $ | 1,378 | ||
| Add: Stock-based compensation expense | 2,277 | — | |||||
| Add: Acquisition-related estimated litigation claim and legal costs | 13,795 | 594 | |||||
| Add: Acquisition-related professional fees and retention bonus | 703 | — | |||||
| Add: IPO preparation costs | — | 266 | |||||
| Add: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 362 | 70 | |||||
| Add (Less): Change in fair value of contingent consideration | 35 | (8 | ) | ||||
| Add (Less): Foreign exchange (gain) loss | 205 | 130 | |||||
| Add (Less): Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustment | (5 | ) | (33 | ) | |||
| Non-GAAP Net (loss) income | $ | (1,901 | ) | $ | 2,397 | ||
| GAAP Net income (loss) per share: | |||||||
| Basic and diluted: | $ | (0.67 | ) | $ | 0.07 | ||
| Non-GAAP Net income (loss) per share: | |||||||
| Basic and diluted | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | 0.12 | ||
| Weighted average shares used in GAAP and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share: | |||||||
| Basic and diluted | 28,694,295 | 20,000,000 | |||||
Investor Contact:
Greg McNiff
investors@silvaco.com
Media Contact:
Farhad Hayat
press@silvaco.com
Source: US Congressman Ryan Zinke (Western Montana)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.-02) announced the launch of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, a bipartisan congressional coalition focused on conserving America’s public lands and expanding access for all Americans. The caucus will build upon the trusted working relationship between Vasquez and Zinke, forged over the past two years partnering on conservation legislation, along with the momentum of a new Congress and a new generation of Western lawmakers to bring a new voice to the conversation around public lands.
The Public Lands Caucus is founded on the belief that public lands are “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” It will bring lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to advance practical, consensus-driven public lands policy that conserves natural resources while supporting recreation, local economies, and public access. Caucus members are committed to bridging ideological divides and advancing pragmatic solutions to protect and manage public lands.
“I follow the Theodore Roosevelt motto that public lands are ‘for the benefit and enjoyment of the people,’ and that means making sure we both conserve and manage those lands to ensure public access for the next generation,” said Rep. Ryan Zinke. “Public lands aren’t red or blue issues, it’s red white and blue. The bipartisan Public Lands Caucus brings together lawmakers who don’t agree on much, but we agree on and are ready to work together to promote policies that advance conservation and public access. I look forward to working with Co-Chair Vasquez, the vice chairs, and all the members of this caucus so future generations can enjoy the same opportunities to hunt, hike, fish, make a living and enjoy our uniquely American heritage.”
“Public lands are where I learned to fish, hunt, and connect with my family and culture—and those experiences shaped who I am,” said Vasquez. “These lands don’t belong to one party or one group of people; they belong to all of us. The Public Lands Caucus is about protecting that birthright—bringing Democrats and Republicans together to preserve access, defend conservation, and invest in the outdoor economy that powers rural communities like mine in southern New Mexico. This is personal for me, and I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to keep our public lands in public hands.”
“We should be focusing on expanding public access to federal lands, not auctioning them off,” said Rep Dingell. “And we should be investing in our National Parks System and National Wildlife Refuges, not making it harder for Americans to visit these special places. I’m proud to be Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus because conservation has historically been, and should continue to be, a priority regardless of party. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect our precious natural resources, federal lands, and beloved species.”
“Idahoans live in Idaho because we love our public lands,” said Rep. Simpson. “This trend is common across the West, where public lands are a part of our daily lives. As a lifelong Idahoan and Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I remain committed to preserving access to our public lands and defending our way of life. Being named Vice Chair of the Public Lands Caucus is an honor, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure future generations can enjoy the same benefits that we do today. I’m thankful to Rep. Zinke for his leadership here.”
“As someone born and raised in the Coachella Valley, I know how sacred our public lands are. Places like Joshua Tree and the new Chuckwalla National Monument are more than landscapes—they’re part of our identity, history, and culture,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) Conserving public lands means protecting cultural heritage, preserving critical ecosystems, and expanding access to nature’s healing power, especially for underserved communities. I’ll continue fighting to ensure every family—no matter where they live—can experience the beauty, health, and enjoyment that public lands offer.”
