Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
Delegation Letter Comes Amid Measles Outbreak in New Mexico and Texas;
Measles is One of the Most Highly Infectious Diseases and Can Lead to Serious Complications Like Pneumonia, Blindness, Brain Swelling, and Death
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) wrote to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding immediate action to contain the recent outbreak of measles in New Mexico. Measles, once declared eliminated in the U.S. over two decades ago, has sickened nine individuals in Lea Country.
“Given the Department of Health and Human Services’ important responsibility to stop the spread of infectious diseases, we request that you utilize HHS’ authorities for testing and monitoring and vaccine education and promotion, as well as rehire critical federal employees, to stop the spread of this dangerous infection,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Secretary Kennedy.
The lawmakers urged Secretary Kennedy to maintain regular reporting on measles cases, “States report confirmed measles cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Previously, measles tracking on the CDC website was consistently updated weekly. These updates are critical for public health officials to effectively track the rapid spread of this life-threatening disease. We urge you to maintain posting updated measles tracking data weekly.”
Following the firing of federal public health officials, the lawmakers demanded the reinstatement of these officials to contain the outbreak, “Just last Friday, two dozen employees at the CDC charged with training public health laboratory staffers and supporting outbreak response efforts were fired. These firings will worsen outbreaks and ultimately threaten the health of all Americans in the face of the next public health emergency. We urgently request that you reinstate the fired federal health workers to help stop the spread of measles and other infectious diseases.”
Additionally, to prevent future outbreaks, the lawmakers pressed Secretary Kennedy to support life-saving measles vaccines, “Given that most of the infected individuals are unvaccinated, more must be done to increase vaccination rates against measles. Vaccination rates can and should be increased and therefore we request that HHS launch a national campaign to improve measles vaccination rates to prevent future outbreaks.”
The text of the letter is here and below:
Dear Secretary Kennedy,
We are concerned about the recent outbreak of measles in New Mexico. As of Wednesday, there are nine people with confirmed cases of measles in isolation in Lea County, New Mexico. This news comes as the nearby counties of Gaines, Terry, Lubbock, and Yoakum in Texas have recently reported 90 cases with 16 people hospitalized. Given the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) important responsibility to stop the spread of infectious diseases, we request that you utilize HHS’ authorities for testing and monitoring and vaccine education and promotion, as well as rehire critical federal employees, to stop the spread of this dangerous infection.
Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases because the virus can survive in the air for up to 2 hours. Ninety percent of people who are susceptible will become infected if exposed. While many recover, some experience serious complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death.
Preventing and mitigating outbreaks is only possible through effective disease tracking and communication, an adequate workforce, and vaccination. States report confirmed measles cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Previously, measles tracking on the CDC website was consistently updated weekly. These updates are critical for public health officials to effectively track the rapid spread of this life-threatening disease. We urge you to maintain posting updated measles tracking data weekly.
The public health workforce protects community health by tracking disease and communicating with the public about health threats. But on January 29, 2025, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that there are still health care workforce shortages that inhibit the U.S.’s ability to protect and improve the health of American communities. Despite these health care workforce shortages, federal employees have been fired from the CDC, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Indian Health Service (IHS). Just last Friday, two dozen employees at the CDC charged with training public health laboratory staffers and supporting outbreak response efforts were fired. These firings will worsen outbreaks and ultimately threaten the health of all Americans in the face of the next public health emergency. We urgently request that you reinstate the fired federal health workers to help stop the spread of measles and other infectious diseases.
Finally, the most effective way to protect people from contracting measles is to increase vaccination rates as quickly as possible. The measles vaccine, which also inoculates against mumps and rubella, has been in use for about 60 years and has consistently been found to be safe and effective. We urge you to keep your commitment to maintain the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for vaccination. The ACIP is critical for ensuring safe and effective vaccination practices among American adults and children. The resources provided by the ACIP not only help health care providers make vaccination recommendations to their patients but also empower everyday Americans to make informed decisions about their health. Given that most of the infected individuals are unvaccinated, more must be done to increase vaccination rates against measles. Vaccination rates can and should be increased and therefore we request that HHS launch a national campaign to improve measles vaccination rates to prevent future outbreaks.
In closing, your action is urgently needed to stop the spread of measles in New Mexico and across America. In order to mitigate the further spread of this life-threatening disease, we urge you to utilize HHS’ authorities and proven outbreak mitigation strategies. Specifically, we are asking that you maintain weekly disease tracking data updates, rehire federal health workers, launch a vaccination promotion campaign against measles and other life-threatening infectious diseases, and trust the recommendations of public health experts, physicians, and scientists.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Sincerely,
Dunedin Police urge parents to be aware of the potential risks facing young people online after the sentencing of a 23-year-old man who posed as a young person online to deceive other children into sending sexualised content.
The man was sentenced on 21 February to three years imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Reece Munro says Police were able to hold this offending to account thanks to the help of the victims.
“The strength and bravery from these victims who came forward to assist in the prosecution of this offender cannot be overstated.
“Unfortunately, this sentencing serves as a reminder that this offending continues, and we urge parents to ensure they take the appropriate steps in keeping their kids safe online.
“We want parents to be alert of the possible risks, but not alarmed.”
Police encourage parents and caregivers to educate themselves on this topic so they can have open and regular conversations with their young people about the dangers online.
This is the most important tip we can give to ensure parents can promote healthy online habits and can verify who their children are communicating with and befriending online.
• Supervision is essential. This means knowing what your children are doing online, who they are interacting with, and what platforms, apps, or games they are using.
• Check privacy settings. We recommend parents and caregivers research and understand app settings, including privacy settings. This can include turning off location settings, setting profiles to private, or turning off chat functions.
• Long term impact. Offenders will often use tactics such as fear or shame to manipulate young people, and make them feel alienated or trapped, like they cannot escape the situation. These situations can be very distressing and can have long term impacts and need to be addressed appropriately.
• Report suspicious behaviour. Make a report and seek help and support.
For victims:
• Stop talking to the offender and avoid sending any more images or videos – even if they are threatening you. Once you have complied with their demands, there is nothing preventing them from targeting you again.
• Save all the online chat, immediately take screenshots. This is important for making a report to the Police, we need all the evidence that you can gather.
• Report the content and person’s profile to the platform and request the content is removed.
• Block the profile.
Where to report offending:
• To report any offending to Police, please call 111 in an emergency, and for non-emergencies, online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Make a Report” or by calling 105.
• If you would like advice and support from Netsafe, text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282 or call for free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723). You can also report online at netsafe.org.nz/report or by email at help@netsafe.org.nz.
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and Tulalip Resort Casino have announced a strategic enterprise partnership that will revolutionize the gaming and hospitality industry in the Washington market, setting the stage for a dynamic synergy between technology and hospitality.
With the software deployment underway, the cutting-edge QCI platform is poised to enhance operations, optimize service, and ensure guests enjoy an unparalleled entertainment experience at Tulalip Resort Casino.
James Ham Jr., Executive VP of Casino Operation for Tulalip Resort Casino, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating,
“We at Tulalip Resort Casino are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with QCI. The QCI platform is a game-changer, and we believe it will not only streamline our operations but also elevate the level of service and entertainment we provide to our valued guests. With QCI’s innovative solutions, we are confident in our ability to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience in the Washington market. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence and innovation.”
Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, echoed this sentiment, expressing his satisfaction with the newly formed partnership,
“At QCI, we value partnerships that are built on mutual respect, shared vision, and commitment. Our collaboration with Tulalip Resort Casino is the epitome of such a relationship. We’ve been deeply impressed by the Tulalip Resort Casino team, their passion for excellence, and their unwavering dedication to enhancing guest experiences. I’m proud and excited about the journey ahead and confident that together, we’ll set new standards in the Washington market.”
This landmark partnership illustrates both companies’ dedication to innovation, operational efficiency, and delivering premier guest experiences. As training commences in the coming weeks, QCI and Tulalip Resort Casino look forward to a future of mutual growth and industry-leading performance.
ABOUTTulalip Resort Casino Award-winning Tulalip Resort Casino is the most distinctive gaming, dining, meeting, entertainment and shopping destination in Washington state. The AAA Four-Diamond resort’s world-class amenities have ensured its place on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold and Traveler Top 100 Resorts lists. The property includes 192,000 square feet of gaming excitement, sportsbook betting through DraftKings, a luxury hotel featuring 370 guest rooms and suites; 30,000 square feet of premier meeting, convention and wedding space; the full-service T Spa; and multiple dining venues. It also showcases the intimate Canoes Cabaret, Orca Ballroom and a 3,000-seat outdoor Tulalip Amphitheatre. Nearby, find the Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve, Cabela’s and 130 designer names at the Seattle Premium Outlets. The Resort Casino is conveniently located between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. just off Interstate-5 at exit 200. It is an enterprise of the Tulalip Tribes. For reservations, please call 866.716.7162 or visit us at Tulalip Resort Casino. Connect with us on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.
ABOUT QCI Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.
ABOUT Andrew Cardno Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications.
Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Nicholls, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Auckland University of Technology
This ignores a deeper discussion on the actual sources of New Zealand’s economic growth in the 21st century and, potentially, what we need to do to shift from one model of growth to another.
The framework contrasts countries such as Germany that base their growth on exports – partly through wage restraint – with those in which growth is led by consumption. This group includes the United Kingdom, the United States and New Zealand.
New Zealand’s growth model
How can this framework be used to understand economic growth in our local context?
Local analysts have often reflected on the drivers and pitfalls of this growth model, revolving as it does around property investment and related industries such as banking and insurance.
And yet, this is not how we tend to think of ourselves at all.
Whether aspirational or wishful thinking, countless political speeches and policy documents refer to New Zealand as something of an export platform, a trading nation, or a (potential) knowledge-based innovator on the world stage.
New Zealand has long viewed itself as an export economy. But economic indicators tell a different story. Kritsana Laroque/Shutterstock
The politics of New Zealand’s growth model
It is also difficult to imagine a New Zealand political leader standing up to announce how proud they are to be overseeing a service and consumption-driven economy.
In fact, it could be argued the past couple of decades have represented a series of failures to shift the growth model from where we are to where we want to be.
What is more, many of the barriers to doing so are political rather than strictly economic.
The growth model perspective identifies not only the varied national growth strategies but also the coalition of political and business groups that support each model.
Possible – but difficult – change
Shifts in national growth models can occur. But doing so requires forging a consensus around a new or evolving growth model through political institutions or through the expansion of the growth coalition’s base to include new economic players including, in some cases, trade unions.
Ireland, for example, underwent a major shift from the late 1980s toward a growth model infused with foreign direct investment. This happened, in part, through social partnership, where most aspects of public policy were negotiated between state, business and organised labour, along with some input from the community and voluntary sector. It was also due to an overwhelmingly centrist political culture and it’s structure of government.
Sweden’s gradual shift toward more information-technology intensive manufacturing and the Netherlands’ to business services and finance, representing more balanced or mixed growth models, can also be traced to consensus-driven politics.
Barriers to change
Back in Aotearoa New Zealand, we face a series of political barriers to similar change.
Above all, politics in New Zealand is notably short-term in nature, driven by a host of factors including the three-year electoral term. There is also an absence of an Irish or Swedish-style social partnership-type tradition in which key societal groups are included in policy negotiations that survive changes of government.
Most difficult perhaps is finding a way to override entrenched economic interests with a vested interest in the status quo.
For example, while there is widespread support for a capital gains tax in New Zealand, implementing one has proven out of political reach.
This is likely due, in part, to the oversized role that property plays in our economy, but also because we lack consensus-forging institutions through which to channel a will to change.
Somehow broadening the base of support may help to address this issue, as will ensuring that the government is able to exercise its own autonomy – connected to economic interests yet able to rise above rather than relying on them to make change happen.
Kate Nicholls does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The White House
President Donald J. Trump declared an end to lower standards in the name of discriminatory “diversity, equity, and inclusion” initiatives — and the Trump Administration continues to make good on that commitment to prioritize merit, not divisive race-based obsessions, in hiring.
Yesterday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed several Biden-era lawsuits against police and fire departments who used race-neutral mechanisms — such as standard aptitude tests, physical exams, and credit checks — in their hiring processes, the result of which lowered standards and endangered public safety.
DISMISSED: United States v. City of Durham (North Carolina)
The Biden DOJ alleged discrimination because entry-level firefighter applicants were required to pass a written exam. The city was required to provide compensation and preferential hiring to applicants who were not hired.
