Decommissioned vessel will move to Everett, become offices and warehouse
SEATTLE – The Elwha is going to a good home. Everett Ship Repair, a maintenance partner of Washington State Ferries, has purchased Elwha for $100,000.
A Western Towboat Co. tug Mariner, supplied by the new owner, is scheduled to arrive at the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, and begin the process of moving Elwha. Track Mariner’s progress in real time using MarineTraffic.
“The Elwha has been part of Washington State Ferry history since 1968, and we’re excited to see one of our ferries with so much history and memories for millions of passengers is being repurposed locally. It won’t be the Elwha we’ve all come to know and appreciate but I’m confident it’s in good hands with a local shipyard,” said WSF Assistant Secretary Steve Nevey.
Everett Ship Repair plans to modify and convert a ferry to a floating office and warehouse space at its shipyard.
The 144-car Elwha was one of four Super-class ferries built in the mid-1960s. Elwha mainly served the Anacortes/Friday Harbor/Sidney, British Columbia route before being retired April 8, 2020. Two super-class ferries, Kaleetan and Yakima, are still in service.
WSF hopes to sell and transfer two remaining retired boats, Klahowya and Hyak, to free more dock space at its Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility for planned and unplanned maintenance on its current fleet.
WSF, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries tens of millions of people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world. For the latest service updates, sign up for rider alerts and track each ferry using the real-time map online.
Acquisition Would Eliminate Competition Between Two of the Three Top Wireless Networking Firms, Raise Prices, and Diminish Innovation for American Businesses
The Justice Department today sued to block Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.’s (HPE) proposed $14 billion acquisition of rival wireless local area network (WLAN) technology provider Juniper Networks Inc. (Juniper). HPE and Juniper are the second- and third- largest providers, respectively, of enterprise-grade WLAN solutions in the United States. The complaint, filed in the Northern District of California, alleges that the proposed transaction would eliminate fierce head-to-head competition between the companies, raise prices, reduce innovation, and diminish choice for scores of American businesses and institutions, in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act.
“HPE and Juniper are successful companies. But rather than continue to compete as rivals in the WLAN marketplace, they seek to consolidate — increasing concentration in an already concentrated market,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The threat this merger poses is not theoretical. Vital industries in our country — including American hospitals and small businesses — rely on wireless networks to complete their missions. This proposed merger would significantly reduce competition and weaken innovation, resulting in large segments of the American economy paying more for less from wireless technology providers.”
WLAN technology — which includes hardware, software, and advanced artificial intelligence — is critical for the modern workplace. Millions of Americans today create and share company resources and access the internet from wireless-enabled devices. Retail employees wirelessly process payments and log inventory. Doctors access medical records on phones and tablets and track life-saving patient care on the go. University students take notes on their laptops and access course materials from their dorm rooms. Wireless networking is the primary means by which many employees connect to their employer’s computer network and the internet.
As alleged in the complaint, Juniper has been a disruptive force that has grown rapidly from a minor player to among the three largest enterprise-grade WLAN suppliers in the U.S. Juniper has also introduced innovative tools that have materially decreased the cost of operating a wireless network for many customers. This competitive pressure has forced HPE to discount its offerings and invest in its own innovation. HPE recognized and tracked Juniper’s growing significance and engaged in a campaign, including mandatory training for its engineers and salespeople, to “beat” Juniper when competing for contracts. Indeed, just a month before the proposed acquisition was announced, front-line HPE salespeople were concerned that “[t]he Juniper threat [was] dire” because in dozens of opportunities Juniper was “trying to unseat” HPE. Senior HPE executives shared this view; one former HPE executive reminded his team that “there are no rules in a street fight” with Juniper and encouraged them to “kill” Juniper when going head-to-head for sales opportunities.
Now, HPE seeks to acquire its smaller, innovative rival. The proposed transaction between HPE and Juniper, if allowed to proceed, would further consolidate an already highly concentrated market — and leave U. S. enterprises facing two companies commanding over 70% of the market: the post-merger HPE and market leader Cisco Systems Inc. This substantial lessening competition in a critically important technology market poses the precise threat that the Clayton Act was enacted to prevent.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company is headquartered in Spring, Texas. Its WLAN-focused business unit is located in Santa Clara, California.
Juniper Networks Inc. is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
OTTAWA, Ontario, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calian® Group Ltd. (TSX:CGY), a diverse products and services company providing innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions, will hold a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 13, 2025, to discuss results for the three-month period ended December 31, 2024. The results will be released before markets open.
Interested participants from the financial and media community should join the live presentation by going to the Calian website and clicking on the Investors section to find the conference call link or directly via the following URL: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/iq588voh.
A replay of the audio webcast will be available at the same location following the conclusion of the call.
About Calian
We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex problems. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets.
Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.
Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.
Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8 Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com
BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DDB Miner, a leading innovator in cloud mining technology, is revolutionizing the cryptocurrency mining industry by offering Dogecoin (DOGE) enthusiasts a seamless and highly profitable way to generate passive income from home. With cutting-edge mining infrastructure powered entirely by renewable energy, DDB Miner provides an accessible and sustainable cloud mining solution.
Empowering Users Through Cloud Mining
Cryptocurrency mining, a fundamental process in blockchain networks, traditionally requires expensive hardware and extensive technical knowledge. DDB Miner eliminates these barriers with a user-friendly cloud mining platform that allows individuals to participate in mining without the need for costly equipment or maintenance. By leveraging advanced remote mining farms, users can efficiently mine DOGE and other popular cryptocurrencies with ease.
About DDB Miner
As a pioneer in the cloud mining sector, DDB Miner operates over 180 mining farms globally, housing more than 100,000 state-of-the-art mining machines. With a commitment to security, transparency, and sustainability, DDB Miner has attracted over 9 million users worldwide, solidifying its reputation as a trusted leader in the industry.
Register an Account – Sign up in just two minutes and start mining instantly.
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DDB Miner’s Affiliate Program presents an exciting opportunity for users to maximize earnings by referring friends and colleagues. With no referral limits, participants can generate up to $20,000 in monthly bonuses, making it an attractive option for those seeking passive income without upfront investment.
Join the Future of Cloud Mining Today
DDB Miner is redefining the cryptocurrency mining experience, making it more accessible, sustainable, and profitable than ever before. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a beginner looking to enter the crypto space, DDB Miner provides the tools and resources needed for success.
For more information, visit the DDB Miner Official Website or download the DDB Miner app from Google Play or the Apple Store.
Media Contact:
Katerina Audrey DDB Miner Media Relations Email: info@ddbminer.com Website: https://ddbminer.com
Disclaimer: This press release is provided by “DDB Miner”. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in cloud mining and related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Do your own research before doing any investments.
LONDON, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Olivetree and its parent company, Alvar Financial, today announced a strategic investment and restructuring of their index event-driven product platform. This initiative reinforces their commitment to delivering enhanced services to institutional and professional high-net-worth clients.
This investment underscores the firm’s dedication to providing specialist, high-value content across event-driven strategies and capital markets, further solidifying its position as a best-in-class provider in this space.
Expansion and Key Appointments As part of this expansion, Olivetree is pleased to welcome:
Nick Wills in Equity Sales and Trading
Rahil Iqbal as Head of Index Research
Additionally, the firm is growing headcount with professional hires specialising in quantitative research, data analytics, and model development to further enhance its service offerings. Nick and Rahil will join the Catalyst Driven Group led by Daemon Bear & Tim Emmott.
Strengthening Global Expertise
Nick Wills’ appointment strengthens Olivetree’s Index Event-Driven Product and aligns with the firm’s international growth strategy, particularly in the Middle East—an exciting and dynamic market. Nick brings extensive experience from senior roles at leading institutions, including Citi, JPM, and MS. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in building Citibank’s Middle East equities business over six years. His deep market expertise and proven track record in client relationship development will be invaluable to Olivetree’s growth initiatives.
Rahil Iqbal joins Olivetree from Schonfeld Strategic Advisors, where he was instrumental in managing EMEA index rebalancing and developing predictive strategies for global indices such as MSCI, FTSE, and local blue chips. Prior to this, Rahil made significant contributions as a Quantitative Index Analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald Europe—helping launch its index product—and as an index strategist at JP Morgan, where he established the firm’s Index Research as the go-to destination for index analysis. His expertise in corporate event analysis, index trading, and portfolio optimization will further enhance Olivetree’s capabilities.
About Olivetree and Alvar Financial
Olivetree, a leading provider of event-driven strategies and Evidence-based Catalyst solutions, operates under its parent company, Alvar Financial. The firm is dedicated to delivering high-value insights and market intelligence to institutional clients, leveraging specialist expertise and innovative approaches to enhance investment strategies.
“These exercises give our Security Forces the opportunity to test and build their skills to protect our installations, missions and people,” said Capt. Jonathan Townsend, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP).
The drills will feature realistic, simulated threats such as active shooters, unauthorized base access and improvised explosive devices. Base residents and personnel may notice an increased presence of law enforcement and first responders during CS-SC25. All drills will be closely supervised by members of the installation Training Team, who will wear marked safety vests. Training Areas will also be marked with signage.
Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions to normal base operations. However, the drills will result in temporary delays at gates.
“We’re going to strike a balance where we provide the best training possible, while continuing our support for missions and residents. I ask all personnel to be patient and to be mindful of the importance of this training evolution, as it pertains to our ability to accomplish the mission of safety and security onboard the installations,” said Townsend.
For more information, contact the NSASP Public Affairs Office at NSASPPAO@us.navy.mil or (540) 653-8153.
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition (ASN(RD&A)) Dr. Brett Seidle presided over the ceremony, marking an important program milestone and transition in leadership for this critical program.
“Jay Stefany’s leadership in establishing and developing the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program has been instrumental in positioning this team to revitalize America’s shipbuilding capabilities, building off of the Navy’s previous success, and expanding and integrating the portfolio” said Siedle. “Both as the Principal Civilian Deputy and as the longest-serving Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research Development and Acquisition, he has been at the forefront of developing the strategy and securing industrial base investments to meet our submarine and shipbuilding imperatives. His vision and dedication have laid the foundation for the largest Department of Defense industry revitalization plan since World War II.”
The MIB Program, established in September 2024 amid growing global strategic competition, is a Direct Reporting Program Manager charged with strengthening America’s maritime manufacturing capabilities by managing and executing industrial base investments across six lines of efforts: 1) supplier development; 2) workforce development; 3) advanced manufacturing technology; 4) strategic outsourcing; 5) shipbuilder infrastructure; and 6) government oversight.
The MIB program was formed to address critical needs in naval shipbuilding and restore America’s shipbuilding and repair capacity, which has atrophied to a third of what it was three decades ago. By 2028, the Navy must deliver one Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine and two Virginia-class attack submarines annually while simultaneously constructing over 10 different classes of surface ships—making the program vital to national security.
The MIB program’s efforts are inclusive of over 1,100 investment initiatives across 37 states, engaging with thousands of suppliers responsible for building and sustaining maritime platforms and systems, — and represents a nationwide effort to rebuild America’s maritime strength.
As the first DRPM-MIB, Stefany was responsible for expanding, integrating, and operationalizing the new organization and its multi-billion-dollar portfolio. Prior to this role, he served the Principal Civilian Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition from 2019-2024, including serving as the Acting Secretary of the Navy from January 2021 to December 2023. As the Acting Assistant Secretary, Mr. Stefany managed policy and programs for Navy and Marine Corps research, acquisition, and sustainment across shipbuilding, aviation, space, and weapon systems. Under his current leadership as the MIB Program Manager, the program has overseen industrial base investments supporting shipbuilding and
repair for surface ships, aircraft carriers, and submarines while developing a unified approach to critical strategic acquisition and sustainment initiatives.
