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grits-galraisedinthesouth · 1 year ago

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Color me shocked.

Fox News is hosting the GOP debate in Wisconsin. During this build up segment, Martha MacCallum introduces the “random Republican voters” in Wisconsin who will watch the debate. Except, well… there’s a little problem. MacCallum introduces Chris Lawrence as a ��Wisconsin GOP voter” who seemingly supports Ron DeSantis. However, MacCallum fails to mention that Chris Lawrence actually works for the Koch Network, who have recently pledged to spend $70 million to defeat President Trump.

@RaheemKassam

Hi I looked into “Wisconsin voter” Christopher Lawrence, why didn’t you tell people he’s a paid activist belonging to the open borders network that recently pledged $70M to stop Trump?

‘Globalist’ Koch Network Blows $70M of Donor Cash to ‘Stop Trump’.

From Sundance Treehouse Blog: "The ‘Koch network’ group Americans for Prosperity Action is dropping $70M+ on a bid to stop President Donald J. Trump becoming the 47th President of the United States, according to a new report which suggests the libertarian billionaire backed organization is campaign in the Republican primaries “for the first time in its nearly 20 year history”.

The money is in addition to a $200M+ fund established by corporate backers for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s campaign, and will likely be used for “digital advertising on the issue of electability in the presidential race,” in addition to direct mail. In such scenarios, high percentages of donor cash ends up in the pockets of campaign consultants and vendors.

The Koch network includes groups such as Americans for Prosperity, Stand Together, i360, the American Legislative Exchange Council, the State Policy Network, the CATO Institute, Americans for Tax Reform, the Competitive Enterprise Institute, the Atlas Network, the Heritage Foundation, the Independent Women’s Forum, the Manhattan Institute, the Reason Foundation, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and many more.

The organization’s LIBRE initiative even campaigns in favor of amnesty for illegal migrants.

The co-option of the Tea Party movement was spearheaded by the Kochs, who turned it from a citizen-led organization into a pro-corporate, libertarian shell, before dumping it when press attention became too inconvenient.

“The globalist Koch Brothers, who have become a total joke in real Republican circles, are against Strong Borders and Powerful Trade,” Trump tweeted in 2018. “I never sought their support because I don’t need their money or bad ideas.”

Not only has Chris Lawrence worked for the Koch Network for the past 9 years, he is also the Senior Field Director for the Koch group Americans for Prosperity. In essence, Lawrence is a political operative planted in the group by Fox News to support Ron DeSantis and make it appear like he is an innocuous voter. Fox News and Martha MacCallum should be embarrassed, but they won’t be.

Don’t forget, Ron DeSantis supporters Eric Erickson and Guy Benson sit on the Koch Network AfP Advisory Board (see here).

It’s all one big game of illusion, and Fox News is once again a big part of the Republican fraud. Proving yet again, that everything in the Ron DeSantis orbit is astroturf, phony, manufactured and made up."

#debates #faux news #corrupt media #Dishonest DeSantis #the national pulse #corrupt GOP RNC #rigged #koch brothers #ron desantis

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skyler10fic · 1 year ago

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Mistletoe

Summary: A new decoration provides a romantic holiday reconnection after a stressful December!

Notes: This was originally supposed to be 1k for the @ficwip monthly photo prompt, but alas. Thanks for the prompt anyway, ficwip! Credit to them for finding the image.

Read on Ao3

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Daisy and Carol’s tenth December together was flying by. They barely had a moment for just the two of them. As soon as Daisy got home from a cybersecurity conference in New York, Carol was shipped off to Florida to consult on a new satellite. When she got home, she fell sick with a cold, which of course Daisy then caught next. When they were both healthy again, Daisy’s team at work was head-first into implementing a new security protocol they wanted to have stable before the holidays. Daisy collapsed into bed each night after Carol was already asleep, and Carol woke up for her morning run while Daisy was still deep in dreamland.

Carol felt herself getting grumpy and frustrated at the drop of a hat. She and Daisy had so little time together awake that getting short or snippy with each other was compounded by the anxiety that it might be the only private conversation they had all day. Carol knew they were just tired, but it sure didn’t feel like Christmastime this year with so much stress.