“Public land access is integral to Montana,” said Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02). “Montanans rely on the Treasure State’s more than 30 million acres of public lands to hunt, fish, recreate, graze their livestock, and so much more. I applaud Co-Chairs Zinke and Vasquez for their efforts and look forward to working with my colleagues to find common sense solutions that preserve my constituents’ access to this fundamentally American resource.”
“As a representative of Coastal Virginia, I know how vital our public lands and waters are to our economy, our culture, and our quality of life – from supporting tourism and outdoor recreation to sustaining jobs and protecting natural habitats,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I’m proud to join the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus to bring a balanced, commonsense approach to protecting these resources. From our shorelines to our forests, we must ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from healthy and accessible public lands across the country for years to come.”
“Having served as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for four years, I understand firsthand the importance of common-sense conservation policies that protect our precious lands while guaranteeing public access,” said Congressman Newhouse. “The bipartisan Public Lands Caucus will elevate practical land management policies that support our shared commitment to unlocking our natural resources, boosting surrounding local economies, and supporting safe recreation for all to enjoy. I thank Reps. Zinke and Vasquez for their leadership, and I look forward to working closely with the caucus this Congress.”
Caucus Leadership
Co-Chairs
Vice Chairs
Members Include
Organizational Support
“Public lands are the backyard of the little guy, demonstrating our commitment to leaving the world a better place for our children than the one we inherited from our parents,” said Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited. “On behalf of Trout Unlimited members across the nation, I thank Congressmen Zinke and Vasquez and the members of the newly minted bipartisan Public Lands Caucus for their leadership upholding our legacy of public lands. Preventing large-scale transfer or sale of federal public lands helps to maintain access to some of the best places to fish and hunt on the planet. We look forward to working with the caucus to keep it that way.”
“On both sides of the aisle, Americans cherish our public lands,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “From the Northern Rockies of Montana to the Gila Mountains of New Mexico, these lands and waters provide invaluable opportunities to millions of hunters and anglers. We join our nation’s sportsmen and women in thanking Representatives Zinke and Vasquez for their leadership in forming the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus which will continue to advance America’s outdoor legacy.”
Whitney Potter Schwartz, Senior Vice President, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable: “The creation of the Public Lands Caucus is a significant and welcome step forward in protecting and expanding access to our public lands and waters that power America’s $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and enrich the lives of millions of Americans. Keeping public lands public is a business imperative. There couldn’t be a more important time to stand up for America’s best return on investment and keep public land selloff out of reconciliation. ORR thanks Representatives Gabe Vasquez and Ryan Zinke for their leadership and all the bipartisan members of the Caucus who have come together to champion public lands access, stewardship, and infrastructure investments. We look forward to working with the Caucus to ensure that public lands remain public and continue to be a foundation for outdoor experiences, local economies, and healthy communities for generations to come.”
“Public lands are essential to the emotional and economic well-being of our nation,” said Phil Ingrassia, President of the national RV Dealers Association. “RVDA applauds the creation of the Public Lands Caucus and its commitment to enhancing access and expanding the infrastructure that supports millions of Americans who enjoy these shared spaces.”
“America Outdoors applauds Representatives Vasquez and Zinke for their leadership in launching the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus,” said Caryn Short, America Outdoors. “Continued access to our public lands is vital to the health of the outfitting industry, rural economies, and the millions of Americans who rely on these landscapes for connection, livelihood, and adventure.”
Public lands are part of the shared national identify of Americans,” said Rachel Franchina, Executive Director, Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals. “They are treasured places – both close to home and in iconic protected areas – for people to spend time with family and friends, recharge themselves and reconnect with nature. The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals supports Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM)’s Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus. High-quality experiences on public lands are something the vast majority of American value and their commitment to ensuring access to our shared heritage is more important now than ever.”
“Public lands make hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation activities accessible for millions of Americans,” said Kellis Moss, Managing Director of Federal Affairs for Ducks Unlimited. “Some of our most critical conservation programs, such as NAWCA, invest in habitat on public lands. We’re glad to see Congress prioritize conserving America’s natural places for the next generation of outdoorsmen and women, and we’re happy to support the Public Lands Caucus in this effort.”
