Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia
We will issue a Reduced Threat message when the threat to the community has reduced.
All bushfire incidents that have had an Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Warning message issued will be finalised with an Advice – Reduced Threat message.
Source: China State Council Information Office
The death toll from Israeli attacks on crowds of Lebanese trying to return to their homes in southern Lebanon has risen to 22, including six women, with 124 others injured, the Lebanese Health Ministry said Sunday.
The injured included 12 women and a paramedic from the Islamic Scout Association, who was carrying out a humanitarian rescue mission, the ministry said in a statement.
A Lebanese military source told Xinhua that an Israeli force, backed by a Merkava tank and a bulldozer, advanced towards a gathering of civilians in the village of Mays al-Jabal, and “fired heavily to intimidate and disperse the residents.”
The Israeli military also blocked the main road at the entrance of the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon located in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, the source said, adding that the military fired several flares over Mays al-Jabal and the Arqoub Heights in eastern Lebanon, and launched machine-gun fire toward Mount Sadaneh, west of Shebaa, in southeastern Lebanon.
Sunday marks the end of a 60-day deadline for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territories. Under a ceasefire agreement reached in late November after months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, the Lebanese army would take control of the areas south of the Litani River, ensuring its security and preventing any presence of weapons and militants.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army has continued to carry out strikes in Lebanon, some of which have caused deaths and injuries in the border areas.
Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia
Issued on
27 Jan 2025 12:12
Issued for
MULCH FIRE AT KANMANTOO, 3km North West of Callington in the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke
Action
Smoke from a mulch fire at Kanmantoo is in the vicinity of Mine Road, Back Callinton Road, Hollamby Road and Hillview Road and may impact the township of Callington in the Murraylands and Mount Lofty Ranges districts.
Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.
Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.
If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.
More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.
US Senate News:
Source: The White House
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Policy. For weeks, residents of the Los Angeles area have watched raging fires consume their homes, belongings, beloved pets, and childhood memories. Almost immediately, firefighters were unable to fight the blaze due to dry hydrants, empty reservoirs, and inadequate water infrastructure. Today, at least 28 people have lost their lives and thousands more have lost everything else, with some damage estimates calculating hundreds of billions of dollars in damage.
This tragedy affects the entire Nation, so it is in the Nation’s interest to ensure that California has what it needs to prevent and fight these fires and others in the future. Therefore, it is the policy of the United States to provide Southern California with necessary water resources, notwithstanding actively harmful State or local policies. And it is the policy of the United States to assist Americans in disaster areas through responsive policies that more effectively empower them to rebuild and regain their livelihoods.
Sec. 2. Overriding Disastrous California Policies. (a) The Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Agriculture shall expeditiously take all measures, consistent with all applicable authorities, to ensure adequate water resources in Southern California. Each shall report to me within 15 days on all authorities, including emergency authorities, available to ensure, require, maintain, or use infrastructure necessary to fight and prevent massive wildfires in Southern California.
(b) In particular, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall immediately take actions to override existing activities that unduly burden efforts to maximize water deliveries. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall consider actions including those consistent with the “No Action Alternative” in the Final Environmental Impact Statement issued November 15, 2024, by the Bureau of Reclamation on Long-term Operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project.
(c) The Secretary of the Interior, including through the Bureau of Reclamation, shall utilize his discretion to operate the CVP to deliver more water and produce additional hydropower, including by increasing storage and conveyance, and jointly operating federal and state facilities, to high-need communities, notwithstanding any contrary State or local laws. The Bureau of Reclamation shall take all available measures to ensure that State agencies — including the California Department of Water Resources — do not interfere with the Bureau of Reclamation’s operation of the project to maximize water delivery to high-need communities or otherwise, including but not limited to the issuance of a new Record of Decision maximizing water deliveries and consistent with the 2020 Record of Decision.
(d) In accordance with section 6 of the Executive Order of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency), the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation, and in accordance with section 1536 of title 16 United States Code, shall expedite action related to any exemption under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., for the Long-Term Operation of the CVP and the State Water Project for all applicable threatened and endangered species.
(e) The Secretary of the Interior shall promptly review, revise, or rescind any regulations or procedures specific to implementation of section 1536 of title 16 United States Code, as needed and consistent with applicable law, to conform with the plain meaning of the statute.
(f) The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall identify all ongoing or potential major water-supply and storage projects within the State of California for which they have joint responsibility under the ESA or individual responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.
(g) For each such project identified under subsection (f), the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall each designate one federal official to coordinate each agency’s respective NEPA and ESA compliance responsibilities. Within 30 days from the date of this order, each designated official shall identify any regulatory hurdles that unduly burden each respective water project, identify any recent changes in state or Federal law that may impact such projects from a regulatory perspective (including Public Law 118-5), and shall develop a proposed plan, for review by the Secretaries, to appropriately suspend, revise, or rescind any regulations or procedures that unduly burden such projects and are not necessary to protect the public interest or otherwise comply with the law. In so doing, each designated federal official will coordinate and share all appropriate information that will enable improved efficiencies. For the purposes of this order, “unduly burden” means to unnecessarily obstruct, delay, curtail, impede or otherwise impose significant costs on the permitting, utilization, transmission, delivery, or supply of water resources and water infrastructure.
Sec. 3. Ending the Subsidization of California’s Mismanagement. (a) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) shall review all Federal programs, projects, and activities for all relevant agencies that impact land management, water availability, water supply, water storage and delivery, water infrastructure, and disaster preparedness and response.
(b) Within 30 days of the date of this order, to ensure that State and local jurisdictions promote sensible land management practices and reliable water supply for all Americans, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Commerce shall jointly report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, regarding California State and local policies or practices inconsistent with sound disaster prevention and response.
(c) The Director of OMB, in consultation with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, shall recommend appropriate action to the President, regarding:
(i) any lack of compliance by California with the terms of existing Federal grants, contracts, or other financial assistance to States or localities; and
(ii) beneficial additional terms that may be added with respect to any future Federal programs, projects, or activities to ensure sound disaster prevention and response.
Sec. 4. Additional Actions to Help Los Angeles Families. (a) Housing Displaced Families. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Administrator of FEMA, shall expeditiously provide an Integrated Federal Housing Strategy and Implementation Plan to the Director of OMB and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs that expedites options for housing relief to survivors displaced by wildfires in California.
(b) Expediting Waste Removal. Within 5 days from the date of this order, to accelerate the rebuilding of areas devastated by the recent Los Angeles wildfires, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Administrator of FEMA, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall develop and execute a plan to expedite the bulk removal of contaminated and general debris.
(c) Effectively Using Grants to Improve Fire Preparedness. The Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Administrator of FEMA, shall immediately implement a plan to enable the timely and appropriate use of Federal preparedness grants for the City of Los Angeles. As of the date of this order, the city has yet to use the majority of its $213 million allotment that has accrued since fiscal year 2021. These Federal preparedness grants shall not be used to support illegal aliens. The Attorney General, in coordination with the FEMA Administrator, shall investigate the misuse of these grants by the City of Los Angeles and take appropriate action to address such misuse.
Sec. 5. Additional Actions to Help North Carolina Families. (a) Clearing Roads. To accelerate rebuilding and community recovery, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Administrator of FEMA, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall immediately take all necessary and appropriate measures, including through direct assistance, loans, and other available means, to expedite roadway clearance or rebuilding, including the section of Interstate 40 in North Carolina that remains closed, and the repair or rebuilding of roads and bridges on private property in areas of North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.
(b) Housing Displaced Families. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall immediately provide an Integrated Federal Housing Strategy and Implementation Plan to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs that expedites options for housing relief to survivors displaced by Hurricane Helene.
Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 24, 2025.
Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
Gathering at Pomonal Town Hall today (27 January) for their Community Australia Day Breakfast and Awards Presentation, members were honoured in front of their friends and family with gratitude expressed for their highly respected operational response over the last two summers.
Chief Officer Jason Heffernan proudly presented the resilient brigade and Captain Steve Field with a Special Recognition Award, the highest of its kind in CFA, for their outstanding service throughout a significant event.
“It is a known risk to CFA members that at some stage you may face a situation in which your own property is under threat from fire, and with that comes the unenviable dilemma of having to choose to either focus your efforts on yourself or protect the broader community,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.
“On the 13 February 2024 and in the days that followed, members of the Pomonal Fire Brigade faced this precise predicament as a fire event that would eventually claim some 47 homes, devastating their community.
“In the midst of this large-scale incident, the local members conducted themselves with great professionalism and demonstrated complete selflessness as they continued working tirelessly at the fire front.
“Their consistent presence on scene and the support provided to the public was widely felt and greatly appreciated by the community, who are proud to have such dedicated CFA members at their service.”
The morning also saw two very deserving recipients, Ararat Group Officer (GO) David Croad and Ararat Deputy Group Officer (DGO) Matt Venn, receive the esteemed Chief Officer’s Commendation.
David Croad is being recognised for his impressive actions as Group Officer during the significant event in February, and Matt Venn for his supportive leadership as the Group Strike Team Leader.
“In a time of great distress for the Pomonal community, David, Matt and their fellow brigade members demonstrated to the highest level, the spirit of CFA and I couldn’t be prouder as Chief Officer,” Jason said.
“Acting GO David Croad put the welfare of members and the local community at the forefront of his actions, and it has been noted with much respect and admiration.
“David exuded calmness and confidence from day one of the fire and provided exceptional operational leadership and communication to fire crews and other responding agencies.
“Despite his own home and that of fellow community and brigade members being under threat, DGO Matt Venn conducted himself with great professionalism, care and concern.
“He was instrumental in key decisions and his efficient manner ensured the effective planning of resources, personnel, logistics, and the recovery effort.”
Throughout the celebrations, District 16 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Alcock also presented nine CFA Service Awards, ranging from 10 years to a notable 45 years.
A further five brigade members were also acknowledged for their devoted service, awarded 30-to-65-year CFA Life Member Awards, alongside a National Emergency Medal to David Gething for the 2019/20 bushfires.
Read more on the efforts of the Pomonal volunteers and Ararat Group members and their reflections of the devasting February 2024 fires on our website.
| Submitted by | CFA Media |
|---|
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
Holding an emergency meeting following advances by the 23 March Movement, or M23, towards the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and concurrent attacks on United Nations peacekeepers there, the Security Council heard today that urgent action is needed to address a rapidly deteriorating situation while time remains to do so.
“The United Nations is profoundly concerned by the resumption of hostilities,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations. On 23-24 January, M23 fired on positions of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). He reported that, as a result, several blue helmets were “killed in carrying out the tasks entrusted to them by this Council”. He also noted that M23 has significantly extended its territorial gains over the past few weeks and has opened a new front in South Kivu, from which MONUSCO recently withdrew.
“At this critical juncture, with the lives of countless vulnerable civilians, peacekeepers and respect for this Council’s mandate at stake, MONUSCO remains committed to the robust defence of its mandate,” he stated. He stressed that, for its part, the Council “must honour the sacrifices made by the peacekeepers who laid down their lives in pursuit of this noble goal by sending a clear and unequivocal message to M23 and its backers that actions endangering the lives of civilians and UN peacekeepers will not be tolerated.”
Also reporting on the situation was Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of MONUSCO. Noting that M23 and Rwandan forces have penetrated the outskirts of Goma — “causing mass panic and flight amongst the population” — she said that roads are blocked and that M23 has declared Goma’s airspace closed. “In other words, we are trapped,” she said, calling on the Council to “act now” to secure the civilian population, humanitarian-aid workers and all UN personnel.
Calling on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to continue political negotiations in the context of the Luanda Process, she urged: “More than ever, we must find a political solution.” She also called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from Congolese territory and end support for M23, and on the Democratic Republic of the Congo to “make significant efforts” to neutralize the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda, or FDLR.
Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, then stressed that if hostilities spread into Goma, “the impact on civilians could be devastating”. In North and South Kivu, hundreds of civilians have been killed and injured over the last few weeks. Further, hundreds of thousands have fled their homes, humanitarian access remains constrained and hospitals are overwhelmed. Against that backdrop, she urged all parties to “protect civilians and the critical infrastructure they rely on”.
She also urged them to avoid using wide-area explosives and heavy weapons in populated areas. “This will be particularly important should the hostilities spread into Goma, given the risks of conflict in urban areas,” she observed. And, to address the escalating humanitarian crisis “before the situation worsens further”, she called on the Council to end the hostilities, ensure respect for international law and provide adequate funding for humanitarian action.
“The resolution of the conflict in eastern DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo] must be political, not military,” stated the representative of Sierra Leone, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Somalia. The Luanda and Nairobi Processes “remain viable paths to peace”, he said, while underscoring that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be respected “by all States and non-State actors alike”. France’s representative, stating that the presence of foreign military forces threatens civilian protection and contributes to displacement, concurred: “Force is not an option.”
Along those lines, China’s representative said: “All external forces should refrain from providing support to M23 and other armed groups to prevent further deterioration.” He also joined other Council members in pointing out that “attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes”. The representative of Greece echoed that, also noting that attacks against MONUSCO peacekeepers constitute a basis for sanctions designations. Also making these points was the representative of the United Kingdom, who observed that “the numbers of those lost and injured is changing by the hour”.
These attacks, stressed Slovenia’s representative, constitute “an attack on peace itself”. Recalling the Council’s recent, unanimous decision to renew MONUSCO’s mandate, she underlined the organ’s responsibility to “stand unequivocally behind [its personnel] in these perilous times and ensure they return safely to their loved ones”. She added: “The international community, and this Council, cannot afford to remain passive in the face of this crisis.” Panama’s representative similarly stated: “History will not judge us on our intentions but, rather, our actions.”
The United Nations must take immediate measures to ensure the safety and security of both civilians and peacekeepers, underscored the representative of Pakistan. Expressing particular concern over a “highly exposed” Pakistani artillery battery near Sake, he stressed that this unit should be quickly redeployed for the safety of its personnel and heavy, expensive equipment. Stating that peacekeepers cannot be expected to implement the “challenging mandate assigned to them by the Council” without adequate support, he also urged the organ to address the root cause of the conflict — the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
On that, Denmark’s representative observed: “The illegal exploitation of natural resources in eastern DRC is a key driver to instability in the Great Lakes region — this must end.” The representative of the United States also expressed concern over the illicit exploitation of mining areas in territories controlled by M23, as did the representative of the Russian Federation: “The struggle to gain access towards strategically important Congolese minerals is one of the reasons for the continuation of the crisis.”
The representative of the Republic of Korea detailed that crisis: “In the past week alone, as [M23] has expanded its territory by 11 per cent, the number of [internally displaced persons] has doubled to 400,000.” He joined other Council members in calling on Rwanda to cease its support for the group and urged both Kinshasa and Kigali to return to dialogue and fully implement their commitments under the Luanda Process. He added: “We recognize the differing interests of the DRC and Rwanda, but further escalation of tensions is simply unacceptable — many lives are at stake.”
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, meanwhile, took the floor to stress that the situation in her country is “not a conflict like others”. Rather, it is “a declaration of war that no longer hides itself behind diplomatic manoeuvres”, she said, stressing that “Rwanda is preparing to orchestrate a carnage in broad daylight”. She also said that it is “clear that this crisis is directly linked to the economic plunder of our country by Rwanda”.
On that, she said that over 150 tons of coltan are illegally extracted and transported to Rwanda each month, where they are fraudulently labelled for export. Yet, while this illicit commerce finances the military activities of armed groups, it is “only one aspect of the aggression carried out by Rwanda”, she stressed. Others include the systematic targeting of peacekeeping forces, the 24 January assassination of the military governor of North Kivu and the sabotage of the Luanda Process.
Underscoring that the Council “cannot content itself with declarations of concern or simply ‘remaining seized of the matter’”, she said that the organ’s duty is to “defend human life without distinction”. It must therefore order an immediate end to Rwanda’s hostilities, impose targeted sanctions against those responsible for the aggression, impose an embargo on the export of all minerals labelled as Rwandan — particularly coltan and gold — and revoke Rwanda’s status as a troop-contributing country. “History will remember your decision today,” she said.
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s representative stressed: “The current crisis could have been averted had the DRC Government demonstrated a genuine commitment to peace.” While the Luanda Process achieved “significant milestones” — including a ceasefire that came into force on 4 August 2024 — the Government and Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo decided to increase militarization in the country’s east in October 2024. This included the deployment of heavy weaponry and additional troops — 10,000 from Burundi — along the border.
