Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Mangaharakeke Drive/State Highway 1C, Horotiu is closed near the Te Rapa Road off-ramp following a crash.
The two-vehicle crash was reported at around 11am.
Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Government of Canada regional news
People living with complex mental-health and substance-use challenges in Kamloops will soon have access to robust health and social supports in housing, with 20 new complex-care homes planned for the community.
“This project is part of our work to make communities safer for everyone by delivering real solutions to address the complex challenges people face,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “By providing a safe place to live with enhanced supports, individuals facing complex challenges can find a pathway to hope and healing.”
The Province, through BC Housing, is proposing to build the 20 complex-care homes on a subdivided portion of a 5.5-hectare (13.5 acres) lot in the Columbia Precinct area of Kamloops. BC Housing will be partnering with a housing provider to operate the site, at 1100 Glenfair Dr., as well as Interior Health, which will provide health services to complex-care clients. The operator, not yet selected, will bring proven experience in providing support for residents and being a point of contact for neighbours. Staff will work with residents and the surrounding community on an ongoing basis to address any concerns.
“People living with substance-use challenges are often experiencing multiple concurrent challenges such as homelessness, health and mental-health conditions, which pose significant barriers to accessing the treatment they need,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The new Kamloops complex-care housing project will provide comprehensive care and supports for people and will help many community members get the support they need to lead healthier lives.”
Complex-care housing provides voluntary housing and support services to people with significant health needs, including mental-health or substance-use challenges and other health issues, such as brain injuries or mobility challenges. Teams of professionals will work with residents to provide the supports needed to maintain stable housing and improve their quality of life. A non-profit operator will manage the building and provide support services. Interior Health staff will provide and connect tenants to the health services they need.
“These new homes will provide much-needed support for some of our most vulnerable residents, ensuring they have access to the care and stability they need,” said Margot Middleton, deputy mayor of Kamloops. “This project is an important step toward building a healthier, more inclusive community for everyone in Kamloops.”
Before construction can begin on a new three-storey building, one of the nine aging buildings requires demolition. BC Housing is working with its partners to develop individualized relocation plans based on personal housing needs for each of the 21 current tenants to ensure no one is displaced. Moving expenses will be covered by BC Housing.
“With dedicated health and social services in place, we’ve seen and experienced how complex-care housing supports people in communities,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO, Interior Health. “This expansion of purpose-built housing will enable us to meet the diverse needs of some of our most vulnerable community members in Kamloops.”
This site was selected for complex-care housing because of its proximity to health services, transit, shops and other amenities in the area.
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
For more information on the complex-care housing project, visit the Let’s Talk Housing page here: https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/kamloops-complex-care-housing
To learn more about government’s new Homes for People action plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0019-000436
To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/
A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: Homes for BC – Map of Building Projects Across BC | BC Housing (bchousing.org)
Join BC Housing to listen and learn from people in British Columbia who are creating inclusive housing communities. Subscribe to BC Housing’s podcast, Let’s Talk Housing on:
Source: Government of Canada regional news
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If passed, the Automobile Insurance Act would bring in key changes to Alberta’s auto insurance system and establish improved access to health and medical benefits for Albertans injured in vehicle collisions. This would include medical care, rehabilitation, daily living assistance and other supports. Ultimately, these changes would give Alberta drivers the best benefits of any system in Canada if they need medical care and rehabilitation following a collision.
“Care-first is a term we use intentionally, because Albertans who are injured in a collision truly need their care and well-being to come first. Our goal is to build a stronger auto insurance system to better protect Albertans and their pocketbook.”
The proposed legislation would support Albertans injured in a vehicle collision with income support payments and retirement benefits, potentially for life, depending on the severity of their injuries. Albertans who are unable to work or attend school because of their injuries could be eligible for these benefits. In addition, criteria would be established to provide for a permanent impairment benefit for Albertans who are permanently injured from the accident, or a death benefit if an Albertan dies in a collision.
“Chiropractors play a crucial role in helping accident victims recover and restore their quality of life. In Alberta, the new system will ensure that those needing care after a collision receive immediate, high-quality chiropractic services and team-based care.”
Alberta’s new care-first automobile insurance system would shift the focus away from court battles and costly litigation to providing care and support for everyone injured in a collision, so that they get the help they need when they need it. Legislation would restrict the ability to sue, except if an at-fault driver is convicted of a serious offence under the Criminal Code or Traffic Safety Act. Injured Albertans could also choose to sue for out-of-pocket expenses beyond the amount provided under the insurance policy. These changes would reduce the time and money spent on litigation. Ultimately, the new care-first legislation will lead to lower automobile insurance rates for Albertans over time.
Alberta’s care-first system would maintain flexibility to resolve auto insurance disputes, creating an independent Alberta Automobile Care-first Tribunal. This would give Albertans the ability to appeal decisions made by their insurer about their benefits.
As legislation progresses, Alberta’s government will consult with health care and insurance representatives on key operational elements of the Care-First model. Further regulations to implement the changes could be introduced in the fall of 2025.
Alberta’s privately delivered care-first system will start January 1, 2027.
Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency
The Albanese Government is building the Northern Territory’s future, today announcing a $200 million investment to upgrade the Stuart Highway.
The Stuart Highway is the major highway running north to south through the heart of Australia. Extending approximately 2700 kilometres, it is a critical corridor for freight and tourism, connecting Darwin to Katherine and Alice Springs, and on to South Australia.
This funding will go towards the progressive duplication of priority sections of the Stuart Highway between Darwin and Katherine, to enhance freight movement and improve road safety.
This new project brings the Australian Government’s total investment into the Stuart, Victoria and Barkly Highways to nearly $780 million.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2026 and finish by mid-2028.
The Albanese Government is also investing a further $58.3 million towards the Carpentaria Highway Upgrade, taking the total Australian Government commitment to $203.3 million.
This additional funding will allow the upgrade of a further 35 kilometres of the Carpentaria Highway.
The project, which is being delivered in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, will deliver upgrades to around 175 kilometres of the Carpentaria Highway, commencing at the Stuart Highway.
This will improve the efficiency, safety and accessibility of the Carpentaria Highway from the Borroloola township in the east, through the Beetaloo Sub-basin to the Stuart Highway in the west.
These projects add to a number of projects already committed to the Stuart Highway, including the $171.8 million Northern Territory National Network Highway Upgrades (Phase 2), which is delivering works such as pavement strengthening, widening and resurfacing, on priority sections of the Stuart, Victoria and Barkly Highways.
The Australian Government’s total commitment to the Northern Territory under the Infrastructure Investment Program over the next 10 years, from 2025-26, is $2.8 billion.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“I’m proud to be part of a Government which is building this country’s future, investing in critical freight and transport corridors like the Stuart Highway.
“This will be transformational for both residents and visitors of Darwin and Katherine, making journeys smoother, safer and more enjoyable.
“This is the transport spine of Australia, and we’re investing $200 million to get it in good nick.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:
“This investment in Stuart Highway will ease congestion, increase safety and improve travel times and connectivity across the territory for locals and tourists.
“The Australian Government remains committed to ensuring the future growth and sustainability of remote communities and regional centres across the Northern Territory.”
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Released on March 24, 2025
The Government of Saskatchewan will amend The Income Tax Act, 2000 to incorporate initiatives announced in the 2025-26 Budget. Changes to the Act include introducing the Fertility Treatment Tax Credit and Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit, as well as ensuring the continued indexation of tax credits for initiatives in The Saskatchewan Affordability Act and other income tax programs.
“Our government listened to the priorities of Saskatchewan people and delivered a budget that addresses those priorities, including making life more affordable,” Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Jim Reiter said. “These tax credits provide relief for parents trying to grow their families without worrying about the high costs of fertility treatments and create incentives for businesses to invest and scale-up their operations.”
The Fertility Treatment Tax Credit supports access to fertility treatments by offering a refundable tax credit of 50 per cent toward the costs of an eligible fertility treatment in Saskatchewan of up to $20,000.
The Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit supports Saskatchewan’s small and medium-sized businesses, which are critical to a growing economy. It includes a 45 per cent non-refundable tax credit for individuals or corporations who invest equity in eligible small and medium-sized businesses in Saskatchewan. The credit focuses on sectors such as food and beverage manufacturing, as well as machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing sectors.
“The introduction of the Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit will have a positive effect on the Regina and Saskatchewan business communities,” Regina and District Chamber of Commerce President Mike Tate said. “By introducing tax relief and incentives, the amendments will reduce the financial burden on businesses and allow for reinvestment in innovation, expansion and job creation. This will enable local businesses to thrive while attracting new investments to Saskatchewan.”
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For more information, contact:
Source:
The government will pay superannuation on government funded Parental Leave Pay. This is known as the Paid Parental Leave Superannuation Contribution (PPLSC).
If you care for a child, born or adopted, from 1 July 2025 and you receive Parental Leave Pay from Services Australia in 2025–26 and onwards, we will pay a PPLSC.
Claims for Parental Leave Pay will continue through Services AustraliaExternal Link.
For more information on claiming Parental Leave Pay and the eligibility conditions that apply, see Services Australia Parental Leave PayExternal Link.
If you’re eligible to receive government funded Parental Leave Pay check your:
If you have changed your name, you will need to update your name with the ATO and Services AustraliaExternal Link.
Services Australia will let us know how much Parental Leave Pay you’ve been paid. The PPLSC will be based on the Superannuation Guarantee rate, it includes an interest component, and will be paid as a lump sum. In most circumstances, we’ll pay your superannuation contribution to the fund your superannuation contributions are currently paid to.
We’ll pay the contribution after the end of the financial year in which you received the Parental Leave Pay. We’ll start paying superannuation contributions in the 2026–27 financial year and will let you know when we’ve paid the contribution to your fund.
If you share Parental Leave Pay with another person, you are both eligible for a PPLSC on your portion of the Parental Leave Pay.
Your PPLSC is not considered income for the purposes of social security, family assistance, and child support.
If Services Australia adjusts your Parental Leave Pay we may need to amend your entitlement to a PPLSC.
PPLSC will be taxed at 15% in the hands of the superannuation fund, and will count towards your concessional contributions cap.
We will let you know you if you exceed your concessional contributions.
If you believe your super contributions have, or will, exceed a contributions cap due to special circumstances you can apply for a excess contributions determination.
Payment of government funded Parental Leave Pay has not changed.
However, we will pay PPLSC directly to your employee’s superannuation fund after the relevant financial year has ended. Contributions will start in the 2026–27 financial year.
Employers are still able to make other super contributions.
For more information about providing Parental Leave Pay see Services Australia Providing Parental Leave PayExternal Link.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal law enforcement partners apprehended 370 illegal aliens in Massachusetts during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation focusing on transnational organized crime, gangs, and egregious illegal alien offenders March 18-23.
“The Commonwealth is a safer place for our residents to live and work because ICE and our federal law enforcement partners arrested hundreds of alien offenders and removed them from the streets of Massachusetts,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Throughout this enhanced enforcement operation, we targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most crime-infested neighborhoods in and around Boston. Our efforts resulted in 370 arrests throughout the commonwealth. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the homeland through the eradication of transnational criminal organizations, dismantling dangerous criminal gangs preying on the American public, locating and arresting criminal alien offenders, and making our communities a safer place to live.”
During the six-day enhanced operation, ICE and federal law enforcement partners targeted egregious criminal alien offenders including transnational criminal organizations known to operate in and around Boston and throughout Massachusetts. These organizations include the notorious MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios, and 18th Street gangs.
“This week’s enhanced enforcement operations with our partners from the FBI, DEA, ATF, DSS and CBP prove that we are taking a whole of government approach to protecting our communities from foreign nationals involved in transnational gangs, drug traffickers, child predators, violent criminals and dangerous individuals living in New England,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “ICE will use every resource and authority we have to prioritize the safety and security of our communities.”
“Everyone should agree that we cannot and will not tolerate individuals who not only violate our immigration laws but then commit crimes that endanger our communities. Those who enter and remain in this country unlawfully are breaking the law,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah B. Foley. “My office remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that dangerous individuals are identified, prosecuted, and removed, so that the people of Massachusetts can live and work in safe and secure communities.”
205 of those arrested had significant criminal convictions or charges. Six were foreign fugitives currently facing charges or convictions for murder, drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering
“Safeguarding the integrity of the immigration and citizenship process is critical. We simply can’t permit violent and dangerous criminals to enter or remain in the United States under false pretenses, with unknown allegiances and intentions. It’s a direct threat to public safety and our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Jodi Cohen. “There’s no question our communities are safer today because of this enhanced, targeted operation. FBI Boston, like all our federal partners, will continue to support ICE with these efforts.”
Law enforcement officials seized approximately 44 kilograms of methamphetamines, 5 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, three firearms and ammunition from illegal alien offenders during the operation.
“DEA is proud to have worked with our federal partners in this successful enforcement effort using all of the resources of the federal government to remove violent criminal aliens from our communities, said DEA New England Field Division acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau. “DEA has prioritized investigations on those involving violent, illegal criminal aliens responsible for flooding our communities with deadly and dangerous drugs. DEA’s core mission is to keep the American public safe by seizing deadly and dangerous drugs before they get into our communities, and to bring justice to the criminals responsible for manufacturing, distributing, and supplying these drugs.”
ICE and their federal law enforcement partners made many of the apprehensions after local jurisdictions refused to honor immigration detainer requests to turn over the offenders and instead chose to release aliens from custody, forcing officers and agents to make at-large arrests in Massachusetts communities.
“The successful outcome of this immigration enforcement operation demonstrates the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division James M. Ferguson. “By targeting individuals who pose a threat to public safety, we are reinforcing our commitment to protecting our communities and upholding the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws.”
“The Diplomatic Security Service is fully committed to supporting the Administration’s priority to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system,” said Diplomatic Security Service Boston Field Office Special Agent in Charge Matthew O’Brien. “This enhanced operation definitively made our communities safer. DSS proudly coordinates with our U.S. and international law enforcement partners to conduct passport, visa fraud, and human trafficking investigations and assist in apprehending fugitives to protect the integrity of U.S. borders and prevent illegal immigration.”
Among those arrested during the enhanced targeted operation include:
Partner law enforcement participating in the operation were the Boston offices of the FBI, DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service and DSS, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston and @HSINewEngland.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
March 24, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Idaho’s U.S. Senator James Risch today launched a renewed bipartisan effort to promote the use of mass timber in federal building projects and military construction.
The bipartisan Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act—which is cosponsored by Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Idaho’s U.S. Senator Mike Crapo—would incentivize the use of mass timber building materials by providing a preference in federal building contracts for mass timber products, giving mass timber companies the ability to compete for federal construction, renovation, or acquisition of public buildings and for military construction. The bill’s reintroduction coincides with the start of the International Mass Timber Conference—the largest gathering of mass timber experts in the world—in Portland this week.
“Mass timber creates jobs in rural and urban communities, reduces wildfire risk, increases forest resiliency, and helps us shrink our carbon footprint,” said Merkley. “This expanding industry presents a huge opportunity for Oregon, and we must do all we can to harness its power for our economy and environment. By using mass timber in federal projects, our bipartisan effort around this critical industry will help tackle our nation’s biggest challenges while creating good-paying jobs in Oregon and across the Pacific Northwest.”
“As a trained forester, I understand how important the timber industry is to Idaho communities, wildfire risk reduction, and forest management,” said Risch. “The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act is commonsense legislation to benefit Idaho’s forests, create jobs, and increase economic growth.”
“Mass timber has huge potential to generate jobs in Oregon, reduce carbon emissions, and build an innovative approach to combat the shortage of housing in Oregon and nationwide,” said Wyden. “This fresh use for timber also directly addresses the immediate threat of wildfires caused by the climate crisis. Simply put, the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act adds up to a huge win for our state that helps protect Oregonians and boosts our timber economy.”