DISMISSED: United States v. Maryland State Police
The Biden DOJ alleged discrimination because applicants were required to pass a written exam and basic physical exam. The agency was required to provide compensation and retroactive seniority to applicants who were not hired.
DISMISSED: United States v. Cobb County (Georgia)
The Biden DOJ alleged discrimination because firefighter applicants were required to complete a written exam and credit check. The county was required to provide compensation and preferential hiring to applicants who were not hired.
DISMISSED: United States v. City of South Bend (Indiana)
The Biden DOJ alleged discrimination because police applicants were required to pass a written exam and basic physical exam.
Americans deserve the best of the best keeping them safe — and in the Trump Administration, anything less is unacceptable.
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) together with refugee agency, UNHCR, on Thursday strongly condemned Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China, calling it a serious violation of international law and the fundamental principle of non-refoulement.
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the forced return of the Uyghurs, who had been detained in Thailand for over 11 years, was deeply troubling.
“This violates the principle of non-refoulement for which there is a complete prohibition in cases where there is a real risk of torture, ill-treatment, or other irreparable harm upon their return,” he said.
The right to seek asylum and of non-refoulement are also enshrined in Article 13 of Thailand’s Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, and Article 16 of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration.
Detained since 2014
The deported men were part of a larger group of Uyghurs who were detained in Thailand in March 2014, after leaving China, bound for Türkiye.
For over a decade, they were held in immigration detention centres under poor conditions.
According to OHCHR, five members of the group have died in custody, while eight others remain detained in Thailand.
Halt further deportations
The UN rights chief also urged the Thai Government to halt any further deportations and ensure the protection of the remaining Uyghurs in detention.
“The Thai authorities must ensure there are no further deportations and the remaining members of the group, including potential refugees and asylum-seekers, being held in Thailand are fully protected in accordance with their obligations under international law,” he added.
UNHCR decries forced returns
UNHCR also condemned the deportation, saying it had repeatedly sought access to the detained Uyghurs and assurances they would not be forcibly returned – a request that has so far been denied.
Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, reiterated that it is a “clear violation” of the non-refoulement principle and the Government’s obligations under international law.
“UNHCR calls on the Royal Thai Government to put an end to the forced return of individuals from Thailand,” she said.
Call for transparency
High Commissioner Türk also urged the Chinese authorities to reveal the whereabouts of the deported Uyghurs.
“It is now important for the Chinese authorities to disclose their whereabouts, and to ensure that they are treated in accordance with international human rights standards,” he said.
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to increase grant funding for small law enforcement agencies in Nevada and across the country. The Invest to Protect Act would set aside $250 million to help local police invest in training, mental health support, and recruitment and retention. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).
“Nevada’s small police departments deserve more access to critical funding to keep communities safe,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’ll always stand up for our law enforcement, and this bipartisan bill is simple – it gets our police in rural, suburban, and Tribal communities the resources they need.”
“Law enforcement in Iowa and across the nation are struggling with low recruitment and retention rates,” said Senator Grassley. “Our bipartisan bill would unlock access to critical resources, allowing local law enforcement to grow and strengthen their forces. As always, I’m proud to back the blue and will continue to protect and support our courageous officers.”
The majority of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. are smaller than 175 full-time sworn officers, including all of Nevada’s rural sheriff’s departments and key suburban departments such as the Sparks Police Department. In Nevada and nationwide, these small departments often struggle to access critical resources. Cortez Masto’s bipartisan Invest to Protect Act would establish a grant program through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to provide $250 million specifically to help these small law enforcement agencies make meaningful investments in their officers and communities. This bill is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Association of Police Organizations.
As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading advocate in the Senate for our police officers and is part of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. She has secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. Her bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties. Her BADGES for Native Communities Act, to support the Bureau of Indian Affairs with law enforcement recruitment and retention, passed the Senate last Congress.
Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 – As Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress attempt to advance legislation to give massive tax breaks to billionaires and undermine Social Security, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions and Family Policy, and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), introduced the Social Security Expansion Act. The legislation would expand Social Security benefits by $2,400 a year and ensure Social Security is fully funded for the next 75 years by applying the Social Security payroll tax on all income above $250,000. Importantly, this legislation would not raise taxes by one penny on the over 91 percent of American households who make $250,000 or less.
These estimates reflect an analysis of the legislation conducted by the Social Security Administration at the request of Sen. Sanders in 2023.
Joining Sanders, Warren, Schakowsky and Hoyle on the Social Security Expansion Act are Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), as well as 17 cosponsors in the House including Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-D.C.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Christopher R. Deluzio (D-Pa.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), Troy Carter (D-La.), James McGovern (D-Mass.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).
“At a time when nearly half of older Americans have no retirement savings and over 26% of seniors are trying to survive on an income of less than $17,500 a year, our job is not to cut Social Security as many of our Republican colleagues want to do,” said Sanders. “Our job is to expand Social Security so that every senior in America can retire with the dignity that they deserve and every person with a disability can live with the security they need. The legislation we are introducing today will expand Social Security benefits by $2,400 a year, lift millions of seniors out of poverty and extend the solvency of Social Security for generations to come by making sure that the wealthiest people in our society pay their fair share into the system. Right now, a billionaire pays the same amount into Social Security as someone who makes $176,100 a year. Our bill puts an end to that absurdity. And by doing that, we can expand Social Security benefits and make sure that Social Security can pay out every single benefit owed to every eligible American for the next 75 years.”
“Social Security serves as a lifeline for millions of seniors, and hardworking Americans deserve to receive the benefits they paid into,” said Warren. “It’s a mistake for Donald Trump and his allies in Congress to focus on securing tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations when we should be focusing on expanding and increasing Social Security benefits so that everyone can retire with dignity.”
“Social Security is your hard-earned money; it is not an entitlement. President Donald Trump and his unelected billionaire sidekick Elon Musk think they alone can decide if you get your Social Security check. They had better think again. That is stealing. Americans pay into the program with each paycheck. We must expand Social Security benefits, not cut them, and I have a bill to do just that,” said Schakowsky. “The Social Security Expansion Act will protect the national treasure that is Social Security by extending the trust fund’s solvency for 75 years and expanding benefits by $2,400 a year so that everyone in America can retire with the security and dignity they deserve after a lifetime of hard work.”
“Protecting Social Security is our commitment to seniors who’ve worked their whole lives to earn it,” said Hoyle. “While Congressional Republicans continue to threaten cuts to Social Security, I am proud to join Senator Sanders, Senator Warren and Representative Schakowsky in introducing a concrete proposal that extends the program for another 75 years by having millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share like every other working American. The Social Security Expansion Act was my first bill in Congress, and I will not stop fighting until I see it passed into law.”
Social Security is the most successful government program in the history of our country. For 86 years, through good times and bad, Social Security has paid out every benefit owed to every eligible American on time and without delay. Before 1935, when it was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, about 50 percent of the nation’s seniors lived in poverty, as did countless Americans with disabilities and surviving dependents of deceased workers. Nearly 90 years later, the senior poverty rate is down to 9.7 percent and in 2023 alone, Social Security lifted 27.6 million Americans out of poverty, including more than 19.5 million seniors.
Despite this success, tens of millions of seniors are still struggling to get by, and many older workers fear that they will never be able to retire with security and dignity. While the average Social Security benefit is only $1,838 a month, nearly 40 percent of seniors rely on Social Security for a majority of their income; one in seven rely on it for more than 90 percent of their income; and nearly half of Americans aged 65 and 74 have no retirement savings at all.
By requiring millionaires and billionaires to finally pay their fair share into the program, the Social Security Expansion Act would ensure the fund’s solvency to the end of the century, help low-income workers stay out of poverty by improving the Special Minimum Benefit, restore student benefits up to age 22 for children of disabled or deceased workers, strengthen benefits for senior citizens and people with disabilities, increase Cost-Of-Living-Adjustments (COLAs) and expand program benefits across-the-board.
The Social Security Expansion Act has also been endorsed by over 25 groups, including: Social Security Works, MoveOn, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Strengthen Social Security Coalition, American Federation of Teachers, Justice in Aging, Income Movement, Public Citizen, Blue Future, Campaign for America’s Future, Labor Campaign for Single Payer, Indivisible, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), AAFGE Council 215, Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFSCME Retirees, American Postal Workers Union, People Power United, Left Click, Defeat Republicans, Progress America, The People United, Iron PAC, Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, Other98 and Solidarity Action.
Read the bill text, here.
Read the fact sheet and full list of supporting organizations, here.
Read the Social Security Administration’s 2023 analysis of the legislation, here.
Read a 2021 analysis of what the world’s wealthiest people would pay under this legislation, here.
HAMMOND- Trashawn Heard, 29 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund on his plea of guilty to robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Heard was sentenced to 121 in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on July 25, 2022, Heard entered a gas station in Hammond, Indiana, and pointed a handgun with an extended magazine at the employees. After demanding and receiving money, Heard attempted to leave but was shot in the shoulder. He dropped the money and the firearm, fled the scene, crashed his car and was taken to a hospital where he was arrested. At the time he committed the robbery, Heard was on parole for three robbery convictions from 2017.
This case was investigated by the FBI/GRIT Task Force with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors will convene its regular March meeting at the Agency’s headquarters starting at 10:30 CET on Monday, 3 March, in Board Room C, Building C, 4th floor, in the Vienna International Centre (VIC).
Board discussions are expected to include, among others: Nuclear Safety Review 2025; Nuclear Security Review 2025; Nuclear Technology Review 2025; verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015); the conclusion of safeguards agreements and of additional protocols; application of safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic; NPT safeguards agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran; nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine; transfer of the nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS and its safeguards in all aspects under the NPT; the restoration of the sovereign equality of Member States in the IAEA; and personnel matters.
The Board of Governors meeting is closed to the press.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi will open the meeting with an introductory statement, which will be released to journalists after delivery and posted on the IAEA website.
Press Conference
Director General Grossi is expected to hold a press conference at 13:00 CET on Monday, 3 March, in the Press Room of the M building.
A live video stream of the press conference will be available. The IAEA will provide video footage of the press conference and the Director General’s opening statement here and will make photos available on Flickr.
Photo Opportunity
There will be a photo opportunity with the IAEA Director General and the Chair of the Board, Ambassador Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman of Ghana, before the start of the Board meeting, on 3 March at 10:30 CET in Board Room C, in the C building in the VIC.
Press Working Area
Conference room M7 on the M-Building’s ground floor will be available as a press working area, starting from 09:00 CET on 3 March. Please note the change of room.
Accreditation
All journalists interested in covering the meeting in person – including those with permanent accreditation – are requested to inform the IAEA Press Office of their plans. Journalists without permanent accreditation must send copies of their passport and press ID to the IAEA Press Office by 14:00 CET on Friday, 28 February.
We encourage those journalists who do not yet have permanent accreditation to request it at UNIS Vienna.
Please plan your arrival to allow sufficient time to pass through the VIC security check.
With international attention focused on two conflicts, in Gaza and Ukraine, other crises of diverse nature, from Sudan to Myanmar and DRC to Venezuela, are creating, instability, disruptions and challenges that the international system is struggling to cope with. In 2025, over 300 million people around the world will need humanitarian assistance and protection.
This session draws attention to unreported crises and the scale of the response required.
The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.
This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
X ► https://twitter.com/wef
LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Foreign Secretary statement on Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghur Muslims to China
The Foreign Secretary made a statement following Thailand’s decision to deport 40 Uyghur Muslims to China.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:
The UK disagrees in the strongest terms with Thailand’s decision to deport 40 Uyghur Muslims to China. This is despite Thailand’s international obligations in relation to non-refoulement and the well-documented ongoing human rights violations in Xinjiang.
The UK calls for the human rights of this group to be upheld, and we urge China to implement the wider recommendations of the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights in relation to Xinjiang.
Notes:
In 2022, the independent and authoritative Xinjiang Assessment conducted by the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights concluded that the extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim groups may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity.
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Raul M. Arias-Marxuach sentenced Melik Deshawn Davis, 34, for two counts of Robbery in Indian Country. Judge Arias-Marxuach ordered Davis to 76 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,500 in restitution.
In September 2023, Tulsa Police officers were dispatched to an auto repair shop where the employees were robbed. Upon arrival, officers found two victims who described being held at gunpoint, pistol-whipped, and robbed.
The investigation revealed that Davis was dropped off at the auto repair shop. The vehicle was seen on video surveillance and FLOCK cameras fleeing the area. When law enforcement spoke with Davis, he admitted to robbing the victims.