“By prioritizing militarization of the conflict instead of embracing the regional mechanisms that have been put in place to foster a sustainable solution born out of dialogue, the conflict has continued to escalate — leading to the prevailing situation today,” he said. He added that the FDLR has “even moved from being a suppletive force to a strategic ally of the Kinshasa Government”. Further, he said that the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has publicly vowed to instigate regime change in Rwanda for two years now.
While stating that “no one should harm peacekeepers”, he expressed concern that MONUSCO is “at the risk of being sucked into a conflict in which it would be a belligerent force”. MONUSCO should therefore focus on protecting civilians instead of fighting alongside Kinshasa’s military coalition. Noting that the situation today mirrors that which occurred 12 years ago, he stressed that “the DRC must play a helpful role — after all, this is a Congolese problem, for which the DRC is looking to outsource its solution.”
“It is with profound regret that this meeting is taking place at a time when a number of peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty,” observed South Africa’s representative. Urging the Council to “send a clear message that peacekeepers’ lives matter”, she underlined the need to “value and safeguard the contribution of those entrusted to carry out the mandates adopted in this chamber”. Extending condolences to all victims’ families, the representative of Uruguay reiterated his country’s “steadfast commitment to peace”.
Angola’s representative pointed to “remarkable progress in the implementation of the Luanda Process”. “We need speedy and unconditional de-escalation of the conflict and genuine, renewed engagement of the parties to explore the ways of overcoming the pending issues,” he added. On that, Burundi’s representative said that the Luanda and Nairobi Processes “set out a clear road map to reach a lasting ceasefire”. Calling on the Council to demand an end to foreign interference and act decisively to guarantee that the Democratic Republic of the Congo can fully exercise its sovereignty and restore peace, he stressed: “Security and stability in Central Africa and beyond are at stake.”
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (the “Company” or “Orezone”) is pleased to provide additional drill results from its recently announced multi-year exploration campaign at its flagship Bomboré Gold Mine. The new results are centered on the North Zone, with high grades intercepted below both the North Zone Footwall and North Zone Hill resource and reserve pits.
Selected Drill Highlights:
Patrick Downey, President and CEO stated, “These latest drill results further underscore the significant exploration upside at Bomboré, and the potential to materially expand the resource base from the current global 5.1 million gold ounces, to a targeted 7 to 10 million gold ounces longer term. Given Bomboré’s 14km long reserve defined strike length at an average reserve pit depth of less than 40m, we have been aggressive in our pursuit of illustrating this potential. Towards this goal, we are accelerating the Phase I exploration campaign and planning a comprehensive 30,000m drill program through 2025. Recent drilling from only 12 wide spaced drill holes in the North Zone Footwall has successfully extended mineralization 100m to 250m below the reserve pit bottoms along a strike length of over 800m. This has clear implications in terms of extending current life of mine pits to depth and increasing the future production profile at Bomboré.
The discovery potential of the orogenic gold setting at Bomboré is also highlighted by the multiple higher-grade sub-zones, which we believe may host the potential to transition into an underground mining scenario beneath the existing life of mine open pits. This prospect continues to be an area of focus at North Zone Hill, as well as at P16 and P17 where drilling has recently commenced.
Together with our ongoing production expansion, which is currently ahead of schedule, this renewed focus on exploration at Bomboré, and testing the overall size and scale of the broader system, represent a truly exciting time for Orezone on multiple fronts.”
North Zone Footwall – Extending Mineral System to Depth
Initial drilling last year, targeting the North Zone Footwall at depth, was successful in extending high-grade mineralization 240m below the current reserve pit, with intercepts of 1.02g/t Au over 57.00m (BBD1313) and 1.64g/t Au over 46.00m (BBD1314). Wide spaced follow-up drilling was successful in extending mineralization 100m to 250m below the reserve pits along a strike length of over 800m (Figure 2). This was marked by several broad high-grade intercepts including 1.17g/t Au over 29.50m (BBD1320), 1.20g/t Au over 23.80m (BBD1323), 1.01g/t Au over 18.70m (BBD1319) and 1.80g/t Au over 15.00m (BBD1318).
While early-stage, the main takeaways from this recent round of drilling along the North Zone Footwall include:
1) The potential, with subsequent infill drilling, to materially extend the North Zone Footwall resource and reserve pits to depth. If successful, this would have positive implications in terms of further expanding the production profile at Bomboré.
2) Given the initial results at the North Zone Footwall, there are comparable opportunities to extend the mineralized system at depth across the greater 14km long reserve defined trend, where the average reserve pit depth is currently less than 40m.
North Zone Hill and Higher-Grade Sub-Zone Targeting
As part of the exploration campaign to test the broader size and scale of the Bomboré mineralized system, a second focus of the current drill program is to further delineate a number of higher-grade sub-zones within, and extending below, the current life of mine open pit resource and reserves. The Company believes that these higher-grade sub-zones may host the potential to transition into underground mining beneath the open pits in the future. This is a well demonstrated mine sequence in-country, and if successful, would not only serve to increase the operating head grade at Bomboré, but also increase the overall production profile.
With exploration efforts initially concentrated in the northern end of the project, initial testing of this thesis was centered on North Zone Hill, where at open pit drill spacing, there is a defined trend of higher-grade mineralization. As detailed in Figure 3, this sub-zone is marked by multiple high-grade intercepts including 8.75g/t Au over 7.20m (BBD1246), 7.17g/t Au over 7.00m (BBD0903), 13.44g/t Au over 2.80m (BBD1249), and 6.92g/t Au over 6.00m (BBD0911). Initial drill testing down plunge along this trend intercepted a broad interval of 2.55g/t Au over 23.00m, with a higher-grade sub-interval of 5.54g/t Au over 5.50m (BBD1324). Follow-up testing at North Zone Hill in the future will focus on additional step-outs down plunge and on tighter spaced drilling along trend to further resolve the controls on this higher-grade mineralization.
The Company’s objective to further delineate such higher-grade sub-zones has extended to the P16 and P17S deposits at the southern end of the mining permit, in advance of the start of the rainy season in May. As outlined below, and detailed in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the P16 and P17S deposits host a number of higher-grade sub-zones. Initial testing at these deposits will focus on the down plunge continuity of the high-grade sub-zones and the potential for limb extensions to the East and West. Follow-up drill programs will further reduce the drill spacing towards the base of the pits and down plunge, as well as to test for repeats of the system along strike, a prospect that is well supported by historical drilling.
P16 – selected high-grade historical intercepts:
P17S – selected high-grade historical intercepts:
Figure 1: Bomboré Gold Mine Property Map
Figure 2: North Zone Footwall Long Section Looking Southeast
Figure 3: North Zone Hill Long Section Looking Northwest
Figure 4: P16 Long Section Looking North-Northwest
Figure 5: P17 Long Section Looking North-Northwest
Bomboré Drill Results
Table 1: Highlight Drill Intercepts from the North Zone
| Hole | Easting | Northing | Elevation | Dip | Azimuth | EOH (m) |
From (m) |
To (m) |
Length (m) |
Grade (g/t Au) |
Type |
| BBD1315 | 729390 | 1354119 | 282 | -51 | 313 | 414 | 322.00 | 325.00 | 3.00 | 0.70 | HR |
| and | 336.00 | 345.00 | 9.00 | 1.06 | HR | ||||||
| and | 363.00 | 368.00 | 5.00 | 1.02 | HR | ||||||
| and | 386.30 | 393.00 | 6.70 | 1.40 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1316 | 729160 | 1354057 | 286 | -52 | 313 | 300 | 188.00 | 191.00 | 3.00 | 0.69 | HR |
| and | 271.00 | 282.60 | 11.60 | 0.78 | HR | ||||||
| and | 292.00 | 293.00 | 1.00 | 2.68 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1317 | 729234 | 1353990 | 284 | -51 | 313 | 429 | 14.00 | 18.00 | 4.00 | 0.44 | OX |
| and | 20.80 | 24.20 | 3.40 | 1.02 | OX | ||||||
| and | 45.50 | 48.60 | 3.10 | 0.37 | OX | ||||||
| and | 65.00 | 75.00 | 10.00 | 0.75 | OX | ||||||
| and | 303.00 | 314.00 | 11.00 | 0.95 | HR | ||||||
| and | 328.00 | 339.00 | 11.00 | 0.75 | HR | ||||||
| and | 380.10 | 387.40 | 7.30 | 1.53 | HR | ||||||
| incl. | 382.25 | 387.40 | 5.15 | 1.92 | HR | ||||||
| and | 398.00 | 401.00 | 3.00 | 1.73 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1318 | 729062 | 1354011 | 284 | -56 | 312 | 317 | 167.20 | 177.00 | 9.80 | 1.59 | HR |
| and | 254.00 | 269.00 | 15.00 | 1.80 | HR | ||||||
| incl. | 261.00 | 267.90 | 6.90 | 2.52 | HR | ||||||
| and | 286.00 | 287.00 | 1.00 | 2.95 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1319 | 729009 | 1353921 | 282 | -53 | 313 | 330 | 282.00 | 300.70 | 18.70 | 1.01 | HR |
| incl. | 293.70 | 300.70 | 7.00 | 1.23 | HR | ||||||
| and | 305.65 | 309.75 | 4.10 | 1.29 | HR | ||||||
| and | 318.00 | 323.00 | 5.00 | 1.04 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1320 | 729492 | 1354296 | 289 | -56 | 312 | 321 | 88.00 | 93.30 | 5.30 | 1.55 | HR |
| and | 259.00 | 288.50 | 29.50 | 1.14 | HR | ||||||
| incl. | 261.50 | 266.00 | 4.50 | 2.30 | HR | ||||||
| and | 275.00 | 281.20 | 6.10 | 1.93 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1322 | 729569 | 1354228 | 289 | -55 | 311 | 456 | 5.50 | 9.80 | 4.30 | 0.56 | OX |
| and | 58.15 | 61.50 | 3.35 | 0.47 | OX | ||||||
| and | 364.00 | 367.00 | 3.00 | 0.75 | HR | ||||||
| and | 391.00 | 402.00 | 11.00 | 0.95 | HR | ||||||
| and | 409.00 | 415.85 | 6.85 | 1.69 | HR | ||||||
| incl. | 411.90 | 414.80 | 2.90 | 3.07 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1323 | 729136 | 1353944 | 282 | -56 | 311 | 429 | 4.50 | 6.75 | 2.25 | 0.86 | OX |
| and | 12.80 | 15.10 | 2.30 | 0.54 | OX | ||||||
| and | 209.00 | 211.00 | 2.00 | 24.74 | HR | ||||||
| and | 244.25 | 247.00 | 2.75 | 0.99 | HR | ||||||
| and | 364.00 | 387.80 | 23.80 | 1.20 | HR | ||||||
| incl. | 371.00 | 375.00 | 4.00 | 1.79 | HR | ||||||
| and | 391.30 | 394.00 | 2.70 | 0.96 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1324 | 728995 | 1353667 | 280 | -52 | 310 | 312 | 20.20 | 23.20 | 3.00 | 1.23 | OX |
| and | 193.00 | 216.00 | 23.00 | 2.55 | HR | ||||||
| incl. | 196.00 | 201.00 | 5.00 | 5.54 | HR | ||||||
| and | 277.95 | 280.00 | 2.05 | 0.91 | HR | ||||||
| and | 382.00 | 385.00 | 3.00 | 2.42 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1325 | 728983 | 1353576 | 276 | -54 | 311 | 381 | 233.00 | 237.00 | 4.00 | 1.94 | HR |
| incl. | 235.00 | 236.00 | 1.00 | 5.40 | HR | ||||||
| and | 243.00 | 248.00 | 5.00 | 1.46 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1326 | 729674 | 1354502 | 286 | -52 | 314 | 335 | 6.00 | 8.15 | 2.15 | 0.71 | OX |
| and | 189.00 | 191.00 | 2.00 | 5.42 | HR | ||||||
| and | 253.00 | 254.00 | 1.00 | 2.11 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1327 | 728991 | 1353806 | 281 | -51 | 312 | 468 | 13.50 | 17.50 | 4.00 | 0.54 | OX |
| and | 21.60 | 23.80 | 2.20 | 1.38 | OX | ||||||
| and | 33.55 | 34.50 | 0.95 | 1.48 | OX | ||||||
| and | 360.00 | 362.00 | 2.00 | 0.99 | HR | ||||||
| and | 372.20 | 373.10 | 0.90 | 8.81 | HR | ||||||
| and | 384.70 | 396.00 | 11.30 | 0.86 | HR | ||||||
| BBD1328 | 728976 | 1353684 | 281 | -51 | 313 | 282 | 24.00 | 31.75 | 7.75 | 0.58 | OX |
| and | 59.25 | 63.90 | 4.65 | 0.46 | OX | ||||||
| and | 172.20 | 173.10 | 0.90 | 5.53 | HR | ||||||
| and | 210.25 | 212.15 | 1.90 | 2.44 | HR | ||||||
| and | 253.60 | 257.55 | 3.95 | 1.39 | HR |
True widths for North Zone drilling are approximately 85% of drilled lengths.
HR – Hard Rock, OX – Oxide
About Orezone Gold Corporation
Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focused on its staged hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets and M&A.
The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.
Contact Information
Patrick Downey
President and Chief Executive Officer
Vanessa Pickering
Manager, Investor Relations
Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663
info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com
For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945 8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.
The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.
QUALIFIED PERSON
Alastair Gallaugher (CGeol), Exploration Manager for Orezone, is the Qualified Persons under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.
QA/QC
The mineralized intervals are based on a lower cut-off grade of 0.28g/t in the Oxide+Upper Transition zone, and 0.45g/t Au in the Lower Transition+Hard Rock zone. The true width of the mineralization is approximately 85% of the drill length in the North Zone. The half-core drilling samples were cut using a diamond saw by Orezone employees. The samples were prepared by BIGS Global Burkina s.a.r.l. (“BIGS Global”) and then split by Orezone to 1 kg using Rotary Sample Dividers (“RSDs”). A 1-kg aliquot was analyzed for leachable gold at BIGS Global in Ouagadougou, by bottle-roll cyanidation using a LeachWellTM catalyst. The leach residues from all samples with a leach grade greater than or equal to 0.25g/t Au were prepared by BIGS Global and then split by Orezone to 50 g using RSDs. A 50-g aliquot was analyzed by fire assay at BIGS Global.
Orezone employs a rigorous Quality Control Program including a minimum of 10% standards, blanks and duplicates. The composite width and grade include the final leach residue assay results for most of the drill intercepts reported.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain information that may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “potential”, “possible” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “will”, “could”, or “should” occur.
Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the exploration program (including the significant exploration upside at Bomboré, and the potential to materially expand the project’s resource base from the current global 5.13 million gold ounces, to a targeted 7 to 10 million gold ounces longer term; implications of extending the current life of mine pits to depth, and increasing the project’s production profile; the potential with subsequent infill drilling to materially extend the North Zone Footwall resource and reserve pits to depth; opportunities to extend the mineralized system at depth across the greater 14km long reserve defined trend; the belief that the higher-grade sub-zones may host the potential to transition into underground mining beneath the existing open pits and that this is a well demonstrated mine sequence in-country, and if successful, would not only serve to increase the operating head grade at Bomboré, but also increase the overall production profile; and historical drilling supporting P16 and P17S deposits’ down plunge continuity of the high-grade sub-zones, the potential for limb extensions to the East and West and repeats of the system along strike); the potential expansion of mineral reservices and resources; exploration activities; interpretations of drilling results; future production; project development timelines (including the ongoing production expansion being ahead of schedule); and anticipated economic benefits.
All such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management and the qualified persons believe are appropriate in the circumstances.
All forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, delays caused by pandemics, terrorist or other violent attacks (including cyber security attacks), the failure of parties to contracts to honour contractual commitments, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the possibility of unanticipated costs and expenses, accidents and equipment breakdowns, political risk, unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general economic, market or business conditions, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual information form and management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d80c26f-8efa-478f-a74e-2d4f292f47d6
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/182737de-3097-4ef3-b36b-f69e5e9cfb57
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ca17fad-8644-4d58-9376-8aecb7afd1a9
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8cbcbc8e-f7e5-4daf-8f1c-0676b7fa1a59
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/da4f18c1-e76f-4817-b50c-53dece8ff50d
Source: African Development Bank Group
When Grace Akingurwaruh signed up to become a seller of coal-efficient, improved-cooking stoves, she had no idea that she’d be successful enough to purchase her first smartphone – a godsend which enables her to remain in regular contact with her customers and get new business.