“Idaho’s timber industry already provides a wealth of benefits in its resourcefulness across a number of critical projects in our state,” said Crapo. “Boosting demand for Idaho timber in the construction of federal buildings will harness the incredible work already done in our forests, and create new opportunities for Idaho companies, workers and products.”
The bipartisan bill creates a two-tier contracting preference for mass timber and other innovative wood projects. The first-tier preference applies to mass timber that is made within the U.S. and responsibly sourced from state, federal, private, and Tribal forestlands. The optional second tier applies to mass timber products that are sourced from restoration practices, fire mitigation projects, and/or underserved forest owners. Additionally, this bill contains a reporting requirement for a whole building lifecycle assessment. The results of this assessment will help provide additional evidence of the carbon sequestration benefits of mass timber buildings.
The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act is endorsed by the American Wood Council, Sustainable Northwest, Forest Landowners Association, National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), Weyerhaeuser, Freres Engineered Wood, Oregon Forest Industries Council, Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC), Oregon iSector, Washington Mass Timber Accelerator, Pacific Northwest Mass Timber Tech Hub, American Forest Resource Council, and Oregon Department of Forestry.
“Mass timber and wood construction presents a real opportunity to grow our domestic manufacturing and sustain our rural communities in the process. The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act is an important first step in expanding new markets for wood products, ensuring that the nation’s single biggest developer – the federal government – can help invest in this emerging technology. This is a win-win proposal: not only would the bill expand markets and support domestic manufacturing; it would also support active forest management, help reduce wildfire risk and create jobs in forestry, manufacturing and construction. We applaud Senators Merkley and Risch for their bipartisan leadership and support for forestry communities nationwide,” said Jackson Morrill, President and CEO of the American Wood Council.
“Sustainable Northwest commends Senator Merkley and Senator Risch for introduction of the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act. This practical legislation will spur use of innovative wood products in public buildings, support American manufacturing, and build critical markets for restoration of our nation’s forests,” said Dylan Kruse, President of Sustainable Northwest.
“Private forest landowners, many from multi-generational family businesses, are the backbone of forest health in the U.S. But rising natural disasters and limited recovery tools threaten their ability to keep forests healthy and resilient. Expanding market access is critical to their success, and we thank Senator Merkley and Senator Risch for their leadership on the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act of 2025. By replacing carbon-intensive materials with American-grown timber, this policy strengthens our wood products supply chain, supports rural economies, and ensures the future of our working forests,” said Scott Jones, CEO of the Forest Landowners Association.
“We commend Senators Merkley and Risch for re-introducing the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act. Wood is an abundant, renewable, and sustainable building material. When we build with American-grown wood, we bolster our nation’s private working forests and the rural communities that depend on them. As global leaders in modern, sustainable forest management, U.S. forest owners are already growing the wood needed to expand mass timber construction. Because of the strong relationship between forest products markets and sustainable forest management, today we have 60% more wood in our forests than we had in the 1950s. This positions mass timber construction to deliver wins for the economies of rural communities, our nation’s water quality, wildlife, and more. We look forward to working with the Senators as well as their colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives to advance this important legislation,” said Dave Tenny, President and CEO of NAFO.
“Wood products are the most sustainable, versatile and cost-effective building material we have. Building more with wood decreases the country’s dependence on materials that have a much higher environmental impact and rely on large amounts of fossil fuels in their production. Additionally, wood products manufacturing facilities are critical drivers of rural economies, and increased wood products demand and usage will bolster and continue to provide jobs in these communities. Mass timber has emerged as a transformative way to use wood in larger and taller buildings and grow the market for wood construction and wood buildings. The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act recognizes the importance of sustainably managed wood as a building material in the construction of federal buildings, and we commend Senator Merkley and Senator Risch for introducing this important piece of legislation,” said Kristen Sawin, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Weyerhaeuser.
“The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act seeks to foster innovative wood products development by encouraging the use of sustainable, renewable, and domestically supplied wood products for Federal projects. Freres Engineered Wood wholeheartedly supports this act for encouraging innovation inbuilding design and construction, as well as the social benefits of resilient forests, healthy habitats, and prosperous rural communities, from sustainable forest management across our Federal lands,” said Tyler Freres, Vice President at Freres Engineered Wood.
“The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act is not just legislation; it is a commitment to building a sustainable future. By embracing mass timber, we are investing in our planet, expanding economic opportunities, and setting a standard for environmentally responsible construction. This legislation will not only allow us to create structures that stand tall but it will foster a legacy of stewardship for generations to come,” said David Walter, CEO of the CRTC Building Innovation Center.
“The private, public and civic sectors are coming together to support Mass Timber as never before in Oregon and Washington. This bill will find support for its preferences and lifecycle assessment provisions from our Mass Timber partnerships,” said Greg Wolf, Executive Director of Oregon iSector.
“The Washington Mass Timber Accelerator, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating sustainable and equitable adoption of mass timber in construction in Washington and nationally, is pleased to support the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act. The State of Washington is poised to supply high-quality mass timber products to public buildings across the United States, sourced from federal forest restoration projects and forests cared for and managed by Tribal Nations – contributing to wildfire risk reduction and rural community economic development. These mass timber buildings can be built with labor standards and apprenticeship opportunities, and will endure long into the future, and serve as a celebration and reminder of our commitment to people and planet,” said Erica Spiritos, Director at the Washington Mass Timber Accelerator.
“The Pacific Northwest Mass Timber Tech Hub enthusiastically welcomes and strongly endorses the introduction of the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act bill, which will help the United States restore well-paying jobs to rural communities, tackle the urgent challenges of wildfire risk and housing supply, and contribute to national security through a reduced reliance on foreign-sourced steel,” said Iain Macdonald, Director at the Pacific Northwest Mass Timber Tech Hub.
Full text of the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act can be found by clicking here.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
After resisting arrest during a traffic stop, Jeffrey Barnard was found with a revolver in his jacket
PORTLAND, Maine: A Millinocket man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Jeffrey Barnard, 61, to time served, approximately 22 months, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Barnard pleaded guilty on March 3, 2025.
According to court records, in March 2023, an officer with the East Millinocket Police Department ran a registration check on a vehicle and discovered that it was registered to someone with a suspended driver’s permit. The officer stopped the vehicle, and a confrontation ensued between the officer and the driver, Jeffrey Barnard. Barnard was arrested with the assistance of a second officer and a private citizen. As he was searched, a .22 caliber revolver was found in his jacket pocket. Barnard is precluded from possessing a firearm due an extensive criminal history, which includes a 2017 conviction in the U.S. District Court for being a felon in possession of a firearm in a case that stemmed from an armed standoff with police in Ellsworth.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the East Millinocket Police Department.
###
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police accept the findings by the Independent Police Conduct Authority which found officers failed in their duty of care for a woman who died while in Police custody in Gisborne.
An internal investigation into the death conducted by Police also came to a similar conclusion.
Lynne Martin, 63, was brought into Police custody on the afternoon of 22 November 2023, after she had been convicted of murder at the High Court in Gisborne. She was to stay overnight at the custody unit in Gisborne Police Station to then be transported to prison.
Upon arrival, Ms Martin was searched and assessed in terms of her physical health and mental wellbeing to determine the most appropriate monitoring regime while she was in our care. She was placed on two hourly checks.
The following morning just after 7am, officers found Ms Martin unresponsive. Ambulance officers arrived and confirmed she was deceased.
It will be for the Coroner to determine the cause of her death, however there are no suspicious circumstances, or any other person involved.
The IPCA found the initial care of Ms Martin was appropriate and in line with Police policy considering the information immediately available to them, however Police should have considered the wider circumstances of Ms Martin’s situation and checked on her more frequently.
They also found that Police officers acted unprofessionally, which included on some occasions only checking detainees via CCTV cameras in their cells, rather than conducting physical checks on them, which is required.
Eastern District Commander Superintendent Jeanette Park says Police conducted a review of the events around Ms Martin’s death and came to a similar conclusion as the IPCA.
“Police accepts the actions of the officers were not in line with the standard of care we expect for those who come into Police custody. Police have reinforced with staff in Gisborne and across the country that detainees must be checked correctly, not just via CCTV. We have made several improvements at the Gisborne Police Custody Unit and addressed staffing shortages.”
Police carried out an employment investigation with regards to the officers working during this shift and have provided them with additional training. We have reviewed our process to ensure that a recent conviction for a serious offence influences the monitoring schedule required for certain detainees.
Custody units can be a complex and challenging environment to work in. Police remain committed to continuous improvement ensuring a high standard of care for the more than 120,000 detainees who come into our custody units across New Zealand each year.
Police has implemented significant changes over the last few years, including the creation of a National Custody Team which provides oversight of the policy, practice, and training for all Police staff,” Superintendent Park says.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: US State of North Dakota
A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty today to transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to sexually abuse the child and to accessing child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, George “Travis” Woodfield, 41, of Macungie, Pennsylvania, drove an eleven-year-old child across state lines for an overnight trip to New York City in November 2018 in order to engage in sexual activity with the child. During the trip, Woodfield sexually abused the child in their hotel room. Further, between September 2015 and July 2024, Woodfield accessed numerous depictions of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including images of prepubescent children being sexually abused.
Woodfield pleaded guilty to one count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and one count of accessing with intent to view child pornography, including that of a prepubescent minor. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced by the court on July 1 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs of the FBI Philadelphia Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Jennifer Toritto Leonardo and Trial Attorney Jessica L. Urban of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca J. Kulik for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
NEW YORK, 24 March (Office of Legal Affairs) ― The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf held its sixty-third session at United Nations Headquarters from 17 February to 21 March. The plenary parts of the session were held from 24 to 28 February and from 10 to 14 March. The remainder of the session was devoted to the technical examination of submissions at the premises of the Division, including geographic information systems laboratories and other technical facilities.
During the first plenary part of the session, the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, Elinor Hammarskjöld, addressed the Commission for the first time since her appointment. She acknowledged the crucial contribution of the Commission to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and paid tribute to the significant work carried out by the members of the Commission in this regard. Noting the ongoing liquidity crisis affecting regular budget operations of the United Nations Secretariat, the Under‑Secretary-General reiterated that the Division would continue to do its utmost to deliver high-quality support to the Commission within the available means.
The Submissions of the following coastal States were considered by the Commission and its subcommissions: Mauritius in respect of the region of Rodrigues Island (partial submission); Palau in respect of the North Area (partial amended submission); Portugal; Spain in respect of the area of Galicia (partial submission); Namibia; Cuba in respect of the eastern polygon in the Gulf of Mexico; Mozambique; and Madagascar; as well as revised submissions made by Brazil in respect of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin (partial revised submission); Cook Islands concerning the Manihiki Plateau (revised submission); Iceland in respect of the western, southern and south-eastern parts of the Reykjanes Ridge (partial revised submission); Brazil in respect of the Brazilian Oriental and Meridional Margin (partial revised submission); and the Russian Federation in the Area of the Gakkel Ridge in the Arctic Ocean (partial revised submission).
The Commission approved three sets of recommendations, namely in regard to the submissions made by Brazil in respect of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin (partial revised submission); Cuba in respect the eastern polygon in the Gulf of Mexico; and Iceland in respect of the western, southern and south-eastern parts of the Reykjanes Ridge (partial revised submission).
During its plenary meetings, with regard to the submission made by Guyana, the Commission decided to defer its consideration in view of an objection conveyed by Venezuela.
The Commission further heard presentations on the submission of Mozambique, which was a repeat presentation made upon the request of the coastal State; the partial revised submission made by Brazil in respect of the Brazilian Oriental and Meridional Margin; and the partial submission made by Viet Nam in respect of the Central Area.
Underscoring the importance that submitting States attach to the work of the Commission, delegations were represented in the plenary at the high level: the delegation of Mozambique was headed by the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Estêvão Tomás Rafael Pale; the delegation of Cuba was headed by the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío Domínguez; and the delegation of the Russian Federation was headed by the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Alexander Kozlov.
In view of the progress in its work, the Commission decided to establish subcommissions to consider the partial submission made by Mexico in respect of the eastern polygon in the Gulf of Mexico; the submission made by the United Republic of Tanzania; and the partial submission made by Denmark in respect of the Southern Continental Shelf of Greenland. With a view to facilitating the efficient consideration of submissions, the Commission decided that subcommissions could actively consider two submissions in parallel, as needed.
The Commission appointed the new member of the Commission, Ahmed Er Raji (Morocco), to subcommissions. In view of the resignation of Mr. Brekke due to health reasons and the establishment of new subcommissions, the Commission also adjusted the membership of some existing subcommissions and subsidiary bodies. The Commission also elected David Cole Mosher (Canada) as Vice-Chair of the Commission for the remainder of the current two-and-a-half-year term — until 15 December.
With regard to the request of the General Assembly in its resolution 79/144 for the Secretary-General to develop and make available training courses to assist States in relation to the preparation, making and maintenance of submissions, as well as their consideration, the secretariat informed the Commission that no earmarked voluntary trust fund contributions for such activities had been received as of 13 March, and that, if no contributions were received by April, the secretariat would not be in a position to deliver on this mandate in 2025.
The Commission also continued its consideration of initiatives to enhance efficiency in its work, including the development of technical bulletins and templates for presentations and recommendations.
Further details on the sixty-third session will be available in the Statement of the Chairperson of the Commission (document CLCS/63/2).
The background press release on this session is available at https://press.un.org/en/2025/sea2206.doc.htm.
Background
Established pursuant to article 2 of annex II to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Commission makes recommendations to coastal States on matters related to the establishment of the outer limits of their continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, based on information submitted by those coastal States. The recommendations are based on the scientific data and other material provided by coastal States in relation to the implementation of article 76 of the Convention and do not prejudice matters relating to the delimitation of boundaries between States with opposite or adjacent coasts or prejudice the position of States that are parties to a land or maritime dispute, or application of other parts of the Convention or any other treaties. The limits of the continental shelf established by a coastal State on the basis of the recommendations are final and binding. In the case of disagreement by a coastal State with the recommendations of the Commission, the coastal State shall, within a reasonable time, make a revised or new submission to the Commission.
Under rule 23 of its rules of procedure (Public and private meetings), the meetings of the Commission, its subcommissions and subsidiary bodies are held in private, unless the Commission decides otherwise.
As required under the rules of procedure of the Commission, the executive summaries of all the submissions, including all charts and coordinates, have been made public by the Secretary‑General through continental shelf notifications circulated to Member States of the United Nations, as well as States Parties to the Convention. The executive summaries are available on the Division’s website at: www.un.org/depts/los/clcs_new/clcs_home.htm. The summaries of recommendations adopted by the Commission are also available on the above-referenced website.
The Commission is a body of 21 experts in the field of geology, geophysics or hydrography serving in their personal capacities. Members of the Commission are elected for a term of five years by the Meeting of States Parties to the Convention having due regard to the need to ensure equitable geographical representation. Not fewer than three members shall be elected from each geographical region.
Currently, two seats on the Commission are vacant as a result of the resignation of Mr. Brekke and the long-standing vacancy resulting from a lack of nominations from the Group of Eastern European States. A call for nominations has been circulated to States Parties with a view to filling these vacancies at a by-election to be conducted at the thirty-fifth Meeting of States Parties, scheduled to be convened from 23 to 27 June. The nomination period opened on 12 February and will close on 12 May at midnight.
The Convention provides that the State party which submitted the nomination of a member of the Commission shall defray the expenses of that member while in performance of Commission duties. A voluntary trust fund for the purpose of defraying the cost of participation of the members of the Commission from developing countries has been established. It has facilitated the participation of several members of the Commission from developing countries in the sessions of the Commission.
The convening by the Secretary-General of the sessions of the Commission, with full conference services, including documentation, for the plenary parts of these sessions, is subject to approval by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Assembly does so in its annual resolutions on oceans and the law of the sea, which also address other matters relevant to the work of the Commission and the conditions of service of its members.