“It has been an honor to establish and lead the Maritime Industrial Base Program during this critical time in our nation’s history,” Stefany said during the ceremony. “The dedication of the men and women working to rebuild America’s industrial might has been extraordinary. Their efforts ensure our Navy and Marine Corps have the ships, submarines, and systems needed to maintain our maritime superiority, deter aggression, and if necessary, decisively win any fight. The work we do here directly strengthens our national security and preserves our way of life.”
Sermon brings extensive experience in industrial base management to his new role. Most recently, he served as Executive Director for Program Executive Office Strategic Submarines, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine acquisition and revitalizing the Submarine Industrial Base. In this role, he helped establish and lead the Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base program from October 2021 to September 2024, addressing the most significant submarine recapitalization effort in 50 years.
Under his leadership, the SIB program tackled the challenges of delivering one Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine and two Virginia-class attack submarines annually by 2028—a fivefold increase in submarine construction. His experience managing a portfolio of approximately $130 billion in acquisition and sustainment programs, and his success in industrial base revitalization provides the foundation to focus Navy efforts, resources, and advocacy on solving enterprise-wide challenges the Navy faces.
“I am honored to take on this critical role and continue to build off of the progress we’ve made over the last several years,” Sermon said. “Through focused collaboration between the Navy, industry, and educational institutions, we will ensure America remains at the forefront of innovation and defense. The work we do here directly supports our National Defense Strategy and is foundational to fixing U.S. shipbuilding and in-service readiness. I look forward to working with our dedicated team and partners to ensure the Navy’s industrial base is prepared for the challenges ahead,” said Sermon.
SUNRISE, Fla. – Navy Chief Information Officer (CHINFO) Rear Adm. Ryan Perry, a Fort Lauderdale native, will administer the oath of enlistment to five Broward County residents during the Florida Panthers game against the L.A. Kings on January 29, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena.
“They jumped at the opportunity,” said Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 2nd Class Robert Logozzo, attached to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Miami, who will accompany the future Sailors. “They recognized it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance and are excited to create lasting memories as they make life-changing decisions. The community’s support is truly appreciated.”
The ceremony, set to take place before the pregame activities, is part of Perry’s ongoing visit to his hometown. So far, his engagement has included meetings with members of legislature and non-profit organizations. The trip, which runs through January 30th, is focused on raising Navy awareness, promoting its 250th anniversary, and supporting local recruiting efforts.
NTAG Miami has 38 recruiting locations throughout South Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, with a shared mission to recruit the highest caliber Sailors to meet the needs of the fleet.
Don’t know what Navy Sailors do? Check out navy.com/careers-benefits/careers to explore more about the 150+ jobs they do!
I wish to start by congratulating the Member States that have recently been elected to the Peacebuilding Commission.
I also congratulate Brazil for leading the PBC during its 18th session and welcome Germany’s candidacy for the chair of the 19th session.
Excellencies,
Our world is in trouble.
We see spreading conflicts and widening geopolitical divisions.
We face a deepening climate crisis and widening inequalities.
We are confronting the proliferation of weapons and the spread of disinformation.
All of this and more makes the work of the Peacebuilding Commission more critical than ever.
I want to salute the Commission for its vital advisory role to the Security Council, including in the context of UN mission transitions.
I also recognize your important convening role within the UN and beyond – engaging civil society, the private sector, international and regional organizations, and financial institutions.
Now we have the chance to consolidate and expand that work.
The Pact for the Future charts a course to reforming international cooperation – including by prioritizing prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.
It seeks to break siloes by advancing coordination with regional organizations, developing innovative approaches and fostering the full participation of women, youth and marginalized groups in peace processes.
And, fundamentally, the Pact calls for strengthening the Peacebuilding Commission. This year’s Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture offers an opportunity to further advance these efforts and strengthen the role of the PBC – namely its relationship with the Security Council.
My recent report on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace lays out concrete suggestions around inflection points where the Commission can help catalyze national efforts.
This includes working to fully empower the Commission to mobilize political and financial support for nationally-owned peacebuilding and prevention strategies.
As the review unfolds, I encourage the Commission to draw on its rich experience to guide deliberations at the General Assembly and Security Council – with actionable recommendations towards strengthening the peacebuilding architecture and transforming people’s lives.
Excellencies,
This brings me to a vital issue: financing.
The General Assembly’s approval of assessed contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund marks an important step.
But it is still a far cry from the “quantum leap” of $500 million per year that is needed.
As many Member States have highlighted, voluntary contributions remain paramount – and I encourage countries to provide additional support to the Fund.
Given the urgent and expanding needs for peacebuilding support, I trust that the Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture will further examine how to ensure the predictability, adequacy and sustainability of the Fund – including by exploring innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships and blended funding models.
Excellencies,
We must never waver in our commitment to pursue, achieve and sustain peace.
The Peacebuilding architecture – consisting of the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Peacebuilding Fund – working together with UN Country Teams, are essential tools to help translate aspirations into reality.
I look forward to continuing to work with you all to strengthen our peacebuilding architecture and help build a world of peace and prosperity for all largely thanks to your precious intervention.
MIAMI, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With nonprofits facing new financial uncertainty in the wake of President Trump’s federal funding freeze, Crowded, the mission-driven fintech platform simplifying financial management for nonprofit organizations, today announced it has raised $7.5 million in its Series A funding round, bringing its total funding to $13.5 million to date.
President Trump’s executive order to halt certain federal grants and funding has put thousands of nonprofit programs at risk, leaving organizations scrambling for alternative financial solutions. The uncertainty has heightened the need for transparency, efficiency, and real-time access to financial resources—challenges that Crowded directly addresses through its AI-driven financial management tools.
The round was led by Flashpoint a $500m transatlantic VC that counts Guesty, Chili Piper and Mesh Payments among their portfolio companies with participation from the Florida Opportunity Fund, Wilson’s Bird Capital led by Efi Shema, as well as follow-on investments from existing investors Sarona Ventures and The Garage.
Crowded is trusted by over 35 institutional customers, including renowned organizations such as Harvard Athletics, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and leading councils of Girl Scouts of the USA. Harvard Athletics is utilizing Crowded’s platform for select teams to manage per diems for student-athletes. These student-athletes can now spend their per diems with digital debit cards and make instant, fee-free transfers with their peers.
By digitizing financial management and eliminating manual processes, Crowded enables nonprofits to redirect their focus from administrative tasks to community-focused work. Crowded’s robust platform provides nonprofits with tailored multi-chapter banking, payment processing, expense management, and AI-powered tax filing services, empowering organizations with tools for financial oversight and compliance.
“In the wake of President Trump’s executive order & funding freeze, the spotlight on nonprofit financial management and accountability has never been brighter,” said Daniel Grunstein, Co-Founder and CEO of Crowded. “Nonprofits handle $3.9 trillion in payments annually and make up 14% of US GDP, yet outdated systems and fragmented processes hold back their efficiency and impact. This funding allows us to expand our nonprofit financial management platform with payment processing, compliance, and AI-powered taxation tools—giving nonprofits the modern infrastructure they need to operate as seamlessly as the world’s top enterprises. By solving these challenges, we’re enabling organizations to focus less on administration and more on their mission to drive change.”The lead investor, Flashpoint, emphasized the potential for Crowded’s mission-driven approach. “With the recent funding freeze creating uncertainty for nonprofits, solutions like Crowded are more critical than ever,” said Noam Wolf at Flashpoint. “Crowded is dedicated to helping nonprofits focus on their mission rather than their balance sheets, and this moment highlights the urgent need for financial transparency and resilience. We are proud to support their growth and look forward to seeing them empower more organizations to do good.”
About Crowded Crowded is an all-in-one financial management platform for nonprofits that allows for 100% online multi-chapter nonprofit banking, built-in payment processing, transparent spending tools, and AI-powered tax filing and compliance. Nonprofit finances are managed remotely and effectively; saving time on reporting, reimbursements, and officer handovers.
Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Miami, Florida with offices in Tel Aviv, Israel, Crowded serves a diverse range of nonprofit sectors, including membership groups and charitable and religious institutions, helping them ensure financial clarity, transparency, and sustainability.
About Flashpoint Flashpoint is an international tech investment manager with over $500 million AUM focused on US and Western European tech companies originating from Europe and Israel. Flashpoint manages six venture funds across three products: Venture Capital, Venture Debt, and Direct Secondaries. Headquartered in London with offices in New York, and Tel Aviv, the funds have invested in 72 companies and completed 23 exits, including Shazam (to Apple), Chess.com (to PokerStars founders and General Atlantic), and Marketman (to PSG).
Landsbankinn’s profit in 2024 was ISK 37.5 billion after taxes, as compared with ISK 33.2 billion the previous year.
Return on equity (ROE) in 2024 was 12.1%, compared with 11.6% in 2023.
Profit in the fourth quarter of 2024 was ISK 10.6 billion and return on equity 13.3%.
The Board of Directors intends to propose that the Annual General Meeting approve a dividend payment in the amount of nearly ISK 19 billion for the year 2024, corresponding to around 50% of the year’s profit.
Total taxes paid by the Bank, both income tax and a special tax on financial undertakings, amounted to ISK 17.2 billion.
Operating expenses increase in line with price levels yet the Bank’s cost-income ratio has never been lower, or 32.4%.
Lending grew by ISK 177 billion during the year, or 10.8%. Customer deposits increased by ISK 180 billion, or 17,2%, at the same time.
Increased activity and new services contributed to growing commission income, with net fee and commission income increasing by 2.3%.
Net interest margin as a ratio of average asset position was 2.7% in 2024 compared to 3.0% for 2023. The net interest margin of domestic households was 2.1%.
Use of Landsbankinn’s app continued to grow and surveys show that users are very satisfied with it. Customers who invest their under Smart Savings in the app grew by 39% in 2024, meaning that around 59,000 customers now gain the best interest terms offered on a non-indexed account.
Net credit impairment of financial assets was negative by ISK 2.8 billion, with ISK 2.7 billion thereof attributable to natural disaster on the Reykjanes peninsula.
The capital ratio at year end was 24.3%. The Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) of the Central Bank of Iceland sets Landsbankinn’s total capital requirement at 20.4%.
Today, the Bank publishes detailed sustainability information, including calculation of the carbon footprint of its credit portfolio, which has decreased by 20% from the reference year, 2019.
In 2024, 57.7% of the Bank’s new funding was green and a total of 61.3% of non-domestic funding is green.
In September, the FSA published the results of its assessment, finding that Landsbankinn is eligible to control a qualifying holding in TM tryggingar hf. (TM). The conclusion of the Icelandic Competition Authority in the same case is pending.
The Pillar III risk report for 2024 is published alongside the annual financial statements.
Landsbankinn’s Annual & Sustainability Report will be published 13 February 2025.
Lilja Björk Einarsdóttir, CEO of Landsbankinn:
“Landsbankinn achieved all of its main objectives in 2024, whether related to customer service, financial performance or operations. Profit amounted to ISK 10.6 billion in the fourth quarter and ISK 37.5 billion for the full year. Annualised return on equity was 12.1%. The fourth quarter was one of the strongest in the Bank’s history.
The Bank’s strong performance is built on solid foundations. Over the past ten years, the Bank’s total assets have grown by ISK 1,083 billion and equity by ISK 74 billion, alongside total dividend payments to shareholders amounting to ISK 192 billion. Operating expenses have remained stable, the number of full-time positions has decreased in tandem with technological advancements and the ratio of operating expenses to average total assets – a common measure of bank efficiency – has never been lower. As a result, the Bank’s competitiveness and strength have increased, enabling it to better support value creation and investments. The net interest margin has declined between periods, and the Bank is positioned to offer more favourable terms while still maintaining acceptable profitability.