Akingurwaruh is a farmer in Hoima, Uganda, a four-hour bus ride from the capital Kampala. The 40-year-old says she was looking for ways to increase her monthly income when a neighbor told her about an African Development Bank-financed training program promoting clean energy businesses like selling stoves that retain heat longer than traditional stoves or open fires.
“They taught us how to make business, so when we finished the training, I started advertising…At times I can have customers that want to buy five or more stoves to put in their shops. So, I [give them] a discount. That’s why I have managed to sell more than my colleagues,” Akingurwaruh said of how she applied the knowledge she learned in the Green Energy for Women and Youth Resilience project.
Financed by the Bank’s Africa Climate Change Fund, the programming was organized by civil society organizations AVSI Foundation and CIDR Pamiga in Uganda.
Akingurwaruh says her roughly 22 percent commission on sales of coal-efficient stoves enabled her to not only buy a smartphone but also a goat – another source of income and nutrition for her family. She is now working as a senior agent for the same company she was linked to through the project and oversees a team of 5 youth agents. She not only sells directly to customers but also earns commissions from the sales generated by the agents she supervises.
Akingurwaruh is one of more than 2,300 people considered sales agents and retailers and participants in the Green Energy for Women and Youth Resilience project. AVSI Foundation says 75% of these beneficiaries are women and young girls aged 18 or above and that the initiative through its sales training and outreach also provided clean cooking technologies and renewable energy solutions for lighting to more than 55,000 new customers.
“By connecting civil society organizations like AVSI Foundation to funding opportunities within the Bank, we have delivered sustainable energy solutions that have transformed lives in Uganda. This collaboration has led to the empowerment of communities, enabling businesses to thrive and households to access clean, reliable power,” said Dr. Martha Phiri, the Bank’s Acting Director of the Gender, Women and Civil Society Department.
About 250 kilometers north of Hoima in the city of Aura, training graduate Gloria Dunia sources coal-efficient stoves from a massive container, then carries them to her roadside stand to sell to passersby.
“I have been trained on customer service and entrepreneurship, and this has greatly helped me,” Dunia said.
Overall, the project supported communities in 14 districts across Uganda and 16 counties in Kenya on how to transition to low-carbon development and to scale up climate finance across through the promotion of jobs from micro, medium and small enterprises in the sustainable energy sector.
The Africa Climate Change Fund also noted the project strengthens the financial service provider capacity to deliver sustainable energy finance as well as improve availability and accessibility of energy products for communities.
Maria Ossola, the project coordinator with the AVSI Foundation, said that the project permitted them to discover the key role that entrepreneurs and the private sector plays in promoting clean energy.
“Through the Green Energy for Women and Youth Resilience project, we gained invaluable knowledge about the critical importance of private sector partnerships in achieving universal access to clean energy. We invite like-minded companies and financial institutions to join us in advancing this mission,” said Ossola.
Clean cooking is one of the African Development Bank Group’s priority areas. In May 2024, the Bank pledged $2 billion over 10 years towards clean cooking solutions in Africa – a move towards saving the lives of 600,000 mainly women and children estimated who die each year from the effects of secondary smoke from partial combustion of biomass, fuel wood and charcoal.
The Bank is also a key organizer of The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, scheduled for 27 and 28 January in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It will bring together cross-sector leaders, decision makers in the public and private sector sharing a passion for boosting access to electricity to more homes and businesses across Africa.
The Government of Tanzania is hosting the event in partnership with the African Union, the African Development Bank Group, and the World Bank Group. At this two-day summit, government officials, business leaders, funders, and community organizations will chart a path towards Mission 300’s ambitious goal of bringing power to 300 millions Africans by 2030.
Source: Scottish Government
Considerable progress made but impacts continue.
Considerable progress has been made to restore services following Storm Éowyn but some impacts are set to continue, a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) chaired by the First Minister has heard.
Extensive work by utility companies, national agencies and local authorities has continued at pace over the weekend to respond to the significant damage caused by the storm.
More than 265,000 customers have had their electricity restored since Friday, with the road, ferry and aviation networks resuming a near normal service.
The scale, extent and severity of the storm has made the recovery operation a significant challenge, with issues remaining on the power and rail networks.
There are around 16,000 properties without electricity, with utility companies continuing to provide support to affected customers.
The rail network is recovering from multiple, major issues particularly in the Central Belt. Network Rail are working to repair the damage, with lines opening when safe to do so, enabling ScotRail to run services as soon as they are able.
While most schools are expected to reopen following the weekend, damage to some buildings will mean at least 20 will remain closed until repairs are made.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“I want to thank those working in the public, private and third sector who continue to work tirelessly in difficult conditions to get Scotland fully back on its feet following this extremely serious storm.
“I also appreciate the continued patience of the public while this work continues, and encourage them to take extra care and look out for each other, particularly those who are supporting vulnerable neighbours and family members.
“The severity of the damage caused by this major event has had a considerable impact across a wide area of the country. While every effort has been made over the weekend to fully restore services, unfortunately it is clear some disruption can continue to be expected.
“Utility companies are doing all they can to return power to the remaining affected properties as soon as possible. They continue to provide support to customers, including ensuring provisions are in place for the most vulnerable.
“Network Rail has been dealing with more than 500 incidents, including significant treefall, and some routes are still affected, particularly in the Central Belt. I understand that every possible resource is being used to ensure services are up and running as soon as possible.
“I would therefore urge rail commuters to plan their journeys ahead. The latest information can be found on Network Rail and ScotRail social media accounts and websites.
“While most schools will reopen, a small number are expected to be closed so buildings can be made safe. I expect Local Authorities to be giving advance warning to parents, pupils and staff, where this is necessary.”
Background
SGoRR was attended by Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Contance, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, Rural Affairs and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon, Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs Culture Angus Robertson and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie. They were joined by representatives from the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, SEPA, transport and utilities companies and resilience partners.
The latest Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.
Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website.
Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.
Follow Traffic Scotland for the most up-to-date information on the trunk roads throughout the warning periods, via their website, social media channels and radio broadcasts. Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.
To report a power cut or damage to electricity power lines or substations call the SP Networks national Freephone number 105. More information on what to do during a storm can also be found on the SP Energy Website.
During a power cut firefighters can be called to fires started by candles or portable heaters. For advice on how to stay safe during a power cut visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Website.
Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs
Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Thanks very much for being here at the Jewish Community Centre in Krakow. We thank Jonathan Ornstein for hosting us here. We thank Zofia, a Holocaust survivor who spoke with us about her journey and her life, and we thank her for the honour of sharing some time with her.
Tomorrow, we will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Mark Dreyfus and I are here in Poland, here together, to remember the six million Jewish lives lost – taken – in the Holocaust. Six million men, women and children murdered, including a million, near to here, at Auschwitz.
We are here to say, never again, never again. To stand with others across the international community and say, never again. I would say at this time, we have to stand together – across beliefs, across political difference, across politics – we have to stand against prejudice and hate and antisemitism in all its forms. Because at this time and in this place, we remember where that can lead, and we say, never again. I’ll hand over to Mark.
Mark Dreyfus, Attorney-General: Thanks very much, Penny.
The Foreign Minister and I are here in Krakow to represent the Australian Government at Auschwitz, at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. And of course, this is a commemoration of the Holocaust, which is the greatest evil that the world has known. Some 6 million Jews were murdered across Europe. Over a million Jews were murdered at Auschwitz, where we’re going to be tomorrow. That number includes, at Auschwitz, a member of my own family. My great-grandmother, Ida Ransenberg, then aged 60, was murdered at Auschwitz on the 14th of October, 1942. We’re attending the commemoration to remember the dead and to say never again. We are attending this commemoration to condemn antisemitism in all its forms, to condemn antisemitism anywhere in the world, to condemn antisemitism in Australia. And we’re at this commemoration to acknowledge the magnificent contribution that’s been made by Jews to our own Australian community, including the very many survivors of the Holocaust who found their way to Australia, particularly after the war.
I’d like to acknowledge the meeting that Foreign Minister and I have had with Zofia, a Holocaust survivor who has made a wonderful contribution to the rebuilding of the Jewish community here in Krakow, of which this Jewish Community Centre is a part. It’s a wonderful thing to think that, after what happened in the Second World War, that there is a reborn Jewish community here in Krakow. Thanks very much.
Reporter: Given the rise in antisemitism, is this year’s anniversary perhaps more important now than in any point in previous decades when this liberation has been remembered?
Foreign Minister: This commemoration is always important, but you’re right to point to the rise of antisemitism we see in the world. And when we say never again, we have to not only mean it, but bring that to what we do as political leaders. So, I do see, we do see, attending this commemoration as solemn and important, the memory of six million murdered and also the knowledge of what hatred can lead to.
Reporter: We spoke to some survivors back in Australia, who, the reason they went to Australia and fled there after the war was because it was, in their words, the furthest place from here that they could travel to. But antisemitism is now on our shores. I think it’s been, since December, more than 150 incidents are being investigated. Is there a sense of responsibility that the government has to share in the fact that it’s made its way our shores in such a large amount?
Foreign Minister: We all must stand against antisemitism whenever and wherever we see it, and we must all work together to confront it. And you would have heard me say many times, these attacks are not just an attack on the Jewish community – they are that – but they are actually an attack on who we are as Australians. People came to our country and come to our country because of who we are; a country that welcomes people of all faiths, people from all over the world, and we treat each other with respect. We treat each other with tolerance. We are accepting and we ensure that we provide a safe community for all our people. That is part of what it is to be Australian, and as well, we must hold on to it.
Reporter: Minister, given the rise in antisemitism back home in Australia, why is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese not here for the 80th commemoration?
Foreign Minister: This is a very senior delegation. This is the Foreign Minister, the Attorney-General and the Special Envoy. And the seniority of the delegation speaks to how seriously we take this.
Reporter: You mentioned in your opening comments, the need for it to come across political lines. Is that a nod, do you think this debate has been too partisan in recent weeks?
Foreign Minister: This is not a time or a place for politics. This is a time to be above politics, because this, it is such a solemn and sad occasion, but also a time to recommit ourselves to learning the lessons of the Holocaust, the murder of six million Jews, and to say, never again. So, I’m simply saying to all of us in Australia, we must all work together to ensure never again.
Reporter: This rise in antisemitism can’t obviously be separated from the conflict in Gaza, the kidnapped Israelis and destruction there. Overnight, in the last few hours, Donald Trump has said we should ‘clean out Gaza’ and see the inhabitants from there moved into either Egypt or Jordan. Have you had a chance to speak with any of your partners in the United States. Or is it a proposition you would support or entertain?
Foreign Minister: I would simply say this; we all want the ceasefire to hold, and we all want a path to peace and security for all peoples in the Middle East.
Reporter: Mr Dreyfus, thank you for sharing your personal story. A lot of Australian Jews have said that the past 18 months has been perhaps the toughest time for Jews in Australia. How hard has it been for you to live both roles as part of the Government that’s been criticised for that, but also you and your family connection?
Attorney-General: I understand all too well, perhaps better than most, the shocking rise in antisemitism that we’ve experienced in Australia and indeed, right across the world. Australia has not been alone in what has been a shocking, grotesque rise in antisemitism, unexpected after the horrific events of October the 7th. We’ve all got to work together, and that’s government, community, every part of the community has to work together to make sure that antisemitism, events of antisemitism, conduct that is antisemitic, violence that’s got an antisemitic association, all of that has to end, and all of us have to work together to make sure that it ends. It’s really important. It’s something that affects every part of the Australian community, not just the Jewish community, and I’ve got a real sense that we are working together to make sure that it is brought to an end.
Reporter: Minister Wong, Mr Dutton has been critical in the media of you being here. He says you shouldn’t be, you’re not the right choice to be here. What would you say in response to that?
Foreign Minister: This is not a day for politics. It’s not a time for politics. This is a time to remember the murder of six million people, six million Jews, and to say never again and that’s why we’re here. And it is, as I said, a solemn occasion. I simply say again, I think, if we really mean never again, then we need to work together across politics and across faiths. And I have confidence Australians can do that.
Attorney-General: And if I could add to that – this is an appropriate time, and it is an appropriate place to actually reject attempts to politicise the Holocaust or to politicise antisemitism. Combating antisemitism, remembering the Holocaust, does not belong to the left or the right. It does not belong to the progressive side of Australian politics, or the conservative side of Australian politics. It is the solemn duty of everybody, of all of humanity, to remember the Holocaust, to say, never again. And it’s been grotesque, I use that word again, to see the rise in antisemitism since October the 7th, but it has been equally grotesque to see attempts being made to politicise either commemoration of the Holocaust or combating antisemitism. We need to get politics out of this. It’s a joint effort for the whole of humanity to remember the Holocaust, to remember the six million murdered Jews, and to say, as the Foreign Minister has said, as I’ve said, never again. That’s the task that we’re here for. That’s why this is an appropriate time and place to say there’s been far too much politicisation. It’s time for it to end.
Reporter: On that note, was there any suggestion that the Governor-General may have come over, as a kind of neutral person?
Foreign Minister: I haven’t engaged with the Governor General about that. As I’ve said before in a press conference, Mark and I, and the Deputy Prime Minister and I spoke about this, and we believed this was a suitably senior delegation. Thank you very much everyone for your time.
Attorney-General: Thank you.
Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street
The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump today.
The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump today.
President Trump opened by sending his condolences to the Prime Minister on the loss of his brother. The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his kind words and congratulated him on his inauguration.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to President Trump’s role in securing the landmark ceasefire and hostages deal in Gaza. The President welcomed the release of Emily Damari and sent his best wishes to her family. They discussed the importance of working together for security in the Middle East.
They also discussed trade and the economy, with the Prime Minister setting out how we are deregulating to boost growth.
The two leaders stressed the importance of the close and warm ties between the UK and the US, and the President spoke of his respect and affection for the Royal Family.
They agreed to meet soon and looked forward to further discussions then.
Published 26 January 2025
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Rowley, Honorary Associate Professor, The Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
Within hours of taking office last week, President Donald Trump made good on his pledges to wind back the United States’ climate action – including withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement.
This political show comes barely a week after 2024 was revealed as the world’s hottest year and following the catastrophic Los Angeles fires. The fires directly killed 20 people; potentially many more will die from toxic smoke and other after-effects.
The science is clear: achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is humanity’s only hope of achieving some measure of climate security. It’s time to think deeply on our chances of getting there.
Here, I outline a few reasons for pessimism, and for hope.
1. The data doesn’t lie
The landmark Paris Agreement, signed by 196 nations in 2015, aimed to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Achieving that requires reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century.
Yet nearly a decade after the agreement, global emissions continue to rise. The Global Carbon Budget estimates a record-high 37.4 billion tonnes of CO₂ was emitted last year.
And 2024 was not just the hottest year on record – it was the first year to exceed the 1.5°C temperature threshold.
It’s not too late to change trajectory. But sadly, the data show the bathtub is fast filling, and the tap is still running hard.
2. Renewable energy rollout is too slow
Renewable energy deployment is increasing and the price is falling. But it’s not happening fast enough.
According to the International Energy Agency, clean energy investment must more than double this decade if the net-zero goal is to be reached by 2050. In particular, clean energy investment in developing countries must increase significantly.
Richer nations – which are largely responsible for the stock of emissions in the atmosphere driving the climate problem – are failing to help developing countries make the clean energy shift. At the COP29 climate talks in Baku last year, developed nations agreed to give only US$300 billion (A$474 billion) a year in climate finance to developing countries by 2035. It is nowhere near enough.
3. The net-zero smokescreen
Net-zero emissions is not the same as zero emissions. It allows some industries to keep polluting, if equivalent emissions are removed from the atmosphere elsewhere to keep the balance at zero.
This means nations that are purportedly committed to the net-zero goal can continue with business as usual, or worse.
In 2023, for example, then-British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced 100 new oil and gas licences in the North Sea, saying it was “entirely consistent” with his government’s net-zero goal. The same logic has allowed Australia’s environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, to approve new coal mines.
Both decisions came from governments that have pledged commitment to reaching net-zero – yet both are clearly making the goal harder to achieve.