“The NWTF extends deep gratitude to Congressmen Vasquez and Zinke for their leadership in founding the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus,” said Jason Burckhalter, Co-CEO, National Wild Turkey Federation. “This crucial effort bolsters the unique American public trust, ensuring our public lands—vital habitats for wildlife, cornerstones of our hunting heritage, and cherished spaces for outdoor recreation—remain a shared resource, held in trust for all citizens, preserving their accessibility and stewardship for future generations.”
“America’s upland hunters and grassland advocates applaud today’s launch of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus,” said Ariel Wiegard, Vice President of Government Affairs, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “We stand ready to work with Reps. Vasquez, Zinke, and the other Caucus members to advance public land conservation policies, increase and improve habitat and access, and energize and engage the upland conservation community. America’s grassland and sagebrush shrub-steppe ecosystems are among the most at-risk environments in the world. We are confident this Caucus will help ensure our treasured public lands deliver the promise of more wildlife and more hunters, alongside other natural resource and quality of life benefits, to the American people.”
“Backcountry Hunters & Anglers strongly supports the creation of the Public Lands Caucus and thanks Representatives Vasquez and Zinke for bringing together a bipartisan force to defend against ongoing threats to sell or transfer our wild public lands,” said Devin O’Dea, Western Policy & Conservation Manager, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “Our public lands define who we are as Americans — places where anyone, regardless of background, can hunt, fish, camp or explore. The Public Lands Caucus is a crucial step in ensuring our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife endure.”
“According to the American Horse Council’s latest economic impact study, 39 million U.S. households include a horse enthusiast, with recreational trail riders representing the largest segment of the equine industry — underscoring the critical need for access to public lands,” said Julie M. Broadway, President, American Horse Council & American Horse Council Foundation. “Conserving public lands, supporting local economies, and ensuring access for all Americans is essential to the equine community, and we strongly applaud the creation of this congressional caucus as a step toward protecting these shared resources.”
“The Western Landowners Alliance applauds the formation of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus to protect our public lands and thanks Representatives Vasquez and Zinke for their leadership on this issue,” said Lesli Allison, Chief Executive Officer, Western Landowners Alliance. “Care for our public lands is a priority across party lines and fence lines in the West. Western Landowners Alliance members steward tens of millions of acres of private and public land, and recognize the challenges facing federal land management and budgets. We are also acutely aware of the nation’s real housing deficit. But disposal of federal land is not a practical solution to either problem.”
“Public lands are the source of clean drinking water for millions of Americans,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO, American Rivers. “The rivers that flow across our national parks, forests, and rangelands provide recreation and awesome scenic beauty to our country. We are excited to continue working with Congress to support the protection of these lands and rivers on behalf of all Americans. Thank you to Representatives Vasquez and Zinke for launching this caucus.”
Watch the full launch event here.
Access photos from the event here.
###
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Protection Against Foreign Adversarial Artificial Intelligence Act of 2025 to prohibit federal contractors from using DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence (AI) platform with direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), to fulfill contracts with federal agencies. DeepSeek poses a significant potential national security threat and is required by Chinese law to share the data it collects with the government of the People’s Republic of China and its intelligence agencies. Several U.S. states and allied nations have already moved to block DeepSeek from government devices due to critical security concerns.
“AI is a powerful tool which can be used to enhance things like medicine and education. But in the wrong hands, it can be weaponized. By feeding sensitive data into systems like DeepSeek, we give China another weapon,” said Dr. Cassidy.
“The U.S. must take steps to ensure Americans’ data and our government systems are protected against cyber threats from foreign adversaries,” said Senator Rosen. “This bipartisan legislation would prevent federal contractors from using Deepseek, a CCP-linked AI platform, when carrying out government work. I will continue working across party lines to bolster our national security and protect Americans’ data.”