For additional information on the work of the Commission see the website of the Division at www.un.org/depts/los/index.htm. In particular, the most recent Statements by the Chair on the progress in the work of the Commission are available at http://www.un.org/depts/los/clcs_new/commission_documents.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
FRESNO, Calif. — Donald Henderson, 30, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of ammunition in connection with his possession of a loaded ghost gun, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 4, 2024, Henderson arranged to sell a rifle to an undercover police officer in Clovis while believing the undercover officer was a prostitute. When officers arrived, Henderson quickly entered a vehicle as a passenger, at which point officers engaged in a high-speed chase during which Henderson threw a rifle out the window. The rifle was a privately manufactured firearm, or “ghost gun,” with a loaded high-capacity magazine. Henderson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of prior felony convictions in Fresno County, including for burglary and illegal possession of a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Clovis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.
Henderson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on June 23, 2025. Henderson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
CALGARY, Alberta, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helium Evolution Incorporated (TSXV:HEVI) (“HEVI” or the “Company“), a Canadian-based helium exploration company focused on developing assets in southern Saskatchewan, is pleased to provide an update on two of the Company’s helium discovery wells: the 5-30-3-8W3 well (“5-30 Well”) and the 10-36-3-9W3 well (“10-36 Well”), both located along the Mankota helium fairway. HEVI holds a 20% working interest in both the 5-30 Well and the 10-36 Well, in partnership with the operator, North American Helium Inc. (“NAH”).
5-30 Well Test Results
On February 25, 2025, the Company announced preliminary results from the 5-30 Well including production of approximately 9.7 million standard cubic feet per day (“MMscf/d”) at 10,700 kiloPascal (“kPa”) flowing tubing pressure after a five-day extended flow period. The preliminary test results also confirmed a helium content of 0.76%, significantly higher than the commercially viable threshold of 0.3%. Additionally, negligible water was observed, signaling strong potential for efficient helium recovery and processing.
Since HEVI’s initial announcement, a post-flow pressure transient analysis (“PTA”) of the 5-30 Well, conducted by Petro Management Group Ltd. (“PMG”) has provided promising data. The PTA utilized a composite reservoir model to assess pressure response, flow rates, and other reservoir properties, all of which are important data points for guiding future development plans in the area. The PTA indicated a calculated absolute open flow potential (“AOFP”) of 20.7 MMscf/d.
Moreover, bottomhole pressures recorders were installed in the nearby 9-35-3-9W3 well (“9-35 Well”), 10-1-4-9W3 well (“10-1 Well”) and the 10-36 Well during the 5-30 Well’s flow test. Pressure data analysis indicated the 5-30 Well is a new pool discovery. The PTA radius of investigation was almost three kilometers and further drilling will be necessary to determine the size of the helium reservoir.
10-36 Well
On February 10, 2025, HEVI announced that the 10-36 Well was producing approximately 11.5 MMscf/d at 13,100 kPa flowing tubing pressure following a five-day extended flow testing period. The preliminary test results confirmed a helium content of 0.81%, again well above the commercially viable threshold of 0.3%. Similar to the 5-30 Well, negligible water was produced, signaling strong potential for efficient helium recovery and processing.
After the extended production flow period, the well was shut-in for 14 days to gather reservoir pressure data, followed by a PTA conducted by PMG. The PTA, which again employed a composite reservoir model, assessed pressure response, flow rates, and other pertinent reservoir properties. The PTA indicated no reservoir pressure depletion and a high permeability reservoir, with a calculated AOFP of 38.0 MMscf/d, HEVI’s largest AOFP to date.
Notably, bottomhole pressures recorders were also installed in both the offsetting 9-35 Well and 10-01 Well, located approximately one to two kilometers away. Analysis of this pressure data confirmed communication between the three wells, suggesting the presence of a potentially large, expansive and productive reservoir.
Flow Test Results from Select HEVI Wells:
| Well | Helium Content | Rate (MMscf/d) | Bottom Hole Pressure (kPa) | Bottom Hole Temperature (°C) | Tubing Pressure (kPa) | Water | |
| 5-30 Well | 0.76% | 9.7 | 23,959 | 82 | 10,700 | Negligible | |
| 10-36 Well | 0.81% | 11.5 | 23,600 | 78 | 13,100 | Negligible | |
| 10-1 Well1 | 0.75% | 9.5 | 24,069 | 78 | 10,800 | Negligible | |
| 9-35 Well2 | 0.64% | 7.0 | 23,928 | 81 | 9,000 | Negligible | |
| 2-31 Well3 | 0.95% | 4.0 | 24,189 | 81 | 5,500 | Negligible | |
1Well located at 10-1–4-9W3 (the “10-1 Well”)
2Well located at 9-35-3-9W3 (the “9-35 Well”)
3Well located at 2-31-2-8W3 (the “2-31 Well”)
“Both the 5-30 and 10-36 Wells have exceeded initial expectations, with strong helium content, minimal water production, and promising pressure data indicating the potential for large, productive reservoirs,” said Greg Robb, CEO of HEVI. “With five positive flow tests, HEVI remains committed to advancing the development of these discoveries, with further drilling and the installation of facilities expected in later in 2025.”
Stay Connected to Helium Evolution
Shareholders and other parties interested in learning more about the Helium Evolution opportunity are encouraged to visit the Company’s website, which includes an updated corporate presentation, and are invited to follow the Company on LinkedIn and X for ongoing corporate updates and helium industry information. Helium Evolution also provides an extensive, commissioned ‘deep-dive’ research report prepared by a third party whose background includes serving as a research analyst for several bank-owned and independent investment dealers.
About Helium Evolution Incorporated
Helium Evolution is a Canadian-based helium exploration company holding the largest helium land rights position in North America among publicly-traded companies, focused on developing assets in southern Saskatchewan. The Company has over five million acres of land under permit near proven discoveries of economic helium concentrations which will support scaling the exploration and development efforts across its land base. HEVI’s management and board are executing a differentiated strategy to become a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium for the growing global helium market.
For further information, please contact:
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.
Forward-looking statements in this document include statements regarding the Company’s expectations regarding future production from the 10-1 Well, the 2-31 Well, the 9-35 Well, the 5-30 Well and the 10-36 Well, the Company’s expectations regarding scalable helium production from its land generally, the Company and/or NAH’s plans to drill more wells, installation of production facilities including the timing thereof, the Company becoming a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium, timeline of future updates, the Company’s beliefs regarding growth of the global helium market and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: NAH may be unsuccessful in drilling commercially productive wells; the Company and/or NAH may choose to defer, accelerate or abandon its exploration and development plans including future drilling; the Company and/or NAH may determine not to bring the 10-1 Well, the 2-31 Well, the 9-35 Well, the 10-36 Well or the 5-30 Well onto production; the Company and/or NAH may abandon, defer or accelerate plans and decisions regarding production facilities; new laws or regulations and/or unforeseen events could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations; stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and such volatility may adversely affect the price of the Company’s securities regardless of its operating performance; risks generally associated with the exploration for and production of resources; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to expenses and the Company’s working capital position; constraint in the availability of services; commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations; adverse weather or break-up conditions; and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures.
When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and risks other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/999459f0-2e0c-4c0e-822e-8e15949969a4
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
VIENNA, Va., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Urgent.ly Inc. (Nasdaq: ULY) (“Urgently”), a U.S.-based leading provider of digital roadside and mobility assistance technology and services, announced today that The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notified Urgently (the “Notice”) that Urgently’s net income from continuing operations had fallen below the minimum requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(3) (the “Minimum Net Income Requirement”). The Notice also noted that the Urgently does not meet the alternatives of market value of listed securities or stockholders’ equity (collectively with the Minimum Net Income Requirement, the “Continued Listing Standards”).
In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(2)(C), Urgently has 45 calendar days, or until May 5, 2025, to provide Nasdaq with a plan to regain compliance with the Continued Listing Standards (the “Compliance Plan”). If Nasdaq accepts the Compliance Plan, Nasdaq may grant an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the date of the Notice. If Nasdaq does not accept the Compliance Plan, then the Nasdaq staff will provide written notification to Urgently that its common stock will be subject to delisting. Urgently may appeal any such determination to delist its securities, but there can be no assurance that any such appeal would be successful.
Urgently intends to submit the Compliance Plan to Nasdaq within the required time period. There can be no assurance that Nasdaq will accept the Compliance Plan, or that Urgently will be able to regain compliance with the Continued Listing Standards or maintain compliance with any other Nasdaq requirement in the future.
About Urgently
Urgently is focused on helping everyone move safely, without disruption, by safeguarding drivers, promptly assisting their journey, and employing technology to proactively avert possible issues. The company’s digitally native software platform combines location-based services, real-time data, AI and machine-to-machine communication to power roadside assistance solutions for leading brands across automotive, insurance, telematics and other transportation-focused verticals. Urgently fulfills the demand for connected roadside assistance services, enabling its partners to deliver exceptional user experiences that drive high customer satisfaction and loyalty, by delivering innovative, transparent and exceptional connected mobility assistance experiences on a global scale. For more information, visit www.geturgently.com.
For media and investment inquiries, please contact:
Press: media@geturgently.com
Investor Relations: investorrelations@geturgently.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Urgently cautions you that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Urgently’s ability to regain compliance with the Continued Listing Standards and Urgently’s intentions to submit a Compliance Plan to Nasdaq within the required time period. Urgently’s actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of important risks and uncertainties, including without limitation the risk that Urgently may not meet the Continued Listing Standards during any compliance period or in the future, the risk that Nasdaq may not grant Urgently relief from delisting, and the risk that Urgently may not ultimately meet applicable Nasdaq requirements after such relief, if any, is granted, among other important risks and uncertainties. A further description of the risks and uncertainties relating to the business of Urgently is contained in Urgently’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Urgently undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
TORONTO, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (“Ninepoint Partners”) today announced the estimated March 2025 cash distribution for the ETF Series of Ninepoint Cash Management Fund (the “Fund”). Ninepoint Partners expects to issue a press release on or about March 28, 2025, which will provide the final distribution rate. The record date for the cash distribution is March 31, 2025, payable on April 7, 2025.
All estimates in this document are based on the accounting data as of March 21, 2025. Due to subscriptions and/or redemptions and/or other factors, the final February 2025 distribution may differ from these estimates and the difference could be material. The information included in this letter is for reference purposes only. Please reconcile all information against your official client statements. This is not intended to be a statement for official tax reporting purposes or any form of tax advice.
The actual taxable amounts of distributions for 2025, including the tax characteristics of the distributions, will be reported to CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. in early 2026. Securityholders can contact their brokerage firm for this information.
The per-unit estimated March 2025 distribution is detailed below:
| Ninepoint ETF Series | Ticker | Cash Distribution per unit | Notional Distribution per unit | CUSIP | ||
| Ninepoint Cash Management Fund | NSAV | $0.13007 | $0.00000 | 65443X105 | ||
About Ninepoint Partners
Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.
For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.
Ninepoint Partners LP is the investment manager to the Ninepoint Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees (if any), and other expenses all may be associated with investing in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not resident in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Fund may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.
Please note that distribution factors (breakdown between income, capital gains and return of capital) can only be calculated when a fund has reached its year-end. Distribution information should not be relied upon for income tax reporting purposes as this is only a component of total distributions for the year. For accurate distribution amounts for the purpose of filing an income tax return, please refer to the appropriate T3/T5 slips for that particular taxation year. Please refer to the prospectus or offering memorandum of each Fund for details of the Fund’s distribution policy.
The payment of distributions and distribution breakdown, if applicable, is not guaranteed and may fluctuate. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a Fund’s performance, rate of return, or yield. If distributions paid by the Fund are greater than the performance of the Fund, then an investor’s original investment will shrink. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a Fund and income and dividends earned by a Fund are taxable in the year they are paid. An investor’s adjusted cost base will be reduced by the amount of any returns of capital. If an investor’s adjusted cost base goes below zero, then capital gains tax will have to be paid on the amount below zero.
Sales Inquiries:
Ninepoint Partners LP
Neil Ross
416-945-6227
nross@ninepoint.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Royalty Corp. (TSX: DIV and DIV.DB.A) (the “Corporation” or “DIV”) is pleased to announce its financial results for the three months (“Q4 2024”) and year ended December 31, 2024.
Highlights
Fourth Quarter Commentary
Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of DIV stated, “Overall, DIV is pleased with how its royalty partners performed with weighted average organic royalty growth of 5.9% in Q4 2024 and 5.0% for the year ended December 31, 2024. As with all portfolios, there are varying degrees of performance within the portfolio. Mr. Lube, our largest royalty partner, continued to see strong double-digit growth, generating SSSG1 (defined below) of 12.0% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2024, and 10.5% for the year ended December 31, 2024. This exceptional performance is the result of Mr. Lube’s management team working with their franchisees to share best practices and optimize the performance of each location. DIV’s other variable royalty partners generated mixed results with Oxford generating positive SSSG and Mr. Mikes generating negative SSSG in Q4. DIV’s fixed royalty partners, Nurse Next Door, Stratus and BarBurrito made their fixed royalty payments. DIV is deferring 20% of Sutton’s royalties to help them invest in the business and build on the positive momentum in Q4. DIV continues to see a decrease in royalty income from AIR MILES® because of the loss of Metro as a loyalty partner and continued softness across the AIR MILES® Rewards Program.”
1. Adjusted revenue and distributable cash are non-IFRS financial measures, payout ratio is a non-IFRS ratio and weighted average organic royalty growth and Same-store-sales growth or SSSG are supplementary financial measures – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.
Fourth Quarter Results
| Three months ended December 31, |
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
| (000’s) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Mr. Lube + Tires | $ | 8,602 | $ | 7,810 | $ | 31,190 | $ | 28,429 | |||||
| Stratusa | 2,268 | 2,099 | 8,714 | 8,171 | |||||||||
| BarBurrito | 2,101 | 2,032 | 8,403 | 2,032 | |||||||||
| Nurse Next Doorb | 1,341 | 1,316 | 5,309 | 5,207 | |||||||||
| Oxford | 1,206 | 1,162 | 4,530 | 4,521 | |||||||||
| Sutton | 899 | 1,095 | 4,206 | 4,339 | |||||||||
| Mr. Mikes | 1,040 | 1,130 | 4,226 | 4,570 | |||||||||
| AIR MILES® | 896 | 1,044 | 3,640 | 4,352 | |||||||||
| Adjusted revenuec | $ | 18,352 | $ | 17,688 | $ | 70,218 | $ | 61,621 | |||||
a) Stratus royalty income for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, was US$1.6 million and US$6.4 million, respectively, translated at an average foreign exchange rate of $1.4000 and $1.3703 to US$1, respectively (three months and year ended December 31, 2023 – royalty income of US$1.5 million and US$6.1 million, respectively, translated at an average foreign exchange rate of $1.3610 and $1.3493 to US$1, respectively).
b) Represents the DIV Royalty Entitlement plus management fees received from Nurse Next Door.
c) DIV Royalty Entitlement and adjusted revenue are non-IFRS financial measures and as such, do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. For additional information, refer to “Non-IFRS Measures” in this news release.
In Q4 2024, DIV generated $17.0 million of revenue compared to $16.4 million in Q4 2023. After considering the DIV Royalty Entitlement2 (defined below) related to DIV’s royalty arrangements with Nurse Next Door, DIV’s adjusted revenue2 was $18.4 million in Q4 2024, compared to $17.7 million in Q4 2023. Adjusted revenue increased primarily due to incremental revenue received through the acquisition of the BarBurrito rights on October 4, 2023, positive SSSG2 at Mr. Lube + Tires and Oxford, the annual contractual royalty increases at Stratus and Nurse Next Door, partially offset by negative SSSG from Mr. Mikes and lower royalty income from AIR MILES® and the 20% deferral of the Sutton royalties, all as discussed in further detail below.