These are just a few of the reasons to feel pessimistic about getting to net-zero – there are many more.
Barriers exist to extracting the critical minerals needed in low-emissions technology. Differences in human relationships to nature means we will never reach full agreement on how to respond to environmental risk. And globally, there is rising mistrust in international agreements and institutions.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Here’s why.
1. Renewable energy is cheap
Renewable energy has become the cheapest form of new electricity in history. The technologies are now less expensive than coal and gas in most major countries.
The International Energy Agency projects global renewable capacity will increase by more than 5,520 gigawatts between 2024 and 2030. This is 2.6 times more than the deployment over the six years to 2023.
The growth in rooftop solar is expected to more than triple, as equipment costs decline and social acceptance increases.
2. Commitments to net-zero are many
Global support for the net-zero goal is significant. According to Net Zero Tracker, 147 of 198 countries have set a net-zero target. Some 1,176 of the 2,000 largest publicly traded companies by revenue have also adopted it.
Without seeing the plans, numbers, laws, regulations and investments required to achieve these ambitions, one should be sceptical – but not cynical.
3. Tech innovation and climate response are in lock-step
Twenty-five years ago, smartphones did not exist, email was new and we “surfed” a new thing called the worldwide web with a slow dial-up modem.
Similarly, our technologies will look very different 25 years from now – and many developments will ultimately help deliver the net-zero goal.
Smart electricity grids, for example, use digital technologies, sensors and software to precisely meet the demand of electricity users – making the system more efficient and reducing carbon emissions.
The European Union, United States and China are all investing vast sums to support their development.
Already, we can use smart meters to monitor electricity generation from our roofs to our cars and home batteries. This allows zero-emissions electricity to both be used and sold back to the grid.
Tech innovation is not confined to the electricity sector. As Australia’s Climate Change Authority has stated, technology offers pathways to reduce emissions across the economy – in transport, agriculture, industry and more.
4. Human talent and capacity
Many of humanity’s best minds are now focused on reducing climate risk.
Climate change mitigation is attracting remarkable professionals in roles unimaginable 25 years ago – from engineers developing breakthrough renewable technologies to financial experts designing green investment products, policy specialists crafting new regulations, and climate scientists refining our understanding of climate risk.
And among much of the public, global support for climate action is strong.
The fact that humans caused climate change is an enabling truth: we also have the capacity to make decisions to address the problem.
Our choices today will make a difference. It will be a bumpy road – but to achieve some measure of climate security, net-zero is a goal we must achieve.
Nick Rowley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. 3 reasons to fear humanity won’t reach net-zero emissions – and 4 reasons we might just do it – https://theconversation.com/3-reasons-to-fear-humanity-wont-reach-net-zero-emissions-and-4-reasons-we-might-just-do-it-247992
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump today.
The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump today.
President Trump opened by sending his condolences to the Prime Minister on the loss of his brother. The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his kind words and congratulated him on his inauguration.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to President Trump’s role in securing the landmark ceasefire and hostages deal in Gaza. The President welcomed the release of Emily Damari and sent his best wishes to her family. They discussed the importance of working together for security in the Middle East.
They also discussed trade and the economy, with the Prime Minister setting out how we are deregulating to boost growth.
The two leaders stressed the importance of the close and warm ties between the UK and the US, and the President spoke of his respect and affection for the Royal Family.
They agreed to meet soon and looked forward to further discussions then.
Published 26 January 2025
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Richardson, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director, Te Puna Ako Centre for Tertiary Teaching and Learning, University of Waikato
Media coverage of the recent fires in Los Angeles showed the heartbreaking damage in Pacific Palisades and elsewhere across Los Angeles County. People lost not only their houses but also the thriving communities of which they had been part.
What was quickly apparent was the desire to rebuild. People often want their lives to bounce back from every crisis or disaster and to recreate what they have lost.
And this points to a broader issue that emerges after many natural disasters. People want to rebuild and return to normal when, in the face of an increasingly volatile climate, the best option may be to adapt and change.
There is a tension between a common understanding of personal resilience and the resilience of complex adaptive systems such as cities. People have a psychological and social need for stability and permanence, but all complex systems are resilient only because they adapt when forced to.
In New Zealand, the same tension emerged in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. Ahead of the second anniversary of the devastating cyclone – and as Northland is battered, yet again, by severe weather and flooding – New Zealanders need to ask how we can balance our personal resilience and need for stability while also acknowledging the need for a managed retreat.
In his essay The Case for Letting Malibu Burn, writer Mike Davis outlines how fire is an inescapable part of Los Angeles history and how after each fire the city has always been rebuilt.
Davis’ work focuses on Los Angeles but raises important questions about the future of all communities facing increasing risks from climate change.
The repeated rebuilds in Los Angeles have created an expectation that the city will be rebuilt after every fire.
But the city also has unique physical features that make such fires inescapable: the combination of the Santa Ana winds blowing from the desert with chaparral vegetation growing in the steep and dry canyons.
Fire has always been a natural part of the cycle of regeneration in this landscape. What has changed is the encroachment of human dwellings at the foot of these hills and canyons, and into them. Between 1990 and 2020, nearly 45% of the homes built in California were placed in these high fire risk areas.
Climate change is also making both localised rain events and droughts in the Los Angeles environs more extreme, creating larger and then drier fuel loads.
From a systems perspective, a managed retreat from the areas of worst fire risk makes sense. The resilience of cities requires them to be adaptive.
Yet adaptation in Los Angeles is largely not happening. After previous fires, rebuilding has generally occurred within six years and with minimal to no change in building design or placement. People have found comfort in the idea of “bouncing back” like a rubber ball.
There is one group within this complex system which is actually adapting in the face of increasing climate change – in Los Angeles and elsewhere, including in New Zealand.
Home insurers have drastically raised premiums in Los Angeles, or removed cover entirely from many homeowners, to cover ever-growing losses. The insurance bill for these recent fires is predicted to be US$30 billion and the frequency and cost of such climate disasters is increasing.
Together, the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle cost insurers more than NZ$3.5 billion. The cost of insurance in New Zealand rose by 14% in 2024, significantly outpacing general consumer price inflation.
In system terms, increased insurance premiums represent some of the adaptive capacity of a community that insists on rebuilding in the face of increasing risks.
In economic terms, you can also think of insurance premiums as a market signal which is pricing the ever-increasing risk of disaster into the cost of living in such fire or flood zones.
The approaching second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle and the ongoing debate over managed retreat demonstrates the same tension in Aotearoa New Zealand between increasing climate risks and our very human need to rebuild and restore what we have lost.
City and regional councils are facing questions about whether to build (or rebuild) in high-risk areas.
But with two thirds of our population living in flood risk areas and both flood risks and insurance costs increasing, how many times can New Zealand rebuild in these risky areas?
In the end, we need to remember that a crucial, and sometimes overlooked, element of psychological resilience is acceptance of change.
In a world of accelerating climate change and related disasters this is increasingly the more realistic response.
Anthony Richardson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Wanting to ‘return to normal’ after a disaster is understandable, but often problematic – https://theconversation.com/wanting-to-return-to-normal-after-a-disaster-is-understandable-but-often-problematic-247884
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jen Pierce, Professor of Geosciences, Boise State University
While firefighters work to extinguish the Los Angeles-area wildfires, city officials and emergency managers are also worried about what could come next.
Light rain began falling on Jan. 25, 2025, helping firefighters who have been battling fires for nearly three weeks, but rain can also trigger dangerous floods and debris flows on burned hillslopes. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the burned areas through Jan. 27.
Debris flows can move with the speed of a freight train, picking up or destroying anything in their path. They can move tons of sediment during a single storm, as Montecito, just up the coast from Los Angeles, saw in 2018.
What causes these debris flows, sometimes called mudflows, and why are they so common and dangerous after a fire? I am a geologist whose research focuses on pyrogeomorphology, which is how fire affects the land. Here’s what we know.
When severe fires burn hillslopes, the high heat from the fires, sometimes exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius), completely destroys trees, shrubs, grass and structures, leaving behind a moonscape of gray ash. Not only that, the heat of the fire actually burns and damages the soil, creating a water-repellent, or hydrophobic, layer.
What once was a vegetated hillslope, with leaves and trees to intercept rain and spongy soils to absorb water, is transformed into a barren landscape covered with ash, and burned soil where water cannot soak in.
When rain does fall on a burned area like this, water mixes with the ash, rocks and sediment to form a slurry. This slurry of debris then pours downhill in small gullies called rills, which then converge to form bigger and bigger rills, creating a torrent of sediment, water and debris rushing downhill. All this debris and water can transform small streams and usually dry gullies into a danger zone.
Because the concentration of sediment is so high, especially when there is a large amount of ash and clay, debris flows behave more like a slurry of wet cement than a normal stream. This fluid can pick up and move large boulders, cars, trees and other debris rapidly downhill.
In January 2018, a few weeks after the Thomas fire burned through the hills above Montecito, a storm triggered debris flows that killed 23 people and damaged at least 400 homes.
The geography of the land, burn severity, storm intensity and soil characteristics all play important roles in if, when and where debris flows occur.
Fire and debris flow scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey use these variables to create models to predict the likelihood and possible hazards from postfire debris flows. They are already developing maps to help residents, emergency managers and city officials prepare and predict postfire debris flows in 2025 burn areas in Los Angeles.
Some of the triggers of debris flows are literally part of the landscape.
For example, the slope angle in a watershed and the amount of clay in the soil are important. Watersheds with gentle slopes – generally less than about 23 degrees – and a lack of clay and silt-sized particles are unlikely to produce debris flows.
Other key factors that contribute to postfire debris flows relate to the proportion of the watershed that is severely burned and the intensity and duration of the rainstorm event.
Early important research in the field of pyrogeomorphology demonstrated that while large, intense storms are more likely to cause large, intense debris flows, even small rainstorms can produce debris flows in burned areas.
A whopping 21.8 million Americans live within 3 miles of where a fire burned during the past two decades, and that population more than doubled from 2000 to 2019. A recent study from central and northern California indicates that nearly all the observed increases in area burned by wildfires in recent decades are due to human-caused climate change.
The warming climate is also increasing the likelihood of more extreme downpours. The amount of moisture the atmosphere can hold increases by about 7% per degree Celsius of warming, leading to more intense downpours, particularly from ocean storms. In California, scientists project increases in rainfall intensity of 18% will result in an overall 110% increase in the probability of major debris flows.
Studies using models of fire, climate and erosion rates estimate that the amount of sediment flowing downhill after fires will increase by more than 10% in nine out of every 10 watersheds in the western U.S.
Even without rain, debris on fire-damaged slopes can be unstable. A small slide in Pacific Palisades shortly after a fire burned through the area split a home in two. A phenomenon called “dry ravel” is a dominant form of hillslope erosion following wildfires in chaparral environments in Southern California
Research on charcoal pieces from ancient debris flows has shown fires and erosion have shaped Earth’s landscape for at least thousands of years. However, the rising risk of wildfires near populated areas and the potential for increasingly intense downpours mean a greater risk of damaging and potentially deadly debris flows.
As their populations expand, community planners need to be aware of those risks and prepare.
This article, originally published Jan. 23, 2025, has been updated with rainfall in Los Angeles.
Jen Pierce receives funding from the National Science Foundation and is the chair of the Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology division of the Geological Society of America.
– ref. LA gets rain, but also risk of flooding and debris flows from wildfire burn scars – a geologist explains the threat – https://theconversation.com/la-gets-rain-but-also-risk-of-flooding-and-debris-flows-from-wildfire-burn-scars-a-geologist-explains-the-threat-247770
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jen Pierce, Professor of Geosciences, Boise State University
While firefighters work to extinguish the Los Angeles-area wildfires, city officials and emergency managers are also worried about what could come next.
Light rain began falling on Jan. 25, 2025, helping firefighters who have been battling fires for nearly three weeks, but rain can also trigger dangerous floods and debris flows on burned hillslopes. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the burned areas through Jan. 27.
Debris flows can move with the speed of a freight train, picking up or destroying anything in their path. They can move tons of sediment during a single storm, as Montecito, just up the coast from Los Angeles, saw in 2018.
What causes these debris flows, sometimes called mudflows, and why are they so common and dangerous after a fire? I am a geologist whose research focuses on pyrogeomorphology, which is how fire affects the land. Here’s what we know.
When severe fires burn hillslopes, the high heat from the fires, sometimes exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius), completely destroys trees, shrubs, grass and structures, leaving behind a moonscape of gray ash. Not only that, the heat of the fire actually burns and damages the soil, creating a water-repellent, or hydrophobic, layer.
What once was a vegetated hillslope, with leaves and trees to intercept rain and spongy soils to absorb water, is transformed into a barren landscape covered with ash, and burned soil where water cannot soak in.
When rain does fall on a burned area like this, water mixes with the ash, rocks and sediment to form a slurry. This slurry of debris then pours downhill in small gullies called rills, which then converge to form bigger and bigger rills, creating a torrent of sediment, water and debris rushing downhill. All this debris and water can transform small streams and usually dry gullies into a danger zone.
Because the concentration of sediment is so high, especially when there is a large amount of ash and clay, debris flows behave more like a slurry of wet cement than a normal stream. This fluid can pick up and move large boulders, cars, trees and other debris rapidly downhill.
In January 2018, a few weeks after the Thomas fire burned through the hills above Montecito, a storm triggered debris flows that killed 23 people and damaged at least 400 homes.
The geography of the land, burn severity, storm intensity and soil characteristics all play important roles in if, when and where debris flows occur.
Fire and debris flow scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey use these variables to create models to predict the likelihood and possible hazards from postfire debris flows. They are already developing maps to help residents, emergency managers and city officials prepare and predict postfire debris flows in 2025 burn areas in Los Angeles.
Some of the triggers of debris flows are literally part of the landscape.
For example, the slope angle in a watershed and the amount of clay in the soil are important. Watersheds with gentle slopes – generally less than about 23 degrees – and a lack of clay and silt-sized particles are unlikely to produce debris flows.
Other key factors that contribute to postfire debris flows relate to the proportion of the watershed that is severely burned and the intensity and duration of the rainstorm event.
Early important research in the field of pyrogeomorphology demonstrated that while large, intense storms are more likely to cause large, intense debris flows, even small rainstorms can produce debris flows in burned areas.
A whopping 21.8 million Americans live within 3 miles of where a fire burned during the past two decades, and that population more than doubled from 2000 to 2019. A recent study from central and northern California indicates that nearly all the observed increases in area burned by wildfires in recent decades are due to human-caused climate change.
The warming climate is also increasing the likelihood of more extreme downpours. The amount of moisture the atmosphere can hold increases by about 7% per degree Celsius of warming, leading to more intense downpours, particularly from ocean storms. In California, scientists project increases in rainfall intensity of 18% will result in an overall 110% increase in the probability of major debris flows.
Studies using models of fire, climate and erosion rates estimate that the amount of sediment flowing downhill after fires will increase by more than 10% in nine out of every 10 watersheds in the western U.S.
Even without rain, debris on fire-damaged slopes can be unstable. A small slide in Pacific Palisades shortly after a fire burned through the area split a home in two. A phenomenon called “dry ravel” is a dominant form of hillslope erosion following wildfires in chaparral environments in Southern California
Research on charcoal pieces from ancient debris flows has shown fires and erosion have shaped Earth’s landscape for at least thousands of years. However, the rising risk of wildfires near populated areas and the potential for increasingly intense downpours mean a greater risk of damaging and potentially deadly debris flows.
As their populations expand, community planners need to be aware of those risks and prepare.
This article, originally published Jan. 23, 2025, has been updated with rainfall in Los Angeles.
Jen Pierce receives funding from the National Science Foundation and is the chair of the Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology division of the Geological Society of America.
– ref. Rain falling on wildfire burn scars can trigger deadly debris flows – a geologist explains how – https://theconversation.com/rain-falling-on-wildfire-burn-scars-can-trigger-deadly-debris-flows-a-geologist-explains-how-247770
Source: United Nations 4
Top UN officials in Lebanon are calling for compliance with the ongoing ceasefire after reports that Israeli forces killed 15 people, including a Lebanese soldier, along the buffer zone with Israel, which Israel was due to withdraw from on Sunday under the agreement.