Specifically, the Protection Against Foreign Adversarial Artificial Intelligence Act of 2025 would:
Prohibit federal contractors with an active federal contract from using DeepSeek, and any successor application developed by High-Flyer, for the fulfillment, assistance, execution, or otherwise support to complete, or support in part, a contract with an agency of the U.S. federal government.
Allow the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Defense, may provide a waiver, if necessary, on a case-by-case basis for national security-related or research purposes.
Include a report to Congress from the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Defense, on the national security and economic espionage threats posed by AI platforms from adversarial nations, such as China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia.
Background
Cassidy has been a consistent champion for online privacy and user data protection. Earlier this year, he introduced legislation to protect U.S. servicemembers’ data from adversarial nations like China and has worked to ensure that Americans can delete their personal data collected by private data broker companies.
Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) and Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01) announced the launch of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, a bipartisan congressional coalition focused on conserving America’s public lands and expanding access for all Americans. The caucus will build upon the trusted working relationship between Vasquez and Zinke, forged over the past two years, partnering on conservation legislation, along with the momentum of a new Congress and a new generation of Western lawmakers to bring a new voice to the conversation around public lands.
The Public Lands Caucus is founded on the belief that public lands are “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” It will bring lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to advance practical, consensus-driven public lands policy that conserves natural resources while supporting recreation, local economies, and public access. Caucus members are committed to bridging ideological divides and advancing pragmatic solutions to protect and manage public lands.
WATCH: Public Lands Caucus Press Conference
“Public lands are where I learned to fish, hunt, and connect with my family and culture—and those experiences shaped who I am,” said Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02). “These lands don’t belong to one party or one group of people; they belong to all of us. The Public Lands Caucus is about protecting that birthright—bringing Democrats and Republicans together to preserve access, defend conservation, and invest in the outdoor economy that powers rural communities like mine in southern New Mexico. This is personal for me, and I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to keep our public lands in public hands.”
“I follow the Theodore Roosevelt motto that public lands are ‘for the benefit and enjoyment of the people,’ and that means making sure we both conserve and manage those lands to ensure public access for the next generation,” said Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT-02). “Public lands aren’t red or blue issues, it’s red white and blue. The bipartisan Public Lands Caucus brings together lawmakers who don’t agree on much, but we agree on and are ready to work together to promote policies that advance conservation and public access. I look forward to working with Co-Chair Vasquez, the vice chairs, and all the members of this caucus so future generations can enjoy the same opportunities to hunt, hike, fish, make a living and enjoy our uniquely American heritage.”
“We should be focusing on expanding public access to federal lands, not auctioning them off. And we should be investing in our National Parks System and National Wildlife Refuges, not making it harder for Americans to visit these special places,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06). I’m proud to be Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus because conservation has historically been, and should continue to be, a priority regardless of party. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect our precious natural resources, federal lands, and beloved species.”
“Idahoans live in Idaho because we love our public lands,” said Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID-02). “This trend is common across the West, where public lands are a part of our daily lives. As a lifelong Idahoan and Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I remain committed to preserving access to our public lands and defending our way of life. Being named Vice Chair of the Public Lands Caucus is an honor, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure future generations can enjoy the same benefits that we do today. I’m thankful to Rep. Zinke for his leadership here.”
“As someone born and raised in the Coachella Valley, I know how sacred our public lands are. Places like Joshua Tree and the new Chuckwalla National Monument are more than landscapes—they’re part of our identity, history, and culture,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) Conserving public lands means protecting cultural heritage, preserving critical ecosystems, and expanding access to nature’s healing power, especially for underserved communities. I’ll continue fighting to ensure every family—no matter where they live—can experience the beauty, health, and enjoyment that public lands offer.”
“Public land access is integral to Montana,” said Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT-02). “Montanans rely on the Treasure State’s more than 30 million acres of public lands to hunt, fish, recreate, graze their livestock, and so much more. I applaud Co-Chairs Zinke and Vasquez for their efforts and look forward to working with my colleagues to find common sense solutions that preserve my constituents’ access to this fundamentally American resource.”