2. Adjusted revenue and DIV Royalty Entitlement are non-IFRS financial measures and SSSG are supplementary financial measures – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.
Royalty Partner Business Updates
Mr. Lube + Tires: Mr. Lube Canada Limited Partnership (“Mr. Lube + Tires”) generated SSSG3 of 12.0% for the Mr. Lube + Tires stores in the royalty pool for Q4 2024 and 10.5% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to SSSG of 14.0% and 17.1%, for the same respective prior periods in 2023.
3. Same-store-sales growth or SSSG is a supplementary financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.
Stratus: Royalty income from SBS Franchising LLC (“Stratus”) was $2.3 million (US$1.6 million translated at an average foreign exchange rate of $1.4000 to US$1.00) for Q4 2024 and $8.7 million (US$6.4 million translated at an average foreign exchange rate of $1.3703 to US$1.00) for the year ended December 31, 2024. The fixed royalty payable by Stratus increases each November at a rate of 5% until and including November 2026 and 4% each November thereafter during the term of the license, with the most recent increase effective November 15, 2024.
Nurse Next Door: The royalty entitlement to DIV (the “DIV Royalty Entitlement4”) from Nurse Next Door Professional Homecare Services Inc. (“Nurse Next Door”) was $1.3 million in Q4 2024 and $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The DIV Royalty Entitlement from Nurse Next Door grows at a fixed rate of 2.0% per annum during the term of the license, with the most recent increase effective October 1, 2024.
4. DIV Royalty Entitlement is a non-IFRS measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.
Mr. Mikes: SSSG5 for the Mr. Mikes Restaurants Corporation (“Mr. Mikes”) restaurants in the Mr. Mikes royalty pool was -4.7% in Q4 2024 and -3.4% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to SSSG of 7.3% and 10.1%, for the same respective prior periods in 2023. The lower SSSG percentage in the current period is primarily due to lower restaurant guest traffic. In addition, in the comparable period, SSSG was measured against quarters that included the impact from COVID-19 related government regulations, including vaccine mandates.
Royalty income and management fees of $1.0 million were generated by Mr. Mikes in Q4 2024, compared to $1.2 million in Q4 2023, which excludes approximately $0.05 million from the partial payment of deferred contractual royalty fees and accrued management fees. Royalty income and management fees of $4.2 million were generated for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $4.4 million generated for the year ended December 31, 2023, excluding approximately $0.18 million from the partial payment of deferred contractual royalty fees and accrued management fees.
5. Same-store-sales growth or SSSG is a supplementary financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.
Oxford: The Oxford Learning Centres, Inc. (“Oxford”) locations in the Oxford royalty pool generated SSSG6 (on a constant currency basis) of 4.0% in Q4 2024 and 0.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to SSSG of -0.2% and 5.9%, for the same respective prior periods in 2023. Oxford’s SSSG has returned to being positive after lapping the completion of the Ontario Government funding of student learning support, which included private tutoring, which funding completed in the first half of 2023.
6. Same-store-sales growth or SSSG is a supplementary financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.
AIR MILES®: In Q4 2024, royalty income of $0.9 million was generated from the AIR MILES® Licenses compared to $1.0 million generated in Q4 2023, a decrease of 14.2% from the comparable quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2024, royalty income of $3.6 million was generated compared to $4.4 million generated in the comparable year, a decrease of 16.4%. The decrease is largely due to the loss of AIR MILES® sponsor Metro and continued softness in the AIR MILES® Rewards Program.
Sutton: In Q4 2024, royalty income of $0.9 million was generated by Sutton, which is net of a 20% royalty deferral, compared to $1.1 million generated in Q4 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, royalty income of $4.1 million was generated, which includes a 20% royalty deferral for Q4, 2024, compared to $4.3 million generated in the comparable year. DIV and Sutton entered into a royalty deferral agreement during Q4 2024, which provides Sutton with a 20% deferral of royalties from October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025. The deferred royalties do not accrue interest and are due in full on December 31, 2027. Sutton finished 2024 on a strong note, opening two new franchise locations in Q4 and has a growing pipeline of franchise opportunities across Canada. Sutton intends to invest the deferred royalties to complete the rebuild of its management team, increase investment in marketing, roll out its rebranded logo across Canada, increase business development, and build on the positive momentum that began in the back half of 2024.
BarBurrito: Royalty income from BarBurrito Restaurants Inc. (“BarBurrito”) was $2.1 million for Q4 2024 and $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The royalty payable by BarBurrito initially grows at a fixed rate of 4% per annum each March from and including March 2025 to and including March 2030 and, commencing on January 1, 2031, will fluctuate based on the gross sales of the BarBurrito locations in the royalty pool.
Distributable Cash and Dividends Declared
In Q4 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2024, distributable cash7 increased to $12.6 million ($0.0759 per share) and $44.8 million ($0.2762 per share), respectively, compared to $10.4 million ($0.0723 per share) and $38.1 million ($0.2671 per share), in the respective periods in 2023.
The increase in distributable cash7 for the quarter was primarily due to higher adjusted revenue7, lower general and administrative expenses, lower professional fees, lower interest expense, and lower salaries and benefits. The increase in distributable cash7 for the year was primarily due to higher adjusted revenue7, lower general and administrative expenses, and lower professional fees, partially offset by higher interest expense and higher and salaries and benefits.
The increase in distributable cash per share7 for the quarter and year end were primarily due to an increase in distributable cash, partially offset by a higher weighted average number of common shares outstanding.
In Q4 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2024, the payout ratio7 was 82.3% on dividends of $0.0625 per share and 90.0% on dividends of $0.2487 per share, respectively, compared to the payout ratio of 84.2% on dividends of $0.0609 per share and 90.2% on dividends of $0.2410 per share for the same respective periods in 2023. The decrease in payout ratio for the quarter and year end were primarily due to higher distributable cash per share7, partially offset by higher dividends declared per share.
7. Adjusted revenue and distributable cash are non-IFRS financial measures and distributable cash per share and payout ratio are non-IFRS ratios – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.
Net Income
Net income for Q4 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $4.0 million and $26.6 million, respectively, compared to net income of $9.1 million and $31.7 million for the same respective periods in 2023. The decrease in net income in Q4 2024 was primarily due to impairment loss on intangible assets and higher share-based compensation expense, partially offset by higher adjusted revenue8 and lower general and administrative expenses, interest expense on credit facilities, and income tax expense. The decrease in net income for the year was primarily due to impairment loss on intangible assets, higher share-based compensation expense, salaries and benefits, and interest expense on credit facilities, partially offset by higher adjusted revenue8 and lower general and administrative expenses, and income tax expense.
8. Adjusted revenue is a non-IFRS financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.
About Diversified Royalty Corp.
DIV is a multi-royalty corporation, engaged in the business of acquiring top-line royalties from well-managed multi-location businesses and franchisors in North America. DIV’s objective is to acquire predictable, growing royalty streams from a diverse group of multi-location businesses and franchisors.
DIV currently owns the Mr. Lube + Tires, AIR MILES®, Sutton, Mr. Mikes, Nurse Next Door, Oxford Learning Centres, Stratus Building Solutions and BarBurrito trademarks. Mr. Lube + Tires is the leading quick lube service business in Canada, with locations across Canada. AIR MILES® is Canada’s largest coalition loyalty program. Sutton is among the leading residential real estate brokerage franchisor businesses in Canada. Mr. Mikes operates casual steakhouse restaurants primarily in western Canadian communities. Nurse Next Door is a home care provider with locations across Canada and the United States as well as in Australia. Oxford Learning Centres is one of Canada’s leading franchisee supplemental education services. Stratus Building Solutions is a leading commercial cleaning service franchise company providing comprehensive building cleaning, and office cleaning services primarily in the United States. BarBurrito is the largest quick service Mexican restaurant food chain in Canada.
DIV’s objective is to increase cash flow per share by making accretive royalty purchases and through the growth of purchased royalties. DIV intends to continue to pay a predictable and stable monthly dividend to shareholders and increase the dividend over time, in each case as cash flow per share allows.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, ”project”, “should”, “believe”, “confident”, “plan” and “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements made in relation to: Sutton having a growing pipeline of franchise opportunities across Canada; Sutton intends to invest the deferred royalties to complete the rebuild of its management team, increase investment in marketing, roll out its rebranded logo across Canada, increase business development and build on the positive momentum that began in the back half of 2024; DIV’s intention to pay monthly dividends to shareholders; and DIV’s corporate objectives. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events, performance, or achievements of DIV to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by such forward-looking information. DIV believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this news release are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In particular, risks and uncertainties include: DIV’s royalty partners may not make their respective royalty payments to DIV, in whole or in part; the decline in royalties received under the AIR MILES® licenses could cause AM Royalties Limited Partnership (“AM LP”) to be required to make partial or full repayment of the outstanding principal amount under its credit agreement, or cause AM LP to be in default under its credit agreement; current positive trends being experienced by certain of DIV’s royalty partners (and their respective franchisees) may not continue and may regress, and current negative trends experienced by certain of DIV’s royalty partners (including their respective franchisees) may continue and may regress; DIV and its royalty partners performance may not meet management’s expectations; DIV may not be able to make monthly dividend payments to the holders of its common shares; Sutton may not pay all deferred royalties in accordance with the timing required or at all; Sutton’s investment of the deferred royalties may not achieve their intended effects; Sutton may require further deferrals of royalties beyond those contemplated by the current deferral agreement; dividends are not guaranteed and may be reduced, suspended or terminated at any time; or DIV may not achieve any of its corporate objectives. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking information included in this news release is not a guarantee of future performance, and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. More information about the risks and uncertainties affecting DIV’s business and the businesses of its royalty partners can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of its Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2025 and in DIV’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available under DIV’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.
In formulating the forward-looking information contained herein, management has assumed that DIV will generate sufficient cash flows from its royalties to service its debt and pay dividends to shareholders; lenders will provide any necessary waivers required in order to allow DIV to continue to pay dividends; lenders will provide any other necessary covenant waivers to DIV and its royalty partners; the performance of DIV’s royalty partners will be consistent with DIV’s and its royalty partners’ respective expectations; recent positive trends for certain of DIV’s royalty partners (including their respective franchisees) will continue and not regress; current negative trends experienced by certain of DIV’s royalty partners (including their respective franchisees) will not materially regress; Sutton will pay all deferred royalties in accordance with the required timing in full and will not require further deferrals; Sutton’s investment of the deferred royalties will achieve its intended effects; the businesses of DIV’s respective royalty partners will not suffer any material adverse effect; and the business and economic conditions affecting DIV and its royalty partners will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect to general industry conditions, general levels of economic activity and regulations. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect.
All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that it will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, DIV. The forward-looking information in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and DIV assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.
Non-IFRS Measures
Management believes that disclosing certain non-IFRS financial measures, non-IFRS ratios and supplementary financial measures provides readers with important information regarding the Corporation’s financial performance and its ability to pay dividends and the performance of its royalty partners. By considering these measures in combination with the most closely comparable IFRS measure, management believes that investors are provided with additional and more useful information about the Corporation and its royalty partners than investors would have if they simply considered IFRS measures alone. The non-IFRS financial measures, non-IFRS ratios and supplementary financial measures do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Investors are cautioned that non-IFRS measures should not be construed as a substitute or an alternative to net income or cash flows from operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS.
“Adjusted revenue”, “adjusted royalty income”, “DIV Royalty Entitlement” and “distributable cash” are used as non-IFRS financial measures in this news release.
Adjusted revenue is calculated as royalty income plus DIV Royalty Entitlement and management fees. The following table reconciles adjusted revenue and adjusted royalty income to royalty income, the most directly comparable IFRS measure disclosed in the financial statements:
| Three months ended December 31, |
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
| (000’s) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Mr. Lube + Tires | $ | 8,543 | $ | 7,750 | $ | 30,953 | $ | 28,196 | |||||
| Stratus | 2,269 | 2,099 | 8,714 | 8,171 | |||||||||
| BarBurrito | 2,080 | 2,013 | 8,320 | 2,013 | |||||||||
| Oxford | 1,194 | 1,152 | 4,487 | 4,481 | |||||||||
| Sutton | 872 | 1,068 | 4,096 | 4,229 | |||||||||
| Mr. Mikes | 1,025 | 1,115 | 4,181 | 4,520 | |||||||||
| AIR MILES® | 896 | 1,044 | 3,640 | 4,352 | |||||||||
| Royalty income | $ | 16,879 | $ | 16,241 | $ | 64,391 | $ | 55,962 | |||||
| DIV Royalty Entitlement | 1,320 | 1,295 | 5,228 | 5,126 | |||||||||
| Adjusted royalty income | $ | 18,199 | $ | 17,536 | $ | 69,619 | $ | 61,088 | |||||
| Management fees | 153 | 152 | 599 | 533 | |||||||||
| Adjusted revenue | $ | 18,352 | $ | 17,688 | $ | 70,218 | $ | 61,621 | |||||
For further details with respect to adjusted revenue and adjusted royalty income, refer to the subsection “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.
The most closely comparable IFRS measure to DIV Royalty Entitlement is “distributions received from NND LP”. DIV Royalty Entitlement is calculated as distributions received from NND LP, before any deduction for expenses incurred by NND Holdings Limited Partnership (“NND LP”), which expenses include legal, audit, tax and advisory services. Note that distributions received from NND LP is derived from the royalty paid by Nurse Next Door to NND LP. The following table reconciles DIV Royalty Entitlement to distributions received from NND LP in the financial statements:
| Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
| (000’s) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Distributions received from NND LP | $ | 1,314 | $ | 1,284 | $ | 5,197 | $ | 5,095 | |||||
| Add: NND Royalties LP expenses | 2 | 2 | 27 | 22 | |||||||||
| DIV Royalty Entitlement | 1,316 | 1,286 | 5,224 | 5,117 | |||||||||
| Less: NND Royalties LP expenses | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | (27 | ) | (22 | ) | |||||
| DIV Royalty Entitlement, net of NND Royalties LP expenses | $ | 1,314 | $ | 1,284 | $ | 5,197 | $ | 5,095 | |||||
For further details with respect to DIV Royalty Entitlement, refer to the subsection “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.
The following table reconciles distributable cash to cash flows generated from operating activities, the most directly comparable IFRS measure disclosed in the financial statements:
| Three months ended December 31, |
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
| (000’s) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Cash flows generated from operating activities | $ | 11,724 | $ | 7,400 | $ | 46,491 | $ | 30,816 | |||||
| Current tax expense | (1,300 | ) | (845 | ) | (6,516 | ) | (5,061 | ) | |||||
| Accrued interest on convertible debentures | 788 | 788 | – | – | |||||||||
| Accrued interest on bank loans | (13 | ) | – | (438 | ) | – | |||||||
| Distributions on MRM units earned in current periods | (34 | ) | (38 | ) | (138 | ) | (164 | ) | |||||
| Mandatory principal payments on credit facilities | – | (577 | ) | (643 | ) | (1,008 | ) | ||||||
| Payment of lease obligations | (28 | ) | (28 | ) | (110 | ) | (107 | ) | |||||
| NND LP expenses | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | (27 | ) | (22 | ) | |||||
| Accrued DIV Royalty Entitlement, net of distributions | 2 | – | 27 | – | |||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other | (13 | ) | 394 | 146 | 229 | ||||||||
| Changes in working capital | (33 | ) | (527 | ) | 303 | 3,579 | |||||||
| Transactions costs | – | 32 | – | 32 | |||||||||
| Taxes paid | 1,512 | 1,648 | 6,012 | 7,691 | |||||||||
| Note receivable | – | 2,130 | (305 | ) | 2,130 | ||||||||
| Distributable cash | $ | 12,603 | $ | 10,376 | $ | 44,802 | $ | 38,115 | |||||
For further details with respect to distributable cash, refer to the subsection “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.