The Bank’s strong financial position benefits society by increasing lending capacity. Total loan growth for the year amounted to ISK 177 billion, with around 60% of this increase from corporate lending. Landsbankinn remains the largest lender to the construction industry and has maintained a strong position in lending to fisheries, despite intense competition from foreign financial institutions, which can offer better terms due to greater economies of scale and lower taxes. Our focus on improving services for small and medium-sized enterprises has yielded strong results and we see many opportunities in this market. Demand for the Bank’s mortgage loans exceeded expectations, clearly indicating that borrowers are seeking competitive terms, fast service, and high-quality customer support. When the fixed interest rate period ended for customers who had fixed rates when they were at their lowest, we personally called each one to offer advice and go over the available options.
The increase in lending is backed by strong financing, not least growing customer deposits, which increased by ISK 180 billion over the year. Competitive rates and first-rate digital services have played a key role in this development. Throughout the year, the number of customers using the Bank’s Smart Savings in the app grew by 39%, allowing them to benefit from the best available rates on unrestricted accounts. Currently, around 59,000 individuals use this simple and favourable savings solution. Funding on both international and domestic capital markets was also successful. A noteworthy milestone was the issuance of senior non-preferred bonds, the first-ever issuance of its kind by an Icelandic bank. The success of bond issuances confirms the Bank’s strong financial position, which was also reflected in an upgrade in its credit rating. We believe that all conditions are in place for further improvements in the credit rating over the coming 1-2 years.
The Bank’s net interest margin declined during the year, reflecting the lower interest rate environment and there was a slight decrease in net interest income. Fee and commission income grew, particularly due to strong performance in acquiring services, where the Bank has firmly established its position. In 2024, 757 new businesses joined our acquiring services, including several of the country’s largest retail companies. The payment acquiring service has expanded the Bank’s service offering, boosted customer satisfaction, and created new growth opportunities in the corporate market: Nearly 40% of businesses that joined the service had no prior banking relationship with us.
Similarly, the Bank’s acquisition of TM presents significant growth opportunities, both on the corporate and retail side. We believe that the integration of banking and insurance services will be beneficial for customers, cost-efficient and full of potential, as evidenced by the success of similar models across Europe. At the same time, the acquisition will diversify revenue streams and support long-term profitability. The Bank’s strategic focus in recent years, providing outstanding service across Iceland both on-site and through leading digital solutions, including a top-tier app, creates exciting opportunities for both the Bank and TM.
One of the most significant events on the Icelandic market last year was JBT’s acquisition of Marel. Landsbankinn has long held an indirect ownership stake in Marel through Eyrir Invest, dating back to Eyrir’s refinancing in 2009. The value of this stake in Eyrir has fluctuated significantly over the years, at times impacting the Bank’s financial results considerably. Overall, the Bank’s involvement with Marel and Eyrir has been successful.
The vast majority of our customers use Landsbankinn’s app for their banking needs. The app is intuitive, offering unique features not available elsewhere and user satisfaction surveys indicate high approval. We are committed to continuous improvement, having released 33 app updates last year. Alongside our focus on development of the app and other digital innovation, we remain dedicated to the human element in customer service. We operate 35 branches and outlets across Iceland and this year we placed even greater emphasis on enabling employees all over the country to work on tasks that are not limited to geographic location. The results have been undeniably positive, reflected in shorter processing and wait times, as well as higher employee satisfaction, with staff appreciating the diverse and challenging work opportunities. Landsbankinn is a trusted bank for a successful future and its performance in recent years proves that with a dedicated and ambitious team, anything is possible.”
Quarterly financial information as of December 31, 2024 IFRS – Regulated information – Not audited
Cegedim’s revenue grew 6.3% in 2024
Full year revenue rose 4.7% like for like to €654.5 million
Fourth quarter revenue grew 5.9% like for like to €178.7 million
All operating divisions contributed to growth in the fourth quarter
Boulogne-Billancourt, France, January 30, 2025, after the market close
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vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)(3)
vs. reclassified(1)
Software & Services
80.1
75.7
(8.7)
84.4
+5.8%
+2.8%
Flow
27.0
24.2
(0.6)
24.8
+12.0%
+11.7%
Data & Marketing
38.4
35.8
0.0
35.8
+7.1%
+7.1%
BPO
21.2
19.6
0.0
19.6
+7.8%
+7.8%
Cloud & Support
12.0
11.3
+9.3
2.0
+6.2%
+6.2%
Cegedim
178.7
166.6
0.0
166.6
+7.2%
+5.9%
Full year
Change FY 2024 / 2023
in millions of euros
2024
2023
reclassified(1)
Reclassification(1)
2023
Reported
Reported
vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)(4)
vs. reclassified(1)
Software & Services
307.8
302.3
(24.3)
326.6
+1.8%
(1.2)%
Flow
100.3
93.4
(2.5)
95.9
+7.3%
+7.2%
Data & Marketing
125.9
114.9
0.0
114.9
+9.6%
+9.6%
BPO
82.7
71.5
0.0
71.5
+15.8%
+15.8%
Cloud & Support
37.8
33.9
+26.8
7.1
+11.3%
+11.3%
Cegedim
654.5
616.0
0.0
616.0
+6.3%
+4.7%
Cegedim’s consolidated fourth quarter 2024 revenues rose to €178.7 million, up 7.2% as reported and 5.9% like for like(2) compared with the same period in 2023. All operating divisions contributed to like for like growth in the fourth quarter.
Over the full year, revenues rose 6.3% as reported and 4.7% like for like compared with 2023. Marketing, health insurance, HR, and cloud businesses delivered the most solid growth over the full year. As expected, the Software & Services division felt the impact of comparisons with Ségur public health investment spending in 2023 and a slowdown in international sales because the Group decided to refocus its UK doctor software activities on Scotland, and then later decided to voluntarily place that business under administration.
Analysis of business trends by division
Software & Services
Software & Services
Fourth quarter
Change Q4 2024 / 2023
Full year
Change FY 2024 / 2023
in millions of euros
2024
2023
Reclassified(3)
Reported
vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)
vs. reclassified(1)
2024
2023
reclassified(1)
Reported
vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)
vs. reclassified(1)
Cegedim Santé
21.3
18.1
+17.2%
+1.8%
80.2
76.5
+4.8%
(7.1)%
Insurance, HR, Pharmacies, and other services
47.2
44.9
+5.1%
+5.1%
176.7
173.3
+2.0%
+1.9%
International businesses
11.6
12.7
(8.2)%
(3.5)%
50.9
52.5
(3.0)%
(3.0)%
Software & Services
80.1
75.7
+5.8%
+2.8%
307.8
302.3
+1.8%
(1.2)%
Revenues at Cegedim Santé grew 17.2% as reported in the fourth quarter and 1.8% like for like. Reported growth over the full year came to 4.8%, but like-for-like revenues fell 7.1% due to the absence of Ségur public health investments, which generated revenue of €4.7 million in 2023. Reported growth includes Visiodent from March 1, 2024. The new subsidiary has already started marketing Group products like the Maiia appointment scheduling app and the Claude Bernard database to its clients, but those sales are not reflected in like-for-like growth.
Others French subsidiaries saw reported revenue growth of 5.1% in the fourth quarter and 2% over the full year (1.9% LFL; Phealing acquired in Q4 2023). Over both the fourth quarter and the full year, the division was propelled by growth at the insurance businesses, thanks to robust project-based sales, and by HR, which is still getting a boost from its client diversification strategy. On the other hand, sales to pharmacies were down substantially—as they were at some of the competitors. This was partly because equipment sales slowed after many pharmacies updated their equipment in 2023. In addition, the pharmacy software business took in more than €2 million in Ségur public health investment revenues in 2023, creating a tough comparison.
Internationally, revenues from software sales to UK doctors declined, as expected, following the Group’s decision early in the year to refocus the activity on Scotland. Unfortunately, the market proved too sluggish for this plan to succeed. On December 10, the Group decided to deconsolidate this subsidiary after announcing it would be voluntarily placed under administration. That move aggravated the drop in reported revenues in the fourth quarter, which came to 8.2%.
Flow
Fourth quarter
Change Q4 2024 / 2023
Full year
Change FY 2024 / 2023
in millions of euros
2024
2023
reclassified(1)
Reported
vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)
vs. reclassified(1)
2024
2023
reclassified(1)
Reported
vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)
vs. reclassified(1)
e-business
15.0
14.0
+7.1%
+6.7%
58.5
55.4
+5.6%
+5.3%
Third-party payer
12.0
10.2
+18.7%
+18.7%
41.8
38.0
+9.9%
+9.9%
Flow
27.0
24.2
+12.0%
+11.7%
100.3
93.4
+7.3%
+7.2%
Fourth-quarter growth in e-business, e-invoicing, and digitized data exchanges was 7.1%. The boost came from a rebound in Invoicing & Purchasing in France and a continued surge at the Healthcare Flow segment, which started early in the year, owing to dynamic new offerings for hospitals that are designed to make their drug purchasing secure. Growth over the full year was a solid 5.6%.
The digital data flow business dealing with reimbursement of healthcare payments in France (Third-party payer) experienced 18.7% growth in Q4. It was boosted by strong growth in demand for its fraud and long-term illness detection offerings. Over the full year, this trend more than offset the transfer of revenue attributable to the Allianz contract—now attributed to the BPO business—and allowed the unit to post growth of 9.9%.
Data & Marketing
Data & Marketing
Fourth quarter
Change Q4 2024 / 2023
Full year
Change FY 2024 / 2023
in millions of euros
2024
2023
reclassified(1)
Reported
vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)
vs. reclassified(1)
2024
2023
reclassified(1)
Reported
vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)
vs. reclassified(1)
Data
22.4
21.0
+6.3%
+6.3%
65.5
64.5
+1.6%
+1.6%
Marketing
16.0
14.8
+8.2%
+8.2%
60.4
50.4
+19.9%
+19.9%
Data & Marketing
38.4
35.8
+7.1%
+7.1%
125.9
114.9
+9.6%
+9.6%
Data businesses posted 6.3% yoy growth in the fourth quarter, cementing an improvement over the second half, particularly in France. Thanks to its strong presence on the ground and its agility in adapting to customer demands, the Data business has been able to post positive growth of 1.6% in 2024, following a remarkable year in 2023.
The Marketing segment had a solid fourth quarter, up 8.2%, and a record year, with growth of 19.9%. The performance showed the soundness of its phygital media strategy for pharmacies and was bolstered by special ad campaigns during the Olympics.
BPO
Fourth quarter
Change Q4 2024 / 2023
Full year
Change FY 2024 / 2023
in millions of euros
2024
2023
Reclassified(4)
Reported
vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)
vs. reclassified(1)
2024
2023
reclassified(1)
Reported
vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)
vs. reclassified
Insurance BPO
15.4
14.0
+9.9%
+9.9%
60.0
49.9
+20.2%
+20.2%
Business Services BPO
5.8
5.6
+2.8%
+2.8%
22.7
21.6
+5.5%
+5.5%
BPO
21.2
19.6
+7.8%
+7.8%
82.7
71.5
+15.8%
+15.8%
The Insurance BPO business grew by 9.9% over the fourth quarter, chiefly owing to its overflow business, which has been flourishing since the start of the year. Growth over the full year amounted to 20.2%, partly thanks to a favorable comparison stemming from the April 1, 2023, launch of the Allianz contract.