Davis is a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and he will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about PSN, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
2025: ON TRACK TO DELIVERc.$100 MILLION NET CASH FLOW
Q4
FY1
Revenue2
$339M
$ 1,117M (-1%)
Adjusted EBITDA3
$157M
$455M (+14%)
Net Cash-Flow
$27M
$56M (+73%)
Sophie Zurquiyah,Chief Executive Officerof Viridien, said:
“In 2024, we met our revenue and exceeded our profitability and cash generation targets driven by strong commercial successes at Geoscience, a dynamic performance at Earth Data in both our key basins and prospective regions and the continued focus on operational efficiency at Sensing & Monitoring.
In 2025, Viridien will continue strengthening its technology leadership in its core markets while further developing its New Businesses. We anticipate continued improvements thanks to Geoscience’s record high backlog, Earth Data’s solid pipeline of projects and the termination of contractual fees for vessel commitments, and Sensing & Monitoring’s progress towards their restructuring plan.
In this context, we confirm with confidence our target of c.$100 million of net cash generation and balance sheet deleveraging.”
2024Highlights2
Group2
IFRS figures: Revenue, EBITDA and Net Income of respectively $1,211 million, $516 million, $51 million. $427 million, $216 million, $29 million in Q4.
Overall stable group revenue at $1,117 million.
Strong growth at Digital, Data & Environment (DDE) with $787 million revenue (+17%). Consistent momentum for Geoscience (GEO) driven by our preferred advanced technology and numerous commercial successes at Earth Data (EDA).
Sensing & Monitoring (SMO) revenue was $330 million, with no mega crews during the year.
33% revenue growth for New Businesses, exceeding our 30% target.
Group adjusted EBITDA3 of $455 million. DDE Adjusted EBITDA of $458 million, up 25% driven by the strong performance of both GEO and EDA. SMO adjusted EBITDA of $35 million (vs $56 million) already reflecting the positive impact of the restructuring effort.
Net Cash flow of $56 million, including $(75) million contractual fees from vessel commitments, exceeding our initial Net Cash flow target of “reaching a similar level as 2023” (ie. $32 million).
Key milestones of our financial roadmap delivered during the year: improved credit rating in Q2, revolving credit facility extended in Q3 and implementation and increase of the bond buyback program in Q3 and Q4.
Net debt at $921 million ($974 million in December 2023) and liquidity at $392 million (including $90 million undrawn RCF).
Digital, Data and Energy Transition (DDE)
Revenue at $787 million was up 17% with strong growth at GEO (+20%) and EDA (+14%). Q4 revenue, $238 million (+19%).
Adjusted EBITDA at $458 million was up 25%. Profitability impacted by $(54) million in penalty fees from vessel commitments vs $(44) million in 2023. Q4 EBITDA $150 million (+28%). $(12) million penalty vs $(13) million in Q4 2023.
Geoscience:
Revenue at $404 million (+20%). $107 million in Q4 (+10%).
GEO performance continues to be driven by technology differentiation. Order intakes, +89% in 2024, +155% in Q4, benefited from best-in-class imaging technology which the industry requires to solve subsurface challenges, increased activity in the Middle East and the renewal of long-term contracts for Dedicated HPC Processing Centers (DPCs).
New Businesses in GEO confirm the positive market dynamics in Carbon Sequestration with several projects in Norway, US Gulf and in Asia Pacific, as well as in Minerals & Mining with the award of programs in Australia and Oman. Alliance signed with Baker Hughes to offer high-quality and fully integrated Carbon Capture and Sequestration solutions to clients.
Earth Data:
Revenue at $383 million (+14%). $131 million in Q4 (+27%).
Prefunding revenue grew to $205 million (+6%). 81% of Capex. After-Sales grew to $178 million (+25%) in a flat market.
$252 million Capex, including the large Laconia Ocean Bottom Nodes (OBN) project in the US Gulf, the North Viking Graben streamer survey in Norway, and numerous global reprocessing projects.
New Businesses in EDA completed the mining project in Southeast Arizona and delivered several Carbon Sequestration projects in the North Sea, US Gulf and Asia.
Sensing and Monitoring (SMO)
Revenue at $330 million was down 27%, following delivery of “mega crew” systems in 2023. $100 million in Q4 (-16%).
Adjusted EBITDA at $35 million was down 37%. $18 million in Q4 (+104%).
Q4 EBITDA performance shows that the restructuring plan is on track to achieve expected cost reductions and operational flexibility.
New Businesses in SMO represented 17% of revenue and experienced strong momentum with deliveries for the geothermal market and infrastructure monitoring.
Market trends
E&P Capex environment expected to be stable year-on-year in 2025, as the longer-term energy industry upcycle extends.
Evolving Industry Trends:
Offshore exploration gaining momentum in key regions like the US Gulf, Brazil, Norway as well as frontiers areas such as the Equatorial Margin and the East Mediterranean Sea.
Middle East growth expected with investments in advanced imaging and digital solutions.
Demand expected to be strong for High-end geophysical technologies, such as OBN and Full Waveform Inversion (FWI), that mitigate risks and optimize field development.
New Businesses:
Continued market growth potential in CSS with new imaging contracts and project pipeline driven by most Oil & Gas operators investing to reduce carbon emissions and address societal pressures.
Increased interest from the Minerals & Mining sector for subsurface characterization.
Infrastructure Monitoring market consistently increasing by double digits annually across various sectors.
Digital solutions / HPC markets expanding rapidly fueled mainly by the explosion of AI applications.
New reporting KPI for EDA
Starting in Q1 2025, we will change the reporting KPIs for EDA:
To align with market practice, Revenue split between Prefunding and After-sales will no longer be reported.
Cash EBITDA (i.e. EBITDA – Capex) will be reported to provide more clarity on our financial performance. ($97 million and $75 million in 2023 and 2024 respectively, excluding penalty fees from vessel commitments).
Full year 2025 financial outlook
In 2025, based on a stable E&P Capex environment, performance is expected to be driven by:
Geoscience: growth backed by industry leading technology and strong backlog.
Earth Data: stronger Cash EBITDA KPI, with end of vessel commitment penalty fees.
Sensing & Monitoring: further savings expected from the restructuring plan.
New Businesses: growth and first year positive contribution to the group’s profitability.
Financial objective: net cash flow of c.$100m.
Viridien will continue to focus on cash flow generation and deleveraging. Thanks to 2024 financial performance and the favorable debt market, our bond refinancing could be realized in 2025, before our previous Q1 2026 indication.
Full Year 2024 Conference call
The press release and the presentation will be available on our website www.viridiengroup.com at 5:45 pm (CET).
An English language analysts conference call is scheduled today at 6.00 pm (CET).
Participants should register for the call here to receive a dial-in number and code, or participate via the live webcast from here.
A replay of the conference call will be made available the day after for a period of 12 months in audio format on the Company’s website.
The Board of Directors met on February 27, 2025 and approved the consolidated financial statements ending December 31, 2024. The Statutory Auditors are in the process of issuing a report with an unqualified opinion.
About Viridien:
Viridien (www.viridiengroup.com) is an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With our ingenuity, drive and deep curiosity we discover new insights, innovations, and solutions that efficiently and responsibly resolve complex natural resource, digital, energy transition and infrastructure challenges. Viridien employs around 3,400 people worldwide and is listed as VIRI on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN ISIN: FR001400PVN6).
Income (loss) before income taxes and share of income (loss) from companies accounted for under the equity method
50.1
19.9
Income taxes
24
(13.4)
(14.0)
Net income (loss) before share of net income (loss) from companies accounted for under the equity method
36.6
5.9
Net income (loss) from companies accounted for under the equity method
8
(0.5)
(2.0)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
36.1
3.9
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
5
14.7
12.3
Consolidated net income (loss)
50.8
16.2
Attributable to:
Owners of Viridien S.A
49.8
12.9
Non-controlling interests
1.0
3.3
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (a)
29
7,150,958
7,131,286
Weighted average number of shares outstanding adjusted for dilutive potential ordinary shares (a)
29
7,184,713
7,171,894
Net income (loss) per share(in US$)
(1) – Base (a)
6.97
1.81
(2) – Diluted (a)
6.93
1.80
Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share(in US$)
(3) – Base (a)
$
4.91
0.08
(4) – Diluted (a)
$
4.89
0.08
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share(in US$)
(5) – Base (a)
$
2.06
1.72
(6) – Diluted (a)
$
2.05
1.72
(a) As a result of the July 31, 2024 reverse share split, the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per shares for 2023 has been adjusted retrospectively. Number of ordinary shares outstanding has been adjusted to reflect the proportionate change in the number of shares.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss)
In millions of US$
December 31
(2) 2024(a)
2023(a)
Net income (loss) from consolidated statement of operations
50.8
16.2
Other comprehensive income to be reclassified in profit (loss) in subsequent period:
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
0.4
2.0
Variation in translation adjustments
(23.0)
14.2
Net other comprehensive income to be reclassified in profit (loss) in subsequent period (1)
(22.7)
16.2
Other comprehensive income not to be classified in profit (loss) in subsequent period:
Net gain (loss) on actuarial changes on pension plan
3.6
(4.6)
Net other comprehensive income not to be reclassified in profit (loss) in subsequent period (2)
3.6
(4.6)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of taxes (1)+(2)
(19.1)
11.6
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period
31.8
27.8
Attributable to:
Owners of Viridien S.A
31.3
25.1
Non-controlling interests
0.5
2.7
(a) Including other comprehensive income related to discontinued operations which is not material.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
6.1.2 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
In millions of US$
Notes
(3) Dec 31, 2024
Dec 31, 2023
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
28
301.7
327.0
Trade accounts and notes receivable, net
3, 18
339.9
310.9
Inventories and work-in-progress, net
4
163.3
212.9
Income tax assets
24
22.9
30.8
Other current assets, net
4
74.0
92.1
Assets held for sale, net
5
24.5
–
Total current assets
926.2
973.7
Deferred tax assets
24
43.6
29.9
Other non-current assets, net
16
8.9
6.8
Investments and other financial assets, net
7
25.7
22.7
Investments in companies accounted for under the equity method
8
1.1
2.2
Property plant & equipment, net
9
220.6
206.1
Intangible assets, net
10
535.4
579.7
Goodwill, net
11
1,082.8
1,095.5
Total non-current assets
1,918.1
1,942.9
TOTAL ASSETS
2,844.3
2,916.6
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Financial debt – current portion
13
56.9
58.0
Trade accounts and notes payable
3
120.9
86.4
Accrued payroll costs
84.5
89.1
Income taxes payable
24
20.4
12.5
Advance billings to customers
19.2
24.0
Provisions – current portion
16
19.7
8.7
Other current financial liabilities
14
0.5
21.3
Other current liabilities
12
182.5
250.3
Liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale
5
2.4
–
Total current liabilities
507.0
550.3
Deferred tax liabilities
24
18.4
24.3
Provisions – non-current portion
16
28.8
30.1
Financial debt – non-current portion
13
1,165.6
1,242.8
Other non-current financial liabilities
14
–
0.5
Other non-current liabilities
12
1.7
4.3
Total non-current liabilities
1,214.5
1,302.0
Common stock (a)
15
8.7
8.7
Additional paid-in capital
118.7
118.7
Retained earnings
1,036.5
980.4
Other Reserves
55.2
27.3
Treasury shares
(20.1)
(20.1)
Cumulative income and expense recognized directly in equity
(1.1)
(1.4)
Cumulative translation adjustments
(113.3)
(90.8)
Equity attributable to owners of Viridien S.A.