The timelines envisaged in the November ceasefire agreement “have not been met”, according to a joint statement by UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and head of the UN peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, and force commander Aroldo Lázaro.
The agreement between Israel and armed group Hezbollah had been reached after more than a year of fighting, stemming from the Israeli war in Gaza.
“As seen tragically this morning, conditions are not yet in place for the safe return of citizens to their villages along the Blue Line,” they said, referring to the buffer zone between Israel and Lebanon.
Israel warned Lebanese civilians not to return to their homes in the south this weekend, stating it would not withdraw due to alleged violations of ceasefire terms.
“Displaced communities, already facing a long road to recovery and reconstruction, are therefore once again being called on to exercise caution. Also, violations of UN Security Council resolution 1701 continue to be recorded daily.”
That landmark resolution, adopted in 2006, called for the creation of a buffer zone between the countries and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
By the terms of the November ceasefire agreement, Israel was meant to have fully withdrawn its forces from the area by Sunday.
The Special Coordinator and UNIFIL chief said “compliance by both parties with their obligations under the November agreement and the full implementation of resolution 1701 constitute the only way to bring closure to the recent, dark chapter of conflict and open a new one, heralding security, stability and prosperity on both sides of the Blue Line.”
At the same time, the UN will continue to engage all actors towards this end and remains ready to support any action consistent with resolution 1701 and the efforts of the Implementation Mechanism to achieve the objectives of the November Understanding.
“With so much at stake for both Lebanon and Israel, recommitment is urgently needed from all sides,” they said in the statement.
The UN officials said much has changed in Lebanon since the Cessation of Hostilities Understanding came into force on 27 November 2024.
Violence has dramatically decreased, and in many areas of southern Lebanon, hundreds of thousands of people have been able to return to their towns and villages.
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have shown resolve in deploying to positions from which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are withdrawing, the UN officials said.
Supported by UNIFIL, the Lebanese forces are helping to restore services and facilitating humanitarian access to communities most affected by conflict, they said.
The ongoing government formation process, following the election of a president and the designation of a prime minister, is a critical step in building trust between Lebanese citizens and the State, they explained. These developments also augur well for prospective support to the full extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory and for the country’s recovery, reconstruction and growth.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remains very concerned about reports of Lebanese civilians returning to villages where Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are still present and of casualties due to Israeli fire, according to a statement by the mission on Sunday.
At Lebanese Armed Forces request, UNIFIL peacekeepers are deploying to areas indicated by the Lebanese forces across the mission’s area of operations to monitor the situation and help prevent any further escalation.
“However, the management of crowds remains outside our mandate,” according to UNFIL, which is tasked with supporting the implementation of resolution 1701.
“It is imperative to avoid further deterioration of the situation,” the UN peacekeeping mission said, calling on the Lebanese population to adhere to the directives of the LAF, which aim to protect lives and prevent an escalation of violence in southern Lebanon.
“The IDF must avoid firing at civilians within Lebanese territory. Further violence risks undermining the fragile security situation in the area and prospects for stability ushered in by the cessation of hostilities and the formation of a Government in Lebanon,” UNIFIL said.
The UN mission emphasised the critical importance of fully implementing resolution 1701 and the cessation of hostilities arrangements through established mechanisms, which includes the complete withdrawal of the IDF from Lebanon, the removal of any unauthorised weapons and assets south of the Litani river, the redeployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in all of south Lebanon and ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced civilians on both sides of the Blue Line.
Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry
26 January 2025
Community Assistance for those affected by Storm
The public are advised that the following Derry City and Strabane District Council Leisure Centres at Templemore, Foyle Arena and Melvin Leisure Centres are open today, Sunday, from 9am – 6pm for anyone who is affected by the storm and who require help with heat, showers, water, phone charging and hot drinks.
The Riversdale and Derg Valley Leisure Centres will also open from 1pm – 6pm.
NIE Networks will have representatives at Foyle Arena today from 10am to 4pm to offer support to anyone who is without power.
NI Network have issued more info at the following link –
https://www.nienetworks.co.uk/news/article/2025/storm-eowyn-assistance-centres
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jordan House, Assistant Professor, Labour Studies, Brock University
As wildfires continue to burn in and around Los Angeles, the fact that many of the firefighters battling the blazes are inmates from California’s prison system has drawn significant attention in news coverage.
While the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) claims their fire camp program is voluntary and provides prisoners with meaningful opportunities, research demonstrates otherwise.
Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that the program exploits incarcerated individuals, labelling it as “modern-day slavery.” One ex-prisoner described it as “involuntary servitude.”
The use of prison labour is particularly concerning, given Black Americans are incarcerated at nearly five times the rate of white Americans in state prisons. In 12 states, more than half of the prison population is Black.
California prisoners are denied access to minimum wage provisions, prevented from forming labour unions and denied access to other workplace safety regulations. They’re also more likely to be injured or to die on the job than non-incarcerated firefighters. Their wages are capped at US$29.80 per day, compared to non-incarcerated firefighters, who earn up to US$358 daily, not including overtime.
While serving in a fire crew gives prisoners the chance to shave time off of their sentences and have records expunged, neither of these benefits is guaranteed. Both are contingent on the CDCR or county jails deeming the service in a fire camp to be “successful.” This leaves prisoners vulnerable to being denied these benefits, despite risking injury or death.
Some Canadian coverage of the L.A. fires has noted that provincial prisoners in British Columbia also work in a wildfire suppression program. However, little has been said about how that work relates to the larger system of prison labour in the country.
Like their counterparts south of the border, Canadian prisoners are engaged in various forms of labour, including wildfire management, but are denied basic rights as workers.
In 1975, Donald Griggs, then-superintendent of Ontario’s Monteith Correctional Complex, told the Globe and Mail that prison labour had been used in response to fires from time immemorial: “When a fire got bad, the jails were emptied and the men were shoved out on the fire line.”
By the late 1960s, programs for prisoners to support wildfire suppression had become more formalized. During that time, for example, prisoners at Beaver Creek, a federal prison in Ontario, participated in regional bushfire response efforts. Working in the program offered prisoners, who were paid $1.25 an hour, a chance at some “action.”
By the mid-1970s, some Ontario prisoners earned up to $50 a day battling wildfires. Today, however, most prisoners don’t earn anything close to those wages. Federal prisoner pay maxes out at $6.90 per day.
In the rare situations where prisoners are relatively well-compensated, prison labour still offers employers unique benefits. Prisoners’ lack of freedom and limited ability to refuse work is touted as an advantage. Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) officials have argued that, compared to volunteer firefighters, prisoners “are always in one place and available for duty.”
Canada’s most prominent use of prison labour to manage wildfires is in B.C. While prisoners served in direct firefighting roles in the past, today provincial prisoners, who make between $2 and $8 per day, play a critical support role for wildfire-fighting crews by maintaining equipment and fire camps.
Notably, all the participating prisoners have “open custody” status, having “behaved exceptionally well during previous experience on other community work crews.”
In Canada, prisoners are supposed to work as part of their rehabilitation, not as punishment. However, the reality often prioritizes the needs of employers over the rehabilitation of prisoners. A review of the CSC’s Federal Work Release Program, which was established in 1992 and included a firefighting component, notes:
“It is not necessary that the work be directly related to the offender’s correctional plan…work release is a very flexible program that allows correctional managers to respond to community projects and local needs for labour.”
This is particularly concerning given that ex-prisoners often struggle to secure gainful employment upon release, despite their participation in employment programming.
While the idea of keeping people incarcerated to maintain a labour force to fight disasters might sound like something out of science fiction, it’s not mere speculation. Responses to climate catastrophes like the L.A. fires demand huge amounts of resources and labour.
Former U.S. vice-president Kamala Harris, as California attorney general, led a campaign to defy a U.S. Supreme Court order to reduce the state’s prison population partly because decarceration would “severely impact fire camp participation.”
In Canada, prison labour has similarly been used in disaster responses. Most recently, CORCAN, the federal prison industry program, has been contracted to build temporary housing for people displaced by the 2024 wildfires in Jasper, Alta.
Just as Black, Indigenous and racialized people in the U.S. are more likely to become incarcerated, these are also the populations that suffer disproportionately from the impacts of wildfires. Studies have shown that Indigenous communities in Canada are the hardest hit by wildfires, while Indigenous Peoples make up the fastest growing prison populations.
Much like the U.S., Canada also disproportionately incarcerates Black, Indigenous and racialized people, while also depriving incarcerated labourers of access to minimum wage rights, workplace safety provisions and the right to unionize.
The root cause of many of these disasters — climate change — is disproportionately driven by the world’s wealthiest elites. The use of prison labour to fight wildfires only further perpetuates the systemic inequalities exacerbated by climate injustice and reflects a continuation of indentured servitude.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. California depends on prison labour to deal with climate disasters — Canada must avoid a similar model – https://theconversation.com/california-depends-on-prison-labour-to-deal-with-climate-disasters-canada-must-avoid-a-similar-model-248099
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira, Post-doctoral researcher, African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town
Urban agriculture takes many forms, among them community, school or rooftop gardens, commercial urban farms, and hydroponic or aquaponic systems. These activities have been shown to promote sustainable cities in a number of ways. They enhance local food security and foster economic opportunities through small-scale farming initiatives. They also strengthen social cohesion by creating shared spaces for collaboration and learning.
However, evidence from some African countries (and other parts of the world) shows that very few young people are getting involved in agriculture, whether in urban, peri-urban or rural areas. Studies from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria show that people aged between 15 and 34 have very little interest in agriculture, whether as an educational pathway or career. They perceive farming as physically demanding, low-paying and lacking in prestige. Systemic barriers like limited access to land, capital and skills also hold young people back.
South Africa has a higher rate of young people engaging in farming (24%) than elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. However, this number could be higher if young people better understood the benefits of a career in farming and if they had more support.
In a recent study I explored youth-driven urban agriculture in Khayelitsha, a large urban area outside Cape Town whose residents are mostly Black, low-income earners.
The young urban farmers I interviewed are using community gardens to grow more than vegetables. They’re also nurturing social connections, creating economic and business opportunities, and promoting environmental conservation. My findings highlight the transformative potential of youth-driven urban agriculture and how it can be a multifaceted response to urban challenges. It’s crucial that policy makers recognise the value of youth-led urban agriculture and support those doing the work.
Khayelitsha is vibrant and bustling. But its approximately 400,000 residents have limited resources and often struggle to make a living.
I interviewed members of two youth-led gardens. One has just two members; the other has six. All my interviewees were aged between 22 and 27. The relatively low number of interviewees is typical of qualitative research, where the emphasis is placed on depth rather than breadth. This approach allows researchers to obtain detailed, context-rich data from a small, focused group of participants.
The first garden was founded in January 2020, just a few months before the pandemic struck. The founders wanted to tackle unemployment and food insecurity in their community. They hoped to create jobs for themselves and others, and to provide nutritional support, particularly for vulnerable groups like children with special needs.
The second garden was established in 2014 by three childhood friends. They were inspired by one founder’s grandmother, who loved gardening. They also wanted to promote organic farming, teach people healthy eating habits, and create a self-reliant community.
All of my interviewees were activists for food justice. This refers to efforts aimed at addressing systemic inequities in food production, distribution, and access, particularly for marginalised communities. It advocates for equitable access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food.
One of the gardens, for instance, operates about 30 beds. It cultivates a variety of produce: beetroot, carrots, spinach, pumpkins, potatoes, radishes, peas, lettuce and herbs. 30% of its produce is donated to local community centres each month (they were unable to say how many people benefited from this arrangement). The rest is sold to support the garden financially. Its paying clients include local restaurants and chefs, and members of the community. The garden also partners with schools, hospitals and other organisations to promote healthy eating and sustainable practices.
The second garden, which is on land belonging to a local early childhood development centre, also focuses on feeding the community, as well as engaging in food justice activism.
The gardens also help members to develop skills. Members gain practical knowledge about sustainable agriculture, marketing and entrepreneurship, all while managing operations and planning for growth.
Read more: Healthy food is hard to come by in Cape Town’s poorer areas: how community gardens can fix that
This hands-on experience instils a sense of responsibility and gives participants valuable skills they can apply in future careers or ventures. The founder of the first garden told me his skills empowered him to seek help from his own community rather than waiting for government intervention. He approached the management of an early childhood development centre in the community to request space on their land, and this was granted.
Social connections have been essential to the gardens’ success. Bonding capital (close ties within their networks) and bridging capital (connections beyond their immediate community) has allowed them to strengthen relationships between themselves and civil society organisations. They’ve also been able to mobilise resources, as in the case of the first garden accessing community land.
Additionally, the gardens foster community resilience. Members host workshops and events to educate residents about healthy eating, sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.
By donating produce to local early childhood centres, they provide direct benefits to those most in need. These efforts have transformed the gardens into safe spaces for the community.
Broader collaboration has also been key to the gardens’ success. For instance, the second garden has worked with global organisations and networks, like the Slow Food Youth Network, to share and gain knowledge about sustainable farming practices.
My findings highlight the need for targeted support for youth-driven urban agriculture initiatives. Policy and financial backing can enable these young gardeners to expand their efforts. This in turn will allow them to provide more food to their communities, create additional jobs, and empower more young people.
At a policy level, the government could prioritise land access for urban agriculture projects, especially in under-served communities. Cities can foster an environment for youth initiatives to thrive by allocating spaces within their planning for urban farming.
There’s also a need for educational programmes that emphasise the value of sustainable urban agriculture, and workshops and training on entrepreneurship and sustainable farming techniques. Community organising could further empower young farmers. Finally, continued collaboration with national and international food networks would help strengthen such initiatives.
– Urban food gardens produce more than vegetables, they create bonds for young Capetonians – study
– https://theconversation.com/urban-food-gardens-produce-more-than-vegetables-they-create-bonds-for-young-capetonians-study-243500
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira, Post-doctoral researcher, African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town
Urban agriculture takes many forms, among them community, school or rooftop gardens, commercial urban farms, and hydroponic or aquaponic systems. These activities have been shown to promote sustainable cities in a number of ways. They enhance local food security and foster economic opportunities through small-scale farming initiatives. They also strengthen social cohesion by creating shared spaces for collaboration and learning.
However, evidence from some African countries (and other parts of the world) shows that very few young people are getting involved in agriculture, whether in urban, peri-urban or rural areas. Studies from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria show that people aged between 15 and 34 have very little interest in agriculture, whether as an educational pathway or career. They perceive farming as physically demanding, low-paying and lacking in prestige. Systemic barriers like limited access to land, capital and skills also hold young people back.
South Africa has a higher rate of young people engaging in farming (24%) than elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. However, this number could be higher if young people better understood the benefits of a career in farming and if they had more support.
In a recent study I explored youth-driven urban agriculture in Khayelitsha, a large urban area outside Cape Town whose residents are mostly Black, low-income earners.
The young urban farmers I interviewed are using community gardens to grow more than vegetables. They’re also nurturing social connections, creating economic and business opportunities, and promoting environmental conservation. My findings highlight the transformative potential of youth-driven urban agriculture and how it can be a multifaceted response to urban challenges. It’s crucial that policy makers recognise the value of youth-led urban agriculture and support those doing the work.
Khayelitsha is vibrant and bustling. But its approximately 400,000 residents have limited resources and often struggle to make a living.
I interviewed members of two youth-led gardens. One has just two members; the other has six. All my interviewees were aged between 22 and 27. The relatively low number of interviewees is typical of qualitative research, where the emphasis is placed on depth rather than breadth. This approach allows researchers to obtain detailed, context-rich data from a small, focused group of participants.
The first garden was founded in January 2020, just a few months before the pandemic struck. The founders wanted to tackle unemployment and food insecurity in their community. They hoped to create jobs for themselves and others, and to provide nutritional support, particularly for vulnerable groups like children with special needs.
The second garden was established in 2014 by three childhood friends. They were inspired by one founder’s grandmother, who loved gardening. They also wanted to promote organic farming, teach people healthy eating habits, and create a self-reliant community.
All of my interviewees were activists for food justice. This refers to efforts aimed at addressing systemic inequities in food production, distribution, and access, particularly for marginalised communities. It advocates for equitable access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food.
One of the gardens, for instance, operates about 30 beds. It cultivates a variety of produce: beetroot, carrots, spinach, pumpkins, potatoes, radishes, peas, lettuce and herbs. 30% of its produce is donated to local community centres each month (they were unable to say how many people benefited from this arrangement). The rest is sold to support the garden financially. Its paying clients include local restaurants and chefs, and members of the community. The garden also partners with schools, hospitals and other organisations to promote healthy eating and sustainable practices.