Business Services BPO (HR and digitalization) reported growth of 2.8% in the fourth quarter and 5.5% over the full year on the back of a popular compliance offering and new clients.
Cloud & Support
Cloud & Support
Fourth quarter
Change Q4 2024 / 2023
Full year
Change FY 2024 / 2023
in millions of euros
2024
2023
reclassified(1)
Reported
vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)
vs. reclassified(1)
2024
2023
reclassified(1)
Reported
vs. reclassified(1)
Like for like(2)
vs. reclassified(1)
Cloud & Support
12.0
11.3
+6.2%
+6.2%
37.8
33.9
+11.3%
+11.3%
The Cloud & Support division’s trajectory continued over the fourth quarter, with growth of 6.2% bringing FY growth to 11.3%. The progress reflects our expanded range of sovereign cloud-backed products and services, which earned the ANSSI security visa for SecNumCloud certification.
Highlights
Apart from the items cited below, to the best of the company’s knowledge, there were no events or changes during Q4 2024 that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.
On December 10, 2024, Cegedim announced that it had voluntarily placed its UK subsidiary—INPS, which sells software for doctors—under administration.
Significant transactions and events post December 31, 2024 To the best of the company’s knowledge, there were no post-closing events or changes after December 31, 2024, that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.
Outlook
Like-for-like revenue growth(1) in 2024 was just below the bottom of the announced 5% to 8% range compared with 2023. Had the Group not refocused INPS on Scotland and then closed it later in the year, it would have met the 5% target. This performance is unlikely to jeopardize the outlook for recurring operating income, which is expected to continue improving. That said, the deconsolidation of INPS is likely to result in significant non-cash adjustments. These statements are not forecasts and are based on financial information that has not yet been audited.
—————
WEBCAST ON JANUARY 30, 2025 AT 6:15 PM (PARIS TIME)
Disclaimer This press release is available in French and in English. In the event of any difference between the two versions, the original French version takes precedence. It was sent to Cegedim’s authorized distributor on January 30, 2025, no earlier than 5:45 pm Paris time. The figures cited in this press release include guidance on Cegedim’s future financial performance targets. This forward-looking information is based on the opinions and assumptions of the Group’s senior management at the time this press release is issued and naturally entails risks and uncertainty. For more information on the risks facing Cegedim, please refer to Chapter 7, “Risk management”, section 7.2, “Risk factors and insurance”, and Chapter 3, “Overview of the financial year”, section 3.6, “Outlook”, of the 2023 Universal Registration Document filled with the AMF on April 3, 2024, under number D.24-0233.
About Cegedim: Founded in 1969, Cegedim is an innovative technology and services group in the field of digital data flow management for healthcare ecosystems and B2B, and a business software publisher for healthcare and insurance professionals. Cegedim employs nearly 6,700 people in more than 10 countries and generated revenue of over €654 million in 2024. Cegedim SA is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: CGM). To learn more please visit: www.cegedim.fr And follow Cegedim on X: @CegedimGroup, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Aude Balleydier Cegedim Media Relations and Communications Manager
Revenue breakdown by geographic zone, currency, and division at December 31, 2024
as a % of consolidated revenues
Geographic zone
Currency
France
EMEA ex. France
Americas
Euro
GBP
Other
Software & Services
83.5%
16.4%
0.1%
86.9%
11.4%
1.7%
Flow
92.1%
7.9%
0.0%
94.6%
5.4%
0.0%
Data & Marketing
97.9%
2.1%
0.0%
98.1%
0.0%
1.9%
BPO
100.0%
0.0%
0.0%
100.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Cloud & Support
99.9%
0.1%
0.0%
100.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Cegedim Health Data UK
90.6%
9.3%
0.1%
92.2%
6.6%
1.2%
(1) As of January 1, 2024, our Cegedim Outsourcing and Audiprint subsidiaries—which were previously housed in the Software & Services division—as well as BSV—formerly of the Flow division—have been moved to the Cloud & Support division in order to capitalize on operating synergies between cloud activities and IT solutions integration. (2) At constant scope and exchange rates. (3) The positive currency impact of 0.2% was mainly due to the pound sterling. The positive scope effect of 1.1% was attributable to the first-time consolidation inCegedim’saccounts ofVisiodentstarting March 1, 2024. (4) The positive currency impact of 0.2% was mainly due to the pound sterling. The positive scope effect of 1.4% was attributable to the first-time consolidation inCegedim’saccounts ofVisiodentstarting March 1, 2024.
(1) 3To take advantage of synergies, Cegedim Outsourcing, Audiprint, and BSV have been reassigned to the Cloud & Support division. (2) At constant scope and exchange rates.
(1) 4To take advantage of synergies, Cegedim Outsourcing, Audiprint, and BSV have been reassigned to the Cloud & Support division. (2) At constant scope and exchange rates.
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Intelligent Product Solutions (IPS) today announced that it received a New York Product Design award, for its product design work on the EON Laser, a FDA-cleared, touch-free, and pain-free fat reduction device by Dominion Aesthetic Technologies. A global product design and development firm, Intelligent Product Solutions is a subsidiary of Forward Industries (NASDAQ: FORD).
The New York Product Design awards honor the efforts of talented product designers, design teams and manufacturers from all over the world. It recognizes the contributions they have made to daily living, with their practical and ingenious creations.
“At IPS, we’re proud to receive this award for our innovative medical device design of this revolutionary product,” said Bob Wild, CEO of Intelligent Product Solutions. “Working with Dominion Aesthetic Technologies, together we are redefining the future of aesthetic medicine, leveraging our expertise in product design.”
The EON Laser introduces revolutionary technology in subcutaneous fat reduction, offering patients the industry’s first touch-free and painless treatment option, delivering safer outcomes and eliminating recovery time. Utilizing laser energy, the EON Laser locally raises the temperature of subcutaneous fat, triggering lipolysis (the breakdown and metabolization of adipose tissue) while simultaneously cooling the skin, offering patients a pain-free alternative with unprecedented results. The scientifically proven EON Laser has received multiple FDA clearances and can be found at esthetic surgery centers and med-spas across the United States, offering patients a non-invasive alternative to liposuction and other surgical interventions.
“It’s such a wonderful surprise to learn that EON has be recognized for its beautiful design,” said Janet Campbell, founder and Chairman of the Board, Dominion Aesthetic Technologies. “It couldn’t have been possible without the support of Intelligent Product Solutions. We are excited about the future of EON delivering the first of its kind non-invasive robotic fat reduction treatments. EON is dedicated to providing incredible patient outcomes with the safest fat reducing treatment available.”
About Intelligent Product Solutions
Intelligent Product Solutions (IPS), a subsidiary of Forward Industries (NASDAQ: FORD), is an award-winning global product design and development company with headquarters in New York. IPS offers a full range of expert product design and engineering services, with an expertise in medtech and wearable technology solutions. Its clients are among the leading brands in consumer electronics and medical devices, including Neuvotion, Google, Verizon, Zebra Technologies and Steinway. To learn more about IPS, visit https://intelligentproduct.solutions or contact info@ips-yes.com. Visit IPS on social media:https://www.linkedin.com/company/intelligent-product-solutions/
For more media information, contact: Lisa Hendrickson, LCH Communications for IPS Lisa@lchcommunications.com 516-643-1642
Headline: Introducing new Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
As organizations look to the future, accessing and unlocking value through both the cloud and endpoints will become a cornerstone of every AI strategy. Combining the scalability of cloud compute with the efficiency of local AI compute through powerful Neural Processing Units (NPU) with a groundbreaking new category of PCs: Copilot+ PCs. These devices are built to deliver unparalleled performance and intelligence.
Today, we are excited to announce the latest additions to our Surface for Business Copilot+ PC family: Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, now available with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2). Starting Feb. 18, business customers can choose between Intel and Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs from Surface, and experience the most advanced, intelligent and secure PCs available across both platforms.
In response to one of our top customer requests to provide more cellular connectivity options for mobile work, we are thrilled to share that for the first time, 5G will be coming to Surface Laptop for Business, available later in 2025[i]. This laptop has been redesigned from the ground up to exceed our customers’ expectations for a connected Windows 11 Copilot+ PC and is also equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2).
To round out our business offerings, we are also excited to introduce the new Surface USB4 Dock, new experiences with Microsoft Teams Rooms on Surface Hub 3 and the public preview of Security Copilot in the Surface Management Portal.
New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
Customers are choosing Surface Copilot+ PCs today for the best in performance, battery life and security. Paired with Microsoft 365 Copilot[ii] and enhanced AI processing power, these devices transform the employee experience to amplify your team’s efficiency and creativity through Copilot+ PC experiences designed for work.
“At CES, we showcased Copilot+ PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) and partnered with Microsoft to ensure that it delivers exceptional performance, longer battery life and cutting-edge security for the Windows ecosystem. We’re excited to introduce new Surface for Business Copilot+ PCs and provide businesses with a wider range of AI-powered devices to enhance efficiency and productivity. Our partnership will continue to drive momentum in the category.” Jim Johnson, Senior Vice President and Interim General Manager of Intel’s Client Computing Group
Surface Laptop for Business with Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2)
Available starting Feb. 18, 2025, starting at $1,499.99 (MSRP)
Customers choose Surface Laptop because it redefines the premium PC built for work, combining a sleek modern design with incredible performance and industry-leading security. It’s designed to strike the perfect balance between power and portability, maximizing productivity while being a device that employees are proud to carry and use.
The new Surface Laptop for Business is built with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2), an incredible battery that lasts up to 22 hours[iii], anti-reflective displays with ultra-thin bezels, Wi-Fi 7[iv], more ports and an optional smart card reader[v].
Available in two sizes, the 13.8-inch display offers a larger viewing area than traditional 14-inch screens within a more compact frame, while the 15-inch version provides even more viewing space while remaining easy to carry.
This thin and compact design delivers on the critical fundamentals that businesses rely on. When compared to Surface Laptop 5, the new Surface Laptop delivers up to 26% faster performance for multi-tasking[vi], up to 2x faster graphics performance[vii], up to 3x the battery life when on Teams calls[viii] and can easily power new AI-powered experiences through the NPU.
The keyboard on Surface Laptop provides an exceptional typing experience, perfected for comfort, speed and sound with every keystroke. The large precision haptic touchpad delivers realistic feedback when tapped or clicked. Designed for inclusivity, the touchpad allows users to easily adjust pressure sensitivity and use intuitive touch gestures for easier navigation.
Advancements in laptop design support our customers’ sustainability goals, a critical factor when equipping a large workforce with new devices. The new Surface Laptop contains more recycled content than any other Surface device including 100% recycled rare earth metals in the magnets[ix] and featuring our first ever battery cell to make use of 100% recycled cobalt[x].
For the first time ever, we’re adding cellular connectivity to our Surface Laptop lineup. Surface Laptop 5G will be available later in 2025, enabling your team to work comfortably and productively from virtually anywhere. We’ll share more details on Surface Laptop 5G in the coming months.
The new Surface Laptop is a true business machine, designed to meet the needs of modern professionals and enhance productivity in any work environment.
Surface Pro for Business with Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2)
Available starting Feb. 18, 2025, starting at $1,499.99 (MSRP)
Surface Pro is the go-to device for customers that are looking for a device that can do it all, offering powerful performance, incredible versatility and enterprise-grade security from Microsoft. It quickly adapts to your team’s needs, whether that is typing a report with a Surface Pro Keyboard[xi], taking notes with the Surface Slim Pen[xi] or using the AI-powered ultrawide camera to keep you in frame on Teams calls. With the versatile design of Surface Pro, it can replace the need to use a tablet and a laptop with one device that can give you the best of both.