1,084.7
1,022.8
Non-controlling interests
38.1
41.5
Total Equity
1,122.8
1,064.3
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
2,844.3
2,916.6
(a) Common stock: 11,215,501 shares authorized and 7,165,465 shares with a nominal value of €1.00 outstanding at December 31, 2024.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
6.1.3 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
In millions of US$
Notes
December 31
(4) 2024
2023
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Consolidated net income (loss)
1, 19
50.8
16.2
Less: Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
5
(14.7)
(12.3)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
36.1
3.9
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
1, 19, 28
124.7
91.5
Impairment and amortization of Earth Data surveys
1, 10, 28
261.4
153.1
Amortization and depreciation of Earth Data surveys, capitalized
10
(16.6)
(15.4)
Variance on provisions
14.3
(2.6)
Share-based compensation expenses
3.4
2.8
Net (gain) loss on disposal of fixed and financial assets
(3.7)
(1.7)
Share of (income) loss in companies recognized under equity method
0.5
2.0
Other non-cash items
(0.3)
5.2
Net cash flow including net cost of financial debt and income tax
419.8
238.8
Less: Cost of financial debt
97.2
95.3
Less: Income tax expense (gain)
13.4
14.0
Net cash flow excluding net cost of financial debt and income tax
530.4
348.1
Income tax paid – Net (a)
(12.4)
5.5
Net cash flow before changes in working capital
518.0
353.6
Changes in working capital
(61.2)
54.7
– Change in trade accounts and notes receivable
(128.4)
51.8
– Change in inventories and work-in-progress
28.1
49.2
– Change in other current assets
10.5
(9.9)
– Change in trade accounts and notes payable
26.8
(5.4)
– Change in other current liabilities
1.8
(31.0)
Net cash flow from operating activities
456.7
408.3
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Total capital expenditures (tangible and intangible assets) net of variation of fixed assets suppliers and excluding Earth Data surveys)
9
(32.9)
(60.9)
Investments in Earth Data surveys
10
(252.1)
(171.1)
Proceeds from disposals of tangible and intangible assets
28
6.8
0.4
Proceeds from divestment of activities and sale of financial assets
28
–
6.2
Dividends received from investments in companies under the equity method
0.5
–
Acquisition of investments, net of cash & cash equivalents acquired
28
–
(1.9)
Variation in other non-current financial assets
28
(8.2)
(5.2)
Net cash-flow used in investing activities
(286.0)
(232.5)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayment of long-term debt
13, 28
(59.4)
(1.8)
Total issuance of long-term debt
13, 28
0.1
23.9
Lease repayments
13, 28
(55.7)
(57.0)
Financial expenses paid
13, 28
(85.6)
(90.7)
Net proceeds from capital increase:
– from shareholders:
–
0.1
– from non-controlling interests of integrated companies
–
–
Dividends paid and share capital reimbursements:
–
–
– Equity attributable to owners of Viridien S.A.
–
–
– to non-controlling interests of integrated companies
(3.8)
(0.9)
Net cash-flow from (used in) financing activities
(204.4)
(126.4)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(11.0)
2.6
Net cash flows incurred by discontinued operations
5
19.3
(23.0)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(25.3)
29.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
327.0
298.0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
301.7
327.0
(a) Includes a cash inflow of US$6 million in 2024 and US$32 million in 2023 for the research tax credit in France.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
6.1.4 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
In millions of US$, except for share data
Number of shares issued(a)
Share capital
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Other reserves
Treasury shares
Income and expense recognized directly in equity
Cumu-lative translation adjust-ment
Viridien S.A. – Equity attributable to owners of Viridien S.A.
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Balance at January 1, 2023
7,123,573
8.7
118.6
967.9
50.0
(20.1)
(3.4)
(102.4)
1,019.3
39.5
1,058.8
Net gain (loss) on actuarial changes on pension plan (1)
(4.6)
(4.6)
(4.6)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (2)
2.0
2.0
2.0
Net gain (loss) on translation adjustments (3)
14.8
14.8
(0.6)
14.2
Other comprehensive income (1)+(2)+(3)
–
–
(4.6)
–
–
2.0
14.8
12.2
(0.6)
11.6
Net income (loss) (4)
12.9
12.9
3.3
16.2
Comprehensive income (1)+(2)+(3)+(4)
–
–
8.3
–
–
2.0
14.8
25.1
2.7
27.8
Exercise of warrants
238
0.1
0.1
0.1
Dividends
–
(1.0)
(1.0)
Cost of share based payment
12,951
2.6
2.6
2.6
Transfer to retained earnings of the parent company
–
–
Variation in translation adjustments generated by the parent company
(22.7)
(22.7)
(22.7)
Changes in consolidation scope and other
1.6
(3.2)
(1.6)
0.3
(1.3)
Balance at December 31, 2023
7,136,763
8.7
118.7
980.4
27.3
(20.1)
(1.4)
(90.8)
1,022.8
41.5
1,064.3
(a) Pro forma following Reverse Share Split (see note 2 – Significant events, acquisitions and divestitures).
In millions of US$, except for share data
Number of shares issued(b)
Share capital
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Other reserves
Treasury shares
Income and expense recognized directly in equity
Cumu-lative translation adjust-ment
Viridien S.A. – Equity attributable to owners of Viridien S.A.
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Balance at January 1, 2024
7,136,763
8.7
118.7
980.4
27.3
(20.1)
(1.4)
(90.8)
1,022.8
41.5
1,064.3
Net gain (loss) on actuarial changes on pension plan (1)
3.6
3.6
3.6
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (2)
0.4
0.4
0.4
Net gain (loss) on translation adjustments (3)
(22.5)
(22.5)
(0.6)
(23.0)
Other comprehensive income (1)+(2)+(3)
–
–
3.6
–
–
0.4
(22.5)
(18.5)
(0.6)
(19.1)
Net income (loss) (4)
49.8
49.8
1.0
50.8
Comprehensive income (1)+(2)+(3)+(4)
–
–
53.4
–
–
0.4
(22.5)
31.3
0.5
31.8
Exercise of warrants
Dividends
–
(3.8)
(3.8)
Cost of share based payment
24,703
2.7
2.7
2.7
Transfer to retained earnings of the parent company
–
–
Variation in translation adjustments generated by the parent company
28.0
28.0
28.0
Changes in consolidation scope and other
Balance at December 31, 2024
7,161,465
8.7
118.7
1,036.5
55.2
(20.1)
(1.1)
(113.3)
1,084.7
38.1
1,122.8
(b) Reverse Share Split: Pursuant to a delegation from the Combined General Meeting of shareholders of May 15, 2024, and a sub-delegation from the Board of Directors held on the same day, a reversed share split has been implemented, on July 31, 2024, on the basis of 1 new share of €1.00 nominal value for 100 old shares of €0.01 nominal value.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
1All variations refer tothe same period last year 2Unlessotherwise stated, all figures and commentsare referring to “Segment” (i.e. pre-IFRS 15), as defined in the2023 and2024UniversalRegistrationDocuments’ glossaries, under section 8.7 3Adjusted fornon-recurringitems
A dual challenge for the battery industry: ramping up production while innovating game-changing chemistries for the future
Battery innovation is fueling industry transformation, but overcoming current production ramp-up challenges will be crucial for European and US manufacturers
Lithium-ion batteries currently dominate due to their proven performance, scalability, and well-established supply chain, while next-generation batteries are gaining traction
76% of manufacturers will need to upgrade or build new production lines to support the future generation of battery cells
Paris, February 27, 2025 – TheCapgeminiResearch Institute’s report‘The battery revolution: Shaping tomorrow’s mobility and energy’,published today, shows that batteries are transforming existing industries and enabling the emergence of new business models. However, despite the surging demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and energy-storage solutions, the future of batteries depends on overcoming a series of complex challenges across the entire value chain, from securing sustainable raw materials and optimizing manufacturing processes to advancing recycling capabilities.
According to the new report, the battery industry is reaching an inflection point, driven on the one hand by the need for higher energy density, faster charging times, improved safety, greater sustainability, and, on the other, the need for manufacturers to reduce costs.
While batteries are playing a critical role in decarbonizing carbon-intensive mobility and driving the renewable energy transition1, the industry is facing series of challenges that have wide ranging implications for scaling production, gigafactory industrialization and ramp-up, economic viability, and supply chain constraints.
Battery technology is constantly evolving to improve performance and reduce costs While almost all (98%) battery manufacturers surveyed produce lithium-ion batteries (using liquid electrolyte), the industry is actively exploring alternative chemistries to support electric mobility and accelerate energy storage. Amongst them, solid-state batteries (using solid electrolyte), represent a major shift in battery technology, primarily for EVs. They answer the need for improved performance owing to their potentially higher energy densities, faster charging times, and improved safety compared with traditional lithium-ion batteries.
“Innovation is driving a sustainable and competitive battery industry, with advancements in technologies and alternative chemistries improving performance and longevity. At this transformative time, while European and North American manufacturers are navigating production ramp-ups and exploring next generation of batteries, a solid and scalable digital foundation will be crucial for the industry’s future,” said Pierre Bagnon, Global Head of Intelligent Industry Accelerator at Capgemini. “Data and digital technologies can enhance the entire battery value chain, optimizing lifecycle management from quality control to waste management and recycling. Equally, collaboration within an innovation ecosystem that brings together all players and regulators is vital to continue the industry’s journey towards a battery-driven sustainable future.”
Advances will enable new business models but not without challenges According to the survey, batteries are enabling new business models in the mobility industry to make EVs accessible to a broader range of consumers: a majority (around 64%) of mobility players are exploring battery swapping; nearly two-thirds of automotive organizations are considering battery-leasing and over half Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model that allows EV owners to lease or rent their batteries, rather than buy them. However, the success of these business models depends heavily on the implementation of standards, battery performance notably regarding longevity, adequate infrastructure, and economies of scale.
In the energy and utilities sector, two in five organizations say they are integrating batteries with renewable energy systems to optimize energy storage and usage, with most of them (69%) currently offering or planning to offer BaaS solutions. However, key challenges remain; while a battery is considered an expensive asset, the electricity it stores is relatively cheap. Furthermore, most organizations emphasize the lack of robust grid infrastructure and advanced control systems (65%); the need for multiple battery types to facilitate both short-term and long-term storage solutions (61%) and for open performance standards to ensure reliability and transparency (59%).
Beyond the automotive and energy sectors, multiple industries are rapidly integrating batteries into their operations: three in five of the organizations surveyed stated that battery innovation will impact fleet operators and heavy transportation in the next 5-10 years. Disruptions are also expected in aviation and shipping. Innovations in these industries include battery-powered eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing), heavy-duty vehicles, and electric ships on short sea routes.
Overcoming production ramp-up challenges with scalable digital foundations The battery industry is facing a number of complex and pressing challenges. Over half of battery manufacturers cite time required to build and ramp up gigafactories and difficulties in securing a stable supply chain for battery components and materials (respectively 59% and 53%). Uncertainty, around economic viability and profitability, appears as a key concern to scaling production.
The scarcity of experienced talent also represents a significant challenge for the battery industry, with 60% of organizations facing skills shortages in both battery technology and manufacturing. Expertise gaps extend beyond specialized skills and encompass data scientists and manufacturing engineers who can analyze and correlate production data with battery performance, enabling process optimization and defect reduction.
While batteries are key to decarbonizing carbon-intensive mobility and driving the renewable energy transition, only one in three battery manufacturers surveyed have taken meaningful steps toward establishing a sustainable circular economy.
A majority (67%) of respondents acknowledge that data and digital technologies are crucial to the industry’s future. However, digitalization among battery manufacturers is currently low, at just 17% and data usage remains minimal in sustainability-related fields. In Europe, a Digital ‘battery passport’2, setting high environmental standards for battery production and recycling, will enable suppliers and OEMs to make informed decisions by considering the complete lifecycle of battery manufacturing.
Report Methodology The Capgemini Research Institute surveyed 750 senior executives from large battery, automotive, and energy and utilities organizations across 15 countries in North America, Europe, and APAC. The survey findings are complemented by in-depth discussions with 22 experts from battery, automotive, and energy and utilities sectors. The organizations surveyed are significant players in their respective segments, including battery manufacturers with annual revenue exceeding $50 million; energy and utilities firms with revenues over $1 billion (except those from Sweden and Norway, whose revenue exceeds $500 million); and automotive manufacturers with revenue above $1 billion (excluding two- and three- wheeler original equipment manufacturers [OEMs] with revenue over $300 million). The global survey was conducted in September-October 2024.
About Capgemini Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
About the Capgemini Research Institute The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times – an industry first.
1 According to IEA, batteries account for 90% of the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE Scenario), with 60% of CO2 emissions reductions to be made in the energy sector by 2030 associated with batteries – Source: IEA, “Batteries and secure energy transitions,” April 2024. 2 From February 2027, EVs sold within the EU must be equipped with ‘battery passports’ that provide detailed information on battery composition, including sources of key materials, carbon footprint, and recycled content.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
February 27, 2025
“ED failed to provide information on how it intends to ensure ED data is not compromised or misused… [and] failed to answer any of our questions about what safeguards and procedures are in place to protect this data”
“The Department’s evasive response…heightens our concerns about whether ED may have violated the law or the federal government’s procedures in handling this data.”
Text of Letter (PDF) | Response from ED to Original Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (BHUA), led 14 of her colleagues, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), in writing a letter to Acting Secretary of Education Denise Carter, raising concerns about the Department of Education’s (ED; the Department) response to their inquiry into the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access to millions of student loan borrowers’ personal data. Earlier this week, a federal court blocked DOGE’s access to sensitive ED databases with borrower information.
The letter was joined by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).