The second garden, which is on land belonging to a local early childhood development centre, also focuses on feeding the community, as well as engaging in food justice activism.
The gardens also help members to develop skills. Members gain practical knowledge about sustainable agriculture, marketing and entrepreneurship, all while managing operations and planning for growth.
Read more:
Healthy food is hard to come by in Cape Town’s poorer areas: how community gardens can fix that
This hands-on experience instils a sense of responsibility and gives participants valuable skills they can apply in future careers or ventures. The founder of the first garden told me his skills empowered him to seek help from his own community rather than waiting for government intervention. He approached the management of an early childhood development centre in the community to request space on their land, and this was granted.
Social connections have been essential to the gardens’ success. Bonding capital (close ties within their networks) and bridging capital (connections beyond their immediate community) has allowed them to strengthen relationships between themselves and civil society organisations. They’ve also been able to mobilise resources, as in the case of the first garden accessing community land.
Additionally, the gardens foster community resilience. Members host workshops and events to educate residents about healthy eating, sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.
By donating produce to local early childhood centres, they provide direct benefits to those most in need. These efforts have transformed the gardens into safe spaces for the community.
Broader collaboration has also been key to the gardens’ success. For instance, the second garden has worked with global organisations and networks, like the Slow Food Youth Network, to share and gain knowledge about sustainable farming practices.
My findings highlight the need for targeted support for youth-driven urban agriculture initiatives. Policy and financial backing can enable these young gardeners to expand their efforts. This in turn will allow them to provide more food to their communities, create additional jobs, and empower more young people.
At a policy level, the government could prioritise land access for urban agriculture projects, especially in under-served communities. Cities can foster an environment for youth initiatives to thrive by allocating spaces within their planning for urban farming.
There’s also a need for educational programmes that emphasise the value of sustainable urban agriculture, and workshops and training on entrepreneurship and sustainable farming techniques. Community organising could further empower young farmers. Finally, continued collaboration with national and international food networks would help strengthen such initiatives.
Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Urban food gardens produce more than vegetables, they create bonds for young Capetonians – study – https://theconversation.com/urban-food-gardens-produce-more-than-vegetables-they-create-bonds-for-young-capetonians-study-243500
Source: China State Council Information Office
Four Israeli hostages are seen during the ceremony of their release in Palestine Square in Gaza City on Jan. 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Four female Israeli soldier hostages held in Gaza were transferred to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) on Saturday and crossed the border into Israel, the IDF and the ISA said in a joint statement.
Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, army observers aged between 19 and 20, were abducted by Hamas from the Israeli army’s surveillance base at Nahal Oz on Oct. 7, 2023, near the Gaza Strip border.
“The four returning hostages were accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment,” the statement reads.
The four are scheduled to meet their families at the IDF’s Reim camp, near the Gaza Strip border, and from there they will be transferred by helicopter to Beilinson Hospital in central Israel.
The transfer of the four soldiers from Hamas to the Red Cross in Gaza was broadcast live. The four appeared to be in good health, walking and smiling.
The hostage release is part of the second phase of a prisoner-hostage exchange between Hamas and Israel, implemented under the initial terms of a ceasefire agreement.
The first stage of the six-week ceasefire took effect on Jan. 19.
The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel was reached after 15 months of intense fighting, as a result of negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Infinera Corporation (NASDAQ: INFN) today released financial results for its third quarter ended September 28, 2024.
GAAP revenue for the quarter was $354.4 million compared to $342.7 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $392.4 million in the third quarter of 2023.
GAAP gross margin for the quarter was 39.8% compared to 39.6% in the second quarter of 2024 and 40.3% in the third quarter of 2023. GAAP operating margin for the quarter was (3.1)% compared to (8.7)% in the second quarter of 2024 and 2.0% in the third quarter of 2023.
GAAP net loss for the quarter was $(14.3) million, or $(0.06) per diluted share, compared to net loss of $(48.3) million, or $(0.21) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2024, and net loss of $(9.4) million, or $(0.04) per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2023.
Non-GAAP gross margin for the quarter was 40.4% compared to 40.3% in the second quarter of 2024 and 41.9% in the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP operating margin for the quarter was 3.5% compared to (1.3)% in the second quarter of 2024 and 7.7% in the third quarter of 2023.
Non-GAAP net income for the quarter was $0.3 million, or $0.00 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP net loss of $(14.0) million, or $(0.06) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2024, and non-GAAP net income of $19.9 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2023.
During the three-months ended September 28, 2024, the Company generated positive cash flow from operations of $44.5 million and ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $115.6 million.
A further explanation of the use of non-GAAP financial information and a reconciliation of each of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure can be found at the end of this press release.
Infinera CEO, David Heard said “Our team delivered another quarter with continued sequential improvements in our financial metrics and critical service provider and webscaler design wins across our ICE-X coherent pluggables, next-generation line systems, software, and ICE7 solutions. In addition, in October we signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms with the U.S. Department of Commerce for an award under the CHIPS and Science Act that, together with other federal and state incentives, could result in more than $200 million in funds for Infinera.”
“Looking ahead, our customers remain excited about our pending acquisition by Nokia as they look forward to the combined company accelerating the pace of innovation in the industry. We are making good progress on the steps required to close the transaction, including receiving stockholder approval and attaining U.S. antitrust and CFIUS approval. There are still other regulatory approvals pending, but we believe we remain on track to close the deal in the first half of 2025,” continued Mr. Heard.
Pending Merger with Nokia
On June 27, 2024, Infinera, Nokia Corporation, a company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Finland (“Nokia”) (NYSE: NOK) and Neptune of America Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Nokia (“Merger Sub”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as it may be amended, modified or waived from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”) that provides for Merger Sub to merge with and into Infinera (the “Merger”), with Infinera surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Nokia. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025.
In light of the proposed transaction with Nokia, and as is customary during the pendency of an acquisition, Infinera will not be providing financial guidance during the pendency of the acquisition.
Third Quarter 2024 Investor Slides to be Made Available Online
Investor slides reviewing Infinera’s third quarter of 2024 financial results will be furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on a Current Report on Form 8-K and published on Infinera’s Investor Relations website at investors.infinera.com.
Contacts:
Media:
Anna Vue
Tel. +1 (916) 595-8157
avue@infinera.com
Investors:
Amitabh Passi, Head of Investor Relations
Tel. +1 (669) 295-1489
apassi@infinera.com
About Infinera
Infinera is a global supplier of innovative open optical networking solutions and advanced optical semiconductors that enable carriers, cloud operators, governments, and enterprises to scale network bandwidth, accelerate service innovation, and automate network operations. Infinera solutions deliver industry-leading economics and performance in long-haul, submarine, data center interconnect, and metro transport applications. To learn more about Infinera, visit www.infinera.com, follow us on X and LinkedIn, and subscribe for updates.
Infinera and the Infinera logo are registered trademarks of Infinera Corporation.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or Infinera’s future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will,” and “would” or the negative of these words or similar terms or expressions that concern Infinera’s expectations, strategy, priorities, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the amount Infinera could receive in government funding; and statements related to the Merger, including the timing of completion of the Merger and the future performance and benefits of the combined business.
These forward-looking statements are based on estimates and information available to Infinera as of the date hereof and are not guarantees of actual or future performance; actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied due to risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties that could cause Infinera’s results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include statements related to the Merger, including whether the Merger may not be completed or completion may be delayed, and if the Merger Agreement is terminated, there may be a required payment of a significant termination fee by either party; the receipt of necessary approvals to complete the Merger; the possibility that due to the Merger, and uncertainty regarding the Merger, Infinera’s customers, suppliers or strategic partners may delay or defer entering into contracts or making other decisions concerning Infinera; the significance and timing of costs related to the Merger; the impact on us of litigation or other stockholder action related to the Merger; the effects on us and our stockholders if the Merger is not completed; demand growth for additional network capacity and the level and timing of customer capital spending and excess inventory held by customers beyond normalized levels; delays in the development, introduction or acceptance of new products or in releasing enhancements to existing products; aggressive business tactics by Infinera’s competitors and new entrants and Infinera’s ability to compete in a highly competitive market; supply chain and logistics issues and their impact on our business, and Infinera’s dependency on sole source, limited source or high-cost suppliers; dependence on a small number of key customers; product performance problems; the complexity of Infinera’s manufacturing process; Infinera’s ability to identify, attract, upskill and retain qualified personnel; challenges with our contract manufacturers and other third-party partners; the effects of customer and supplier consolidation; dependence on third-party service partners; Infinera’s ability to respond to rapid technological changes; failure to accurately forecast Infinera’s manufacturing requirements or customer demand; failure to secure the funding contemplated by grants Infinera may receive from governments, agencies or research organizations, or failure to comply with the terms of those grants; Infinera’s future capital needs and its ability to generate the cash flow or otherwise secure the capital necessary to meet such capital needs; the effect of global and regional economic conditions on Infinera’s business, including effects on purchasing decisions by customers; the adverse impact inflation and higher interest rates may have on Infinera by increasing costs beyond what it can recover through price increases; restrictions to our operations resulting from loan or other credit agreements; the impacts of any restructuring plans or other strategic efforts on our business; Infinera’s international sales and operations; the impacts of foreign currency fluctuations; the effective tax rate of Infinera, which may increase or fluctuate; potential dilution from the issuance of additional shares of common stock in connection with the conversion of Infinera’s convertible senior notes; Infinera’s ability to protect its intellectual property; claims by others that Infinera infringes on their intellectual property rights; security incidents, such as data breaches or cyber-attacks; Infinera’s ability to comply with various rules and regulations, including with respect to export control and trade compliance, environmental, social, governance, privacy and data protection matters; events that are outside of Infinera’s control, such as natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, or other catastrophic events that could harm Infinera’s operations; Infinera’s ability to remediate its recently disclosed material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting in a timely and effective manner, and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Infinera’s SEC filings from time to time; and statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. More information on potential factors that may impact Infinera’s business are set forth in Infinera’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2023, filed with the SEC on May 17, 2024, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2024, as filed with the SEC on August 2, 2024, as well as subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC from time to time. These SEC filings are available on Infinera’s website at www.infinera.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Infinera assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
In addition to disclosing financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), this press release and the accompanying tables contain certain non-GAAP financial measures that exclude in certain cases stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring and other related costs, warehouse fire recovery, merger-related charges, foreign exchange (gains) losses, net, and income tax effects. Infinera believes these adjustments are appropriate to enhance an overall understanding of its underlying financial performance and also its prospects for the future and are considered by management for the purpose of making operational decisions. In addition, the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release are the primary indicators management uses as a basis for its planning and forecasting of future periods. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for gross margin, operating expenses, operating margin, net income (loss) and net income (loss) per common share prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures are not based on a comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and are subject to limitations.
For a description of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the table titled “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations” and related footnotes.
Infinera Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
||||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Product | $ | 276,214 | $ | 316,613 | $ | 778,008 | $ | 931,057 | |||||||
| Services | 78,184 | 75,756 | 226,051 | 229,615 | |||||||||||
| Total revenue | 354,398 | 392,369 | 1,004,059 | 1,160,672 | |||||||||||
| Cost of revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Cost of product | 170,693 | 190,312 | 494,248 | 577,152 | |||||||||||
| Cost of services | 42,515 | 40,209 | 121,910 | 124,889 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | — | 3,528 | — | 10,621 | |||||||||||
| Restructuring and other related costs | (24 | ) | — | 652 | — | ||||||||||
| Total cost of revenue | 213,184 | 234,049 | 616,810 | 712,662 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 141,214 | 158,320 | 387,249 | 448,010 | |||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Research and development | 73,283 | 76,846 | 225,223 | 237,234 | |||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 35,715 | 41,075 | 118,357 | 124,406 | |||||||||||
| General and administrative | 34,160 | 29,368 | 101,114 | 89,762 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 2,257 | 2,976 | 6,769 | 10,088 | |||||||||||
| Merger-related charges | 6,954 | — | 15,471 | — | |||||||||||
| Restructuring and other related costs | (157 | ) | 400 | 4,105 | 2,621 | ||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 152,212 | 150,665 | 471,039 | 464,111 | |||||||||||
| Income (loss) from operations | (10,998 | ) | 7,655 | (83,790 | ) | (16,101 | ) | ||||||||
| Other income (expense), net: | |||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 874 | 546 | 2,789 | 1,734 | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | (8,764 | ) | (7,608 | ) | (25,556 | ) | (21,795 | ) | |||||||
| Other gain (loss), net | 8,485 | (7,540 | ) | (8,910 | ) | 10,586 | |||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net | 595 | (14,602 | ) | (31,677 | ) | (9,475 | ) | ||||||||
| Loss before income taxes | (10,403 | ) | (6,947 | ) | (115,467 | ) | (25,576 | ) | |||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 3,910 | 2,466 | 8,528 | 12,510 | |||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (14,313 | ) | $ | (9,413 | ) | $ | (123,995 | ) | $ | (38,086 | ) | |||
| Net loss per common share: | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.53 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | |||
| Diluted | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.53 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | |||
| Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per common share: | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 235,832 | 228,077 | 233,905 | 225,465 | |||||||||||
| Diluted | 235,832 | 228,077 | 233,905 | 225,465 | |||||||||||
Infinera Corporation
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations
(In thousands, except percentages)
(Unaudited)
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2024 |
June 29, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Gross Profit and Gross Margin: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP as reported | $ | 141,214 | 39.8 | % | $ | 135,594 | 39.6 | % | $ | 158,320 | 40.3 | % | $ | 387,249 | 38.6 | % | $ | 448,010 | 38.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense(1) | 2,084 | 0.6 | % | 1,777 | 0.5 | % | 2,515 | 0.7 | % | 5,754 | 0.5 | % | 7,672 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangible assets(2) | — | — | % | — | — | % | 3,528 | 0.9 | % | — | — | % | 10,621 | 0.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other related costs(3) | (24 | ) | (0.0) | % | 703 | 0.2 | % | — | 652 | 0.1 | % | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Warehouse fire recovery(4) | — | — | % | — | — | % | — | — | % | — | — | % | (1,985 | ) | (0.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP as adjusted | $ | 143,274 | 40.4 | % | $ | 138,074 | 40.3 | % | $ | 164,363 | 41.9 | % | $ | 393,655 | 39.2 | % | $ | 464,318 | 40.0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP as reported | $ | 152,212 | $ | 165,403 | $ | 150,665 | $ | 471,039 | $ | 464,111 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense(1) | 12,305 | 8,024 | 13,230 | 32,967 | 41,721 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangible assets(2) | 2,257 | 2,256 | 2,976 | 6,769 | 10,088 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other related costs(3) | (157 | ) | 3,948 | 400 | 4,105 | 2,621 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merger-related charges(5) | 6,954 | 8,517 | — | 15,471 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP as adjusted | $ | 130,853 | $ | 142,658 | $ | 134,059 | $ | 411,727 | $ | 409,681 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Income (Loss) from Operations and Operating Margin: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP as reported | $ | (10,998 | ) | (3.1) | % | $ | (29,809 | ) | (8.7) | % | $ | 7,655 | 2.0 | % | $ | (83,790 | ) | (8.3) | % | $ | (16,101 | ) | (1.4) | % | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense(1) | 14,389 | 4.1 | % | 9,801 | 2.8 | % | 15,745 | 3.9 | % | 38,721 | 3.8 | % | 49,393 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangible assets(2) | 2,257 | 0.6 | % | 2,256 | 0.7 | % | 6,504 | 1.7 | % | 6,769 | 0.7 | % | 20,709 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other related costs(3) | (181 | ) | (0.1) | % | 4,651 | 1.4 | % | 400 | 0.1 | % | 4,757 | 0.5 | % | 2,621 | 0.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Warehouse fire recovery(4) | — | — | % | — | — | % | — | — | % | — | — | % | (1,985 | ) | (0.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Merger-related charges(5) | 6,954 | 2.0 | % | 8,517 | 2.5 | % | — | — | % | 15,471 | 1.5 | % | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP as adjusted | $ | 12,421 | 3.5 | % | $ | (4,584 | ) | (1.3) | % | $ | 30,304 | 7.7 | % | $ | (18,072 | ) | (1.8) | % | $ | 54,637 | 4.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2024 |
June 29, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP as reported | $ | (14,313 | ) | $ | (48,287 | ) | $ | (9,413 | ) | $ | (123,995 | ) | $ | (38,086 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense(1) | 14,389 | 9,801 | 15,745 | 38,721 | 49,393 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangible assets(2) | 2,257 | 2,256 | 6,504 | 6,769 | 20,709 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other related costs(3) | (181 | ) | 4,651 | 400 | 4,757 | 2,621 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warehouse fire recovery(4) | — | — | — | — | (1,985 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merger-related charges(5) | 6,954 | 8,517 | — | 15,471 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange (gains) losses, net(6) | (8,039 | ) | 11,690 | 7,527 | 10,099 | (9,903 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax effects(7) | (788 | ) | (2,604 | ) | (894 | ) | (3,775 | ) | 2,072 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP as adjusted | $ | 279 | $ | (13,976 | ) | $ | 19,869 | $ | (51,953 | ) | $ | 24,821 | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Shares Used in Computing GAAP Net Income (Loss) per Common Share: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 235,832 | 234,349 | 228,077 | 233,905 | 225,465 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted(8) | 235,832 | 234,349 | 228,077 | 233,905 | 225,465 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Shares Used in Computing Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) per Common Share: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 235,832 | 234,349 | 228,077 | 233,905 | 225,465 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted(9) | 240,502 | 234,349 | 257,219 | 233,905 | 228,735 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA (10): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net income (loss) | $ | 279 | $ | (13,976 | ) | $ | 19,869 | $ | (51,953 | ) | $ | 24,821 | ||||||||||||||||