Then one pitch-black afternoon, as she was driving home from work alone while Daisy sat through another failed-security-patch debrief meeting, Carol had an idea. The lights she had put up on their house alone while Daisy was sick greeted her, and the wreath on the front door welcomed guests in, while the indoor decorations and tree made the house a home. But the side door that she and Daisy always entered, next to the driveway where they parked, was entirely bare.

Carol set her stuff down inside, turned on the outside light, and came back to consider the blank evergreen-colored door. She tilted her head and tried to picture a wreath. It didn’t seem right; it’d blend right in. Nor did a kitschy sign. Something more vertical, perhaps. There was already a nail in the white wood frame that she could hang something from.

She returned inside to consider it while she cooked dinner and scrolled through decoration ideas on her phone while she ate. Then, the idea took full form: specifically, the shape of a bunch of mistletoe hung with a red ribbon. The holiday decor blog made the red, green, and white seem like the most picture-perfect option. And she knew exactly where to get it.

That night, as Daisy climbed into bed, Carol cuddled up to her and kissed her goodnight. Fresh from a relaxing shower, Daisy smelled of her Christmasy shower gel and lotion, all minty and sweet, and for a moment, all of the stress of the month let up. Their eyelids were too heavy to savor it long, though. The next morning, they were back to the old routine—coming and going and venting about their incompetent coworkers and trying to coordinate household chores.

Fueled by their moment of connection the night before, Carol was determined that it was time for a change. So off to the corner plant store she went, embarking on a longer morning run than usual through the neighborhood. The store opened just as she arrived, and she stopped on her walk home to get a bagel and coffee from a new cafe with a rainbow flag in the window. As she suspected from a glance at her watch, by the time she got home, Daisy was gone to her early morning meeting with the corporate executives to report on her team’s progress.

Carol didn’t have any meetings herself this morning, so she took the opportunity to hang the mistletoe while Daisy was away. The sunlight also helped, since the afternoons were dark so early. But tonight was the winter solstice, halfway out of the dark, and the sun would eventually stay later in the day. Carol stood back when she was done and admired her work. The hanging mistletoe was protected by the roof of the tiny covered stoop, but still visible against the darker green of the door. Now all she had to do was engineer a time when she and Daisy would be walking through the door together, or at least home at the same time, and not annoyed or stressed or in a hurry.

Given the month they’d had, she anticipated it would take longer than it did.

—

Daisy’s team met their Friday deadline and she secretly teared up in relief. She’d never faced as much pressure and scrutiny in her career as she had these last few weeks. The holidays were coming at her like a freight train, and her self-doubt feared she’d crash right into them. Her team all looked to her as some sort of SuperGirl, able to take down vulnerabilities in their code with her laser-sharp eyes for exploits. But this time, she had two new hires to train, a board room of men in suits to impress, and reminders of her Christmas deadline in every store and on every website and playlist. She had deleted each of the flood of holiday promotional emails with building dread in her stomach, knowing that every minute she wasn’t working was putting her career and the careers of her entire team at risk.

Poor Carol. Even as they fought or coordinated logistics or just only had time for a peck of a goodbye kiss as they passed coming and going from work and activities and obligations, Daisy could see the ache in Carol’s eyes. And Daisy missed her too. So last night—with her big presentation in the morning and no idea if the team could pull it off—Carol stayed awake to give her a proper kiss goodnight and snuggle for a minute or two, it meant the world to Daisy.

She swore after a Friday like today, with everything finally right in her professional life again and free until January, she was going to make it up to her wife in every way.

She started by bringing home dinner from their favorite takeout place. Carol kept offering to go with her to get anything she needed out of the car, but Daisy told her no thank you, that everything was in the takeout bag. Daisy revealed each food item like a strip tease, delighting in Carol’s excitement. Soon, they were laughing and relaxing into normal conversation again.

“There’s this great new cafe,” Carol said between bites, “If I went on my morning run a little later than usual, would you come with me and we could get breakfast together?”

Daisy squinted in consideration. “Hmm… okay. Make it 8 instead of 7 and I’m there.”

“Done.” Carol nodded as if sealing a business negotiation.