“[T]he Department’s response was woefully inadequate, may have contained misleading information, and raised new concerns about the nature and extent of DOGE’s access to the Department’s internal systems,” wrote the senators.
ED’s response to the senators’ initial letter failed to answer basic questions about DOGE’s access to student loan borrowers’ personal data.
The Department refused to confirm or deny whether DOGE had been granted access to the National Student Loan Data System or other databases with sensitive federal student loan data.
ED claimed it was committed to following “applicable laws and regulations” regarding management of borrower data, but it did not provide any information about if, how, why, by whom, and to what extent DOGE was granted access to these databases.
While ED said the DOGE team was onboarded through the proper processes, “including background investigation and system access authorization,” additional information indicates that at least one DOGE employee granted access “ha[d] not yet completed ethics or information security trainings” according to a declaration submitted in federal court two days before ED’s response.
ED also shared new information about the extent of DOGE’s access to other sensitive databases, saying that DOGE “is currently supporting a review of Department and Federal Student Aid (FSA) contracts to identify possible efficiencies…To support this work, one employee had read-only access to two of FSA’s internal systems.” But the Department failed to provide full and declarative information about which DOGE or ED employees had access to which datasets, what they were doing with that access, whether any data is being fed through Artificial Intelligence systems, and why one employee’s access to FSA’s internal systems was revoked.
ED also failed to provide information on how it intends to ensure data at the department is not compromised or misused, saying only that “robust protections in place to ensure data are secure,” but not providing specifics.
“The Department’s evasive response, in addition to the recent news that a federal judge has blocked ED from sharing sensitive data with DOGE due to potential violations of federal law, heightens our concerns about whether ED may have violated the law or the federal government’s procedures in handling this data,” concluded the lawmakers.
The 15 senators pressed the Acting Secretary to provide more information about DOGE employees’ or affiliates’ access to ED’s databases, the safeguards in place to protect federal student loan data, the status of DOGE’s work at the department, and more by March 5, 2025.
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – The parish of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Diocese of Beijing (known as Nan Tang, the “church of the South”) continues the communal reading of the biography of Matteo Ricci, in paper and digital version. The initiative is part of the rich program to celebrate the 420th anniversary of the founding of the Church by the great Jesuit missionary from Macerata (Italy), and is also part of the parish’s activities in the Holy Year of Hope.According to the official “Wechat” account of the parish, today, February 27, the parish read the eighth chapter “Shanhai Yudi Quantu”. The chapter deals with the first known map of the world in Chinese history, including the American continent, drawn up in Zhaoqing in 1584 by Father Ricci himself in collaboration with Chinese scientists. The parish reading group has recorded the book as an audio file and made it available online so that parishioners can listen to the chapters read at any time of the day.Carried by the light of the faith that Father Ricci professed and testified to 420 years ago, the parishioners of the Beijing Cathedral, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, are experiencing the Jubilee of Hope and, at the same time, the year in which they commemorate the founding of their parish. The special Jubilee Year began on January 14 with a solemn Eucharistic liturgy that combined the Jubilee celebrations of the Holy Year 2025 and the 420th anniversary of the founding. This day was also celebrated as the “Day of the Saints” of the Diocese of Beijing, in particular remembering the figures of Blessed Odorico da Pordenone (1286-1331), Blessed James Zhou Wenmo (martyr in Korea in 1795) and Venerable Matteo Ricci, as the diocese reports in a Vademecum entitled “Pilgrims of Hope and Builders of Peace”.In his homily, Father Peter Zhao Jianmin spoke of the three figures who have marked the life of the diocese. Of Father Matteo Ricci, he says: “He travelled far to bring the flame of faith to this land. His wisdom, courage and devotion touched us all deeply…”, while the parish priest, Zhang Hongbo, had Pope Francis’s papal Jubilee bull “Spes non confundit” distributed again in the church during the official announcement of the opening of the 420th anniversary of the founding of the church.On Saturday, December 28, the opening of the Jubilee of Hope took place in the Diocese of Beijing. All priests and nuns as well as a large number of lay people from the Diocese of Beijing had gathered in the forecourt of the Cathedral dedicated to the Holy Savior, where Bishop Joseph Li Shan and the Coadjutor Bishop Matthew Zhen Xuebin presided over the solemn service to mark the beginning of the Jubilee Year in the capital of the People’s Republic of China. Everyone listened in silence to the public reading of large passages from “Spes non confundit” and then marched in procession through the Holy Door, singing the “Prayer of the Saints” and receiving a copy of the Bull. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 27/2/2025)
Share:
Key to achieving this target will be decarbonizing the country’s energy grid.
Renewable energy sources will be an important aspect of these plans. But while these energy sources are both cheap and increasingly accessible, a problem they continue to face is variability. After all, the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow when power is needed.
Canada’s dominant renewable energy source — hydropower, which made up almost 62 per cent of Canada’s total renewable electricity generation in 2022 — is also highly vulnerable to climate change. Low precipitation in 2023 reduced reservoir levels in Canada below average. This led to a 25 per cent drop in electricity exports to the United States. The situation was even worse in British Columbia, where BC Hydro had to import electricity to meet provincial demand.
Given these challenges, critical questions arise about whether renewable energy sources will be able to cope with energy demands now and in the future.
One way of addressing these issue is by building large-scale energy storage systems. These would be capable of storing excess renewable energy when it’s abundant and deploying it when needed.
Storing energy
Around 90 per cent of global energy capacity is stored using pumped hydro energy storage systems.
This system stores energy by pumping water from a lower level reservoir to a higher one using electric pumps powered by a renewable energy source. To release this stored energy, the reverse process occurs — so the water in the high levels flows down through turbines, generating electricity.
Pumped hydro energy storage is currently the most desirable energy storage method. This is because it can have a lifespan of up to 100 years, is highly efficient and very cost-effective.
However, a major pitfall of these storage systems is the geographic conditions required for them to work. These systems rely on large amounts of water flowing through different elevations. This incurs a significant cost. There are also environmental concerns, since it needs a large infrastructure to be built.
But a type of water-based battery may, in some cases, offer a better way of storing renewable energy for large-scale use — all without requiring as much space and infrastructure as pumped hydro systems.
Aqueous redox flow batteries are a type of battery that store energy in external tanks filled with water-based solutions. These solutions are then pumped and cycled through the battery’s electrochemical cell, causing reactions which allow the battery to release and store energy until needed.
Aqueous redox flow batteris could help store renewable energy for decades. (Shutterstock)
These batteries are able to store and release energy for years. Some companies claim they can last up to 25 years.
Alongside their long life, aqueous redox flow batteries are potentially more cost-effective to scale-up compared to other batteries — such as the conventional lithium-ion batteries found in our phones and cars. They’re also a lot safer than conventional batteries, as the water-based electrolytes means there’s no risk of flammability.
Aqueous redox flow batteries are highly scalable due to their modular design. Increasing storage capacity can be done by building larger tanks without needing to change the entire system. This makes them useful for both small and large-scale projects — whether that’s powering a single home or an entire community.
These batteries have the potential to benefit the energy industry by providing a reliable way of managing fluctuating energy supply. They could also be well-suited for supplying reliable, renewable energy in rural communities and during disaster recovery.
The world’s largest aqueous redox flow battery was recently built in China. Assuming an average consumption of one kilowatt-hour per hour per household, this one battery alone would be able to supply electricity to approximately 58,000 homes for 12 hours.
Aqueous redox flow batteries can also be used in many other applications. For example, as electric vehicles become more prevalent, this technology could be suitable for supporting EV charging stations. South Korea even announced in 2021 that these batteries would be trialled to enhance EV charging infrastructure.
While commercial aqueous redox flow batteries have many advantages, their main limitation is cost.
Currently, commercial aqueous redox flow batteries rely on expensive and rare materials, such as vanadium. This makes them too costly for widespread adoption.
Cheaper, more abundant organic materials (such as anthraquinones) could replace the vanadium in these batteries. But organic materials come with their own challenges. Currently, some cost-effective organic redox flow batteries degrade much faster than versions made with vanadium, which can last for decades.
However, current research is making significant progress in improving the stability of organic materials- helping to extend the lifespan of cheap organic redox flow batteries, making them an increasingly viable alternative.
Given the current costs of the materials needed to make commercial aqueous redox flow batteries and the short lifespan of cost-effective organic compounds, this technology is not yet fully ready for widespread use. Continued investment in research and development will be crucial. If we can overcome these current challenges and unlock the full potential of aqueous organic redox flow batteries, they could become a key component of the global transition to renewable energy.
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) are reintroducing a slate of Tribal water rights settlement bills they are pushing to pass in this Congress.
The full slate of Tribal water rights settlements legislation includes:
The Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Rights Settlements Act;
The Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act;
The Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act; and
The Navajo Nation Rio San José Water Rights Settlement Act.
Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments;
The Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act;
“I’m proud to introduce these bills to finally unlock critical water infrastructure funding from these water rights settlements and ensure Tribes have the resources to use the water they own,” said Heinrich. “These settlements are supported by all parties involved, including Tribal and non-Tribal communities. Congress should pass these urgently needed bills to help communities manage their precious and limited water resources.”
“Water rights are part of the federal trust responsibility for our Tribal communities,” said Luján, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. “I’m proud to reintroduce legislation to allow our Tribal communities to promote water security and complete much-needed water infrastructure projects. I’m especially proud to reintroduce my legislation to amend the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, ensuring it has the resources and time needed to deliver clean drinking water to communities in northwestern New Mexico. These pieces of legislation will help fulfill our trust responsibility and promote water security for Tribes and Pueblos, as well as non-Tribal users, in New Mexico.”
“This legislation upholds our trust responsibility to Tribes and helps bring certainty to disputes about water across the Southwest. The settlements included in these bills secure clean, reliable water for Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache Nation, 11 pueblos, and the rural communities that are their neighbors across New Mexico,” said Leger Fernández. “It is with great expectation that I reintroduce this legislation which reflects decades of negotiation and collaboration. We must pass these bills so the scarce water resources our communities need to thrive for generations to come are available to all.”
“In New Mexico, we know water is life,” said Stansbury. “That’s why these Tribal Water Settlement bills are so important. These pieces of legislation will give water rights back to our Tribes and Pueblos, ensuring the federal government upholds our Trust and Treaty Responsibilities. Indigenous people have been stewards of the land and water since time immemorial, and now is the time for them to lead these efforts.”
“I will always stand with our Tribal communities in Congress,” said Vasquez. “These water rights settlements are a crucial step in fulfilling our delegation’s commitment to ensuring every New Mexican has access to safe, reliable water. By providing our Tribes and Pueblos with the resources they need, we are investing in vital water infrastructure that will serve generations to come.”
The Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Rights Settlements Act is led by Heinrich and Leger Fernández. Luján, Stansbury, and Vasquez are original cosponsors. The bill would implement two fund-based water settlements: one between the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia, the United States, the State of New Mexico, and non-Tribal parties; and another between the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna, the United States, the State of New Mexico, and non-Tribal parties. The settlements are strongly supported by all parties involved.
Heinrich and Leger Fernández previously introduced this legislation in March 2023. The bill received a hearing and was reported out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in December 2023. The House version of this bill received a legislative hearing in the House Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee in July 2024.
Read the full bill text here.
The Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act is also led by Heinrich and Leger Fernández. Luján and Stansbury are original cosponsors. The bill establishes a trust fund to implement the negotiated settlement between the United States, the State of New Mexico, the City of Española, the Asociación de Acéquias Norteñas de Rio Arriba, El Rito Ditch Asociación, La Asociación de las Acéquias del Rio Tusas, Vallecitos y Ojo Caliente, the Rio de Chama Acéquia Association, and Ohkay Owingeh to settle the Pueblo’s water claims in the Rio Chama Basin. The funding will be used for Ohkay Owingeh’s development of water resources to ensure the Pueblo has appropriate water infrastructure to use the water that they have claim to in the basin.
Heinrich and Leger Fernández initially introduced the bill in June 2024. The bill then received a key hearing before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in July 2024.
Read the full bill text here.
The Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act is led by Heinrich and Vasquez. Luján, Stansbury, and Leger Fernández are original cosponsors. The bill authorizes $685 million to support a trust for sustainable water management and infrastructure development that upholds the federal government’s trust responsibility while protecting the sacred Zuni Salt Lake. The bill ratifies the settlement between the federal government, State of New Mexico and Zuni Tribe that affirms their water rights for irrigation, livestock, storage, and domestic and other uses.
Heinrich and Vasquez initially introduced the bill in July 2024. The bill received a key hearing before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in September 2024.