“As a representative of Coastal Virginia, I know how vital our public lands and waters are to our economy, our culture, and our quality of life – from supporting tourism and outdoor recreation to sustaining jobs and protecting natural habitats,” said Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02). “I’m proud to join the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus to bring a balanced, commonsense approach to protecting these resources. From our shorelines to our forests, we must ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from healthy and accessible public lands across the country for years to come.”
“On both sides of the aisle, Americans cherish our public lands,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “From the Northern Rockies of Montana to the Gila Mountains of New Mexico, these lands and waters provide invaluable opportunities to millions of hunters and anglers. We join our nation’s sportsmen and women in thanking Representatives Zinke and Vasquez for their leadership in forming the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus which will continue to advance America’s outdoor legacy.”
Whitney Potter Schwartz, Senior Vice President, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable: “The creation of the Public Lands Caucus is a significant and welcome step forward in protecting and expanding access to our public lands and waters that power America’s $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and enrich the lives of millions of Americans. Keeping public lands public is a business imperative. There couldn’t be a more important time to stand up for America’s best return on investment and keep public land selloff out of reconciliation. ORR thanks Representatives Gabe Vasquez and Ryan Zinke for their leadership and all the bipartisan members of the Caucus who have come together to champion public lands access, stewardship, and infrastructure investments. We look forward to working with the Caucus to ensure that public lands remain public and continue to be a foundation for outdoor experiences, local economies, and healthy communities for generations to come.”
Phil Ingrassia, President of the national RV Dealers Association (RVDA): “Public lands are essential to the emotional and economic well-being of our nation. RVDA applauds the creation of the Public Lands Caucus and its commitment to enhancing access and expanding the infrastructure that supports millions of Americans who enjoy these shared spaces.”
Julie Sutton, Senior Director Government Affairs, VF Corporation: VF Corporationand our portfolio of iconic outdoor brands applaud Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) for their bipartisan leadership in establishing the Public Lands Caucus. This caucus has an opportunity to improve management of public lands, protect and conserve our natural resources and maintain access for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. We thank you for your commitment to our public lands.
Myke Bybee, Senior Director of Federal Relations, Trust for Public Land: “Trust for Public Land strongly commends Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) for their bipartisan leadership in launching the Public Lands Caucus and introducing legislation — The Public Lands in Public Hands Act — which affirms the importance of our shared national landscapes. With Congress and the Administration considering proposals to sell off federal land, and as Americans visit public lands in record numbers—to hike, hunt, and connect with nature—their leadership could not come at a more critical time.”
Jenn Dice, President & CEO, PeopleForBikes: “Public lands are an important part of the American experience and critical to the outdoor recreation economy, including the bicycle industry. We applaud the leaders of the Public Lands Caucus who are committed to protecting, managing, and staffing our most treasured natural spaces that are a source of our national pride.”
Caryn Short, America Outdoors: “America Outdoors applauds Representatives Vasquez and Zinke for their leadership in launching the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus. Continued access to our public lands is vital to the health of the outfitting industry, rural economies, and the millions of Americans who rely on these landscapes for connection, livelihood, and adventure.”
Rachel Franchina, Executive Director, Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals: “Public lands are part of the shared national identify of Americans. They are treasured places – both close to home and in iconic protected areas – for people to spend time with family and friends, recharge themselves and reconnect with nature. The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals supports Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM)’s Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus. High-quality experiences on public lands are something the vast majority of American value and their commitment to ensuring access to our shared heritage is more important now than ever.”
Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President & CEO, The Corps Network: “Americans love our public lands. Hundreds of millions of people visit our national parks, forests, and grasslands every year, helping drive local economies. The Corps Network proudly represents 150 Corps programs across the country that work with resource management agencies on critical maintenance projects that keep our public lands safe and open for all to enjoy. Through service on public lands, thousands of Corps participants every year gain invaluable work experience for the modern workforce. We appreciate the goal of the Public Lands Caucus to ensure Americans have access to the Great Outdoors.”