The new Surface Pro is built with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2), delivers up to 28% more performance[xii], up to 98% more graphics performance[vii] and up to 2x the battery life during Teams calls[xiii] compared to Surface Pro 9. It also features enhanced local AI processing power with an NPU to amplify your team’s intelligence, efficiency and creativity through Copilot+ PC experiences designed for work.
When paired with the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard[xi], Surface Pro transforms into a highly versatile Windows laptop. The keyboard can be used either attached or wirelessly, allowing users to adapt quickly and work efficiently in any environment, from the office to an airplane or train seat. This flexibility enables users to have a comfortable and premium typing experience that enhances productivity wherever they work.
The 13-inch PixelSense display extends the versatility of Surface Pro even further. It’s designed to be used easily with touch and pen input as a tablet or a laptop, and the anti-reflective and adaptive color technology helps users to clearly see the content on the screen in almost any lighting environment and reduces reflections by up to 50%. The new optional OLED display delivers new levels of peak brightness and immersive colors that improve readability in even fluorescent office lighting environments or even in direct sunlight.
Surface Pro also offers versatile and secure sign-in options. Customers can sign in with facial recognition with the built-in Windows Hello Camera or the built-in NFC reader with security keys like the YubiKey 5C NFC to securely get to work without using a password. Surface Pro is also certified for use with Imprivata Enterprise Access Management (EAM), enabling healthcare providers to tap their NFC-enabled badge or security key to quickly sign in and out. This enhances healthcare workflows and safeguards patient data by logging users off instantly, reduces errors by preventing clinicians from charting under the wrong profile, and increases productivity by providing fast and secure user switching.
Across industries – from retail to education – our customers call out the importance of sustainability in making device purchases, and Surface Pro is designed with those goals in mind. The enclosure is made with a minimum of 89% recycled content, including 100% recycled aluminum alloy and 100% recycled rare earth metals[xiv]. It is also designed for serviceability, with replaceable components such as the motherboard, battery, cameras and a removable SSD that can be accessed through an easy-to-open door behind the kickstand[xv].
Surface Pro is the perfect device for on the go productivity, delivering lightning-fast performance, AI-accelerated power, all in a thin, light and versatile package.
Secure by design and by default
In line with Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative commitment, security is our top priority, and we’re intently focused on designing our products to be secure by design and by default. We continually raise the bar to deliver robust defense against the evolving threat landscape for both our customers and the entire Windows ecosystem.
Windows 11, our most secure operating system yet, dramatically reduces exposure to attack by enabling advanced security tools and technologies by design and by default. This protects against phishing, malware, ransomware and other evolving threats.
Beyond Windows, every layer of a Surface device, from the hardware to the cloud is maintained and protected by Microsoft. This gives customers ultimate control, proactive protection and peace of mind wherever and however they work. Our team constantly thinks about how malicious actors could threaten your business and seamlessly ensures you always have the latest through Windows Update, ensuring you and your teams remain protected and secure.
Copilot+ PCs are the most secure Windows PCs ever, with the Microsoft Pluton security processor enabled by default on all Copilot+ PCs. Pluton, a chip-to-cloud security technology designed by Microsoft and embedded by silicon partners directly into the CPU, ensures Zero Trust principles at the core. This design helps protect sensitive information such as passwords, user identities and encryption keys from potential attacks. It acts as a secure vault within the computer, ensuring that even if someone gains physical access to the device, they cannot easily steal critical data.
Pluton receives regular updates directly from Microsoft, ensuring it always has the latest security features and protections against evolving threats. Microsoft is also working across the Windows ecosystem to update the capabilities of Pluton by introducing the Key Storage Provider (KSP) on Intel Core Ultra (Series 2), Snapdragon X Series and AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors. This will allow for more secure storage and management of cryptographic keys, further strengthening the overall security of the device, and we’ll share more details on this in the coming months.
This comprehensive approach ensures every layer of a Surface device is protected, providing a seamless and secure experience for users and peace of mind for IT professionals.
Learn more about what’s new with Microsoft Pluton on the Windows IT Pro Blog.
Unlocking AI productivity with Windows
These great new Surface Copilot+ PCs are part of an expanding ecosystem of Windows commercial solutions that serve every job, in every organization. We’re listening to our customers and providing them with more choice so that they can find a Copilot+ PC that fits every need.
At Ignite, we introduced several AI features that enhance workflows, and boost communication and collaboration by tapping into the NPU on Copilot+ PCs. One of these new experiences is the new and improved Windows Search experience[xvi]. It allows users to find files using associated words and phrases, without needing to remember exact file names or content for both local and active OneDrive for Business files. For example, users can find a document about sustainability by searching for “green presentation.” They can also search images based on their content, including text found in an image. Removing the need for precise keyword matching in file names or content can save valuable time, enabling users to intuitively search for files, information or settings in the ways that they can easily remember.
Windows, combined with Microsoft 365 and Surface devices, provides a powerful platform for businesses to securely boost productivity, simplify workflows and enhance collaboration. With tools like Windows Autopatch, Autopilot in Intune, and Windows Backup and Hotpatch, deploying and managing these new PCs securely has never been easier.
New Security Copilot in Surface Management Portal (Preview)
Available in public preview starting Feb. 24, 2025
Streamline the management of Surface devices within your organization with the Surface Management Portal in Microsoft Intune. This powerful tool provides IT admins with a centralized platform to monitor, manage and secure all Surface devices, ensuring they are always up-to-date and performing optimally. Capabilities like device health monitoring, warranty and servicing management help businesses maintain a secure and efficient IT environment, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity of their employees.
We are excited to share that later this month, customers will have access to Security Copilot in the Surface Management Portal. Copilot provides the power of generative AI in Intune to simplify and enhance the device management experience for IT admins.
With Copilot, IT admins can quickly search for and resolve specific device issues, summarize warranty information, and access support tickets and service orders related to their organization’s Surface devices. This reduces the time and effort needed for routine maintenance tasks, creating more time to focus on other initiatives. In addition, Copilot pulls contextually relevant data from your Intune-enrolled Surface devices along with public information into a single view, streamlining the management process and enhancing overall efficiency.
We’ve been in private preview with a select group of customers, allowing us to gather critical feedback and insights that have shaped the current experience. Starting Feb. 24, customers can join the public preview, and the insights and learnings we’ll gain can help us shape the future of the Surface Management Portal.
Learn more about Security Copilot in Surface Management Portal on the Surface IT Pro Blog.
New Surface USB4 Dock
Available starting Feb. 18, 2025, at $199.99 (MSRP)
Enhance your team’s workspace with the new Surface USB4 Dock, the essential dock for productivity and connectivity. Connect and power devices like the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with accessories via two USB-C, one USB-A, Ethernet and HDMI ports. This new dock delivers fast charging with the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with up to 65W power passthrough and enables fast data transfer of up to 40 Gbps. Dual 4K monitor support, via USB-C or HDMI transforms your workspace into a three-screen powerhouse.
New Surface Hub 3 experiences
Surface Hub 3 is the first-party Teams Rooms touch board. We’ve brought iconic Surface design together with the inclusive and collaborative Teams Rooms experiences that define the meeting space. It’s helped our customers create a consistent experience across Hub and other conference rooms and collaborative spaces, for both the teams meeting in those spaces and the IT administrators managing the technology.
Now, we’re partnering with Teams to bring new experiences to Surface Hub 3. Microsoft Edge on Surface Hub 3 will offer seamless access to websites, third-party web apps and personal content[xvii], with an easy-to-use home screen button for walk-up browsing. Edge will run in Kiosk Mode for privacy and security, and Edge sessions can be shared into Teams meetings.[xviii] General availability for Edge on Hub 3 is targeting Q3 2025.
Employees want the option to share content however is best for them – so we’re also adding Miracast support to Teams Rooms on Windows devices. Miracast makes it possible to wirelessly project content from a Surface PC to Surface Hub 3.
Learn more about the new experiences coming to Surface Hub 3 on the Surface IT Pro Blog.
Order today
With Windows 10 End-of-Support upcoming on Oct. 14, 2025, now is the time to transition your fleet from Windows 10 to Windows 11 with confidence. After providing 10 years of updates and support, Windows 10 PCs will no longer receive security or feature updates. Our focus is to help businesses and their employees stay protected and more productive by moving to Windows 11 PCs. Surface Copilot+ PCs are the ideal choice to modernize your business. They offer a powerful combination of hardware, software and unparalleled security, to support your business needs while future-proofing to take advantage of new Copilot+ PC experiences being released in the future.
As you trial and deploy Copilot+ PCs in your environment, consider Surface as your partner to unlock exclusive AI features to help drive bottom-line business results. With options for both Intel and Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, Surface provides the flexibility to meet your specific business requirements. Order your Surface Copilot+ PCs today and experience the future of business productivity.
Visit Surface.com/Business to learn more, find a partner or order the new Surface Pro and new Surface Laptop directly from the Microsoft Store. When shopping at Microsoft.com, customers can take advantage of free shipping and an extended 60-day price protection and return window.
Footnotes: [i] Surface Laptop with 5G will be available later in 2025 and not available in all areas. eSIM and 5G support are also not available in all areas; compatibility and performance depend on carrier network, plan and other factors. See carrier for details and pricing
[ii] Copilot for Microsoft 365 sold separately and requires a qualifying volume license or subscription. Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 | Microsoft 365.
[iii] Up to 22 hours of battery life based on local video playback test on Surface Laptop 15-inch, 7th Edition with Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2). Based on local video playback test. Testing conducted by Microsoft in January 2025 using preproduction software and preproduction Surface Laptop 13.8-inch Intel Core Ultra 5 256GB, 16GB RAM devices and Surface Laptop 15-inch Intel Core Ultra 7 256GB, 16GB RAM devices. Testing consisted of full battery discharge during video playback of a .mov file through the Windows Media Player application in 1080p at 24 FPS. All settings were default except screen brightness set to 150 nits with Auto-brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
[iv] 6GHz band not available in all regions.
[v] Integrated smart card reader available only on Surface Laptop 15-inch, 7th Edition with Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2). See Surface.com/Business for more information.
[vi] Tested January 2025 using CineBench 2024 Multi-Core benchmark. Up to 26% faster comparing Laptop 13.8-inch with Intel Core Ultra 7 processors to Surface Laptop 5 13.5-inch with Intel Core i7. Up to 12% faster comparing Surface Laptop 15-inch with Intel Core Ultra 7 processors to Surface Laptop 5 15-inch with Intel Core i7.
[vii] Based on 3D Mark WildLife Extreme Unlimited performance testing conducted by Microsoft in January 2025.
[viii] Based on a Microsoft Teams 10-person video call test. Testing conducted by third-party lab in January 2025 using preproduction software and preproduction Surface Laptop 15-inch, 7th Edition Intel Core Ultra 7 266V, 16GB RAM, 256 GB and Surface Laptop 5 15-inch Intel Core i7-1265U, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB. Testing consisted of full battery discharge during a Microsoft Teams 10-person video call. All settings were default except screen brightness set to 150 nits with Auto-brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Tested with Windows 11. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
[ix] Enclosure includes A Cover, C Bucket, D Cover. 100% recycled aluminum alloy in A Cover, C Bucket and SIM Tray. 100% recycled rare earth metals in magnets. Based on validation performed by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. using Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content, dated June 20, 2024.
[x] Contains 1.5% recycled cobalt, consisting of 100% recycled cobalt in the battery cell. Based on validation performed by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. using Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content, UL ECVP 2809-2, Second Edition, dated June 20, 2024.
[xi] Surface Pro Keyboard, Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, Surface Slim Pen sold separately.