| Add: Interest expense, net | 7,890 | 7,370 | 7,062 | 22,767 | 20,061 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Other gain (loss), net | 446 | 507 | (13 | ) | 1,189 | 683 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Income tax effects | 4,698 | 2,529 | 3,360 | 12,303 | 10,438 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Depreciation | 13,501 | 13,285 | 13,498 | 39,975 | 38,694 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP as adjusted | $ | 25,922 | $ | 8,701 | $ | 43,802 | $ | 21,903 | $ | 93,331 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) per Common Share: GAAP | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.53 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Diluted(8) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.53 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) per Common Share: Non-GAAP | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.00 | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | 0.09 | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||||||||||
| Diluted(9) | $ | 0.00 | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Stock-based compensation expense is calculated in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation effective January 1, 2006. The following table summarizes the effects of stock-based compensation related to employees and non-employees (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2024 |
June 29, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
|||||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | $ | 2,084 | $ | 1,777 | $ | 2,515 | $ | 5,754 | $ | 7,672 | |||||||
| Research and development | 4,623 | 4,497 | 5,734 | 14,232 | 17,557 | ||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 3,241 | 2,611 | 3,706 | 9,139 | 11,371 | ||||||||||||
| General and administration | 4,441 | 916 | 3,790 | 9,596 | 12,793 | ||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 12,305 | 8,024 | 13,230 | 32,967 | 41,721 | ||||||||||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense | $ | 14,389 | $ | 9,801 | $ | 15,745 | $ | 38,721 | $ | 49,393 | |||||||
| (2) | Amortization of acquired intangible assets consists of developed technology and customer relationships acquired in connection with the acquisitions of Coriant and Transmode AB. GAAP accounting requires that acquired intangible assets are recorded at fair value and amortized over their useful lives. As this amortization is non-cash, Infinera has excluded it from its non-GAAP gross profit, operating expenses and net income measures. Management believes the amortization of acquired intangible assets is not indicative of ongoing operating performance and its exclusion provides a better indication of Infinera’s underlying business performance. | ||||||||||||||||
| (3) | Restructuring and other related costs are primarily associated with the reduction of headcount and the reduction of operating costs. In addition, this includes accelerated amortization on operating lease right-of-use assets due to the cessation of use of certain facilities. Management has excluded the impact of these charges in arriving at Infinera’s non-GAAP results as they are non-recurring in nature and its exclusion provides a better indication of Infinera’s underlying business performance. | ||||||||||||||||
| (4) | Warehouse fire losses were incurred due to inventory destroyed in a warehouse fire in the third quarter of fiscal year 2022. Recoveries are recorded when they are probable of receipt. Management has excluded the impact of this loss and subsequent recoveries in arriving at Infinera’s non-GAAP results as it is non-recurring in nature and its exclusion provides a better indication of Infinera’s underlying business performance. | ||||||||||||||||
| (5) | Merger-related charges represent costs incurred directly in connection with the pending merger with Nokia. Management has excluded the impact of these charges in arriving at Infinera’s non-GAAP results as they are non-recurring in nature and the exclusion of these charges provides a better indication of Infinera’s underlying business performance. | ||||||||||||||||
| (6) | Foreign exchange (gains) losses, net, have been excluded from Infinera’s non-GAAP results because management believes that this expense is not indicative of ongoing operating performance and its exclusion provides a better indication of Infinera’s underlying business performance. | ||||||||||||||||
| (7) | The difference between the GAAP and non-GAAP tax provision is due to the net tax effects of above non-GAAP adjustments. Management believes the exclusion of these tax effects provides a better indication of Infinera’s underlying business performance. | ||||||||||||||||
| (8) | The GAAP diluted shares include potentially dilutive securities from Infinera’s stock-based benefit plans and convertible senior notes. These potentially dilutive securities are added for the computation of diluted net income per share on a GAAP basis in periods when Infinera has net income on a GAAP basis, as its inclusion provides a better indication of Infinera’s underlying business performance. | ||||||||||||||||
For purposes of calculating GAAP diluted earnings per share, we used the following net loss and weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands, except per share data):
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2024 |
June 29, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP net loss for basic earnings per share | $ | (14,313 | ) | $ | (48,287 | ) | $ | (9,413 | ) | $ | (123,995 | ) | $ | (38,086 | ) | |||||||
| Interest expense related to the convertible senior notes, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| GAAP net loss for diluted earnings per share | $ | (14,313 | ) | $ | (48,287 | ) | $ | (9,413 | ) | $ | (123,995 | ) | $ | (38,086 | ) | |||||||
| Weighted average basic common shares outstanding | 235,832 | 234,349 | 228,077 | 233,905 | 225,465 | |||||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of restricted and performance share units | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of 2024 convertible senior notes(a) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of 2027 convertible senior notes(b) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of 2028 convertible senior notes(c) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding | 235,832 | 234,349 | 228,077 | 233,905 | 225,465 | |||||||||||||||||
| GAAP net loss per common share: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.53 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | |||||||
| Diluted | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.53 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | |||||||
| (a) | For the three-months ended September 28, 2024, June 29, 2024, and September 30, 2023, there were 1.4 million, 1.9 million and 1.9 million shares, respectively, excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share, due to their anti-dilutive effect. For the nine-months ended September 28, 2024, and September 30, 2023, there were 1.7 million, and 7.1 million shares, respectively, excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share, due to their anti-dilutive effect. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (b) | For each of the three-months ended September 28, 2024, June 29, 2024, and September 30, 2023, there were 26.1 million shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share, due to their anti-dilutive effect. For each of the nine-months ended September 28, 2024, and September 30, 2023, there were 26.1 million shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share, due to their anti-dilutive effect. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (c) | For each of the three-months ended September 28, 2024, June 29, 2024, and September 30, 2023, there were no shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share. For the nine-months ended September 28, 2024, there were no shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share. For the nine-months ended September 30, 2023, there were 1.2 million shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share, due to their anti-dilutive effect. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (9) | The non-GAAP diluted shares include the potentially dilutive securities from Infinera’s stock-based benefit plans and convertible senior notes. These potentially dilutive securities are added for the computation of diluted net income per share on a non-GAAP basis in periods when Infinera has net income on a non-GAAP basis as its inclusion provides a better indication of Infinera’s underlying business performance. Refer to the diluted earnings per share reconciliation presented below. | |||||||||||||||||||||
For purposes of calculating non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, we used the following net income (loss) and weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands, except per share data):
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2024 | June 29, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | September 28, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net income (loss) for basic earnings per share | $ | 279 | $ | (13,976 | ) | $ | 19,869 | $ | (51,953 | ) | $ | 24,821 | ||||||||
| Interest expense related to the convertible senior notes, net of tax | — | — | 1,359 | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net income (loss) for diluted earnings per share | $ | 279 | $ | (13,976 | ) | $ | 21,228 | $ | (51,953 | ) | $ | 24,821 | ||||||||
| Weighted average basic common shares outstanding | 235,832 | 234,349 | 228,077 | 233,905 | 225,465 | |||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of restricted and performance share units | 4,670 | — | 1,123 | — | 2,005 | |||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of employee stock purchase plan | — | — | — | — | 70 | |||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of 2024 convertible senior notes(a) | — | — | 1,899 | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of 2027 convertible senior notes(b) | — | — | 26,120 | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of 2028 convertible senior notes(c) | — | — | — | — | 1,195 | |||||||||||||||
| Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding | 240,502 | 234,349 | 257,219 | 233,905 | 228,735 | |||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net income (loss) per common share: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.00 | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | 0.09 | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.00 | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||
| (a) | For the three-months ended September 28, 2024, and June 29, 2024, there were 1.4 million, and 1.9 million shares, respectively, excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, due to their anti-dilutive effect. For the three-months ended September 30, 2023, there were no shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share. For the nine-months ended September 28, 2024, and September 30, 2023, there were 1.7 million, and 7.1 million shares, respectively, excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, due to their anti-dilutive effect. | |||||||||||||||||||
| (b) | For each of the three-months ended September 28, 2024, and June 29, 2024, there were 26.1 million shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, due to their anti-dilutive effect. For the three-months ended September 30, 2023, there were no shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share. For each of the nine-months ended September 28, 2024, and September 30, 2023, there were 26.1 million shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, due to their anti-dilutive effect. | |||||||||||||||||||
| (c) | For each of the three-months ended September 28, 2024, June 29, 2024, and September 30, 2023, there were no shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share. For each of the nine-months ended September 28, 2024, and September 30, 2023, there were no shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share. | |||||||||||||||||||
| (10) | Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP supplemental measure of operating performance that does not represent and should not be considered an alternative to operating loss or cash flow from operations, as determined by GAAP. Infinera’s adjusted EBITDA is calculated by excluding the above non-GAAP adjustments, interest expense, net, other gain (loss), net, income tax effects and depreciation expenses. Management believes that adjusted EBITDA is an important financial measure for use in evaluating Infinera’s financial performance, as it measures the ability of our business operations to generate cash. | |||||||||||||||||||
Infinera Corporation
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Free Cash Flow
We define free cash flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the period minus the purchase of property and equipment made in the period.
Free cash flow is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under the SEC’s rules. Management believes that free cash flow is an important financial measure for use in evaluating Infinera’s financial performance, as it measures our ability to generate additional cash from our business operations. Free cash flow should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, net loss as a measure of our performance or net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. Additionally, our definition of free cash flow is limited and does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures due to the fact that the measure does not deduct the payments required for debt service and other obligations. Therefore, we believe it is important to view free cash flow as supplemental to our entire statement of cash flows.
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2024 |
June 29, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 44,563 | $ | (59,954 | ) | $ | (29,793 | ) | $ | 8,635 | $ | (30,142 | ) | |||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment | (24,090 | ) | (14,582 | ) | (13,318 | ) | (46,748 | ) | (40,900 | ) | ||||||||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 20,473 | $ | (74,536 | ) | $ | (43,111 | ) | $ | (38,113 | ) | $ | (71,042 | ) | ||||||
Infinera Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except par values)
(Unaudited)
| September 28, 2024 |
December 30, 2023 |
||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 115,089 | $ | 172,505 | |||
| Short-term restricted cash | 42 | 517 | |||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 288,265 | 381,981 | |||||
| Inventory | 356,119 | 431,163 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 162,560 | 129,218 | |||||
| Total current assets | 922,075 | 1,115,384 | |||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 231,190 | 206,997 | |||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 39,359 | 39,973 | |||||
| Intangible assets, net | 18,050 | 24,819 | |||||
| Goodwill | 237,509 | 240,566 | |||||
| Long-term restricted cash | 446 | 837 | |||||
| Other long-term assets | 57,128 | 50,662 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,505,757 | $ | 1,679,238 | |||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 259,225 | $ | 299,005 | |||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 137,078 | 110,758 | |||||
| Accrued compensation and related benefits | 48,683 | 85,203 | |||||
| Short-term debt, net | 10,473 | 25,512 | |||||
| Accrued warranty | 12,635 | 17,266 | |||||
| Deferred revenue | 116,332 | 136,248 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 584,426 | 673,992 | |||||
| Long-term debt, net | 667,205 | 658,756 | |||||
| Long-term accrued warranty | 12,554 | 15,934 | |||||
| Long-term deferred revenue | 21,626 | 21,332 | |||||
| Long-term deferred tax liability | 1,770 | 1,805 | |||||
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | 44,563 | 47,464 | |||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 39,767 | 43,364 | |||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||
| Preferred stock, $0.001 par value Authorized shares – 25,000 and no shares issued and outstanding |
— | — | |||||
| Common stock, $0.001 par value Authorized shares – 500,000 as of September 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 Issued and outstanding shares – 236,296 as of September 28, 2024 and 230,994 as of December 30, 2023 |
236 | 231 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 2,012,820 | 1,976,014 | |||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (30,409 | ) | (34,848 | ) | |||
| Accumulated deficit | (1,848,801 | ) | (1,724,806 | ) | |||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 133,846 | 216,591 | |||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 1,505,757 | $ | 1,679,238 | |||
Infinera Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Nine months ended | |||||||
| September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||||||
| Net loss | $ | (123,995 | ) | $ | (38,086 | ) | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 46,744 | 59,403 | |||||
| Non-cash restructuring charges and other related costs | 32 | 1,183 | |||||
| Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount | 2,750 | 2,970 | |||||
| Operating lease expense | 6,905 | 6,402 | |||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 38,721 | 49,393 | |||||
| Other, net | 139 | (683 | ) | ||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts receivable | 92,364 | 89,248 | |||||
| Inventory | 74,527 | (82,983 | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (48,141 | ) | 16,811 | ||||
| Accounts payable | (57,127 | ) | (27,798 | ) | |||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | (5,386 | ) | (46,163 | ) | |||
| Deferred revenue | (18,898 | ) | (59,839 | ) | |||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 8,635 | (30,142 | ) | ||||
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment | (46,748 | ) | (40,900 | ) | |||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (46,748 | ) | (40,900 | ) | |||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of 2028 Notes, net of discount | — | 98,751 | |||||
| Repayment of 2024 Notes | (18,747 | ) | (83,446 | ) | |||
| Payment of debt issuance cost | — | (2,108 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from asset-based revolving credit facility | 50,000 | — | |||||
| Repayment of asset-based revolving credit facility | (40,000 | ) | — | ||||
| Repayment of mortgage payable | (354 | ) | (381 | ) | |||
| Principal payments on finance lease obligations | (469 | ) | (784 | ) | |||
| Payment of term license obligation | (7,882 | ) | (7,720 | ) | |||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 5 | 14,931 | |||||
| Tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for net share settlement | (1,860 | ) | (2,217 | ) | |||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (19,307 | ) | 17,026 | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (862 | ) | (8,551 | ) | |||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (58,282 | ) | (62,567 | ) | |||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 173,859 | 189,203 | |||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period(1) | $ | 115,577 | $ | 126,636 | |||
Infinera Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Nine months ended | ||||||
| September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
|||||
| Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | ||||||
| Cash paid for income taxes, net | $ | 18,205 | $ | 9,955 | ||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | 25,967 | $ | 21,579 | ||
| Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||
| Property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 26,779 | $ | 18,529 | ||
| Transfer of inventory to fixed assets | $ | — | $ | 1,207 | ||
| Unpaid term licenses (included in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities) | $ | 16,380 | $ | 16,510 | ||
(1) Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to the condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
| September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
|||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 115,089 | $ | 123,927 | ||
| Short-term restricted cash | 42 | 1,725 | ||||
| Long-term restricted cash | 446 | 984 | ||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 115,577 | $ | 126,636 | ||
Infinera Corporation
Supplemental Financial Information
(Unaudited)
| Q4’22 | Q1’23 | Q2’23 | Q3’23 | Q4’23 | Q1’24 | Q2’24 | Q3’24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Revenue $(Mil) | $ | 485.9 | $ | 392.1 | $ | 376.2 | $ | 392.4 | $ | 453.5 | $ | 306.9 | $ | 342.7 | $ | 354.4 | |||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Gross Margin % | 37.1 | % | 37.5 | % | 38.0 | % | 40.3 | % | 38.6 | % | 36.0 | % | 39.6 | % | 39.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Gross Margin %(1) | 38.7 | % | 38.8 | % | 39.3 | % | 41.9 | % | 39.6 | % | 36.6 | % | 40.3 | % | 40.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Revenue Composition: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic % | 61 | % | 60 | % | 58 | % | 59 | % | 68 | % | 54 | % | 58 | % | 60 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| International % | 39 | % | 40 | % | 42 | % | 41 | % | 32 | % | 46 | % | 42 | % | 40 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Customers >10% of Revenue | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Related Information: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash from Operations $(Mil) | $ | (0.6 | ) | $ | (1.8 | ) | $ | 1.4 | $ | (29.7 | ) | $ | 79.6 | $ | 24.0 | $ | (59.9 | ) | $ | 44.5 | |||||||||||||
| Capital Expenditures $(Mil) | $ | 8.3 | $ | 16.8 | $ | 10.8 | $ | 13.3 | $ | 21.4 | $ | 8.1 | $ | 14.6 | $ | 24.0 | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation & Amortization $(Mil) | $ | 19.8 | $ | 19.6 | $ | 19.8 | $ | 20.0 | $ | 19.4 | $ | 15.4 | $ | 15.6 | $ | 15.7 | |||||||||||||||||
| DSOs(2) | 79 | 78 | 79 | 76 | 77 | 79 | 76 | 74 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inventory Metrics: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Raw Materials $(Mil) | $ | 48.7 | $ | 67.6 | $ | 85.4 | $ | 110.4 | $ | 133.6 | $ | 132.5 | $ | 119.4 | $ | 105.2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Work in Process $(Mil) | $ | 66.6 | $ | 71.8 | $ | 71.9 | $ | 69.9 | $ | 68.4 | $ | 68.6 | $ | 68.7 | $ | 67.6 | |||||||||||||||||
| Finished Goods $(Mil) | $ | 259.6 | $ | 273.6 | $ | 270.1 | $ | 276.6 | $ | 229.2 | $ | 219.6 | $ | 196.1 | $ | 183.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Inventory $(Mil) | $ | 374.9 | $ | 413.0 | $ | 427.4 | $ | 456.9 | $ | 431.2 | $ | 420.7 | $ | 384.2 | $ | 356.1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Inventory Turns(3) | 3.4 | 2.4 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 2.5 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 2.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Worldwide Headcount | 3,267 | 3,351 | 3,365 | 3,369 | 3,389 | 3,323 | 3,334 | 3,340 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in thousands): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 219,921 | 222,393 | 225,922 | 228,077 | 230,509 | 231,533 | 234,349 | 235,832 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 258,030 | 265,921 | 262,712 | 257,219 | 259,210 | 260,980 | 265,591 | 267,999 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Non-GAAP adjustments include stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring and other related costs and warehouse fire recovery. For a description of this non-GAAP financial measure, please see the section titled, “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations” of this press release for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. For reconciliations of prior periods that are not otherwise provided herein, see the prior period earnings releases available on our Investor Relations webpage. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (2) | Infinera calculates DSO based on 91 days. Fiscal year 2022 was 53 weeks and the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022 was 98 days. When calculation is based on 98 days, DSO was 85 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (3) | Infinera calculates non-GAAP inventory turns as annualized non-GAAP cost of revenue, which is calculated as GAAP cost of revenue less stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring and other related costs and warehouse fire recovery, as illustrated in the reconciliation of gross profit above, divided by the average inventory for the quarter. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) is very pleased to announce the formal launch of its Climate Resilience Centre in downtown Winnipeg. The centre was made possible through generous contributions from Wawanesa, including the provision of office space in the company’s former executive office at 191 Broadway and operating funds.