They put away their leftovers and settled in on the couch for a romantic Christmas movie. As the two rival bakers fell in love, Daisy cuddled closer to Carol’s side, and Carol held her and kissed her forehead. Before the movie was over, they fell asleep from the exhaustion of the week and the coziness of the moment. Daisy woke up a few hours later laying half on top of Carol, with a stiff neck and tingling arm.

“Babe,” Daisy whispered, “We fell asleep.” Daisy got up and stretched, which caused Carol to whine at the loss of her wife’s warmth like a child whose teddy bear was taken away. Carol finally opened her eyes and realized where they were.

“Is the movie over?” she asked groggily.

“Yeah,” Daisy huffed out a laugh. “C’mon, let’s get to bed.”

They could barely stay conscious long enough to brush their teeth and climb into bed, and Carol had no trouble at all sleeping in later than usual.

—----

The thought of the mistletoe hanging from the doorway outside did motivate Carol to get out of bed eventually and to urge Daisy to keep her promise. Carol figured they had multiple chances here: on their way out the door to breakfast, on the way back in, or another situation she could manufacture later in the day. Daisy hadn’t noticed the mistletoe when coming in with dinner last night, so Carol was confident the surprise was still in tact.

But the mood just wasn’t right when leaving for breakfast as they got into a discussion about their extended families’ Christmas schedules, and coming back, they got a call from Jemma asking if they wanted to take her daughter, Alya, to the mall to see Santa. Not only would it be quality auntie time, but it would allow Jemma to get the house ready for her parents’ visit from England while Fitz was in his workshop building Alya a robot dog. Daisy and Carol happily agreed. Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child was exactly what they needed today.

By the time they were ready to leave to pick up Alya, Carol was getting more strategic about their house-exit strategy to avoid missing her chance at the mistletoe and having to wait another day.

“I love getting to do stuff like this with you,” Carol confessed, wrapping Daisy’s candy-cane-striped scarf around her with tender attention. “Reminds me of when Monica was little, and we’d take her ice skating at the rink with the big Christmas tree.”

“Aww, me too.” Daisy sighed in nostalgia. “Being the aunties, being a family with our friends as they have kids, spoiling them all… It’s the best.” She helped Carol into her coat.

They turned back to face each other, and Carol knew this was the moment. She smiled mischievously.

“What?” Daisy laughed. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“On the other side of this door is a little surprise for you that you haven’t seemed to notice so far, and I am really hoping you like it.”

“Okay…” Daisy raised her eyebrows. “Is it okay if I open it?” She gestured to the door.

“Here. M’lady.” Carol opened the door for her chivalrously and they stepped to the other side and closed it. They faced each other again, mirroring their position from the entryway.

Daisy looked around at their cars, the driveway, the lawn—until Carol pointed up and Daisy’s gaze followed, finally seeing the mistletoe.

“How long has that been there?” Daisy laughed. “I’ve really just missed it?”

“You were distracted.” Carol shrugged. “I put it up yesterday, so not that long.”

“You know, if you want to kiss me, you can just ask.” Daisy wrapped her arms around Carol and leaned in.

“Pretty please,” Carol mumbled, already moving in the extra inch. Their lips met over and over in little adoring kisses until Daisy pulled back the smallest bit.

“I’ve missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.” Carol paused and kissed her again. “And now we have the entire week to spend with each other and those we love. Merry Christmas to us.”

Daisy nuzzled Carol’s nose. “I love you.”

Carol hummed in happiness that her plan had worked out. “I love you too.”

They knew they couldn’t stay under the mistletoe with a little niece to spoil and a line for the mall Santa waiting for them, so they did finally get in the car and on with their Saturday. But after a very long wait weaving through photo booths in an Instagram-worthy extensive North Pole village, Santa had a surprise reward: candy canes for the kids and teens and a choice of candy canes or mini mistletoe bunches for the adults.

Daisy and Carol took the mistletoe bunches and, later that night, hung them on the wall above each other’s sides of the bed where they would get plenty of use as the couple reconnected and made up for a month of missed kisses and more.