Julie M. Broadway, President, American Horse Council & American Horse Council Foundation: “According to American Horse Council’s latest economic impact study, 39 million U.S. households include a horse enthusiast, with recreational trail riders representing the largest segment of the equine industry — underscoring the critical need for access to public lands. Federal data supports this: the Bureau of Land Management estimates three million annual horseback riding visitors, along with 46,000 participating in pack use; the U.S. Forest Service cites 206,000 horseback riders, and the National Park Service reports 1.6 million. Conserving public lands, supporting local economies, and ensuring access for all Americans is essential to the equine community, and we strongly applaud the creation of this congressional caucus as a step toward protecting these shared resources.”
Dan Mahoney, Government Affairs Manager, American Prairie: “American Prairie applauds Representatives Ryan Zinke and Gabe Vasquez for launching this bipartisan caucus to protect our country’s public lands. These lands are a cherished piece of America’s heritage, and one that American Prairie is committed to conserving and expanding access to in Montana. This new caucus’s dedication to the same is worth celebrating and so are the members of Congress leading the way to do so.”
Jordan Schreiber, Director of Government Relations, The Wilderness Society: “The Wilderness Society celebrates this bipartisan caucus’s commitment to protecting public lands and access to them, which starts with keeping them in public hands. We look forward to working with members to ensure that any future efforts to sell off these national treasures to the highest bidder are defeated.”
Tom Cors, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs, The Nature Conservancy: “Public lands need to be kept in public hands. They are not just picturesque selfie backdrops. People across America depend on them for jobs, to recharge their internal batteries, and to clean our water and air. Also, wildlife depend on them for food and shelter. Through this caucus, Representatives Ryan Zinke and Gabe Vasquez are ensuring our public lands will last forever, giving life to us all.”
David Feinman, Vice President of Government Affairs, Conservation Lands Foundation: “Conservation Lands Foundation applauds Representatives Gabe Vasquez and Ryan Zinke for working across the aisle to launch the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, which will hold Congress accountable to protect access to America’s public lands and ensure they remain in public hands. Our nation’s public lands contain remarkable and irreplaceable ecological, historical and cultural resources that reflect thousands of years of human connection to lands and waters, and we look forward to the Public Lands Caucus reflecting the overwhelming bipartisan support across America for keeping public lands in public hands.”
Maite Arce, President and CEO, Hispanic Access Foundation: “Hispanic Access Foundation applauds the launch of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus and the leadership of Representatives Vasquez and Zinke. Public lands are essential to our way of life—they support local economies, provide space for recreation and reflection, and contribute to the health and well-being of communities across the country. This caucus is an important step toward protecting these treasured places and ensuring they remain accessible and well-managed for future generations.”
Chris Wood, President and CEO, Trout Unlimited: “Public lands are the backyard of the little guy, demonstrating our commitment to leaving the world a better place for our children than the one we inherited from our parents. On behalf of Trout Unlimited members across the nation, I thank Congressmen Zinke and Vasquez and the members of the newly minted bipartisan Public Lands Caucus for their leadership upholding our legacy of public lands. Preventing large-scale transfer or sale of federal public lands helps to maintain access to some of the best places to fish and hunt on the planet. We look forward to working with the caucus to keep it that way.”
Athan Manuel, Director of Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program: “Our public lands are part of what makes this country great. They preserve critical habitat, provide our communities with clean air and water, and exploring these places has been a rite of passage for countless generations of Americans. It is more critical than ever that these treasured landscapes remain in the hands of we the people. The Public Lands Caucus will play an important – and bipartisan – role in ensuring Congress does its part to keep it that way.”
Tom Kiernan, CEO, American Rivers: Public lands are the source of clean drinking water for millions of Americans. The rivers that flow across our national parks, forests, and rangelands provide recreation and awesome scenic beauty to our country. We are excited to continue working with Congress to support the protection of these lands and rivers on behalf of all Americans. Thank you to Representatives Vasquez and Zinke for launching this caucus.
Joel Pedersen, President and CEO, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership: “On both sides of the aisle, Americans cherish our public lands. From the Northern Rockies of Montana to the Gila Mountains of New Mexico, these lands and waters provide invaluable opportunities to millions of hunters and anglers. We join our nation’s sportsmen and women in thanking Representatives Zinke and Vasquez for their leadership in forming the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus which will continue to advance America’s outdoor legacy.”