Read the full bill text here.
The Navajo Nation Rio San José Water Rights Settlement Act is led by Heinrich and Leger Fernández. Luján, Stansbury, and Vasquez are original cosponsors. This bill would approve the water rights settlement for the Navajo Nation as well as participating non-Tribal parties in the Rio San José watershed.
Heinrich and Leger Fernández initially introduced this bill in September 2024. The bill then received a key hearing before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee that same month.
Read the full bill text here.
The Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments is led by Luján and Leger Fernández. Heinrich and Stansbury are original cosponsors. The bill amends the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project to ensure it has the resources and time needed to reach completion to deliver drinking water to northwestern New Mexico communities.
The Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project was first authorized as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, which settled the Navajo Nation’s water rights in the San Juan Basin of New Mexico and funded the design and construction of the waterline to reach an estimated 250,000 people by the year 2040. Upon completion, the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project will provide a long-term, sustainable water supply from the San Juan River to roughly 43 Chapters on the eastern Navajo Nation, the southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the City of Gallup, which currently rely on a rapidly depleting groundwater supply of poor quality.
Luján, Leger Fernández, and Heinrich initially introduced the bill in June 2023. The bill was passed out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in November 2023.
Read the full bill text here.
The Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act is led by Luján and Leger Fernández. Heinrich and Stansbury are original cosponsors. This bill authorizes the appropriation of $6.3 million for the Navajo Nation Water Resources Development Fund; $7.8 million for the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund; and $4.3 million for the Aamodt Settlement Pueblos’ Fund, which covers Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque Pueblos. It will support water resources development projects for the Tribes.
Luján and Leger Fernández initially introduced this bill in December 2023.
Read the full bill text here.
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) introduced the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act of 2025. The bipartisan legislation amends the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project to ensure it has the resources and time needed to reach completion to deliver drinking water to northwestern New Mexico communities. The House companion legislation was introduced by U.S. Representative Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and is co-sponsored by U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.).
The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project was first authorized as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, which settled the Navajo Nation’s water rights in the San Juan Basin of New Mexico and funded the design and construction of the waterline to reach an estimated 250,000 people by the year 2040. Upon completion, the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project will provide a long-term, sustainable water supply from the San Juan River to roughly 43 Chapters on the eastern Navajo Nation, the southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the City of Gallup, which currently rely on a rapidly depleting groundwater supply of poor quality. Full project completion is planned for 2029. When complete, it will include approximately 300 miles of pipeline, two water treatment plants, 19 pumping plants and multiple water storage tanks.
“Ensuring that the Navajo Nation, City of Gallup, and Jicarilla Apache Nation have access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water is vital for the health and well-being of rural and Tribal communities,” said Senator Luján, a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project will help provide a reliable, sustainable surface water supply to improve the public health and economic opportunities for the region. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to move this critical project forward and reduce the financial burden on Tribal and local governments. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this much-needed legislation to help meet the water needs in the San Juan Basin for years to come.”
“Since I was elected to Congress, I have prioritized funding for the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project so we can provide clean, reliable, and affordable water to the Navajo people and surrounding communities in New Mexico. We secured $615 million in funding to move the project forward,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act builds upon this work. We won’t stop until this project is completed because in New Mexico, we know that water sustains us. Sabemos que Agua Es Vida.”
“Communities in northwest New Mexico, the Navajo Nation, and the Jicarilla Apache Nation deserve water security and clean drinking water. Our legislation achieves this by funding the completion of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project to deliver clean, reliable water to 43 Tribal communities and the City of Gallup. I call on the Senate to quickly take up this legislation and ensure the project can be completed,” said Senator Heinrich.
“Water is the lifeblood of the West, and Utahns know that securing a reliable water supply is essential for our communities, our economy, and our way of life,” said Senator Curtis. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation to help ensure the Navajo Nation in Utah have the water they need to thrive.”
The amending legislation makes several important changes:
Increases the project funding authorization to match updated construction costs;
Extends the project timeline beyond 2025 to 2029 to provide additional time for completion;
Establishes trust funds for operations and maintenance costs for the Navajo Nation and the Jicarilla Apache Nation once construction is complete; and
Allows the project to expand its service area to reach Navajo communities without running water.
The Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache Nation, State of New Mexico, and the City of Gallup support the legislation.
Senators Luján and Heinrich and Congresswoman Leger Fernández have long supported efforts to fund and complete the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.
Senator Luján and Congresswoman Leger Fernández secured $137 million for the project through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law toward the total authorized project cost. In August 2024, Senator Luján and the N.M. Delegation welcomed a $267 million Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project contract to design and build the San Juan Lateral Water Treatment Plant in northwest New Mexico. The plant is the largest and most important feature of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.
In January 2025, Senators Luján and Heinrich, and Congresswoman Leger Fernándezannounced $120 millionfor Fiscal Year 2025 for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project using funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Reclamation Water Settlements Fund. The original version of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act was passed out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in November 2023. However, new legislation is required to authorize additional time and resources to complete the project and for its long-term, sustainable operations and maintenance.
Additionally, the N.M. Delegation recently reintroduced a slate of Tribal water rights settlement bills they are pushing to pass in this Congress.
For more information about the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, click here.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a registered sex offender caught with child sexual abuse material to 130 months in prison.
Thomas O. Stroud Jr., 43, of Wappapello, in Wayne County, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in November to possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Stroud has a prior federal conviction for possessing child pornography in 2009. Following his release from federal prison, Stroud was required to register as a sex offender. He was also placed on a 40-year term of supervised release. In March 2024, while Stroud was serving his term of supervised release, Stroud’s probation officer discovered that he had been using a cell phone to communicate with someone in Indiana. During the communications, Stroud obtained several images of child pornography.
After serving his 130-month sentence, Stroud will once again be placed on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Probation Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester prosecuted the case.
ADVISORY – ANNVILLE – Governor Shapiro to Swear-in John R. Pippy as 55th Adjutant General of PA
John. R. Pippy will be sworn in as the 55th adjutant general of Pennsylvania and promoted to Major General. Pippy was unanimously confirmed as adjutant general by the Pennsylvania Senate on Feb. 4, 2025.
In this capacity, Pippy assumes command of the Pennsylvania National Guard, the third largest in the country, and is head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The DMVA provides programs and services to nearly 700,000 veterans, the fifth largest veteran population in the country.
NOTE: This event is available by stream to the general public at https://pacast.com/live/dmva. Media is invited to attend in person.
WHO: Governor Josh Shapiro Adjutant General John R. Pippy
WHEN: Friday, February 28; 10:15 AM
WHERE: Bldg. 8-80, Bearty Ave., Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA
DIRECTIONS AND DETAILS FOR ACCESS:
All visitors must enter through the main gate. All other entrances and exits to Fort Indiantown Gap are permanently closed.
Take I-81 North and get off at exit 85B Indiantown Gap. This will put you on 934 North to the main gate. You must show a state- or federally-issued identification card to enter the installation. Continue through the access point to the first light, and take a right onto Service Rd. Next, take a right onto Bearty Ave. Then turn right on Bellamy Ave. to Bldg. 8-80. More information here: https://www.ftig.ng.mil/Gate-Construction/.
SINGAPORE, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.
What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?
Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:
Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.
One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.
With BexBack’s deposit bonus
BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.
Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.
How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work? The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.
About BexBack?
BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and 50 other major cryptocurrencies for futures contracts.. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.
Why recommend BexBack?
No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.
High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.
Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.
Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.
Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.
Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.
Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.
Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!
If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.
Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!
Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack.The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. 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 financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining 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. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.
Photo accompanying this announcement are available at
NEW YORK– New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 20 other attorneys general today filed a brief supporting transgender service members in their constitutional challenge to the President’s Executive Order banning transgender Americans from serving in the U.S. military. Attorney General James and the coalition filed an amicus brief in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington supporting a group of current and prospective service members’ request for a preliminary injunction that would block the administration from implementing the ban. The attorneys general argue that the Order is unconstitutional, harms national security, and discriminates against transgender individuals honorably serving in our nation’s military, including members of the National Guard in every state.
“All service members deserve our utmost gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice. We should be honoring their commitment, not degrading it with exclusionary policies,” said Attorney General James. “This ban cruelly targets the transgender Americans who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. I want all transgender service members and veterans to know that we see you, we respect you, and we will always fight for you. Your service is invaluable, and we will not allow this bigoted attack to diminish your service to our country.”
On January 27, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order titled, “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” directing the Secretary of Defense to implement sweeping restrictions on transgender people in the Armed Forces. Attorney General James and the coalition assert that the president’s order violates the fifth amendment of the U.S. Constitution by denying service members equal protection and due process. The attorneys general also argue that the proposed ban would weaken the military, harm state emergency and disaster preparedness efforts, and deprive the military of experienced and qualified soldiers during an extremely challenging time for recruitment. The coalition also notes that the discriminatory ban violates state laws protecting transgender individuals’ right to participate fully in society.
Today’s amicus brief is the second Attorney General James has filed opposing the transgender military ban. On February 14, 2025, Attorney General James and 16 other attorneys general filed a brief in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia supporting the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction in Talbot v. Trump.
Transgender people have served in the military for years. A 2014 study found that approximately 150,000 veterans, active duty servicemembers, and members of the National Guard or Reserves identified as transgender. The President’s Executive Order would require the military to discharge transgender members and turn away potential recruits solely because they identify as transgender. The military has already concluded twice following comprehensive reviews that allowing transgender individuals to serve consistent with their gender identity is in the nation’s best interest. Reinstating the ban simply cannot be justified by reference to costs, unit cohesion, or overall readiness.
Attorney General James and the coalition also argue that this ban will negatively impact the safety and security of their states. The National Guard is critical to ensuring states’ security and disaster preparedness, and banning transgender individuals from service will harm their recruitment efforts. As a result, this ban stands to jeopardize the fundamental security operations and readiness of states across the nation. After the first, longstanding ban on transgender individuals in the military was lifted in 2016 – and again when the Trump Administration’s first attempt to ban transgender service was reversed in 2021 – transgender National Guard members came out to their superiors and peers with no negative impact on the Guard’s functions.
Joining Attorney General James in filing this amicus brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Headline: Microsoft AI ignites telecom innovation and growth
The telecommunications industry is experiencing significant AI advancements, emerging as the leading adopter of generative and agentic AI to drive automation, personalization, and data-driven decisions. According to a recent IDC white paper, telecom and media companies are seeing nearly four times the return on investment (ROI) on every dollar invested in AI. Additionally, by 2027, almost 90% of telecom providers are expected to use generative AI to improve customer experiences, up from 62% today.
96% of our tier-1 telecom customers are already adopting Microsoft AI solutions. Our ecosystem of customers and partners are harnessing the power of AI to reimagine customer experiences, modernize networks, automate business operations, and drive growth.
Ahead of Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC), we’re sharing new capabilities and customer momentum that show how telecoms are adopting the Microsoft Cloud and AI capabilities to support their AI journey and empower the next generation of telecom solutions.
We invite you to join us next week at MWC to learn more about our new announcements and see firsthand how Microsoft AI is transforming the telecom industry. Experience live demos, attend insightful sessions, and meet our experts to learn how you can drive innovation and growth with Microsoft AI technologies.
Data is the fuel that powers AI: Telco data model
Telecom networks are recognized for their complex, data-rich environments. This data is the fuel that powers AI and forms the foundation upon which next-generation telecom systems are built. To convert this massive potential into actionable intelligence, organizations need a unified platform that can seamlessly connect, manage, and analyze their data. Microsoft Fabric is the end-to-end data platform designed to power customer AI transformation and help organizations reimagine how they unlock value from their data and revolutionize the services they offer.
Today we announce the Telco industry data model in Microsoft Fabric, designed to unify all data—from network performance metrics to customer interactions, within a single analytics environment. As an integral Fabric workload, telecom providers can use the Telco industry data model to manage and streamline how all their data is ingested, modelled, and analyzed through:
Native Fabric integration—a unified pipeline within Fabric’s analytics, governance, and visualization framework means faster time to market, with better insights.
Expanded data model—pre-built telecom-specific schemas covering network data, customer insights, and operational metrics drives operational efficiency.
Developer and visualization tools—simplified, AI-ready solution building that dramatically reduces development and testing time, making networks more resilient.
More than 50% of our telecom customers are leveraging Fabric for real-time business insights to optimize business and network operations. Leading customers like Telefónica, KPN, One NZ, and partners like Accenture, Infosys, and LigaData are using Fabric to achieve business results. The broader customer adoption for Fabric is more than 19,000 customers, including 70% of the Fortune 500. The Telco industry data model in Microsoft Fabric enables telecoms to establish a strong data foundation to unlock AI-powered insights that fuel innovation, operational efficiency, and greater value across the entire organization.