#daisy johnson #carol danvers #aos #agents of shield #captain marvel #daisy x carol #carol x daisy #wlw #sapphic fic #femslash #lesbian carol danvers #bisexual daisy johnson #skywriting #christmas #holiday fic #christmas fic #winter solstice #rated: g

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mariacallous · 1 year ago

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“Florida is where woke goes to die,” Gov. Ron DeSantis declared at a victory speech in November 2022, just after winning his second term as governor of Florida. He’d just had a decisive win in an election that wasn’t otherwise particularly good for Republicans across the country, and he’d done it by promoting himself as an anti-woke warrior.

It wasn’t his official presidential campaign announcement, but it was still a pitch to voters nationwide: I’m the candidate who can defeat the creeping specter of wokeness infecting schools, workplaces, and our culture as a whole.

But one year after that victory speech that unofficially anointed him as a formidable opponent to Donald Trump, he’s polling in a far distant second place to the former president, and he’s been unable to take his anti-woke message nationwide. What happened?

Is DeSantis a bad messenger, is his anti-wokeness message just not resonating with GOP voters — or is the grip Trump has on the Republican electorate just too strong?

“It’s a little bit of all the above,” Alex Conant, a GOP consultant for Firehouse Strategies, a public affairs firm, told HuffPost.

Originally, “woke” was a term in African American Vernacular English meaning to stay alert to racial discrimination. But soon after the racial justice protests swept the country in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, conservative pundits co-opted the term to derogatorily refer to anything related to progressivism, equality or diversity.

Companies that put out statements in support of diversity initiatives or changed their racist logos, educators who wanted to teach accurate U.S. history, and celebrities who spoke out against discrimination were swiftly deemed “woke” ― and something conservatives everywhere should fear.

In contrast, in Florida and across the country, being anti-woke meant introducing bills that target LGBTQ+ students, diversity initiatives in the workplace, and what books children had access to at school. Any candidate promising to bring those ideas to the national stage, the thinking went, would be a strong Republican contender for the White House.

And perhaps no public figure has invested as much in the concept, or hitched their wagon to it as publicly as DeSantis.

“The woke mind virus is basically a form of cultural Marxism. At the end of the day, it’s an attack on the truth,” DeSantis said during a Fox News interview shortly after announcing he was running for president. “And because it’s a war on truth, I think we have no choice but to wage a war on woke.”

The following week he went to Iowa and promised to take on wokeness as president. “We will fight the woke in education, we will fight the woke in corporations, we will fight the woke in the halls of Congress,” he said.

But complaining about wokeness and stoking the culture wars has turned out to be a losing bet in elections across the country.

In the November 2022 election, candidates that focused on culture wars failed to win key races across the country, with losses in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Georgia. Then last month, school board candidates who ran on combating wokeness in schools were unsuccessful.

It’s looking increasingly clear that Republicans overestimated how much GOP voters were invested in fighting wokeness. With just weeks to go before the first ballots are cast, a November poll out of Iowa shows that DeSantis is tied for second place with former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, at just 16%.

Trump seemed to pick up on the weakness of anti-wokeness branding before DeSantis. “I don’t like the term ‘woke’ because I hear, ‘Woke, woke, woke.’ It’s just a term they use, half the people can’t even define it, they don’t know what it is,” he said at an Iowa event in June.

Conant says Trump is correct. “A lot of voters don’t know what woke is,” he said. “Republicans struggle to define it.”

“Fundamentally, a lot of Republicans are troubled by activist politicians on the right and the left, and they don’t want to see the government penalizing companies,” Conant said.

As part of showing how strong he was on fighting wokeness, DeSantis famously went after Disney after the company criticized Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, which restricts what educators can say about sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom. In turn, DeSantis revoked the Disney district’s special tax status and appointed a new board to oversee the district. The megacorporation sued the state, alleging the government was infringing on its First Amendment right.

“I think they crossed the line,” DeSantis said about Disney’s criticism of the law in March. “We’re going to make sure we’re fighting back when people are threatening our parents and threatening our kids.”

But by August, DeSantis appeared to be defeated. It turns out that even though DeSantis had filled the board with members who were loyal to him, the old board had passed a policy that made the new members effectively powerless.