“ICLR is thrilled to partner with Wawanesa on this trailblazing facility,” said Paul Kovacs, Executive Director of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction. “After this year’s horrendous series of storm and wildfire-related losses that have led to a record $8 billion in insurance claims, it has never been more clear that all facets of Canadian society must work together to foster resilience to extremes. In the context of making Canadian homes, both existing and new, stronger against nature’s extremes, we know what features need to be added. The new ICLR Climate Resilience Centre in Winnipeg allows attendees to see these features in action.”
“As Canada’s leading property and casualty mutual insurer, we see firsthand the devastating impact of severe weather across the country,” said Jeff Goy, President & CEO of Wawanesa. “Driven by our commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities, Wawanesa is proud to support the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction’s new Climate Resilience Centre in our former executive office in Winnipeg. This facility will serve as a critical resource in equipping Canadians with the knowledge to better protect themselves against the growing threats of climate change, helping them to reduce their risk of loss.”
The Climate Resilience Centre will serve as a destination for various stakeholders, such as insurers, reinsurers, brokers, home builders, building code officials and others to come together and learn about best practices and the issues involved in becoming more climate resilient. This includes:
Tours of the ICLR Climate Resilience Centre can be booked, and inquiries about borrowing the displays can be made by visiting www.iclr.org/climatecentre/.
About The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR)
Canada’s leading disaster research institute, the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), was established by the insurance industry in 1997 as an independent, not-for-profit research and outreach institute to champion disaster resilience in Canada. ICLR is an international centre of excellence affiliated with Western University, London, Ontario. The Institute develops and champions evidence-based disaster safety solutions that can be implemented by homeowners, businesses and governments to enhance their disaster resilience. Visit www.iclr.org for more information.
About The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, founded in 1896, is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers, with over $3.5 billion in annual revenue and assets of $10 billion. Wawanesa Mutual, with its National Headquarters in Winnipeg, is the parent company of Wawanesa Life, which provides life insurance products and services throughout Canada, and Western Financial Group, which distributes personal and business insurance across Canada. Wawanesa proudly serves more than 1.7 million members in Canada. The company actively gives back to organizations that strengthen communities, donating more than $3.5 million annually to charitable organizations, including over $2 million annually in support of people on the front lines of climate change. Learn more at wawanesa.com.
For more information:
Michel Rosset
Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
media@wawanesa.com
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Group referred to two distribution sites in U District of Seattle as “the House” and “the Office” – Leader shot dead outside one location earlier this year
Seattle – A coordinated law enforcement operation over the last 48 hours has resulted in eleven arrests of members of a drug trafficking ring that set up shop in the University District of Seattle, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. A year-long wire-tap investigation led to the indictment of 11 defendants on drug distribution and weapons charges. A twelfth defendant with ties to the organization was indicted on illegal weapons possession in connection with a deadly shooting at a Hookah bar in South Seattle. The defendants arrested over the last two days have or will be making appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle.
“These defendants were prolific fentanyl dealers who were frequently armed when guarding their stash or distributing their drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “The danger to the community cannot be overstated in this case. The leader of the drug crew was gunned down last summer – right in front of one of the U District locations where members of the crew distributed their poison, and continued do so, following the deadly shooting.”
“This operation exemplifies the power of collaboration among law enforcement agencies at all levels,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “By uniting our resources and expertise, we have successfully dismantled a criminal network that has endangered our communities through violent acts and the distribution of fentanyl. Together, we will continue to fight against violent crime and protect the lives of our citizens.”
“There’s no true relief for those who have lost loved ones to drug-related crime or rising overdoses,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke of IRS-CI Seattle. “We stand with our law enforcement partners to stop groups that profit from the fentanyl epidemic by following the money.”
Thirty-one locations were searched yesterday by some 600 law enforcement officers from ten different agencies. A total of eleven people were arrested: nine of those indicted and two additional defendants were arrested on criminal complaints.
Three defendants are indicted for both gun and drug crimes:
Cooper Sherman, aka “Coop,” 27, of Seattle is charged with conspiracy, two counts of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Alvin Whiteside, aka “Mafia, 51, of Federal Way is charged with conspiracy, one count of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Whiteside is in state custody and will be transferred to federal custody.
Muhamed Ceesay, aka “Mo,” 27, of Lynnwood is charged with conspiracy, two counts of distributing fentanyl, one count of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Ceesay remains a fugitive.
These eight defendants are charged in the indictment for the drug conspiracy and various drug distribution crimes:
Ali Kuyateh, aka “Pops,” 49, of Seattle
Lamin Saho aka “Buck,” 38, of Everett, Washington
Oche Poston, 31, of Everett, Washington
Jaquan Means, 45, of Bellevue, Washington
Dominque Sanders, 34, of Everett, Washington – remains a fugitive.
Patrick Smith, 27 of Edmonds, Washington – remains a fugitive.
Matthew Robinson, 37, of Everett, Washington
Yohannes Wondimagegnehu, aka “Jon,” 35, of Seattle
Finally, Khaliil Ahmed, aka “Bossup,” 26, of Kent, Washington, was identified as someone who supplied guns to members of the conspiracy. He is charged in a separate indictment with three counts of illegal possession of firearms, and one count of illegal possession of ammunition. Two of the charges relate to guns he possessed on August 20, 2023, at the time of a fatal shooting at a hookah bar in South Seattle. Ahmed was injured in the shooting and three others were killed. The final two charges relate to a firearm and ammunition he possessed on May 30, 2024. Ahmed is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2022 conviction for illegally possessing firearms.
Two defendants – Anteneh Tesfaye, 39, of Edmonds, Washington, and Michael Janisch, 25, of Mercer Island, Washington, were arrested on criminal complaints.
Over the course of the investigation law enforcement has seized more than 19 kg of fentanyl, 12 firearms, and more than $130,000 in cash. In the operations yesterday they seized over 50 firearms to include fully automatic weapons and handguns with Glock switches; thousands of rounds of ammunition, including high capacity drum magazines, and armor-piercing rounds; several hundred thousand dollars of bulk cash and jewelry; 1 kilogram of fentanyl and 4 kilograms of cocaine.
The charges contained in the indictments are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .
This investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with significant participation by Seattle Police Department (SPD), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington State Patrol (WSP), FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Bellevue Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Everett Police Department, Renton Police Department, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Washington State National Guard, Washington State Gambling Commission, Yakima County Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D) Narcotics and Gang Task Force, and Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Jensen and Joseph Silvio.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
Have you ever wondered how the FBI solves a case? Want to hear about the work agents are doing across New Mexico? Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda welcomes business, civic, and faith-based community leaders to apply for FBI Albuquerque’s Citizens Academy program, where we will give participants a first-hand look into life at the FBI.
“The FBI’s Citizens Academy provides an incredible opportunity for members of the community to better understand the work of the FBI and partner with us in keeping New Mexico citizens safe,” said Raul Bujanda, special agent in charge for the FBI Albuquerque Division. “The FBI Citizens Academy program is a unique opportunity for us to share our work one-on-one with community leaders of all backgrounds, and for them to provide us with feedback. Through frank discussion and information sharing, we can improve relationships and advance our mission to protect all Americans.”
FBI Albuquerque is now accepting nominations for the 2025 FBI Citizens Academy. Over the course of 8 sessions this spring, select business, religious, civic, and community leaders will be given an opportunity to go behind the scenes of local FBI operations and experience case studies and demonstrations led by Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts, and FBI Professional Staff. Topics will include how the FBI works to combat violent crime, human trafficking, cybercrime, counterintelligence, Indian Country, terrorism, and how teams train in forensics, firearms, evidence recovery, and more.
How to Apply: The FBI Citizens Academy is open to anyone with an interest in learning how the FBI works to protect and serve the community. Candidates can be nominated by a program alumnus, former or current FBI employee, or self-nominated. The nomination form must be completed in full and returned by the close of business on Friday, December 20, 2024. If selected, there is no cost to attend. Questions regarding the program or application process can be directed to aq.outreach@fbi.gov
Requirements:
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
WASHINGTON – David Zanders, 22, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to one count of federal kidnapping and one count of carjacking, stemming from an incident on May 1, 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves; FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist, of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division; and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 4, 2024. The defendant was arrested on November 18, 2022, and has been detained ever since.
According to the court documents, in the early morning hours of May 1, 2022, Zanders and a conspirator kidnapped two males outside of a nightclub located at 645 Florida Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. The pair posed as an Uber and the two male victims subsequently got into the defendant’s vehicle. Shortly thereafter, Zanders pulled over on a neighborhood street in Washington, D.C., pointed a firearm at the two victims and robbed them of their phones and money. The victims were then driven around so the kidnappers could attempt to withdraw money using the victims’ credit cards. One of the victims was able to escape at a gas station in Washington D.C., when Zanders and the other suspect were looking for an ATM. After the first victim escaped, the second victim was driven to a supermarket in Maryland. The defendant and his cohort then retrieved money from an ATM at the supermarket using the second victim’s ATM card. The second victim was then driven to another location in Maryland and released.
That same evening, Zanders, his cohort and a third individual met at 955 Longfellow Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Zanders had arranged a meeting with two additional victims where he was purporting to sell his vehicle but was, in fact, going to take their vehicle. When the two victims arrived in their vehicle, a 2019 green Dodge Charger, Zanders pulled out a gun, threatened to shoot the third victim, and demanded his phone, money and keys. The additional suspects turned towards the fourth victim and demanded the car keys. The fourth victim complied and one of the suspects then drove away with the 2019 green Dodge Charger. Zanders and the additional suspect then drove away in their own vehicles and fled the scene.
Zanders faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison for kidnapping and 15 years for carjacking. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves, SAC Geist, and Chief Smith commended the MPD officers and FBI agents who collaborated on the investigation as members of MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Unit and FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the Prince George’s County Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Tepfer and by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Renaud. The case was initially investigated and indicted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Strong.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On November 2, 2024, at 3:25 pm, Swan River RCMP responded to a report of a 24-year-old male having assaulted several people and was now walking around the community with a firearm.
As officers arrived in the community, information was received that the suspect had fled the area after being picked up in a vehicle.
Patrols were made and the suspect vehicle was located at the gas bar in Mafeking. A traffic stop was conducted on this vehicle that led to the arrest of the 24-year-old male, a 27-year-old male and a 40-year-old female. The 24-year-old male suspect had been found lying in the back of the vehicle with a loaded sawed-off shotgun, machete and ammunition.
The investigation has determined that the 24-year-old male had assaulted two male victims (22, 20), threatened to harm them and forced them to empty their pockets and turn over their cell phones all while having the firearm pointed at them.
24-year-old Chandler Cook and 27-year-old Travis Cook, both from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, were remanded into custody on charges including Careless Use of a Firearm x2, Point Firearm x2, Robbery with Firearm x2 as well as numerous other firearm-related offences.
The 40-year-old female, from Brandon, was later released from custody for a future court appearance in Swan River.
Swan River RCMP continue to investigate.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Jackson, MS – A Canton man was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on January 2, 2024, Damonik Robinson, 23, was found in possession of a firearm after Capitol Police conducted a traffic stop on Madison Street near Fortification Street in Jackson. There were four firearms found in the vehicle, three of which were equipped with attached machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as “switches,” which convert semi-automatic handguns to automatic weapons. At the time of this possession, Robinson already had a previous felony conviction for drug and gun possession. It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Robinson was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 21, 2024. He pled guilty on July 18, 2024, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has seen an increase in cases involving illegal firearm conversion devices, commonly known as “switches” or “auto sears,” which convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons (i.e., machineguns) in a matter of seconds. The rapid fire of firearms converted to machineguns presents a significant danger in our community to both the public and law enforcement. According to a 2023 report by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), there was a 570% increase in the number of machinegun conversion devices taken into ATF custody between 2017 and 2021.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The ATF and Capitol Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber Jones is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Vincent Irving Jones, 33, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has been indicted on methamphetamine and firearms charges.
Jones is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. According to the court documents, Jones was found with methamphetamine and a .32 caliber pistol in Marion County. Jones is prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony convictions of voluntary manslaughter, escape from custody, and fleeing while under the influence of alcohol.
Jones faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the drug charge, up to 15 years for the unlawful firearms charge, and up to five years for the obliterated serial number charge. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fairmont Police Department.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