Lesli Allison, Chief Executive Officer, Western Landowners Alliance: “The Western Landowners Alliance applauds the formation of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus to protect our public lands and thanks Representatives Vazquez and Zinke for their leadership on this issue. Care for our public lands is a priority across party lines and fence lines in the West. Western Landowners Alliance members steward tens of millions of acres of private and public land, and recognize the challenges facing federal land management and budgets. We are also acutely aware of the nation’s real housing deficit. But disposal of federal land is not a practical solution to either problem.”
Paul Hendricks, Executive Director, The Conservation Alliance: “Conservation has been supported by folks from both political parties and nearly all demographics for generations – America’s best and most durable public lands protections have come from members of Congress working together across party lines. Yet many of those places are now at risk of losing those protections, which would be detrimental to our nation’s economy. Safeguarding nature creates jobs, supports local economies as well as the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, and ensures these benefits exist for future generations. The Conservation Alliance and our 200 business members are excited to see the launch of the Public Lands Caucus and thank Representative Vasquez and Representative Zinke for taking the lead.”
Devin O’Dea, Western Policy & Conservation Manager, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: “Backcountry Hunters & Anglers strongly supports the creation of the Public Lands Caucus and thanks Representatives Vasquez and Zinke for bringing together a bipartisan force to defend against ongoing threats to sell or transfer our wild public lands. Our public lands define who we are as Americans — places where anyone, regardless of background, can hunt, fish, camp or explore. The Public Lands Caucus is a crucial step in ensuring our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife endure.”
Ariel Wiegard, Vice President of Government Affairs, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever: “America’s upland hunters and grassland advocates applaud today’s launch of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, and we stand ready to work with Reps. Vasquez, Zinke, and the other Caucus members to advance public land conservation policies, increase and improve habitat and access, and energize and engage the upland conservation community. America’s grassland and sagebrush shrub-steppe ecosystems are among the most at-risk environments in the world, resulting in the decline of our most cherished grassland species and fewer places to hunt on high-quality habitat—we are confident this Caucus will help ensure our treasured public lands deliver the promise of more wildlife and more hunters, alongside other natural resource and quality of life benefits, to the American people.”
Jason Burckhalter, Co-CEO, National Wild Turkey Federation: “The NWTF extends deep gratitude to Congressmen Vasquez and Zinke for their leadership in founding the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus. This crucial effort bolsters the unique American public trust, ensuring our public lands—vital habitats for wildlife, cornerstones of our hunting heritage, and cherished spaces for outdoor recreation—remain a shared resource, held in trust for all citizens, preserving their accessibility and stewardship for future generations.”
Louis Geltman, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations, Outdoor Alliance: “Outdoor Alliance is grateful to Representatives Gabe Vasquez and Ryan Zinke for their leadership in creating the Public Lands Caucus. Public lands need champions, and we look forward to working with members of the caucus to protect public lands and waters and outdoor recreation experiences. Outdoor recreation is a bipartisan value and benefits the millions of Americans who get outside each year. We look forward to building momentum for the caucus’s work to support outdoor recreation, public lands and waters, and conservation.”
Caroline Gleich, professional athlete, advocate and former candidate for U.S. in Utah: “As someone who has spent my life exploring and advocating for public lands, I’m thrilled to support the launch of the Public Lands Caucus. These lands are more than lines on a map—they’re where we connect with nature, with each other, and with something larger than ourselves. I applaud Representative Vasquez for his leadership in creating a space in Congress to prioritize conservation, recreation, and access for all. At a time when public lands are under threat from extractive industries and political indifference, this caucus sends a clear message: our lands are not for sale. They belong to the people—and we’re here to protect them.”
America Fitzpatrick, Conservation Program Director, League of Conservation Voters: “We applaud the establishment of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus led by Representatives Vasquez and Zinke. The bipartisan nature of this caucus underscores how public lands unite us. Public lands across the country provide countless recreational, cultural, health, and economic opportunities. Proposals like the dark-of-night amendment to sell-off public lands in Utah and Nevada during last night’s House Natural Resources Committee markup have no place in the Budget Reconciliation process and we look forward to working with the caucus to ensure our lands and waters are protected for generations to come.”