[xii] Based on Cinebench 2024 multithread performance testing conducted by Microsoft in January 2025.
[xiii] Based on a Microsoft Teams 10-person video call test. Testing conducted by third-party lab in January 2025 using preproduction software and preproduction Surface Pro, 11th Edition Intel Core Ultra 7 236V, 16GB RAM, 256 GB storage and a Surface Pro 9 with an i7-1225U processor, 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. Testing consisted of full battery discharge during a Microsoft Teams 10-person video call. All settings were default except screen brightness set to 150 nits with Auto-brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Tested with Windows 11. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
[xiv] Enclosure includes bucket and kickstand. 100% recycled aluminum alloy in bucket. 100% recycled rare earth metals in magnets. Based on validation performed by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. using Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content, UL ECVP 2809-2, Second Edition, dated June 20, 2024.
[xv] Solid State Drive (SSD) Retention is only available on Microsoft Surface devices in which the SSD is marketed as removable per the Technical Specifications. Solid State Drive (SSD) Retention is included in both Extended Hardware Service Plus and Microsoft Complete for Business Plus and is also available as an Optional Add-on when purchasing Microsoft Extended Hardware Service and Microsoft Complete for Business. Devices returned to Microsoft with a missing Solid State Drive (SSD) are subject to a Solid State Drive (SSD) replacement fee unless the device is enrolled in the Drive (SSD) Retention offer.
[xvi] Releasing first to our Windows Insider community on Copilot+ PCs for select languages (Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish) and file formats, starting early next year, before rolling out more broadly to our customers. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs
[xvii] Software license required.
[xviii] Pre-release product shown; subject to change prior to commercial release.
There continues to be growing demand for affordable child-care spaces across Alberta. Alberta’s government continues to support growth in the child-care sector, through the licensing of new child-care programs and upgrading our current facilities.
Alberta’s government and the Government of Canada are investing $53 million over two years in the Building Blocks Capital Grant Program to encourage the creation of new child-care spaces. The funds will help Alberta’s child-care providers create more affordable, high-quality spaces where Alberta families need them most.
The grant will provide non-profit and public child-care providers the capital to build, expand, upgrade and make repairs to their existing facilities. These improvements must support the creation of new child-care spaces.
“The new Building Blocks grant will help achieve the Alberta government’s goal of creating 42,500 new child-care spaces by March 2026. This funding will help non-profit and public child-care providers make their programs more inclusive, create new child-care spaces and meet the diverse needs of their communities, while maintaining the high-quality care parents deserve and expect.”
“Every family deserves access to high-quality, affordable child care no matter where they live. Through the Building Blocks Capital Grant Program, we’re making it easier for non-profit and public providers to build, expand or improve their facilities and create new spots so that more families get off of waitlists and into child care close to home.”
Funding will prioritize the creation of new child-care spaces in high-need areas, such as areas with limited or no child-care options, or underserved communities and communities with barriers to access. Alberta’s rural and remote communities will be a top priority for funding.
“This $53-million investment is a significant step forward in meeting the growing need for high-quality, affordable and accessible child care across Alberta. This investment will help child-care providers create more spaces, improve their facilities and give families more options and support in communities that need it most.”
The Building Blocks program will offer two grant streams: major capital and minor capital projects.
Major capital grants: For projects that cost $500,000 or more and may include new construction of a child-care facility, building expansions, substantial upgrades and the purchase, assembly, installation and delivery of a modular building structure.
Minor capital grants: For projects that cost less than $500,000 and may include interior and exterior renovations, upgrades, repairs, refurbishment or improvements without changes to the structure in a new or existing building.
Alberta’s government will start accepting applications on Jan. 30 for the Building Blocks Capital Grant Program and eligibility requirements are available online.
This grant builds on the province’s December 2024 Inclusive Spaces Program Grant announcement, which incentivizes existing licensed child-care facilities to become more inclusive. The Inclusive Spaces Program Grant is open to all licensed providers – facilities, preschools and family day home agencies, and supports equipment, resources and minor renovations. Through these investments, programs can become more accessible, improve their quality and expand their operations.
Alberta’s government will continue to work with communities and child-care providers to support the creation of accessible and affordable spaces in every corner of the province.
Quick facts
Under the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, Alberta has committed to creating up to 68,700 child-care spaces by March 2026.
At least 42,500 of these spaces must be public or non-profit.
The Building Blocks grant will provide access to capital for non-profit and public child-care providers, offering full-time child care for children kindergarten age or younger.
Facilities that create child-care spaces for visible minorities, children with disabilities or families who work non-standard hours are also eligible to apply.
The Inclusive Spaces Program Grant 2024-25 applications intake closes Jan. 31.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
Thisrecallinvolves correcting devices, and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without correction.
Affected Product
Product Names
StatStrip Glucose Hospital Meter System
StatStrip Glucose/Ketone Hospital Meter System (distributed only outside U.S.)
StatStrip Glucose/Ketone (mmol/L) Hospital Meter System (distributed only outside U.S.)
Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Part Numbers:
UDI-DI (01)10385480636858, PN63685
UDI-DI (01)38548063685, PN63683 (Outside U.S.)
UDI-DI (01)1038548063910, PN63910 (Outside U.S.)
Software Versions: All versions from v0.0.13.10 to v0.0.13.44.
What to Do
Be aware of this issue; however, no action is needed. Meters in use have received a meter software update correction. Other meters will be updated by Nova Biomedical or the local dealer before being put into clinical use.
On November 20, 2024, Nova Biomedical sent all affected customers an Urgent Field Correction Notice that included the following information:
Nova Biomedical became aware of the potential risk of meters transmitting incorrect glucose and ketone patient test results to a healthcare system’s data management system due to a software defect.
Current Nova StatStrip customers that have gone “Live” with their new meters recently received a meter software update (v.0.0.13.45 or above) from Nova Biomedical to eliminate the potential risk.
Remaining customers with affected StatStrip meters will have their meter software updated by Nova Biomedical or a local dealer prior to going “Live” with your new meters.
A Nova Biomedical representative or the local distributor will perform the update and document completion of the update during the implementation process.
Customers should:
Distribute the correction notice to those in the organization who need to be aware and those at other facilities who may have received these meters from your organization.
If the notice is forwarded to other facilities, also notify Nova Biomedical Technical Support at 1-800-545-6682 to make sure the firm is able to update firmware on meters that were transferred or distributed.
Report any similar incorrect data transfers occurrences to Nova Biomedical Technical Support at the number above.
On December 16, 2024, Nova Biomedical sent all affected customers a revised Urgent Field Correction Notice to provide the following additional information:
This issue may affect certain historical glucose test results in a hospital’s medical record system.
The ability to identify and fix incorrect test results in hospital medical record systems is likely not possible.
Software versions v0.0.13.10 to v0.0.13.44 are affected.
Ketone results would also be impacted by the software defect, but no Glucose/Ketone meters were operational at the time this issue was identified and corrected.
Reason for Correction
Nova Biomedical is correcting StatStrip Glucose and Glucose/Ketone Hospital Meters due to the potential risk that a software error may cause incorrect glucose and/or ketone patient test results to be transmitted to hospital medical record systems. The issue occurs when an operator visits the “Review Results” screen to review previous historical test results while the meter is still in the process of transmitting current results wirelessly to the system. The issue may affect all historical test results within the system before the meters are updated to v.0.0.13.45 software.
The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences due to treatment decisions made based on incorrect blood glucose and/or ketone levels, which can result in low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), or high levels of ketones in the blood (ketonemia or ketoacidosis).. This risk of serious adverse health consequence is elevated in a subset of the intended use population, which includes neonates and patients receiving intensive medical care.
There have been no reported injuries. There have been no reports of death.
Device Use
The StatStrip Glucose Hospital Meter System is used in hospitals and health care settings to measure glucose in a patient’s blood. The meter can measure glucose in samples collected from a finger stick, a blood vessel, or a newborn’s heel stick. It is used for adults, children and newborns, including patients who are receiving critical care support. The StatStrip Glucose/Ketone Hospital Meter System and StatStrip Glucose/Ketone (mmol/L) Hospital Meter system also measure ketones in the patient’s blood and are only distributed outside the U.S.
Contact Information
Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact Nova Biomedical Corporation Technical Support at 1-800-545-6682.
Additional FDA Resources
FDA’s Enforcement Report Entries:
Medical Device Recall Database Entries:
Additional Company Resources
Company provided information on a recall, is posted here by the FDA as a public service.
Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.
How do I report a problem?
Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
ATLANTA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Commissioner John King and leaders from industries across Georgia, unveiled his tort reform package that levels the playing field in our courtrooms, bans hostile foreign powers from taking advantage of consumers and legal proceedings, aims to stabilize insurance costs for businesses and consumers, increases transparency and fairness, and ensures Georgia continues to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
“As I said in my State of the State address earlier this month, our legal environment is draining family bank accounts and hurting job creators of all sizes in nearly every industry in our state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “After months of listening to our citizens, businesses, and stakeholders across the spectrum, it is clear the status quo is unacceptable, unsustainable, and jeopardizes our state’s prosperity in the years to come. This tort reform package protects the rights of all Georgians to have access to our civil justice system, and ensures that those who have been wronged receive justice and are made whole. I look forward to working with our partners in the General Assembly to pass this comprehensive and commonsense package, and achieve meaningful progress on this important issue during this legislative session.”
“My position on this important issue has always been the same,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “If we want to continue to be the No. 1 state in which to do business, we must foster a business-friendly climate. We have to work together to ensure that we put families and consumers first by tackling the hidden costs we all pay thanks to Georgia’s current tort laws. I look forward to working with those in the General Assembly to move these bills through the legislative process.”
“For a long time now, I’ve said that Georgia’s legal climate amounts to a hidden tax on families and small businesses, driving up costs and threatening our long-term future,” said Commissioner John King. “That’s the message we’ve heard across the entire state, too. The plan Governor Kemp is rolling out today will tackle a failed status quo, level the playing field in our courtrooms, and help ensure Georgia’s long-term prosperity and security. I’m all-in to help him get it across the finish line.”
“For an unprecedented eleven consecutive years, Georgia has been named the Number One Place to do Business,” said Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “Because of Governor Kemp’s leadership and efforts to maintain that designation, we have heard from countless businesses of every size across the state about the issues they are facing—and the consensus is clear. Our current legal environment is in need of common-sense reform. The House is looking forward to working alongside Governor Kemp and stakeholders throughout Georgia to balance the scales of justice in our courtrooms and return stability to our insurance markets—all while respecting the rights of our citizens with legitimate claims to be made whole.”
These much-needed reforms strike the right balance by protecting every Georgian’s constitutional right to civil justice while also bringing Georgia more in line with the legal environments of our neighboring states that we compete with for jobs and investment.
Below are the specific policy areas addressed by the legislation:
Reevaluates the Standard for Negligent Security Liability (“Premises Liability”): Ensures businesses should only be liable for what they directly control. If signed into law, the legislation would hold property owners liable for failures to keep their property safe for their customers and the public, but protect establishments for simply opening their doors and employing hardworking Georgians in communities and neighborhoods that need them.
Truthful Calculation of Medical Damages in Personal Injury Cases (“Phantom Damages”): Requires the plaintiff to only seek damages in the amount actually paid (or will be paid in the future) for a medical bill, rather than the inflated amount that is currently introduced in evidence – ensuring Georgians who are successful in their litigation are made whole, and have their costs covered, while protecting consumers from inflated costs being passed on to them.