“Distributable cash per share” and “payout ratio” are non-IFRS ratios that do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to similar ratios presented by other issuers. Distributable cash per share is defined as distributable cash, a non-IFRS measure, divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The payout ratio is calculated by dividing the dividends per share during the period by the distributable cash per share, a non-IFRS measure, generated in that period. For further details, refer to the subsection entitled “Non-IFRS Ratios” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.
“Weighted average organic royalty growth” is the average same store sales growth percentage related to Mr. Lube + Tires, Oxford and Mr. Mikes (excluding the collection of Mr. Mikes deferred royalty management fees) plus the average increase in adjusted royalty income from AIR MILES®, Sutton (less 20% deferral in Q4, 2024), Nurse Next Door and Stratus over the prior comparable period taking into account the percentage weighting of each royalty partner’s adjusted royalty income in proportion of the total adjusted royalty income for the period, excluding BarBurrito as there was no full-period adjusted royalty income generated from BarBurrito in the prior period. Weighted average organic royalty growth is a supplementary financial measure and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. However, the Corporation believes that weighted average organic royalty growth is a useful measure as it provides investors with an indication of the change in year-over-year growth of each royalty partner, taking into account the percentage weighting of royalty partner’s growth in proportion of total growth, as applicable. The Corporation’s method of calculating weighted average organic royalty growth may differ from those of other issuers or companies and, accordingly, weighted average organic royalty growth may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers or companies.
“Same store sales growth” or “SSSG” and “system sales” are supplementary financial measures and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. SSSG and system sales figures are reported to DIV by its Royalty Partners – see “Third Party Information”. For further details, refer to the subsection entitled “Supplementary Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.
Third Party Information
This news release includes information obtained from third party company filings and reports and other publicly available sources as well as financial statements and other reports provided to DIV by its royalty partners. Although DIV believes these sources to be generally reliable, such information cannot be verified with complete certainty. Accordingly, the accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed. DIV has not independently verified any of the information from third party sources referred to in this news release nor ascertained the underlying assumptions relied upon by such sources.
THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR THE ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Additional Information
The information in this news release should be read in conjunction with DIV’s consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.
Additional information relating to the Corporation and other public filings, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.
Contact:
Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer
Diversified Royalty Corp.
(236) 521-8470
Greg Gutmanis, Chief Financial Officer and VP Acquisitions
Diversified Royalty Corp.
(236) 521-8471
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
TORONTO, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (“Ninepoint Partners”) today announced the March 2025 cash distributions for its ETF Series securities. The record date for the distributions is March 31, 2025. All distributions are payable on April 7, 2025.
The per-unit March 2025 distributions are detailed below:
About Ninepoint Partners
Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.
For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.
Ninepoint Partners LP is the investment manager to the Ninepoint Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees (if any), and other expenses all may be associated with investing in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not resident in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Fund may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.
Please note that distribution factors (breakdown between income, capital gains and return of capital) can only be calculated when a fund has reached its year-end. Distribution information should not be relied upon for income tax reporting purposes as this is only a component of total distributions for the year. For accurate distribution amounts for the purpose of filing an income tax return, please refer to the appropriate T3/T5 slips for that particular taxation year. Please refer to the prospectus or offering memorandum of each Fund for details of the Fund’s distribution policy.
The payment of distributions and distribution breakdown, if applicable, is not guaranteed and may fluctuate. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a Fund’s performance, rate of return, or yield. If distributions paid by the Fund are greater than the performance of the Fund, then an investor’s original investment will shrink. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a Fund and income and dividends earned by a Fund are taxable in the year they are paid. An investor’s adjusted cost base will be reduced by the amount of any returns of capital. If an investor’s adjusted cost base goes below zero, then capital gains tax will have to be paid on the amount below zero.
Sales Inquiries:
Ninepoint Partners LP
Neil Ross
416-945-6227
nross@ninepoint.com
Source: Communications Workers of America
PITTSBURGH – The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals enjoined the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PG) on Monday, requiring the company to—among other orders—restore the health care it illegally took away from editorial workers, addressing a core demand of the union workers who have struck for more than 29 months.
“It is further ordered that the Respondent, PG Publishing Co., Inc. d/b/a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and its officers, agents, successors, and assigns, shall: …rescind the changes in the terms and conditions of employment related to health insurance for its unit employees that were unilaterally implemented on about July 27, 2020,” the order, written by Judge Cindy K. Chung, reads.
The PG is also required to bargain with the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh-CWA Local 38061, submit bargaining progress reports to Region 6 of the National Labor Relations Board, and negotiate with the workers’ union on any changes in wages, hours, or any other terms of employment.
The Post-Gazette will soon face further consequences as the Third Circuit Court of Appeals is awaiting a final response from the company regarding the NLRB’s request for enforcement of its own September 2024 ruling. If the 3rd Circuit Court enforces the Board’s ruling, the PG will be required to restore working conditions consistent with the entire 2014-17 contract, including paid time off, wages, employees having a guaranteed work week, and the right to question company discipline, among other issues, as well as back pay to workers for wage reductions and increased health care costs.
In 2020, the company illegally and unilaterally tore up the editorial workers’ union contract, claiming they had bargained to an impasse. Both an administrative law judge and the National Labor Relations Board in D.C. ruled that the company broke federal labor law in this instance, in addition to bargaining in bad faith and illegally surveilling its workers.
“Members of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh have stood and fought against the Post-Gazette’s illegal union busting since October 2022, and today we have been given the victory that we’ve held the picket line waiting for so long,” said Zack Tanner, striking interactive designer and Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh president. “Our win today is a major victory not just for us striking workers, but for all workers in Pittsburgh who want to stand up and fight.”
Members of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh walked out on strike on October 18, 2022, demanding restoration of their 2014-17 contract and dignified health care.
The striking workers have maintained their picket lines for more than two years and five months in America’s longest-running strike, winning many legal victories over the Post-Gazette. Unlike previous rulings against the PG, the 3rd Circuit Court’s order has both enforcement power and directly addresses strikers’ demands.
The Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh remains on strike against the Post-Gazette. Striking workers will meet in the coming days to discuss the court order and whether it will lead to the end of the strike.
“NewsGuild-CWA members have a saying: whatever it takes,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “Guild members have struck for 29 months knowing we were right and the company broke federal law. Today the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with us. We’re thrilled and will continue doing our job holding power to account, especially when it’s the boss.”
###
About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.
cwa-union.org @cwaunion
24 March 2025 – The University of Birmingham and the University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) have forged ties to create new opportunities exploring how forest ecosystems will behave in in the future as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise.
Professor Robin Mason, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Birmingham joined UCSF Vice-Chancellor Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris by video link to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU will see Birmingham climate change experts working with their counterparts in Borneo to explore the potential for major forest experiments and to investigate how the island’s forests respond to pressures cause by climate change – particularly in relation to biodiversity.
The partners will explore opportunities to develop a global research and education centre around forestry management and biodiversity focussed on the needs of the people and nature of Sabah State and beyond.
Their partnership also aims to establish knowledge-exchange initiatives around energy infrastructure optimisation and decarbonisation – particularly related to sustainable energy derived from biomass sources.
Professor Robin Mason commented: “The University of Birmingham has an excellent track record in this space – particularly in relation to research at our own large-scale Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) facility and its counterpart in the Amazon.
“As we prepare to contribute to the global discussion on climate change at COP 30 later this year, we look forward to developing our partnership with University College Sabah Foundation in Borneo – pushing forward the boundaries of global forestry research and adding to our understanding of the impact of elevated carbon levels on the world’s forests.”
Development of the partnership has been supported by UK-Malaysia strategic business advisers WIPPD. Initial discussions between the partners will get to grips with Sabah State’s energy priorities, as well as exploring opportunities for educational and training initiatives.
Datuk Dr Rafiq Bin Idris commented: “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for UCSF’s partnership with the University of Birmingham. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing research and innovation. UCSF with other stakeholders will work together to participate and support in this global forestry and carbon research wherever possible. By working together, we aim to strengthen collaboration, enrich learning experiences and conduct research in strategic areas of mutual interest. We are happy to formalise this relationship through the signing of this MoU.”
Mature forests are recognised as medium-term (decades long) carbon stores and natural climate solutions. The long-running FACE experiment at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), in central England, has contributed significantly to increasing global understanding of how forests may behave in response to changes in atmospheric carbon levels.
FACE experiments mimic future atmospheric composition and provide valuable data on interaction between forests, atmosphere, and climate. In 2017, researchers at BIFoR established the long-term FACE experiment in a 180-year-old deciduous woodland dominated by 26-m tall English (or ‘pedunculate’) oak trees – six 30 metre diameter plots, three exposed to elevated CO2 with the other three plots acting as a control. The southeast Asian rainforests are one of the most important ecosystems for which a FACE experiment has yet to be attempted.
Notes:
The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.
The most significant results to date from BIFoR FACE are published in Norby, R. J., … and A. R. MacKenzie (2024). Enhanced woody biomass production in a mature temperate forest under elevated CO2. Nature Climate Change. 14, 983–988. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-02090-3 .
The University of Birmingham is committed to achieving operational net zero carbon. It is seeking to change society and the environment positively, and use its research and education to make a major global contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Find out at www.birmingham.ac.uk/sustainability
The University of Birmingham is ranked 38th in the 2025 QS World Sustainability Rankings and rose 19 places in the 2024 People and Planet sustainability league table. Our global sustainability research is unlocking effective and equitable climate action and sustainability solutions.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Revenue up 28% to $12.9 million in 2024
Redomicile to U.S. Nears Completion; Set to Accelerate Market Opportunities
Completed $10 Million Private Placement
Entered into $50 Million At-The-Market (ATM) Program
NEW YORK, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Satellogic Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL), a leader in sub-meter resolution Earth Observation (“EO”) data collection, today provided a business update and financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024.
“The second half of 2024 was highlighted by commercial milestones, including a pivotal agreement with Maxar Intelligence granting them exclusive rights to task Satellogic’s high-revisit constellation and use our cost-effective satellite imagery to support national security missions for the U.S. Government and select U.S. partners internationally.” said Satellogic CEO, Emiliano Kargieman.
“Additionally, we were selected by NASA as one of eight recipients of NASA’s Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program (CSDA) On-Ramp1 Multiple Award contract, with a maximum cumulative value of $476 million for all award winners. We have begun work on our first task order with NASA, an 18-month, seven figure award that will allow NASA researchers to utilize Satellogic data for critical earth science imagery analysis. This award highlights Satellogic’s commitment to delivering high-quality Earth observation data to advance scientific research and enhance life on Earth,” said Kargieman.
“In 2024, we have made good progress in raising capital to further invest in the business. In December we announced the private placement of $10 million made by a single institutional investor and the filing of a $150 million shelf registration statement and the entry into a $50 million ATM program. We are pleased to have successfully completed this private placement, which positions us for continued growth as we advance our mission and continue our focus on our U.S. strategy, the National Security market, and our global Space Systems opportunities. The shelf registration statement and ATM program allow for future flexibility in our capital markets strategy by establishing a framework for potential future capital-raising opportunities to further strengthen our liquidity position,” concluded Kargieman.
“We are also excited to disclose our intended domestication to the U.S. in December, which is expected to be completed by the end of the month,” commented Rick Dunn, Satellogic CFO. We believe the domestication will continue to lower our barriers to entry in the U.S. and allied markets and improve transparency for investors and customers.”
“In terms of financial results, we ended 2024 with $22.5 million of cash on hand and continued to reduce our cash used in operations by $13.7 million, or 27.6%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. Our revenue increased 28% to $12.9 million, while our cost of sales, excluding depreciation expense, remained flat year-over-year. As a percentage of revenue, our cost of sales were 39% for the year ended December 31, 2024, a substantial improvement compared to 50% in the prior year.”
“While our improving revenue performance and strategic progress are encouraging and confidence-building, we’ve continued the work started in 2023 to realign and streamline our business to better position us to capitalize on near-term growth opportunities. Specifically, we further reduced our workforce by 104 full time equivalents in the second quarter of 2024, incurring approximately $2.0 million in cumulative severance-related charges that have been paid out in 2024, and also identified additional operating cost reductions. The cumulative impact of these workforce reductions and operating expense savings is expected to result in approximately $9.6 million of annual savings. As a result of our previously announced successful Mark V deployment, the Company now has capacity to meet current customer needs and we expect to moderate our constellation growth initiatives going forward to pace with expected customer growth.”
“We expect that our revenue for 2025 will largely be dependent on closing opportunities within our Space Systems line of business, which we anticipate will contribute considerable per unit cash flow and strong gross margin. As we look to 2025 and beyond, management continues to focus on near-term growth opportunities and moving the Company forward on a path to profitability,” concluded Dunn.
Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We monitor a number of financial performance and liquidity measures on a regular basis in order to track the progress of our business. Included in these financial performance and liquidity measures are the non-GAAP measures, Non-GAAP EBITDA and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA. We believe these measures provide analysts, investors and management with helpful information regarding the underlying operating performance of our business, as they remove the impact of items that we believe are not reflective of our underlying operating performance. The non-GAAP measures are used by us to evaluate our core operating performance and liquidity on a comparable basis and to make strategic decisions. The non-GAAP measures also facilitate company-to-company operating performance comparisons by backing out potential differences caused by variations such as capital structures, taxation, capital expenditures and non-cash items (i.e., depreciation, embedded derivatives, debt extinguishment and stock-based compensation) which may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to operating performance. However, different companies may define these terms differently and accordingly comparisons might not be accurate. Non-GAAP EBITDA and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA are not intended to be a substitute for any GAAP financial measure. For the definitions of Non-GAAP EBITDA and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net loss, see below.
We define Non-GAAP EBITDA as net loss excluding interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We did not incur amortization expense during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
We define Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA as Non-GAAP EBITDA further adjusted for professional fees related to the secured convertible notes, other income (expense), net, changes in the fair value of financial instruments and stock-based compensation. Other income, net consists mainly of differences related to foreign exchange gains and losses as well as gains and losses on disposal of property and equipment.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Non-GAAP EBITDA and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA to its net loss for the periods indicated.
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||
| (in thousands of U.S. dollars) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Net loss available to stockholders | $ | (116,272 | ) | $ | (61,018 | ) | |
| Interest expense | 71 | 51 | |||||
| Income tax expense | 2,858 | 9,082 | |||||
| Depreciation expense | 12,655 | 17,256 | |||||
| Non-GAAP EBITDA | $ | (100,688 | ) | $ | (34,629 | ) | |
| Professional fees related to Secured Convertible Notes | 2,444 | — | |||||
| Other expense (income), net | 2,107 | (9,271 | ) | ||||
| Change in fair value of financial instruments | 60,071 | (6,474 | ) | ||||
| Stock-based compensation | 2,335 | 6,299 | |||||
| Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA | $ | (33,731 | ) | $ | (44,075 | ) | |
About Satellogic
Founded in 2010 by Emiliano Kargieman and Gerardo Richarte, Satellogic (NASDAQ: SATL) is the first vertically integrated geospatial company, driving real outcomes with planetary-scale insights. Satellogic is creating and continuously enhancing the first scalable, fully automated EO platform with the ability to remap the entire planet at both high-frequency and high-resolution, providing accessible and affordable solutions for customers.
Satellogic’s mission is to democratize access to geospatial data through its information platform of high-resolution images to help solve the world’s most pressing problems including climate change, energy supply, and food security. Using its patented Earth imaging technology, Satellogic unlocks the power of EO to deliver high-quality, planetary insights at the lowest cost in the industry.
With more than a decade of experience in space, Satellogic has proven technology and a strong track record of delivering satellites to orbit and high-resolution data to customers at the right price point.