“Microsoft Fabric, powered by Telco data model and AI capabilities, has revolutionized our solutions by providing real-time insights throughout the customer journey, potentially increasing operational efficiency by 40%. Our solution offers preventive insights across the entire order lifecycle and its auto-healing capability for enhanced jeopardy management, significantly improving the management of complex B2B orders and enhancing the customer experience.”
The Telco industry data model in Microsoft Fabric will be available early in April 2025.
Telecom customers around the world are taking advantage of the cloud and AI in new and innovative ways. The collaborations we recently announced with KT Corporation, Lumen, Telstra, and Vodafone demonstrate how telecoms are innovating to elevate customer experiences, streamline business operations, modernize networks, and unlock new revenue streams. Additionally, we’re introducing new collaborations with top telecom providers that exemplify how they’re building the foundation to successfully implement AI, benefiting their organization, employees, and customers.
Spark, New Zealand’s leading telecom provider, is joining forces with Microsoft in the country’s largest Microsoft public cloud partnership, highlighting how AI and the Cloud are helping to transform telecom worldwide. Spark will migrate a portion of its workloads to Microsoft Azure and roll out one of New Zealand’s largest Microsoft 365 Copilot deployments. For more, read the press release.
Microsoft and Telefónica are extending their strategic collaboration to co-develop digital solutions using Open Gateway, a GSMA-led initiative that transforms communication networks into programmable platforms via Telefónica’s AI platform, Kernel. Both companies will work together to migrate Kernel’s capacities to Azure as part of a software as a service (SaaS) offering. The collaboration also encompasses a joint go-to-market strategy, which will bring a suite of digital products and services to other telecoms, developers, and telecom entities—available on Azure Marketplace and integrated into Microsoft’s overall telecom solutions. For more, read the press release.
We are also announcing that Surface for Business with 5G devices and Microsoft 365 Copilot will be available in all Verizon Business channels starting in April 2025. This launch marks a decade of partnership between Microsoft and Verizon Business, offering cellular connected Surface for Business devices and Microsoft services. Customers are choosing Surface Copilot+ PCs today for their exceptional performance, battery life, and security. Now, with the Verizon 5G network, the combination of Surface and Microsoft 365 Copilot offers an unparalleled mobile experience for business customers. For more, read the Surface IT Pro blog.
Telecoms accelerate growth in the next wave of AI: Agentic AI
As the AI platform shift accelerates, it’s inspiring to see customers and partners harness AI, generative AI, and agentic AI to drive transformation—reshaping both their businesses and the industry at large.
Elevating customer experiences
A recent IDC white paper showed AI-powered customer engagement is a top priority for businesses, with 92% of organizations currently using AI for marketing and public relations (PR) and 77% using it for customer service. Telecom providers are delivering frictionless customer experiences with AI-infused customer care at-scale with Dynamics 365. With a comprehensive view of the customer, telecoms obtain real-time insights into accounts and next-best actions to take. They also enable their customers through AI-powered automation for self-service. Additionally, Amdocs has created the Customer Engagement Platform that is fully integrated with Dynamics 365, to reimagine customer experience and identify new revenue opportunities for telecoms.
Since last MWC, we announced Dynamics 365 Contact Center, a powerful solution that works with existing customer relationship management systems (CRMs) and unifies interactions, streamlines support, and boosts customer satisfaction. With this solution, consumers can engage and self-serve in their channel of choice while reps can handle billing and tech issues faster with a single view. Built-in Copilot capabilities and real-time analytics drive improvements and upselling, enhancing loyalty, and revenue.
Leading telecoms are also reimagining how they connect with customers by harnessing Microsoft 365 Copilot to capture real-time transcripts, gain contextual insights, and automate repetitive tasks. This reduces handling times, freeing representatives to tackle more complex customer needs.
Here are some examples of how telecoms customers are using Microsoft AI technologies to transform their business and reimagine customer experiences:
Telkomsel’s AI-powered solution Veronika, built on Azure and introduced at the end of 2023, is delivering impressive results. Telkomsel has increased self-service interactions by 62% and cut escalations to agents by 38%. The average monthly active users of Veronika also grew by 67%, rising from 1.3 million in the first half of 2023 to 2.2 million in the second half. These improvements have boosted agent productivity and service quality, making for a smoother, more efficient customer experience.
Vodafone is harnessing Microsoft 365 Copilot to empower 68,000 employees to boost productivity, innovation, and quality. They are also leveraged Azure OpenAI Service, Azure AI Studio, Kubernetes Service to develop Tobi and SuperAgent to empower their agents with real-time AI support to improve customer experience, decrease churn, and provide competitive advantage. This improved first-time resolution from 70% to 90%.
Lumen is leveraging Microsoft AI solutions to empower their employees and improve customer service.
“Lumen is building the trusted network for AI. By scaling our AI capabilities with tools like Copilot, Azure AI, and Azure ML, we’re empowering our employees to tackle complex challenges and prioritize high-impact activities that enhance customer experiences and satisfaction. As we navigate our transformation, Microsoft’s AI tools are essential in supporting our objectives and sustaining our competitive advantage.”
Ryan Asdourian, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Lumen Technologies
Optimizing operations and modernizing networks
To keep pace with increasing business demands, leading telecoms are optimizing business operations and modernizing their networks with AI and an integrated data backbone.
Here are examples of how customers are using Microsoft AI capabilities to drive operational efficiency, innovation and growth:
AT&T automates code conversion and human resources (HR) inquiries with Azure OpenAI Service, improving employee experience, cutting costs and boosting customer service.
KT Corporation is leveraging Microsoft AI to drive efficiency and innovation.
“The Microsoft AI-driven solutions have enabled KT Corporation to improve its work efficiency and drive significant work innovation. By introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot, KT Corporation empowered over 11,000 employees with the latest AI solutions. Additionally, by developing AI agents built on solutions such as Microsoft Sustainability Manager and Copilot, KT reduced task completion time by 50% and improved infrastructure efficiency by 20%.”Phil Oh, CTO, KT Corporation
Proximus and TCS’s GitHub Copilot journey showcases how Microsoft generative AI accelerates IT delivery in telecom, improving productivity, code quality, and developer experience.
“In terms of developer experience, that’s where we got phenomenal, satisfactory feedback from developers—about 90% plus positive feedback from all categories of developers.”
Muralidharan Murugesan, Head – AI, Telco, Media & Information Services Industry, TCS
NTT DATA is leveraging Microsoft AI to build agentic AI workloads.
“NTT DATA leverages Microsoft Copilot Studio to deliver agentic AI advisory, implementation, managed services, and connectivity. By providing industry-specific automation and utilizing our integrated managed services platform, we support clients throughout their agents’ lifecycle. This collaboration is pivotal in achieving our clients’ outcomes, enabling us to deliver tailored, efficient, and innovative solutions that drive business success and enhance decision-making processes.”
Aishwarya Sing, SVP, Global Head of Digital Collaboration, NTT
One NZ is using Microsoft Fabric for real-time analytics from unified data sources. With the integration of multiple systems and visualizing insights on a single pane, One NZ has rapidly streamlined processes and proactively addressed growth opportunities:
“Previously, you needed to be a data engineer or scientist to access and understand customer information. Now we’re making it user-friendly, so anyone can easily make data-driven decisions.”
Strathan Campbell, Channel Environment Technology Lead, One NZ
Telstra scales in-house generative AI tools, saving 90% of employees’ time and reducing follow-up contacts by 20%.
Unlocking new revenue streams in the enterprise
A recent IDC white paper reports that 63% of telco and media companies say they are currently monetizing or using AI to boost revenue. As a trusted partner, beyond supporting their own transformation, we equip telecom providers with comprehensive business-to-business (B2B) offerings to drive topline growth and better serve their enterprise customers.
For example, AT&T’s collaboration with Microsoft is reimagining enterprise connectivity. AI applications and AT&T’s connectivity are tackling the USD112 billion annual retail shrinkage issue head-on. By integrating Azure IoT with AT&T’s 5G network and leveraging Teams Phone Mobile for notifications, retailers receive alerts that minimize loss and ensure safer shopping experience. AT&T’s move into AI-powered connectivity has created new revenue streams, spanning cost savings, compliance, and collaboration.
“AT&T is a leader in enabling innovative AI solutions and continues to expand capabilities through our relationship with Microsoft. We’re excited to integrate Microsoft’s AI capabilities into our retail crime intelligence platform, which utilizes near real-time notifications via Teams Phone Mobile. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both companies to enhance retail security and contribute to a safer shopping environment for both employees and customers.”
Another partner, Norwood Systems, is extending traditional voice services with Voice AI, opening up a new revenue stream for telecoms. Its OpenSpan solution, built on Azure OpenAI Service and Azure AI Speech, enables telecoms to bridge public switched telephone network (PSTN) and mobile services, to deliver advanced features like real-time recording, transcription, and summarization. This provides seamless call management for users and deeper insights for the telecom providers:
“By integrating Norwood’s OpenSpan with our mobile and voice networks, BT is unlocking new possibilities in voice technology. This innovation bridges our award-winning networks with AI, creating opportunities to enhance customer experiences, drive new efficiencies, and shape the future of voice communications.”
Jon Martin, Senior Director, Unified Communications, BT
To continue our mission to help telecoms succeed in this era of AI platform shift, Microsoft is enabling telecoms to further capitalize on AI by offering generative AI-powered managed security services. This allows tier-1 telecoms to generate new revenue from reselling, implementation, and managed services, while also reducing security operations center (SOC) costs and accelerating threat responses.
AI-powered Microsoft platforms and capabilities for co-innovation
Microsoft offers arguably the most comprehensive AI solutions. As a platform-first company, we also provide extensive tools to empower partners, developers and customers to build innovative cloud and AI solutions that meet the needs of telecom businesses.
Our adaptive cloud approach unifies hybrid, multi-cloud, and edge infrastructure through a single Azure Arc platform. We enable customers to build distributed, low-latency, high-performance applications and establish a common data foundation for current and future AI investments. For ultra-low latency or regulatory scenarios, we’re expanding Azure withAzure Local—cloud-connected infrastructure deployable at edge locations like retail sites and central offices. We continue to support existing Azure Operator Nexus customers as the solution evolves as part of our overall approach for Azure at the edge.
Accenture is spearheading an enterprise-ready private multi-access edge compute (MEC) solution built on Azure Local to deliver low latency, localized data processing, and meet regulatory requirements. Tejas Rao, Accenture, Managing Director, Accenture says, “Private 5G and edge computing are no longer experimental technologies, they are catalysts for enterprise transformation. By leveraging Azure Local, we help organizations harness ultra-low latency and localized data processing to unlock real-time insights, automate critical operations, and meet industry-specific compliance needs.”
Another partner,
Microsoft has also performed an initial integration of Project Janus into Academic institutions, such as the To learn more about how telecoms can modernize their networks with Project Janus, read this blog.
Vice President WW Telecommunications, Media and Gaming, Microsoft
Silvia Candiani leads Microsoft’s Worldwide Telecommunications, Media and Gaming Industry, overseeing industry strategy, go-to-market plan, ecosystem growth, and solution development. Silvia was formerly CEO of Microsoft Italy, focused on accelerating digital transformation. Prior to Microsoft, Silvia led Consumer Marketing for Vodafone in Italy and was previously a consultant at McKinsey in the Media and Telecommunication industries. She has a BA from Bocconi University and an MBA from INSEAD. Silvia is also a member of the Bocconi University Alumni Advisory Board and Lavazza Group.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Samuel Brockington, Professor of Evolution, Curator of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, University of Cambridge
As I wander around Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a tree called the Wollemi pine often catches my eye. It’s one of our rarest trees, and a distinctive looking pine, with broad needles and bark that reminds you of coco pops.
First discovered in 1994 in a ravine in the Wollemi National Park in western Australia, only a few hundred survive in the wild. Although it has been on planet earth for hundreds of thousands of years, it is close to extinction. This tree species, like many others, represents a paradox: a rare and threatened species thriving in cultivation while its wild counterparts are just about hanging on to existence.
As a curator of one of the world’s largest university botanic gardens, I often talk about the power of living collections. I also recognise their limits. The world’s botanic gardens hold an extraordinary diversity of plants. But, they are struggling to keep up with the accelerating biodiversity extinction crisis.