Eliminates the Ability to Arbitrarily Anchor Pain and Suffering Damages to a Jury (“Anchoring”): Prohibits the use of anchoring tactics by attorneys in closing arguments so the jury can use their own discretion—rather than artificial benchmarks like the cost of fighter jets, or the number of miles a truck drove, or the salary of a professional athlete—all of which are real examples from cases.
This bill does NOT place ANY limit on the jury’s discretion. In fact, the Governor’s legislation protects the jury’s decision making from irrelevant and improper arguments from counsel – empowering the jury to decide an award amount on their own.
Bifurcated Trials: Permits a party in a case to move for bifurcation of the trial, so that liability must be established before the jury hears evidence detailing the extent of the plaintiff’s damages. This clarifies important procedure in the courtroom and gives both sides of a case the same opportunity to have their arguments heard.
Allow a Jury to Know Whether the Plaintiff Wore Their Seatbelt (“Admissible Seatbelt Evidence”): Remove the current exclusion from the evidence code that prevents the defendant from showing evidence the plaintiff was not wearing his or her seatbelt in an auto accident. Allowing admission of seatbelt evidence at trial may be used by the defense to mitigate damages, particularly where the plaintiff’s failure to use this essential safety feature results in significantly worse injuries for the plaintiff.
Eliminate Double Recovery of Attorney’s Fees: Closes an important loophole that allowed plaintiff’s counsel to recover their fees twice for the same lawsuit. Courts will remain able to award attorney fees—but only once.
Eliminate Plaintiff Dismissal During Trial: Amends the timeline for voluntary dismissals – putting an end to the practice of plaintiffs dismissing a case and refilling in or “cherry pick” a more favorable jurisdiction to them after the defense has already racked up the cost of preparing and beginning the trial.
Motion to Dismiss Timing Changes: Changes the civil practice act to allow a defendant to file a motion to dismiss in lieu of an answer – cutting down unnecessary discovery expenses while a motion to dismiss is pending.
Reforming and Bringing Transparency to Third Party Litigation Funding:
First, the legislation bans hostile foreign adversaries from using our litigation climate to undermine our vital security and economic interests – protecting Georgia businesses and consumers from foreign actors who may fund litigation to obtain trade secrets or advance their own political interests against the interests of the citizens of this state.
Second, the legislation protects consumers from predatory lenders that want to take advantage of litigants in vulnerable situations by prohibiting litigation funders from having any input into the litigation strategy or from taking the plaintiff’s whole recovery and making sure plaintiffs are aware of their rights.
Third, increases transparency for all parties—the courts, opposing litigants, and the plaintiffs themselves.
Above all, Governor Kemp’s tort reform package puts families and consumers first by tackling the hidden costs we all pay thanks to Georgia’s current tort laws.
You can watch the Governor unveiling this planhere.
Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
Washington, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Republican Conference Vice Chair, co-chair of the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus, and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, hosted a floor event and delivered remarks calling to stand with Israel.
Excerpts
“Israel just wants to live in peace. In the middle of a war, when a group of terrorists crossed the border and began to slaughter Israelis, the International Criminal Court determined it was going to jump in and make a clear statement….about terrorism, call out those that are attacking civilians and slaughtering people as they sleep on that morning. But instead, the International Criminal Court released arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, and for Yoav Gallant, the now former defense minister, for trying to defend their country from terrorism…So this body in the United States Senate had an opportunity yesterday to be able to speak out on that, and to actually sanction and to allow further sanctions for individuals from the International Criminal Court and entities that cooperate with them to say, ‘You cannot come after the United States or after our allies.’ It was a very simple, straightforward bill. It was a bill that passed with a very large bipartisan majority through the House of Representatives. In fact, it’s passed twice now with a large bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives. But when it came here to the United States Senate, my Democratic colleagues shrugged and said ‘no.’”
….
“The Trump Administration, I’m confident, will speak out with sanctions against the International Criminal Court. They did during the first Trump presidency. I’m confident they will again. What I’m not confident of is every future president after President Trump, if they will hold the same high standard to be able to protect American citizens, our soldiers, and to be able to stand alongside with Israel.”
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, which requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest and detain migrants who commit theft-related crimes, including offenses resulting in bodily injury or death, until they are removed from the U.S. to ensure they cannot commit further crimes, into law. The legislation included an amendment from Sen. Cornyn, who attended the signing ceremony at the White House, to require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants who assault a member of law enforcement.
“Laken Riley’s death will not be forgotten, and I’m grateful President Trump signed this historic bill into law to honor her legacy and prioritize making our nation safe again,” said Sen. Cornyn. “With the inclusion of my amendment to require detaining illegal migrants who assault law enforcement officers, this law will protect our men and women in uniform and help restore the safety and security of all Texans and communities across the country.”
Background:
On February 22, 2024, 22-year-old Laken Riley was killed in broad daylight while jogging on campus at the University of Georgia. Venezuelan national and Tren de Aragua gang member, Jose Antonio Ibarra, who was released into the interior by the Biden administration after he illegally entered the country, was found guilty of ten criminal charges, including felony murder, in November 2024.
Last year, Sen. Cornyn wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding DHS explain why Ibarra was granted parole into the U.S.
In addition to requiring ICE to arrest and detain migrants who enter the country illegally and commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses, assault of law enforcement officer, or crimes resulting in death or bodily injury, the Laken Riley Act will ensure states can bring civil actions against federal agencies who violate the law or refuse to enforce immigration law.
To help achieve the EU’s goals of integrating energy markets and decarbonising the energy system, the EU is allocating more than €1 billion in grants to 41 cross-border energy infrastructure projects. The projects will help develop hydrogen and offshore electricity grids in the EU.
This statement from Defra’s Secretary of State, Steve Reed, provides an update on the rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) launched on 30 July 2024. It sets out key strategic findings from the rapid review and plans for revising the EIP.
A major scheme to make lasting improvements to Verulamium Park’s artificial lakes and an adjoining meadow has been approved.
The project will provide new wetlands, nature walks and plant beds where native species can thrive.
Among the aims are enhancing the water quality of the lakes, improving biodiversity and making the area more attractive to visitors.
One feature will be the dredging of the heavily silted lakes with silt recycled to provide highly fertile planting areas around the edges.
Councillors on the Public Realm Committee of St Albans City and District Council, which owns the park, approved the scheme at its meeting on Tuesday 28 January.
The project will likely cost a seven-figure sum with the Council previously having set aside a £2.2 million budget for the work.
Councillor Helen Campbell, the Committee’s Chair, said afterwards:
This is a landmark moment for the Council and everyone who loves our flagship Verulamium Park.
I am thrilled that we have at last agreed a sound and exciting plan for an area of the park that is in need of improvement.
The next stage will be commissioning detailed designs and putting the work out to tender to see if it is indeed affordable.
This has been a complex and challenging task, not least because of the financial constraints upon our budget, but with this plan in place I know our residents will be delighted to hear that we are making substantial progress.
The Council had been looking at various options for improving the area around the lakes and Bell Meadow which is beside the park’s St Michael’s Street entrance.
Bell Meadow is a flood plain and the ground is often under water or waterlogged. It is currently closed for safety reasons as parts of the footpath were persistently flooded and slippery underfoot.
The lakes were built more than 80 years ago to a design that would not be allowed today.
One possible option, supported by the Environment Agency, was to return the Ver to its natural path as it flows through Bell Meadow.
A working group, set up to look at options, has ruled this out as it would cost between £4m to £6m, well beyond the available budget.
The group’s preferred option, accepted by the Committee at its meeting, is to retain the river in its current channel, but create a wetland in the meadow along with a permanent, raised footpath.
Both artificial lakes will be narrowed by planting beds created around the perimeter, using extracted silt. Nature walks will wind through these areas.
Cllr Campbell added:
I know our residents are keen to see this area of the park improved, but I would warn this is a long-term project and it will be a few years before it is completed.
The goal is to transform this area of much-loved Verulamium Park and create new wetlands, footpaths, wildlife habitats and nature walks. It won’t solve the flooding as the area is a floodplain, and with climate change we are getting more and more deluges of rain.
This means we have had to adapt our project to these conditions in order to make improvements that are sustainable.
We have now agreed on an imaginative and realistic option and can move forward, finalise detailed plans, gain the necessary permissions and put the work out to tender to see if it is within our budget.
The Council has been working with partner organisations, including the Environment Agency, on a project to ‘Revitalise the River Ver’ as it flows through central St Albans.
Work will start shortly on restoring the Ver, a rare chalk stream, to its more natural state in a stretch from Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub to the Cottonmill allotments.
Cllr Campbell added:
The Environment Agency, which has a responsibility for rivers, will continue to support our work on Bell Meadow and the lakes. This will be our project, though, rather than a joint one as the river will be largely unaffected.
Rouge Bouillon continues to remain closed between Clarendon Road and Palmyra Road as investigations continue into the stability of an adjacent building wall, affected by a burst water main.
The Government of Jersey is monitoring and facilitating ongoing meetings held with all relevant stakeholders to ensure public safety. These include Highways, Network Management, Drainage, Building Control, Jersey Water, CYPES and other key parties, alongside property owners impacted by the issue.
Statement from Constable Simon Crowcroft of St Helier: “I fully understand the frustration and inconvenience that the ongoing closure of Rouge Bouillon is causing for residents, businesses, and commuters.
“This is a highly complex situation involving multiple parties, and ensuring the safety of everyone remains our priority.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the public as investigations and repair work continue. We hope to provide a firm timetable for the necessary works and the reopening of the road next week.
“The Minister for Infrastructure and I wish to see the Ring Road re-opened as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, I urge Islanders to continue using alternative routes where possible, and I thank everyone for their understanding during this challenging period.”
Current Status with investigatory and repair work:
private parties (residents and private owners) responsible for the affected buildings are undertaking detailed investigations and repair work, which are expected to take some time
the situation is highly complex with several adjacent walls & buildings that are unsafe and severely cracked
multiple parties are involved, including Infrastructure and Environment (I&E), Jersey Water, structural engineers, building surveyors, loss adjustors, and insurance companies.
Alternative routes and safety assurance
We have considered other options to manage the traffic around the closure however, the decision to retain the current traffic arrangement is based on the following factors:
reversing Clarendon Road poses additional safety risks for residents and pedestrians
allowing right-turn access onto Clarendon Road from Val Plaisant could cause severe traffic congestion, particularly near the Gyratory
•reversing Midvale Road, while potentially useful, would necessitate signal junction changes, creating confusion, complications, and further safety concerns.
We advise the traveling public to continue to avoid the area and use alternative routes to access town where possible.
Public impact
We understand that the closure has significant impacts on daily travel and local businesses. The road will only reopen once the buildings are stabilised and all risks of structural collapse have been mitigated.
Next steps
A further update on the situation will be provided in seven days.
York Learning – City of York Council’s Adult Learning provider – has been rated ‘good’ in a recent inspection by Ofsted.
York Learning offers courses and programmes to help residents of all ages learn, explore and achieve and can play a key role in helping people to get into work or expanding their skills while in work.
The inspection, which was carried out in December, rated each of the nine categories assessed as ‘good’, including adult learning programmes, education programmes for young people and provision for learners with high needs.
The inspection report recognised how highly learners and apprentices valued the learning experience and support they received from course tutors, enabling them to grown in confidence.
It also highlighted how tutors appreciate the barriers that many learners and apprentices face in their lives and are proactive in providing support while promoting high expectations.
The inspectors referenced the clear purpose that York Learning’s leaders’ and managers’ have for the courses they offer, providing sessions to improve the lives of residents in York, which are aligned with the council’s wider strategic plan and skills’ needs in the region.
Inspectors also recognised the rigorous oversight that leaders and managers have of the quality of teaching and assessment, including that of subcontractors.