To learn more, please visit: http://www.satellogic.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on Satellogic’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Satellogic and include statements concerning Satellogic’s strategic realignment as a U.S. company, and the visibility and high growth opportunities it will provide in connection therewith. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Satellogic. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to generate revenue as expected, (ii) our ability to effectively market and sell our EO services and to convert contracted revenues and our pipeline of potential contracts into actual revenues, (iii) risks related to the secured convertible notes, (iv) the potential loss of one or more of our largest customers, (v) the considerable time and expense related to our sales efforts and the length and unpredictability of our sales cycle, (vi) risks and uncertainties associated with defense-related contracts, (vii) risk related to our pricing structure, (viii) our ability to scale production of our satellites as planned, (ix) unforeseen risks, challenges and uncertainties related to our expansion into new business lines, (x) our dependence on third parties to transport and launch our satellites into space, (xi) our reliance on third-party vendors and manufacturers to build and provide certain satellite components, products, or services, (xii) our dependence on ground station and cloud-based computing infrastructure operated by third pirates for value-added services, and any errors, disruption, performance problems, or failure in their or our operational infrastructure, (xiii) risk related to certain minimum service requirements in our customer contracts, (xiv) market acceptance of our EO services and our dependence upon our ability to keep pace with the latest technological advances, (xv) competition for EO services, (xvi) challenges with international operations or unexpected changes to the regulatory environment in certain markets, (xvii) unknown defects or errors in our products, (xviii) risk related to the capital-intensive nature of our business and our ability to raise adequate capital to finance our business strategies, (xix) substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, (xx) uncertainties beyond our control related to the production, launch, commissioning, and/or operation of our satellites and related ground systems, software and analytic technologies, (xxi) the failure of the market for EO services to achieve the growth potential we expect, (xxii) risks related to our satellites and related equipment becoming impaired, (xxiii) risks related to the failure of our satellites to operate as intended, (xxiv) production and launch delays, launch failures, and damage or destruction to our satellites during launch and (xxv) the impact of natural disasters, unusual or prolonged unfavorable weather conditions, epidemic outbreaks, terrorist acts and geopolitical events (including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea region) on our business and satellite launch schedules. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Satellogic’s Annual Report on Form 20-F and other documents filed or to be filed by Satellogic from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Satellogic assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Satellogic can give no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
Contacts
Investor Relations:
Ryan Driver, VP of Strategy & Corporate Development
ryan.driver@satellogic.com
Media Relations:
Satellogic
pr@satellogic.com
| SATELLOGIC INC. | |||||||
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | |||||||
| UNAUDITED | |||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
| (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Revenue | $ | 12,870 | $ | 10,074 | |||
| Costs and expenses | |||||||
| Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation shown separately below | 5,024 | 5,056 | |||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 32,992 | 34,968 | |||||
| Engineering | 14,405 | 22,197 | |||||
| Depreciation expense | 12,655 | 17,256 | |||||
| Total costs and expenses | 65,076 | 79,477 | |||||
| Operating loss | (52,206 | ) | (69,403 | ) | |||
| Other (expense) income, net | |||||||
| Interest income, net | 970 | 1,722 | |||||
| Change in fair value of financial instruments | (60,071 | ) | 6,474 | ||||
| Other (expense) income, net | (2,107 | ) | 9,271 | ||||
| Total other (expense) income, net | (61,208 | ) | 17,467 | ||||
| Loss before income tax | (113,414 | ) | (51,936 | ) | |||
| Income tax expense | (2,858 | ) | (9,082 | ) | |||
| Net loss available to stockholders | $ | (116,272 | ) | $ | (61,018 | ) | |
| Other comprehensive loss | |||||||
| Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax | (538 | ) | 279 | ||||
| Comprehensive loss | $ | (116,810 | ) | $ | (60,739 | ) | |
| Basic net loss per share for the period attributable to holders of Common Stock | $ | (1.28 | ) | $ | (0.68 | ) | |
| Basic weighted-average Common Stock outstanding | 91,164,286 | 89,539,910 | |||||
| Diluted net loss per share for the period attributable to holders of Common Stock | $ | (1.28 | ) | $ | (0.68 | ) | |
| Diluted weighted-average Common Stock outstanding | 91,164,286 | 89,539,910 | |||||
| SATELLOGIC INC. | |||||||
| CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |||||||
| UNAUDITED | |||||||
| December 31, | |||||||
| (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| ASSETS | |||||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 22,493 | $ | 23,476 | |||
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $148 and $126, respectively | 1,464 | 901 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 3,907 | 2,173 | |||||
| Total current assets | 27,864 | 26,550 | |||||
| Property and equipment, net | 27,228 | 41,130 | |||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 877 | 3,195 | |||||
| Other non-current assets | 5,722 | 5,507 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 61,691 | $ | 76,382 | |||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY | |||||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 3,754 | $ | 7,935 | |||
| Warrant liabilities | 11,511 | 2,795 | |||||
| Earnout liabilities | 1,501 | 419 | |||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 363 | 2,143 | |||||
| Contract liabilities | 5,871 | 3,728 | |||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 11,621 | 4,372 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 34,621 | 21,392 | |||||
| Secured Convertible Notes at fair value | 79,070 | — | |||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 516 | 1,789 | |||||
| Contract liabilities | — | 1,000 | |||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 516 | 526 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 114,723 | 24,707 | |||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||
| Stockholders’ (deficit) equity | |||||||
| Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 | — | — | |||||
| Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 385,000,000 shares authorized, 83,000,501 shares issued and 82,432,678 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 77,289,166 shares issued and 76,721,343 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023 | — | — | |||||
| Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 13,582,642 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 | — | — | |||||
| Treasury stock, at cost, 567,823 shares as of December 31, 2024 and 567,823 shares as of December 31, 2023 | (8,603 | ) | (8,603 | ) | |||
| Additional paid-in capital | 356,247 | 344,144 | |||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (571 | ) | (33 | ) | |||
| Accumulated deficit | (400,105 | ) | (283,833 | ) | |||
| Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity | (53,032 | ) | 51,675 | ||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity | $ | 61,691 | $ | 76,382 | |||
| SATELLOGIC INC. | |||||||
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |||||||
| UNAUDITED | |||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
| (in thousands of U.S. dollars) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||
| Net loss | $ | (116,272 | ) | $ | (61,018 | ) | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | |||||||
| Depreciation expense | 12,655 | 17,256 | |||||
| Debt issuance costs | 2,397 | — | |||||
| Operating lease expense | 1,515 | 2,751 | |||||
| Stock-based compensation | 2,335 | 6,299 | |||||
| Change in fair value of financial instruments | 60,071 | (6,474 | ) | ||||
| Foreign exchange differences | (2,936 | ) | (10,933 | ) | |||
| Loss on disposal of property and equipment | 4,377 | — | |||||
| Expense for estimated credit losses on accounts receivable, net of recoveries | 22 | 1,126 | |||||
| Non-cash change in contract liabilities | (1,323 | ) | 1,188 | ||||
| Other, net | 234 | 666 | |||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts receivable | (1,126 | ) | (385 | ) | |||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (1,666 | ) | 2,114 | ||||
| Accounts payable | (2,356 | ) | 1,533 | ||||
| Contract liabilities | 2,532 | 598 | |||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 7,200 | (2,059 | ) | ||||
| Operating lease liabilities | (2,024 | ) | (2,233 | ) | |||
| Cash paid for interest on Secured Convertible Notes | (1,525 | ) | — | ||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (35,890 | ) | (49,571 | ) | |||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | (5,038 | ) | (14,885 | ) | |||
| Other | 6 | 450 | |||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (5,032 | ) | (14,435 | ) | |||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||
| Proceeds from Secured Convertible Notes | 30,000 | — | |||||
| Payments of debt issuance costs | (2,397 | ) | — | ||||
| Tax withholding payments for vested equity-based compensation awards | (660 | ) | (458 | ) | |||
| Proceeds from exercise of Public Warrants | 1 | — | |||||
| Proceeds from PIPE Investment, net of transaction costs | 9,600 | — | |||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 911 | 375 | |||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 37,455 | (83 | ) | ||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (3,467 | ) | (64,089 | ) | |||
| Effect of foreign exchange rate changes | 2,546 | 10,900 | |||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – beginning of period | 24,603 | 77,792 | |||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – end of period | $ | 23,682 | $ | 24,603 | |||
Source: University of Auckland (UoA)
Lego, instruments, classic cars and baseball cards are among the alternative investments University of Auckland finance lecturer, Gertjan Verdickt, discusses in his new book The Passion Portfolio: Investing in Style.
Co-authored with Jürgen Hanssens (senior manager at KPMG Belgium and an avid Lego collector) the book details the mechanics behind the world of ‘passion’ investing.
The researchers offer readers an understanding of how the prices of passion investments evolve, along with the factors that drive these changes.
“We want to help people navigate these often opaque markets, where transactions are infrequent, and where in some instances, exclusivity, rather than transparency, is both the norm and the value driver,” says Verdickt, whose investment portfolio includes wine.
Verdickt and Hanssens discuss the pros and cons of various investments: wine, Lego, whisky, watches, bags, jewellery, art, stamps, instruments, vintage cars, precious metals and baseball cards.
They provide average historical annual returns by examining at least twenty years of data for each object.
Of all the investment options, whisky comes out on top with an average annual return of 17.52 percent. In second place is baseball cards, which posted an average annual return of nearly 13 percent compared to the stock market’s 10 percent.
Research suggests that adding collectibles like whisky, baseball cards, or Lego to an existing stock portfolio can reduce overall portfolio risk, says Verdickt.
Each chapter of his book follows a structured approach, examining the advantages and risks of different asset classes, their historical returns and key factors that influence their value. Readers can learn about the authentication process, assess long-term investment potential, and gain insights into platforms that track pricing.
While passion investing can be lucrative, it’s also less regulated than traditional markets, increasing the risk of fraud. As such, Verdickt and Hanssens discuss how to spot counterfeit goods. They also explore arbitrage – where investors can take advantage of pricing discrepancies across different markets.
A well-documented provenance and pedigree, says Verdickt, can significantly increase the value of an alternative investment and, in turn, boost its likelihood of being sold.
The finance expert says passion investments require patience and expertise. “Unlike stocks, which can be sold at the click of a button, luxury assets are illiquid. A work of art is resold only once every nine years on average. Wine appreciates over decades. These are long-term investments that demand both knowledge and time.
“Lego, on the other hand, is accessible to everyone, with relatively low initial capital required compared to many other collectibles.”
Because demand for Lego sets remains high, while supply is relatively limited, it’s a more liquid investment than most other alternative assets, he says.
“The book is for investors looking to diversify beyond traditional securities,” says Verdickt. “It’s also for people who are keen to put their money into something they love, something that’s tangible.”
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Five people face charges after Police intercepted a convoy of stolen vehicles travelling through Dargaville.
In the early hours of Sunday, a burglary occurred at a rural address near Mamaranui.
Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom says three vehicles were stolen from the address at around 1am.
“These vehicles travelled in convoy south and into the Dargaville township, where one of our frontline staff members located them,” she says.
“All three vehicles failed to stop for the unit near River Road, before beginning to drive at excessive speeds.”
Police did not pursue the vehicles.
“Police soon came across one of these vehicles which had collided with a house on River Road, and the driver was attempting to run on foot before being apprehended by police.”
A second vehicle was located abandoned on State Highway 12 near Turiwiri.
“The third stolen vehicle carried on travelling south, where spikes were successfully deployed near Pūhoi,” Inspector Nordstrom says.
“Thanks to assistance from the Police Eagle helicopter and dog units, all four remaining offenders were quickly arrested.”
All five offenders have been charged with burglary and multiple counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
Those arrested are aged between 14 and 16.
“I’d like to acknowledge the work of our Dargaville nightshift team who saw this matter to its conclusion holding all those offenders to account.”
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 24, 2025/ — This year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference will debut the first-ever National Oil Company (NOC) and International Oil Company (IOC) Forum, a dynamic platform that brings key public and private sector stakeholders into direct conversation to drive investment, secure new deals, foster local capacity building and advance exploration.
A key focus of the forum will be enhancing collaboration in the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbon resources across the continent, with an emphasis on data sharing and joint decision-making to unlock untapped potential. In South Africa, TotalEnergies is preparing to drill its first exploration well on Block 3B/4B, leveraging 14,000 km of 2D seismic and 10,800 km² of 3D seismic, with a large set of exploration prospects already identified. In Angola, Sonangol is ramping up offshore exploration on Block 6/24, focusing on geological and geophysical studies and seismic data reprocessing to assess the block’s resource potential, which includes a possible commercial oil discovery. Meanwhile, in Equatorial Guinea, GEPetrol has partnered with Panoro Energy on Block EG-23, conducting subsurface studies to evaluate the block’s potential, with the possibility of drilling an exploration well.
In parallel, new market activity is reshaping Africa’s exploration landscape, as both NOCs and IOCs pursue strategic acquisitions, partnerships and project expansions. Chevron has strengthened its presence in Equatorial Guinea by securing PSCs for two highly prospective offshore blocks. In October 2024, Brazilian NOC Petrobras acquired a 10% stake in the offshore Deep Western Orange Basin in South Africa as part of its strategy to boost reserves and expand its footprint in Africa’s emerging oil and gas markets. Last month, Chinese state-backed company Sinopec signed an $850 million contract with Algerian NOC Sonatrach for exploration and development, securing a PSC covering the Hassi Berkane North license. Sonatrach is also in discussions with Eni, TotalEnergies, Chevron and ExxonMobil for exploration and development activities in the region. The NOC-IOC Forum will provide a key platform to examine these developments, fostering discussions on how public and private sector cooperation can accelerate exploration, attract capital and unlock new resource opportunities.
The NOC-IOC Forum will also focus on forging new partnerships to drive capacity-building programs and facilitate knowledge-sharing, empowering local talent in the oil and gas sector. The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) has been active in establishing partnerships to support the country’s goal of producing first oil by year-end. This includes a collaboration with QatarEnergy focused on providing training and development opportunities for NAMCOR employees in industry-specific skills. In October 2024, NAMCOR also signed an agreement with global technology company SLB to improve operational performance in decarbonization, green hydrogen and sustainable energy, with an emphasis on local capacity development. Meanwhile, Mozambique’s Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos is investing in specialized offshore drilling services, reinforcing the state’s involvement in the country’s oil and gas projects through an agreement with Italian multinational oilfield services company Saipem.
Additionally, the NOC-IOC Forum will facilitate the exchange of insights on regional and global energy regulations, helping participants navigate the evolving energy landscape. In the Republic of Congo, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo is working closely with private sector companies and IOCs to gather input for its upcoming Gas Master Plan, as well as developing a new gas code aimed at modernizing the regulatory framework to attract foreign investment. This push for regulatory improvements has driven increased IOC activity in the country, with Eni advancing the second phase of its $5 billion Congo LNG project and TotalEnergies committing $600 million to expand its E&P operations, specifically in the deep offshore Moho Nord Field.
The NOC-IOC Forum offers a strategic platform for both African NOCs and IOCs to present their exploration strategies, access available acreage and showcase ongoing energy developments. By facilitating direct engagement across sectors, the forum will drive insightful exchanges on sharing data and insights to improve decision-making, optimizing operational efficiencies and unlocking new investment opportunities. These discussions will ensure that partnerships are mutually beneficial, aligning national development goals with commercial objectives while fostering a more integrated and strategic approach to Africa’s energy future.