Kellis Moss, Managing Director of Federal Affairs for Ducks Unlimited: “Public lands make hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation activities accessible for millions of Americans. Some of our most critical conservation programs, such as NAWCA, invest in habitat on public lands. We’re glad to see Congress prioritize conserving America’s natural places for the next generation of outdoorsmen and women, and we’re happy to support the Public Lands Caucus in this effort.”
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)
Washington, DC — Representatives Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Hank Johnson (GA-04), led a letter to President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi raising serious concerns over the potential nomination of Ed Martin to serve as US Attorney for the District of Columbia. Congresswoman Kaptur is the Co-Founder and Co-Chair and Congressman Quigley serves as Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, and Congressman Bell is a new member of the Caucus. Additionally, Congressman Johnson is a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Congressman Bell previously served as St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, leading Missouri’s largest prosecutor’s office.
The letter cites Martin’s extensive history of appearances on Russian state-funded media outlets RT and Sputnik — over 150 times in recent years — as cause for alarm given the sensitive nature of the role. The lawmakers argue that Martin’s public statements on these platforms, many of which were not disclosed, have often echoed Kremlin propaganda and undermined US national security interests, particularly regarding Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
“Mr. Martin’s public contributions to Russian-backed platforms are deeply troubling to consider when considering how these views may reflect his stance toward critical issues related to Ukraine and national security. The downplaying of Russian aggression and interference in Ukraine he has espoused on Russian media raises concerns about his ability to uphold U.S. interests, particularly at a time when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has escalated tensions globally. Additionally, his denying evidence of a Russian military buildup near Ukraine’s borders and suggesting that it was the US, not the Assad Regime, who ‘engineered’ the deadly 2017 Syrian chemical weapons attack. His appearances have included promoting narratives that align with Russian propaganda over US policy positions and our national interests,” said the lawmakers.
“Crucially, Mr. Martin did not fully disclose his extensive involvement with RT and Sputnik as required on his Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire. This failure in transparency regarding his associations with Russian-backed media outlets calls into question his judgment and commitment to serving the interests of the United States. The US government has consistently recognized RT and Sputnik as propaganda and intelligence tools of the Russian state, and his refusal to disclose his participation raises serious doubts about his loyalty to American values,” continued the lawmakers.
“Given the gravity of these concerns, we urge you to conduct a thorough review of Mr. Martin’s past statements, associations, and overall fitness for the role of US Attorney for the District of Columbia. The appointment of an individual with such questionable allegiances could have serious repercussions for both US foreign policy and the integrity of our legal system,” concluded the lawmakers.
Read the full text of the letter here.
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Source: Office of United States Attorneys
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Israel De La Cruz San Juan, 29, and Candido De La Cruz San Juan, 34, both citizens of Mexico, were arrested and charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 27, 2025, Buffalo Border Patrol Station agents were conducting plain clothes surveillance, when they spotted an out-of-state work truck with construction equipment inside in Tonawanda, NY. It was determined that the registration on the truck had expired in September of 2024 and a traffic stop was conducted. Records checks determined that all three occupants, including Israel De La Cruz San Juan and Candido De La Cruz San Juan, were illegally present in the United States. Israel De La Cruz San Juan and Candido De La Cruz San Juan were taken into custody. Israel De La Cruz San Juan was previously removed from the United States in November 2017, and Candido De La Cruz San Juan was removed from the United States in May 2012, and July 2013.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr. and were detained.
The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC
Headline: Membership Updates for May 2025
IADC welcomes 9 new Members:
HOWACADEMY – Basra, Basra, Iraq
JOE M. LIPARI CONSULTING LLC – Cypress, Texas, US
OCEAN SUPERIOR ENERGY CO. LTD. – Dammam, Saudi Arabia
RED BOX CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED – Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK
ROGII INC. – Houston, Texas, US
SCORPIONS DE MEXICO SA DE CV – Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
SMTC GLOBAL – Singapore
TOMAHAWK DOWNHOLE LLC – Broussard, Louisiana, US
TRUE STANDARD, LLC – McLean, Texas, US