The assessment noted that most learners and apprentices achieve their qualifications on the vast majority of courses, with many processing to the next level of study, further education or employment.
Inspectors did find that learners on a few courses did not achieve, including learners with high needs on functional skills English and maths courses. An action plan has been put in place to provide support to the subcontractor running this course.
It also found that where some learners on English and mathematics courses face significant barriers to learning – such as mental health and well-being issues – leaders and managers have introduced extensive mental health support for these learners, which is having a positive impact.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy and Culture, with responsibility for skills, said:
“This is great news and I’m delighted that the inspectors have recognised the enthusiasm, dedication and expertise that our tutors and wider York Learning team bring to adult learners across the city each and every day.
“Providing high quality opportunities for all our residents to learn and grow, whatever their age or situation, is a key commitment in our Council Plan. I’m pleased that York Learning is continuing to help us deliver on that pledge and I urge residents to take full advantage of the opportunities available.”
RCMP NL is warning the public of an email scam that is currently in circulation. The scammer is representing themselves as part of the RCMP, investigating online sexual related offences against youth.
On Monday, January 27, 2025, Sheshatshiu RCMP received a report from an individual who had received such an email. The scammer stated that the individual was the subject of a police investigation for sexual offences committed against a youth and further stated that the individual was found guilty of these offences.
The email address used to contact the individual in this particular incident was grc-rcmp-specialized@syberservices.com. This email address is not associated to the RCMP.
RCMP NL warns that this is a scam. If you are the subject of a criminal investigation, police officers will contact you, most commonly in person. Contact could also take place over the phone or via email however, formal statements about an investigation will be taken in person. Findings of guilt are determined through a court process and not by the police.
If you receive an email similar to this, please contact your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to make a report.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William Jung has sentenced Anthony Joseph Fresco (68, New Port Richey) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The court also ordered Fresco to forfeit electronic devices used in the commission of the offense, pay $33,000 in restitution to the victims, and register as a sex offender. Fresco entered a guilty plea on October 18, 2024.
According to court documents, in January 2023, Fresco communicated with an undercover FBI agent over the internet. During their conversation, Fresco discussed his sexual desire for minors and distributed two images and one video of CSAM to the undercover agent. After a search of Fresco’s electronic devices, law enforcement discovered that Fresco had distributed images and videos of CSAM in various online groups, as well as possessed hundreds of images and videos of CSAM, including images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A landmark agreement between the Met and a local authority will help bring frontline officers back into communities.
The opening of a police hub in Woodford provides Safer Neighbourhood officers with a dedicated base to enhance our response to issues such as anti-social behaviour, theft and vandalism.
It was made possible after Redbridge Council agreed to provide the co-location space to the Met and pay for the fit out of the hub, which means that officers can be stationed within walking distance of their wards.
Previously, following streamlining of the Met’s estate, officers policing that community were based around 20 minutes’ drive away.
The partnership between the Met and Redbridge Council demonstrates how agencies can work together to improve community safety.
It was formally opened by Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and council leader Kam Rai on Thursday, 30 January, and will house up to 20 officers covering six wards.
It’s an important step towards the Met’s mission of delivering our strongest ever neighbourhood policing, which has already seen an additional 500 officers dedicated to working in communities across London ranging from Superintendents to PCSOs.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “We are totally committed to making neighbourhood policing stronger than ever before so we can focus on tackling the crimes that matter most to Londoners.
“Having officers closer to the communities they serve is key to our success and the partnership with Redbridge Council ensures we can deliver this at a time when our budgets are being stretched.
“We have put an additional 500 officers into neighbourhood policing and our targeted approach has achieved a significant crime reduction in some areas. We want to go further and are already talking to local authorities to find solutions and ensure we can continue to deliver a great police service for London.”
The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: “The new hub in Woodford is a prime example of how London boroughs can proactively play a vital role in bringing policing back into the communities they serve.
“This first of its kind, the hub will prove pivotal in helping to prevent antisocial behaviour and improve police response times across the west of Redbridge. This strategic location will significantly reduce the current travel time from Ilford, giving officers more time for local patrols and tackling issues.
“While we have a police station in Ilford and a base in Barkingside, the new hub means more officers will now be closer to the communities they look after.
“It was a pleasure welcoming Sir Mark Rowley to Redbridge, and we look forward to our continued close partnership with the Met Police to make our borough a safer place for local people.”
The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “Keeping communities safe is our top priority and I welcome this new policing hub in Woodford which will help build closer relationships between officers and the communities they serve and boost the local response to issues such as anti-social behaviour, theft and vandalism.
“The Mayor and I are determined to do everything we can to support the Commissioner to deliver a new Met for London where local neighbourhood policing is prioritised and communities are put first. We have backed this up with record funding from City Hall for the Met Police, as we work together to build a safer London for all.”
The opening comes after the Met was moved out of special measures because of the progress made in fixing the foundations of the organisation. Part of this progress is based on the work to deliver better neighbourhood policing across London.
Our new neighbourhood policing model has been bolstered by an additional 500 staff ranging from superintendent to PCSOs, working closer than ever with communities to understand their concerns.
Across Redbridge there has been an almost 13 per cent reduction in the number of offences in the previous 12 months, including fewer reports of violence, drug offences and violence against women and girls.
Recent local operations have seen:
65 bags of cannabis, six bags of cannabis resin and nine wraps of white powder, along with approximately £2,000, seized when a car was stopped in Goodmayes Lane.
A man, later found to be wanted for three other burglaries, pursued and arrested after officers noticed an alarm at a commercial premises near Ilford station.
Officers on routine patrols around Churchfields recover two machetes and a hunting knife from a building known to be used as a squat.
Four arrests as part of an operation focused on offenders targeting victims making ATM withdrawals in Ilford town centre.
Three machetes, a firearm, white powder and brown substance found in a property in Mayfield Ward as part of an intelligence-led operation. A man ran from the property, was located by a dog unit and arrested.
Three vulnerable women rescued from a brothel by neighbourhood officers in Ilford.
Two robbery suspects arrested by officers in the Orchard Estate after they stole a victim’s coat and recorded the attack on a phone.
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said that the operator of the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in the Russian Federation has shown a commitment to enhancing operational safety.
Requested by the Government of the Russian Federation, the Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) mission ran from 13 to 30 January. The Team reviewed operational safety in Units 4 and 6 of the Novovoronezh NPP. An OSART mission was previously completed for Unit 5 in 2015.
OSART missions independently assess safety performance against the IAEA’s safety standards. The aim is to advance operational safety by proposing recommendations and, where appropriate, suggestions for improvement.
The Novovoronezh NPP is located in the Voronezh region, about 600 kilometres south of Moscow. The plant is owned by State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (ROSATOM) and operated by Novovoronezh NPP, a subsidiary of the Rosenergoatom Joint Stock Company. The plant consists of seven units. Units 1, 2 and 3 are permanently shutdown and under decommissioning. Units 4, 5, 6 and 7 are operating. All units are pressurized water reactors (VVERs); Units 4 and 5 are VVER-V179 (417 MWe) and VVER-187 (1000 MWe), respectively. Units 6 and 7 are both VVER-392M (1180 MWe). Russia has 36 nuclear power reactors in operation, providing almost 20 per cent of the country’s total electricity production.
The team reviewed operating practices in Units 4 and 6 in the areas of leadership and management for safety, training and qualification, operations, maintenance, technical support, radiation protection, chemistry and accident management. The team was composed of seven experts from Belarus, Brazil, China, the Islamic Republic of Iran and South Africa, as well as four IAEA staff members and an observer from Russia.
To make its assessment, the team reviewed documents from the Novovoronezh plant on its main technical features, staff organization and responsibilities, and its operational programmes, procedures and performance prior to the mission. During the mission, the team observed the plant in operation, examined indicators of its performance and held in-depth discussions with plant personnel.
The OSART team observed that the staff at the plant are knowledgeable and professional and are committed to improving the operational safety and reliability of the plant.
The team identified one good practice to be shared with the nuclear industry globally:
The main control room operators at Novovoronezh NPP have access to an electronic display for real-time indication of hydrogen ignition risk inside the containment building in the case of a severe accident.
The mission also provided some suggestions to further improve safety, including that the plant should consider enhancing:
The consistent use of tools to minimize human error.
The quality of maintenance activities.
The arrangements for the monitoring and reporting of equipment condition and material deficiencies to ensure that any degradation is identified and reported.
“We are grateful to the international experts of the IAEA for conducting a comprehensive inspection at two power units of the Novovoronezh NPP – Unit 4 and Unit 6. This is a reputable team with over 282-years combined operational experience in the nuclear power industry. According to the mission results, the plant received suggestions to enhance further the operational safety performance of Units 4 and 6,” said Vladimir Povarov, Director of Novovoronezh NPP. “The mission confirmed that there was good alignment between the plant practices and the requirements in the IAEA standards.”
“Three of the four Novovoronezh NPP power units in operation have already successfully undertaken an IAEA international peer review. And we plan for power Unit 7 to be subjected to this procedure in the future,” Povarov added.
The team provided a draft report of the mission to the plant management. They will have the opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. These comments will be reviewed by the IAEA, and the final report will be submitted to the Government within three months.
Background
General information about OSART missions can be found on the IAEA website. An OSART mission is designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. It is not a regulatory inspection, nor is it a design review or a substitute for an exhaustive assessment of the plant’s overall safety status.
Follow-up missions are standard components of the OSART programme and are typically conducted within two years of the initial mission.
The IAEA Safety Standards provide a robust framework of fundamental principles, requirements and guidance to ensure safety. They reflect an international consensus and serve as a global reference for protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
Compensation for military personnel is found in both the defense and nondefense parts of the federal budget. Defense funding, in the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) budget, is mostly for current military personnel. Nondefense funding in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is mostly for former military personnel.
Since 2000, the total budget for military compensation has been rising steadily, even though the number of military personnel and veterans has been declining. Spending by VA has accounted for most of that increase, rising from a small fraction of the total to about 61 percent of military compensation in the President’s 2025 budget request.
In the 2025 budget request, total military compensation is $600 billion. (Of that total, $236 billion is for DoD and $365 billion is for VA.) That amount represents an increase of 162 percent since 1980 (and 151 percent since 1999).
ATLANTA (January 30, 2025) — Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D–Duluth) was elected Chair of Georgia Senate’s Gwinnett County Delegation this week. Senators representing Gwinnett County include: Sen. Tonya Anderson (D–Lithonia), Sen. Bill Cowsert (R–Athens), Sen. Clint Dixon (R–Gwinnett), Sen. Sally Harrell (D–Atlanta), Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D–Duluth), Sen. Nikki Merritt (D–Grayson), Sen. Sheikh Rahman (D–Lawrenceville) and Sen. Shawn Still (R–Norcross).
“Serving as chair of the Senate’s Gwinnett County delegation is a profound honor. Gwinnett County is the fifth most diverse county in the United States and one of the largest in Georgia—a distinction my fellow senators and I fully recognize. Regardless of party affiliation, every member of this delegation remains committed to working collaboratively to serve the entirety of Gwinnett County, not just our constituencies,” said Sen. Islam Parkes. “As a Senator, championing Gwinnett’s diversity and representing residents of all backgrounds has always been my top priority.”
The Gwinnett County Senate Delegation is the second-largest bipartisan county delegation in the Senate. These delegates collaborate to develop and sponsor legislation that serves the best interests of Gwinnett County, the second-most populated county in Georgia.
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Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes represents the 7th Senate District including a portion of Gwinnett County. She may be reached at (404) 463-5263 or by email atnabilah.islam@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out toSenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.