“The launch of the first-ever NOC-IOC Forum at AEW 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s energy sector. By positioning key national and international stakeholders in direct dialogue, the forum aims to drive investment, foster collaboration and empower local talent. This is an exciting opportunity for both NOCs and IOCs to present their strategies, forge new partnerships and contribute to the sustainable development of Africa’s hydrocarbon sector,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Manila, 24 March 2025 – On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for countries to invest in and deliver on commitments to end tuberculosis by 2030. This is especially urgent in the WHO Western Pacific Region, where nearly one in every five TB cases occur. With an estimated 1.9 million new cases and 95 000 deaths due to TB in 2023, the impact of this disease for families and communities in this Region is profound. Any delay in diagnosis or gap in care can have devastating consequences.
TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affect the lungs. It spreads through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze or spit. TB is preventable and curable with specific antibiotics, but it still kills more people than any other infection. Furthermore, if treatment is interrupted, TB bacteria can become drug resistant. Treatment of drug-resistant TB is more expensive and associated with more side-effects.
Guidance from the Regional Framework on TB
The regional TB response has been guided by the Western Pacific Regional Framework to End TB: 2021–2030.However, implementation of the Framework in countries in the Region is hindered by challenges such as limited health-care infrastructure, inadequate research and innovation capacity, unaddressed poverty and inequities, and lack of sustainable funding. Additionally, information on people with TB who are diagnosed by private health-care providers is often not reported to national TB programmes, making it difficult or impossible for them to receive the latest WHO-recommended diagnostics and treatment regimens.
A recent article published in the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease titled “The Western Pacific Regional Framework to End TB: Overview and critical reflection” examines the Regional Framework. Co-authored by WHO staff and partner agencies, the article underscores the urgency of transforming commitments into action, providing a road map for countries to implement the Framework and address persistent barriers to TB elimination.
“Every missed TB case is a lost opportunity to save a life,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “We must turn our commitments into decisive action, ensuring that every person at risk gets the timely, high-quality diagnosis and care that they deserve.”
Strengthening TB services and resilient health systems
While most countries have integrated TB screening into their routine health services, some still face challenges. Strengthening these efforts will enable early detection and continuity of care, particularly in underserved areas. Modern approaches and tools − such as telemedicine, portable diagnostic devices and rapid tests – can help health workers detect TB cases early and ensure that treatment and services continue even during crises.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of TB services to crises, and demonstrated the need for resilient and scalable approaches. Countries need to ensure that diagnostics, medications and patient support remain available free of charge even during public health emergencies.
To address underreporting of TB cases, public−private collaboration should be considered and improved. This can be done by linking private providers to national TB programmes, offering incentives for private sector reporting, and enforcing mandatory TB case reporting. This will help patients in private care access WHO-recommended diagnostics and treatments, which may be free or low-cost in the public sector.
Innovation in diagnostics and treatments is also essential to strengthen TB care in both the public and private sectors. “Every cent invested in TB care and research brings us closer to a TB-free future. To get there, we need public−private partnerships and sustainable funding mechanisms,” said Dr Piukala.
Addressing social determinants and improving multisectoral collaboration
Addressing the social determinants of TB – which include poverty and inequities − requires a holistic approach with strong multisectoral involvement and accountability. Financial protection mechanisms, such as compensation for people who are being treated for TB and are unable to work, are essential to reduce economic hardship. Expanding social support programmes − for example, food assistance in high-risk communities − can also decrease the risk of TB infection. Improving access to care in underserved areas will help ensure more equitable treatment coverage.
Effective implementation of the Framework requires strong local political commitment and context-specific interventions. With declines in sources of external funding for TB control, countries must increase domestic investment in TB programmes, incorporating control of the disease into national health budgets. Long-term, sustainable financing models are essential for continuous service delivery without reliance on external donors.
WHO is providing clear guidance and targeted support to help countries turn commitments into action. This is essential to protect hard-won gains and achieve ambitious targets to end TB by 2030.
“Ending TB is about upholding the right of every individual to live a healthy and dignified life,” said Dr Piukala. “With political commitment, sustainable funding and united action across sectors, we can accelerate progress and move closer to a TB-free Western Pacific.”
Related links:
- The Western Pacific Regional Framework to End TB: Overview and critical reflection
- WHO news: Funding cuts impact access to TB services endangering millions of lives
- WHO global TB fact sheet
- Western Pacific Region World TB Day 2025 event page including links to the regional TB topic page, Western Pacific Regional Framework to End TB: 2021−2030 and dashboard with data on TB by country and for the region overall
- Story of Mildred from the Philippines who had drug-resistant TB: written feature and video
- Story of Tracking to Zero: Using data to help eliminate TB in Cambodia
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, the Washington Examiner published a story highlighting Senator Tuberville’s efforts to protect Title IX from the Radical Left’s attempts to erase women’s and girls’ sports.
Earlier this year, Senator Tuberville reintroduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act to preserve Title IX protections for female athletes. Unfortunately, every single Senate Democrat voted against the legislation to protect women.
Read excerpts from the Washington Examiner piece below or read the full story here.
Tuberville is the Senate champion needed to protect female sports
“Not all heroes wear capes. Some of them wear suits to the Senate and fight to protect women’s sports.
Another day, another girls’ sporting event is dominated by a male athlete who thinks he is female — an occurrence that keeps happening because Democrats don’t want to protect female sports. Instead, they rather genuflect to the activist mob and allow such travesties to keep happening.
Ada Gallagher is a 16-year-old at McDaniel High School in Oregon who runs on the school’s female track team. Last week, Gallagher dominated the girls’ 200-meter and 400-meter varsity races in the Portland Interscholastic League, reportedly winning one of the races by nearly seven seconds. It was a fantastic performance that would have drawn unanimous praise if not for one pesky detail: Gallagher is allegedly a boy claiming he is now a girl.
If the reports are accurate, this shows why the country desperately needs Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. Senators voted along party lines earlier this month, 51-45. The proposed legislation failed to earn the necessary 60 votes to prevent a Democratic filibuster. Tuberville’s bill would have prevented Gallagher from defeating the actual high school girls who ran in the races.
How many high school and college-aged girls have to suffer because of the radical, left-wing political agendas of Democrats? Furthermore, what could possibly motivate Democrats, let alone any human being, to go against Tuberville’s bill?
‘Democrats have clearly learned nothing from this election,’ Tuberville told me in an exclusive interview earlier this month. ‘The American people decisively rejected Democrats’ anti-women, woke ideology and want us to get back to common sense. But surprise, surprise — the party that spent the past four years saying men can get pregnant apparently still thinks men should compete in women’s sports.’
Gallagher’s athletic victory over actual high school girls competing in a track race is the kind of thing that happens because of Democrats. Their motives defy logic and common sense. Unfortunately, innocent young girls must suffer because of their radicalism, even though the overwhelming majority of the country is against boys competing against girls in sports. It is the country’s far Left, ideologically fanatical and unhinged, that allows this to keep happening.
‘It’s deeply unpopular, out-of-touch, and reveals that Democrats would rather stand up for a few trans people than fight for the rights of 50% of this country,’ Tuberville said.
Boys are boys, and girls are girls. Males are bigger and stronger than females and enjoy a biological advantage when competing against them in sports. It’s the sole reason female athletic leagues were established. The fact that Democrats are intent on ignoring this reality leads one to conclude that they genuinely do not care about protecting female athletes or ensuring they are provided an opportunity to engage in fair athletic competitions and be protected from the dangers and harm of competing against bigger, larger, and stronger male athletes.
‘It’s hard to understand why Democrats are so willing to sacrifice the rights of women at the altar of woke ideology,’ Tuberville said. ‘Democrats claim to care about women, which is why I don’t understand why they don’t want women to have fair competition, equal access to scholarships, and safe locker rooms. It’s not about politics. It’s about right and wrong.’
Democrats’ resistance to this is beyond puzzling, especially given their insistence on championing the rights of females. At this point, it would have to seem that interest groups are influencing them to promote these out-of-touch ideas while sacrificing the rights of female athletes in high schools and colleges. Tuberville mentioned links between interest groups and the left-wing political agenda to allow boys who pretend to be girls to compete in female sports.
[…]
‘One of Democrats’ most frequent talking points is that this bill is ‘hateful,’ Tuberville said. ‘That isn’t true. What is hateful is stripping opportunities away from millions of women in favor of the rights of a few trans people. This bill isn’t about excluding or alienating anyone. It is about protecting the rights and safety of our daughters, granddaughters, and nieces.’
‘We’ll keep pushing — this fight isn’t over,’ Tuberville said. ‘Nearly 80% of Americans are on our side. And we’ll continue to put pressure on Democrat senators to do the right thing and stand up for women.’”
BACKGROUND:
During President Biden’s administration, more than 900 women lost medals to men competing in women’s sports. The issue of men in girls’ and women’s sports proved to be one of the top concerns of voters during the 2024 Presidential Election. A recent New York Times (NYT) poll found 79% of respondents said men should not be allowed to participate in women’s sports. This is a bipartisan issue—the same recent NYT poll found that 67% of Democrats agree that male athletes shouldn’t be allowed in women’s sports.
In February, President Trump signed a historic Executive Order banning men from competing in women’s sports. President Trump has spoken about the need to keep men out of women’s sports on multiple occasions.
Unfortunately, Executive Orders can be reversed. That’s why on Monday, March 3, 2025, the Senate voted on Senator Tuberville’s bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which would make President Trump’s Executive Order permanent. 45 Democrats voted to block the bill from proceeding.
Earlier this year, Senator Tuberville also introduced a bill to ban men from competing in women’s U.S. Olympic sports, following USA Boxing’s announcement that it would allow men to box against women.
Senator Tuberville has vowed to continue fighting until women’s rights to compete fairly and safely are protected.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.
Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
Venice has taken a significant step in strengthening the resilience of its cultural heritage with the publication of the Disaster Resilience Assessment of the city of Venice. This report is the outcome of a workshop held in July 2024, organized by the Venice Sustainability Foundation (VSF) in collaboration with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and CORILA (Consorzio per il coordinamento delle ricerche inerenti al sistema lagunare di Venezia).
The workshop brought together local institutions, experts, and stakeholders to assess Venice’s cultural heritage resilience using the MCR2030 Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities: Cultural Heritage Addendum. The assessment helped identify gaps in current protection strategies, evaluate vulnerabilities of tangible and intangible heritage, and strengthen risk-informed planning for disaster resilience.
Key findings from the report provide valuable insights for cities worldwide looking to enhance disaster risk reduction and cultural heritage protection strategies. The Venice Municipality has endorsed the report, and a follow-up consultation will take place in the coming months to facilitate knowledge exchange with other cities.
Source: United Nations – Geneva
The Committee on Enforced Disappearances today reviewed a report containing additional information submitted by Belgium under article 29 (4) of the Convention. Committee Experts commended the State party’s commitment to human rights, while raising questions on foreign unaccompanied minors and illegal international adoptions.
Matar Diop, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for Belgium, commended the State party’s commitment and welcomed the important delegation, which demonstrated Belgium’s commitment to human rights and cooperation with the United Nations human rights bodies.
Barbara Lochbihler, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for Belgium, askedwhat measures had been implemented by the State party to gather complex and disaggregated statistics relating to unaccompanied foreign minors? What measures did the State party intend to adopt to search for and investigate unaccompanied foreign minors? Could an update on current legislation relating to unaccompanied minors be provided?
A Committee Expert said a number of measures had been adopted to support persons who felt they had been victims of illegal international adoption who were seeking to establish their origin. What form did the support take and what was its scope? Had these assistance measures been extended across the country, not just the Flemish community? Was the State party considering establishing a commission of inquiry which would shed light on the practice of illegal international adoptions? Would Belgium introduce a comprehensive prohibition on international adoptions at the national level?
The delegation said Belgium did not have specific statistics on unaccompanied foreign minors. The breakdown of statistics was a concern for Belgian authorities. There had been three consecutive projects conducted since 2021 aimed at improving data collection in Belgium. There had been a memo from the College of Prosecutors in searching for missing persons, which set out that any disappearance of foreign unaccompanied minors warranted the heightened interest of all services of the police. The disappearance of foreign unaccompanied minors was always considered worrying.
The delegation said the former Minister of Justice had encouraged cooperation between the stakeholders involved in investigating illegal international adoptions. In May 2024, the Government made a statement before the House of Representatives acknowledging problematic and illegal adoptions had occurred in Belgium between 1950 and today, and that those affected by the adoptions should be considered as victims. Other recent measures had been taken to further implement the resolution of the Chamber adopted in 2022 dedicated to cases of illegal adoptions in Belgium.
Introducing the report, Steven Limbourg, General Advisor, Director of the Criminal Law Direction, Federal Public Service Justice of Belgium, said that at the federal level, Belgium had taken advantage of the drafting of its new Penal Code in 2024 to update and include new provisions that took account of enforced disappearance. The offences carried all the consequences required by the Convention, as well as provisions relating to mitigating and aggravating circumstances.
In concluding remarks, Olivier De Frouville, Committee Chair, thanked Belgium for the constructive dialogue and their answers. Following the dialogue, the Committee would prepare concluding observations and propose recommendations, and from there it would then be decided how to continue the interaction with the State party.
Christophe Payot, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, expressed sincere thanks to all Committee members for the constructive and enriching dialogue. It was recognised that enforced disappearance may not have the same scope in all States parties, however, Belgium believed the Convention was vital for combatting impunity. The State looked forward to the Committee’s concluding observations.
The delegation of Belgium consisted of representatives of the Federal Public Service Justice; the federal police; the French community of Belgium; the Flemish Government; and the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Webcasts of the meetings of the session can be found here, and meetings summaries can be found here.
The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Monday, 24 March, to begin its consideration of the initial report of Malta (CED/C/MLT/1).
Report
The Committee has before it the report containing additional information submitted by Belgium under article 29 (4) of the Convention (CED/C/BEL/Al/1).
Presentation of Report
CHRISTOPHE PAYOT, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, said due to Belgium’s unique federal structure, the implementation of the Convention fell under the jurisdiction of several governments. Belgium promoted the ratification of the Convention to States that had not yet ratified it, and during the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, it had made 50 interventions in this regard. Belgium had also actively participated in and made commitments at the First World Congress on Enforced Disappearances held last January in Geneva. Mr. Payot then introduced the delegation, illustrating the plurality of bodies responsible for the implementation of the Convention.
STEVEN LIMBOURG, General Advisor, Director of the Criminal Law Direction, Federal Public Service Justice of Belgium, expressed appreciation to the Committee for its tireless work in the fight against enforced disappearances. At the federal level, Belgium had taken advantage of the drafting of its new Penal Code in 2024 to update and include new provisions that took account of enforced disappearance. Enforced disappearance that did not constitute a crime against humanity was now recognised as a stand-alone offence, punishable by a level six penalty, the same level as that for torture. Enforced disappearance constituting a crime against humanity also remained a free-standing offence, punishable by a sentence of level eight, the most serious level, which included life imprisonment or treatment under deprivation of liberty for 18 to 20 years. The offences carried all the consequences required by the Convention, as well as provisions relating to mitigating and aggravating circumstances.
With regard to deprivation of liberty, the federal police had developed an electronic register, which was currently in the testing phase. Regarding the disappearances of unaccompanied foreign minors, a 2022 circular from the Prosecutor General outlined that they should be subject to increased vigilance by all the services concerned. In 2023, a working group comprised of federal and federated levels as well as representatives of civil society, published a practical guide on the disappearances of unaccompanied minors. The handbook was available to all relevant departments and was actively used by the staff and services concerned, including community youth aid organizations and the integrated police.
Belgium had also taken measures to prevent illegal intercountry adoptions. At the federal level, the new Penal Code included the offences relating to fraudulent adoption, adding rules on punishable participation that made it possible to punish persons who participated in the offence of illegal adoption without being intermediaries. The new Criminal Code also expressly stated illegal adoption as a possible form of trafficking in human beings. In addition, all federal public services had started to implement a resolution of the Chamber adopted in 2022 dedicated to cases of illegal adoptions in Belgium.