Botanic gardens are often seen simply as peaceful retreats from the daily rat race or living museums where species are catalogued and displayed. But they are far more than that. Collectively, the world’s gardens form an extensive network of living plant collections, acting as refuges for biodiversity, sources of genetic material for research, and hubs for ecological restoration.
Our recent study, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, analysed 50 of the world’s largest living plant collections, currently growing 41% of all species in cultivation, and 500,000 individual plants. Our research spanned a century of digitised data and the findings are striking.
Programmes like the International Conifer Conservation Programme, led by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, have successfully safeguarded conifer species at risk of extinction. And Missouri Botanic Garden has changed how it manages its collection to prioritise threatened species, embedding conservation into its core activities. For example, they are increasingly only growing plant species that will naturally fit their own climate.
Yet, despite these successes at specific gardens, our new research suggests that our current global system of botanic gardens is not keeping pace with the biodiversity crisis.
We have hit “peak capacity” in botanic gardens – both in the number of plants grown and in the diversity of species held. This means we are growing as many individual plants as we possibly can, and our collections are as diverse as they can possibly be. While this may seem like a success, it reveals an uncomfortable truth: we are running out of space and resources to add more species.
We have already passed “peak wild”. This means that we are collecting and sourcing less plants directly from the wild. Since 1992, the proportion of wild-collected plants entering botanic gardens has declined, alongside a decrease in material sourced across international political boundaries.
This shift coincides with the Convention on Biological Diversity, which aims to regulate the trade of wild animals and plants and the use of genetic resources. While intended to promote fair sharing of the benefits of biodiversity, it has seems to have negatively effected the cultivation of plants outside of their native environment, even when this is being done to protect them. It has done this by limiting the movement of plant material.
Collections are also becoming less globally diverse. Since the early 1990s, they have become increasingly regionalised, potentially limiting their capacity to act as global conservation networks.
These trends expose a crucial challenge: if botanic gardens are to play a serious role in conservation, their curators must rethink how they collect, share and manage plant diversity.
Some gardens are already adapting, exemplified by the global charity Botanic Gardens Conservation International’s (BGCI) Global Conservation Consortia, which are forming networks to safeguard specific tree genera.
Central to their efforts is the concept of the “meta-collection” – a coordinated network of living collections that steward global plant diversity. Collaboration is essential, as no single institution has the capacity or expertise to conserve every threatened species alone. BGCI is leading efforts to collate data from thousands of collections worldwide. Its searchable platforms, such as PlantSearch and ThreatSearch, are leading the way in terms of the data tools institutions need to identify conservation priorities and track the status of threatened species.
Smart next steps
To save endangered plants, we need to focus on three key actions that make a real difference, much like how we protect the Wollemi pine.
The rules around plant protection need to be fixed. Right now, complicated legal barriers can make it harder, not easier, to save plants. We need clear guidelines that help gardens and conservationists share and protect rare species responsibly, without getting stuck in red tape.
We need to make better use of what we already have. Many botanic gardens are running out of space, so rather than collecting more and more species, we need to focus on preserving strong, genetically diverse populations of the most endangered plants – like ensuring the Wollemi pine has a secure future in multiple locations around the world.
A global data system would allow scientists to see, in real time, where rare plants like the Wollemi pine are being grown, how well they’re doing, and where help is needed most. Better information means smarter conservation decisions.
Botanic gardens have a long history of adaptation. They have evolved from medicinal gardens to scientific institutions, and now they must become conservation leaders on a global scale. The extinction crisis demands bold action, strategic collaboration and a willingness to rethink traditional approaches.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Samuel Brockington does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
ATLANTA, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GreyOrange Inc., a leader in AI-driven fulfillment automation, announces recognition of its GreyMatter hyper-intelligent warehouse orchestration in Interact Analysis’ comprehensive report, Warehouse Software Market Insight. Authored by Interact Analysis Research Manager Rueben Scriven and Senior Analyst Irene Zhang, the report reveals key insights into the rapidly evolving warehouse software market, highlighting a projected CAGR of 12.7% from 2023 to 2030. Interact Analysis predicts the warehouse automation software market will reach over $16 billion by 2030.
The report underscores the pivotal role of mobile robots in propelling growth within the fleet management system market. Their swift deployment, space efficiency compared to fixed automation, and flexible purchasing models, such as Robotics as a Service (RaaS), have accelerated the adoption of mobile robots – and the need for corresponding software.
According to the report, “To enhance operational efficiency in warehouses, implementing a Warehouse Execution System (WES) is likely to be considered a strategic choice.”
“With more disparate automation systems being used, along with more complex logistical processes, the need for fine-tuned orchestration and execution is becoming paramount to stay ahead of the curve,” said Rueben Scriven, Research Manager, Interact Analysis. “Being able to orchestrate fixed automation, mobile automation, and manual operations, GreyMatter is a true Warehouse Execution System.”
In alignment with this concept, GreyMatter’s hyper-intelligent warehouse orchestration is at the forefront of this software revolution. GreyMatter is designed to solve critical warehouse operation challenges. It seamlessly supports both fixed automation and robotics while maintaining exceptional reliability as agent numbers grow. With advanced functional areas like Fulfillment Engine, Inventory in Motion, and Integrated Automation, GreyMatter ensures precise and efficient operational orchestration.
“The recognition of GreyMatter’s value to the industry by Interact Analysis is a nod to the commitment of GreyOrange to producing competitive advantages for our customers,” said Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, GreyOrange. “GreyMatter’s capability to operate across various facility types, flex up and down according to inventory levels and demand, and provide agnostic multiagent orchestration for robotic and human labor differentiates the WES, and prepares companies today with solutions for future needs.”
Download the Warehouse Software Market Insight report, compliments of GreyOrange here.
Learn more about GreyOrange’s GreyMatter by visiting www.greyorange.com.
Interact Analysis, Warehouse Software Market Insight 2025, Rueben Scriven and Irene Zhang; January 2025
About Interact Analysis Interact Analysis is the leading authority on the warehouse automation market. With analysts located across the world including the US, China, UK, and Germany, Interact Analysis helps its clients stay ahead of the curve with its high quality research and analysis.
About GreyOrange GreyOrange Inc. is at the forefront of AI-driven robotics systems, transforming distribution and fulfillment centers worldwide. Its emphasis on orchestration, innovation, and customer satisfaction marks a new era in efficient, responsive supply chain solutions. The company’s solutions offer a competitive advantage by increasing productivity, empowering growth and scale, mitigating labor challenges, reducing risk and time to market, and creating better experiences for customers and employees. Founded in 2012, GreyOrange is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices and partners across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.greyorange.com.
CHICAGO, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VelocityEHS®, the global leader in enterprise EHS & ESG software solutions, has announced the publication of three groundbreaking scientific papers, further cementing its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in workplace safety and sustainability. These papers, published in the esteemed journals Ergonomics; International Journal of Data Warehousing and Mining; and Elsevier, showcase VelocityEHS’ innovative in musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk assessment, ESG data management, and Chemical Safety.
Advancements in Ergonomics Risk Assessment
The first paper, NLP-based Ergonomics MSD Risk Root Cause Analysis and Risk Controls Recommendation, published in Ergonomics and authored by Pulkit Parikh, PhD., Julia Penfield, PhD., Richard Barker, CPE, CSP, Blake McGowan, CPE, and James Richard Mallon, CPE, presents an AI-powered framework that utilizes Natural Language Processing (NLP) to automate the identification of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks and recommend targeted risk controls.
By leveraging deep learning and expert-driven ML models, this system goes beyond traditional risk scoring to provide actionable insights that improve workplace ergonomics and reduce injuries.
“Traditional ergonomics assessments often stop at producing risk scores, leaving companies without clear guidance on control actions,” said Rick Barker, CPE, Senior Director, Solution Strategy.
Until now, most research using artificial intelligence to combat musculoskeletal disorders has been limited to risk assessment. One of the unanswered questions among researchers is how to enhance the model to offer sustainable improvement strategies.
Julia Penfield, PhD., VP of Research & Machine Learning at VelocityEHS addressed this challenge: “We presented a framework that goes beyond MSD risk scoring. Along with machine learning, computer vision and natural language processing can propose risk control recommendations to help organizations achieve their goal to create safer workplaces. To the best of my knowledge, we are the first to take this holistic approach.”
Revolutionizing ESG Data Management
The second paper, Automatic Question Answering from Large ESG Reports, published in International Journal of Data Warehousing and Mining, and co-authored by Pulkit Parikh, PhD., and Julia Penfield, PhD., introduces the first AI-driven system designed to automatically extract and answer questions from extensive Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) reports.
ESG reports often exceed 50 pages, making manual extraction for audits, benchmarking, or Scope 3 reporting time-consuming and labor-intensive. Compounding this challenge, audits require answering hundreds of questions, posing difficulties even for experts. Additionally, midsize companies managing Scope 3 reports must manage thousands of suppliers, making it difficult to process ESG data.
“An AI-system could transform this process, enabling organizations to retrieve relevant information and drive informed decision-making effortlessly and efficiently,” said Dr. Julia Penfield.
Transforming Chemical Safety with AI-driven SDS Indexing
The third paper, A Machine Learning Driven Automated System to Extract Multiple Information Fields from Safety Data Sheet Documents, published in Elsevier, and authored by Misbah Khan, Julia Penfield, PhD., Aatish Suman, and Stephanie Crowell, presents an AI-powered system designed to automate the extraction of key chemical safety data from Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
SDS indexing has evolved from storing physical copies to digitally extracting key fields for inventory and risk management. While essential for compliance, manual SDS indexing is labor-intensive, costly and time consuming. An AI-driven solution will automate this process, allowing organizations to access critical chemical information with speed and accuracy.
“Effective chemical data management is essential for workplace safety and regulatory compliance. AI is no longer the future of chemical safety — it’s the present. With automated SDS indexing, we’re setting a new standard for speed, accuracy, and compliance,” says Misbah Khan, Staff Machine Learning Scientist, VelocityEHS. “An AI-driven solution will allow an organization’s team member to quickly retrieve SDS information in case of an accident, improving the response time and potentially saving a life. This blend of innovation and responsibility propels us toward an EHS future that’s both efficient and human centered.”
The paper concluded that an automated system could improve efficiency and compliance by indexing fields, such as product name, manufacturer, supplier, and revision date, with a precision accuracy of 96 to 99%.
Driving Innovation in Workplace Safety & Sustainability
These research contributions reflect VelocityEHS’ commitment to pioneering AI to improve workplace safety and operational performance. The company continues to invest in innovation to provide advanced solutions so organizations can reach all their EHS goals.
To learn how Velocity’s AI Machine Leaning scientists worked with certified ergonomists to deliver the most comprehensive ergonomics assessment tool, watch this video.
Relied on by more than 10 million users worldwide to drive operational excellence and achieve outstanding outcomes, VelocityEHS is the global leader in true SaaS enterprise EHS & ESG technology. The VelocityEHS Accelerate® Platform is the definitive gold standard, delivering best-in-class software solutions for managing Safety, Ergonomics, Chemical Management, and Operational Risk. In addition, Velocity offers world-class applications for Contractor Safety & Permit to Work, Environmental Compliance, and ESG.
The VelocityEHS team includes unparalleled industry expertise, with more certified experts in health, safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, sustainability, the environment, AI, and machine learning than any other EHS software provider. Recognized by the EHS industry’s top independent analysts as a Leader in the Verdantix 2025 Green Quadrant Analysis, VelocityEHS is committed to industry thought leadership and to accelerating the pace of innovation through its software solutions and vision. Its privacy and security protocols, which include SOC2 Type II attestation, are among the most stringent in the industry.
VelocityEHS is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with locations in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Tampa, Florida; Oakville, Ontario; London, England; Perth, Western Australia; and Cork, Ireland. For more information, visit www.EHS.com.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2
BEIJING, Feb. 27 — “The fact about this incident is very clear. The Philippine public service aircraft, with many journalists aboard, barged into China’s territorial airspace over Huangyan Dao to provoke and play the victim,” said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.
It is reported that the Philippine side claimed that a Chinese PLAN aircraft took dangerous maneuver against its public service aircraft, posing serious risk to the safety of its pilots and passengers.
When being asked to share comment on this, the spokesperson made the above remarks and added that the Philippines’ provocation posed threats to China’s helicopter which was on a routine patrol, and was the real cause of air and maritime safety risks in this encounter.
He also pointed out that intruding into other countries’ territorial airspace in breach of international law is more reckless and irresponsible than anything else and urged the Philippine side to immediately stop its rights-infringing actions, stop spreading false narratives, and work with the Chinese side to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.