The Flemish Government had taken various political measures to adapt its policy and operation in the field of intercountry adoption, in particular through a reform of its legal framework. The new 2024 intercountry adoption decree provided for stricter control of adoptions in the best interests of the child, as well as guidelines and criteria on the screening of collaborations in countries of origin, making ratification of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption a key criterion. Similarly, in the French Community, the decree on adoption was amended in 2020 with the aim of authorising collaboration only with countries that had ratified the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.
On the issue of the segregation suffered by the Métis during the period of Belgian colonisation in Africa, at the federal level, measures had been taken to respond to the various demands expressed in the “Métis” resolution, adopted by the Chamber in 2018. These included a procedure to remedy the absence of birth certificates, support in the identification of biological parents, and declassification of archives and access to them with a view to reuniting families separated under duress. In April 2024, a symposium for a delegation of mixed-race people from the Belgian colonisation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was organised in Brussels, providing an opportunity to take stock of the measures taken by the Federal Government to implement the Métis resolution and to give participants the opportunity to clarify their questions and expectations towards Belgium. Mr. Limbourg expressed hope that the dialogue would indeed be most constructive.
Questions by Committee Experts
MATAR DIOP, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for Belgium, said this dialogue followed on from the dialogue held with Belgium in 2014. Mr. Diop commended the State party’s commitment and welcomed the important delegation, which demonstrated Belgium’s commitment to human rights and cooperation with the United Nations human rights bodies. The Committee took note of the new Criminal Code adopted in 2024 and commended this legislative amendment. Why were mitigating circumstances granted to a person for holding someone for less than five days? Did there need to be physical impacts of torture for it to be taken into account? Could psychological torture be taken into account?
The law of criminal procedure, which came into force in April 2024, adopted a statute of limitations for public prosecution that varied according to the length of the sentence incurred. How would the duration of the statute of limitations be determined before the offence was the subject of a trial? The establishment of a register of persons deprived of their liberty was a major recommendation of the Committee in its 2014 concluding observations. What was the progress of this project? How were migrants registered? Had the existing system been developed? What were the existing legislative provisions regarding refoulement and pushbacks? Was training provided to staff working in the migration system in Belgium, at federal or at the federated entity level? Could information be provided on the existence and content of cooperation agreements with other States for the assistance of victims of enforced disappearance as well as the search, location and release of disappeared persons?
The Committee noted that assistance to victims of deliberate acts of violence was subject to the condition that the acts were at least partly committed in Belgium, and that an assessment was made on a case-by-case basis. What happened when the act spanned more than one country? Could information be provided when it came to extending the jurisdiction of the Commission? Could specific data be provided on the financial support provided to victims, including the number of cases handled, reparations envisaged, and the number of beneficiaries? Could relatives of victims benefit from the support of the Commission?
In December 2024, the Brussels Court of Appeal reversed a first instance judgment and declared as crimes against humanity the kidnappings and adoptions of five mixed-race females in the 1940s and 1950s in the Belgian Congo. These females had been abducted without their mothers’ consent and placed with an evangelical mission, later resulting in adoption. These adoptions had subsequently been considered illegal, and the females had been expected to receive compensatory amounts of around 50,000 euros. How did the State party plan to meet its obligations towards these five females? What measures did the State party plan to take to settle this case?
BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for Belgium, thanked Belgium for following the work of the Committee actively and regularly. Could the delegation provide an update on the progress of creating an A status national human rights institution in full compliance with the Paris Principles? There had been some progress regarding the establishment of a national preventive mechanism, which could eventually allow for ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention. What was the estimated timeframe for this?
The Joint Statement on Illegal Intercountry Adoption outlined four key principles to prevent illegal intercountry adoptions. What measures had been taken to prevent and investigate illegal intercountry adoptions, taking into account those principles?
Were there any cases of victims, who suffered harm as a direct result of illegal intercountry adoption, and their right to reparation? Could the figures and cases of international illegal adoptions that had been reported by community centres be provided? According to information, initiatives taken in Belgium to study and recognise the scale and impact of illegal intercountry adoptions had led to little effect. Could the State party elaborate on these initiatives and what remained to be done to gain the knowledge for best prevention and compensation? What measures had been implemented by the State party to gather complex and disaggregated statistics relating to unaccompanied foreign minors? What measures did the State party intend to adopt to search for and investigate unaccompanied foreign minors? Could an update on current legislation relating to unaccompanied minors be provided? Did Belgium provide mutual legal assistance measures or cooperation and if so, with which countries?
Belgium had ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (2000) and its Protocol against the smuggling of migrants by land, sea and air and to prevent, supress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children. What was the State’s experiences with the implementation of this Convention in Belgium and what lessons could be learned from that in the field of preventing migrants from becoming victims of enforced disappearance? How was the work of the Federal Migration Centre contributing particularly to the prevention of enforced disappearances in the context of migration?
A Committee Expert asked how many officials had been involved in corruption cases pertaining to international adoptions? Had criminal proceedings been brought forward?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said in the new Criminal Code adopted in 2024, enforced disappearance which did not constitute a crime against humanity was considered a standalone crime, placing it in the same subdivision as enforced disappearance which did constitute a crime against humanity. This was done to ensure that they entailed the same consequences, including the inditements for attempts and ensuring hierarchical superiorities were held to account, among others. This was done to ensure enforced disappearance was addressed in a multi-dimensional way and highlight the stigma of this crime. The provisions in the new Criminal Code were prepared by legal experts who took into account all recommendations made by the United Nations Working Group on Enforced Disappearance and from civil society. The purpose was not to create a secondary category of enforced disappearance which was less severe.
A register of persons deprived of liberty was a priority issue for Belgium. Discussions had been ongoing and there had been some delays and setbacks, but discussions were now back on track. The State was working to harmonise practices between the police, with a view to providing a register template to all police services which would meet international standards. An electronic register had been developed which was currently being tested.
Belgium did not have specific mutual agreements with other countries in regard to enforced disappearance. There were national cooperation agreements between the Belgian communities and there were definitions of victims, as well as their families. Belgian legislation did not cover acts committed abroad, but acts which continued in Belgium could be covered. If an act of violence occurred in several States, there needed to be a case-by-case analysis.
Emphasis was placed on migration when training people working directly with migrants, including customs officers or local police. Regarding the cases of the five mixed-race females, the Government had not yet taken any decision regarding the ruling of the court of appeal. The ruling was still being analysed.
The Belgian authorities recognised the need to have a consistent structure dealing with human rights and the need for a status A national human rights institution. The institute established in 2019 was an important step in this direction. The Subcommittee on Accreditation requested certain amendments which had been partially implemented establishing the institute. However, Belgium wished to see a consistent structure throughout the country. Total cooperation with various national human rights institutions was vital. A significant step was taken in April 2024 with the adoption of a law designating the federal institution for the promotion of human rights as the preventive mechanism at the federal level. It was only competent for places of deprivation of liberty which fell under the federal level, meaning ratification of the Optional Protocol was not yet possible. A mechanism needed to be developed to cover all places of deprivation of liberty in Belgium.
In recent years, the Flemish Government had taken measures to implement inter-country adoption operations. The Flemish Ministry for Family and Wellbeing set up a group to research previous best practices in intercountry adoptions. On the basis of the group’s recommendations, the Flemish Government reformed the legal framework for adoption. The most significant change included tighter control of adoption with the best interest of the child in mind. There was a long period of time for preserving records. In 2023, the Flemish Minister for Welfare called for all reports about irregularities in adoption to be flagged; there were over 200 irregularities reported, with 107 receiving an interview with the Flemish Centre for Adoption regarding questions or concerns about their case.
Belgium did not have specific statistics on unaccompanied foreign minors. The breakdown of statistics was a concern for Belgian authorities. There had been three consecutive projects conducted since 2021 aimed at improving data collection in Belgium. There had been a memo from the College of Prosecutors in searching for missing persons, which set out that any disappearance of foreign unaccompanied minors warranted the heightened interest of all services of the police. The disappearance of foreign unaccompanied minors was always considered worrying. If there was an indication that human trafficking could be involved, criminal policy directives needed to be enforced. Detention of foreign unaccompanied minors was prohibited through the aliens act. The police had an agreement with the guardianship service when there was a disappearance of a foreign unaccompanied minor. Foreign unaccompanied minors should be a priority for receiving a State guardian. Information was given to guardians so they could manage cases of enforced disappearance.
Questions by Committee Experts
MATAR DIOP, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for Belgium, said it seemed as though the statute of limitations for enforced disappearance which was not considered a crime against humanity was 10 years. What was the statute of limitations for bringing criminal proceedings? Had the State lost an appeal before the court of cassation? Had a mechanism been established at the federal state level to allow potential victims of illegal adoptions to bring forth judicial proceedings or lodge a claim for reparations? Who had jurisdiction for what when it came to adoptions? Had the federal or federated entities imposed criminal penalties for involvement in illegal country adoptions?
BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for Belgium, asked if there were mutual legal assistance measures of cooperation with countries regarding migrants? How were migrants in deprivation of liberty registered?
A Committee Expert said a number of measures had been adopted to support persons who felt they had been victims of illegal international adoption who were seeking to establish their origin. What form did the support take and what was its scope? Determining origins could require more support in cooperation with countries of origin. Did the assistance provided by Belgium encompass such measures? Had these assistance measures been extended across the country, not just the Flemish community? Was the State party considering establishing a commission of inquiry which would shed light on the practice of illegal international adoptions? Would Belgium introduce a comprehensive prohibition on international adoptions at the national level?
Another Expert asked how many court cases were underway which pertained to intercountry illegal adoptions? How many people had the State helped to recover their identity?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the statute of limitations was not applicable in both crimes of enforced disappearance, be they crimes against humanity or non-crimes against humanity. Psychological torture was always taken into account.
Regarding the decision pertaining to the five mixed-race females, this ruling was being analysed and there would possibly be an appeal filed with the court of cassation. The court had until early April to do so.
Belgian mutual legal assistance conventions were general in nature and there was not one specifically relating to the disappearance of migrants. The decision to remove a person or take them back to the border was suspended if this exposed them to a risk of refoulment.
When a person required support around an adoption, the Flemish Adoption Centre and other State entities conducted an interview with the victims and provided care and support following the interview. It ensured that follow up was given regarding personal files. The Centre aimed to collect as much as possible during the interview, finding out what steps had been taken and what needed to be done moving forward. The person involved was given the opportunity to participate in all stages. There was significant cooperation taking place at the communities and federal level. In the French community, the Central Community Authority was there to support those in their search.
The register on deprivation of liberty did not apply specifically to the registration of migrants, but rather it listed all deprivations of liberty carried out by the police services. The law on foreigners made it possible in certain situations for police services to detain a foreigner, not necessarily a migrant, who did not have identification documents with them.
The former Minister of Justice had encouraged cooperation between the stakeholders involved in investigating illegal international adoptions. In May 2024, the Government made a statement before the House of Representatives, acknowledging problematic and illegal adoptions had occurred in Belgium between 1950 and today, and that those affected by the adoptions should be considered as victims. Other recent measures had been taken to further implement the resolution of the Chamber adopted in 2022 dedicated to cases of illegal adoptions in Belgium.
Belgium’s whole legal framework had been enhanced in recent years to respond to events from the past.
If an act of enforced disappearance had been less than five days, this constituted a level four offence which was still serious, with consequences of up to 10 years in prison.
Closing Remarks
OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chair, thanked Belgium for the constructive dialogue and their answers. Following a first constructive dialogue, it was up to the Committee to call for additional information, which was what had happened in this case. The Committee would then focus on certain subjects which it deemed necessary to raise again. Following the dialogue, the Committee would prepare concluding observations and propose recommendations, and from there it would then be decided how to continue the interaction with the State party.
CHRISTOPHE PAYOT, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, expressed sincere thanks to all Committee members for the constructive and enriching dialogue. Belgium attached great importance to the treaty body system which played a fundamental role in promoting and protecting human rights in the country. Belgium would benefit from a more predictable reporting cycle with the treaty bodies which would lead to greater participation by State members. It was recognised that enforced disappearance may not have the same scope in all States parties, however, Belgium believed the Convention was vital for combatting impunity. The State looked forward to the Committee’s concluding observations.
Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media;
not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.
CED25.006E
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
The UN Secretary-General on Monday took the “difficult decision” to reduce the aid operation inside the Gaza Strip following the resumption of deadly Israeli airstrikes – but pledged that “the UN is not leaving” the enclave.
In the past week, Israel carried out devastating strikes on Gaza, claiming the lives of hundreds of civilians, including United Nations personnel, with no humanitarian aid being allowed to enter the Strip since early March,” said a statement released by his Spokesperson.
“As a result, the Secretary-General has taken the difficult decision to reduce the Organization’s footprint in Gaza, even as humanitarian needs soar and our concern over the protection of civilians intensifies.”
The UN stressed that it remained fully committed to providing lifesaving aid. Around a third of the approximately 100 international staff working in Gaza will be temporarily relocated.
After cutting off all humanitarian aid into Gaza for three weeks – the longest suspension since 7 October 2023 – Israeli officials have indicated that they intend to continue their military campaign across Gaza and annex territory to pressure Hamas.
The UN Spokesperson said that based on currently available information, “the strikes hitting a UN compound in Deir Al Balah on 19 March were caused by an Israeli tank.”.
In the aftermath of Wednesday’s strike, Israel said it had not been behind the blast.
“The strikes claimed the life of a UN colleague from Bulgaria and left six others – from France, Moldova, North Macedonia, Palestine and the United Kingdom – with severe injuries, some of them life-altering,” Monday’s statement continued.
The location of the compound was well known to all the parties to the conflict.
“I reiterate that all parties to the conflict are bound by international law to protect the absolute inviolability of UN premises,” the statement from Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric continued.
“Without this, our colleagues face intolerable risks as they work to save the lives of civilians.”
The Secretary-General is demanding a full, thorough and independent investigation into Wednesday’s deadly strike, protection of all civilian life in the renewed fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas and the resumption of aid deliveries.
Furthermore, all hostages “must be released immediately and unconditionally”.
One week since Israeli bombing started again in Gaza, UN humanitarians have described deadly attacks hitting health workers, ambulances and hospitals.
Senior UN humanitarian in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Jonathan Whittall, said that hundreds of children and adults have been killed since the ceasefire broke down between Hamas and Israel.
The UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, also said on Monday that 124,000 people in the enclave have been forced to flee what it called “relentless bombardment”.
“Families carry what little they have with no shelter, no safety, and nowhere left to go; the Israeli authorities have cut off all aid,” UNRWA said in an online statement – warning that food is scarce and prices are soaring as the Israeli blockade continues.
Relief chief Tom Fletcher tweeted that he was continuing to receive horrific reports from Gaza of more health workers, ambulances and hospitals attacked as they try to save survivors. Mr. Fletcher said we all must demand that hospitals and medics must not be targeted.
In southern Gaza on Sunday, several casualties were reported after the surgical department of Nasser Medical Complex was hit and caught fire, Mr. Dujarric told journalists in New York at the daily briefing.
In Rafah, ambulances were reportedly hit in Tal Al Sultan, resulting in several casualties. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said four of its ambulances were targeted, as well as 10 team members carrying out humanitarian work.
“Communication with the team has been completely lost for 30 hours, and at this point, their fate remains unknown,” the UN Spokesperson continued.
As hostilities continue across Gaza, aid coordination office, OCHA, and partners called for the entry of additional emergency medical teams into Gaza to help health workers already on the ground who are “exhausted and, of course, overwhelmed.”
Israeli authorities on Sunday issued a new evacuation order in Rafah, covering around two per cent of the Strip and affecting five neighbourhoods.
“With this latest directive, the overall area designated for evacuation over the past week covers an estimated 14 per cent of the Gaza Strip – along with vast ‘no go’ zones along the borders and the Netzarim corridor,” Mr. Dujarric said.