“We’ve basically moved on,” DeSantis said on CNBC. “They’re suing the state of Florida, they’re going to lose that lawsuit. So what I would say is, drop the lawsuit.”

Despite railing against woke companies and politicians, according to Ron Bonjean, a former Republican spokesman and the co-founder of PR firm ROKK Solutions, traditional conservatives don’t like when the government interferes with businesses.

“Seventy percent of polled Republicans are against elected officials going after companies and punishing them,” Bonjean said about his polling. “They want the government to stay out of the marketplace.”

And further polling shows that GOP voters are just not interested in the anti-woke culture wars — at least not enough to rally behind the most anti-woke candidate.

A July 2023 New York Times/Siena College poll found that only 24% of respondents wanted a candidate that would focus on defeating woke ideology.

“It’s immigration, national security, the economy, those are the issues that GOP voters care about the most,” Conant said. “But DeSantis spent most of the campaign talking about what he did in Tallahassee.”

And while campaigning against wokeness was a staple in DeSantis’ stump speeches early in his campaign, he slowly began pivoting. In a televised town hall with CNN this month, he didn’t utter the word once.

Not every political campaign expert believes that it’s simply a messaging problem.

“If you look at the kinds of things DeSantis is arguing against — progressive agendas pushed by school administration, the politics of corporations, DEI ― it’s something that he has articulated well and has a wide audience,” Daron Shaw, a political science professor and public opinion researcher at the University of Texas at Austin, told HuffPost.

But Shaw said DeSantis is just not an effective messenger. “Most conservatives would agree that woke politics have gone too far. But DeSantis isn’t the right messenger. He’s not a happy warrior.”

Trump’s supporters, for better or for worse, find him relatable and believe the former president is standing beside them. Meanwhile, DeSantis comes off as out of touch, like when he was unable to connect with a teenager describing his mental health struggles.

Others believe the media has a role to play. Initially, DeSantis sought only friendly media outlets, eschewing traditional television or print outlets that he likely believed would paint him in a bad light.

“He made a strategic mistake by not engaging in mainstream media,” Conant said. “He allowed his opponents to define him aloof, out of touch, and weird.”

For example, several clips of DeSantis struggling to smile have gone viral. He’s been accused of wearing high-heeled shoes to appear taller and made fun of for eating pudding with his fingers, and his candidacy has been dogged by allegations that he doesn’t know how to relate to voters.

“The Trump influencers and messengers behind the Make America Great Again movement post about DeSantis in high-heeled boots or getting his make-up done,” said David Capen, a North Carolina-based strategist. “They’re using these memes and little clips to make him look weak and insecure.”

And when you’re running against Trump, who is famous for delivering low-blow insults and is polling around 50 points ahead of DeSantis, the last thing you want is to look weak.

Even if DeSantis were polling better or if his message was resonating with voters nationwide and not just in Florida, he’d still have to contend with Trump — who has been the party’s standard bearer since his nomination in 2016.

“Everyone’s fundamental problem is Donald Trump,” Conant said. “He’s effectively the incumbent. You need to convince voters that he needs to be fired.”

And despite the numerous indictments and legal battles the former president is facing, it doesn’t appear to be holding him back. One Iowa strategist believes that DeSantis’ fledging campaign can’t be blamed on anti-wokeness being unpopular or DeSantis’ being too awkward for the national stage.

“It is all about Donald Trump’s popularity,” Jimmy Centers, an Iowa-based strategist, told HuffPost. “Trump is the 500-pound gorilla in the [Iowa] caucus. I think there was a fundamental miscalculation that the Republican electorate was ready for something new.”

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beardedmrbean · 1 year ago

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Years after the death of George Floyd shined a spotlight on societal inequities, diversity professionals say some companies are turning their backs on the progress that's been made to address them.

Madison Butler is one of the many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professionals that companies previously brought on their payroll to ensure their business is equitable and accessible for people of all backgrounds.

But in recent months, Butler said she has found it increasingly hard to find work -- and she's not alone.

DEI positions have been disproportionately hit by layoffs across industries, but particularly at tech companies, which have faced financial challenges as sales slowed from the blistering pace attained during the pandemic.

When Butler reached out to DEI professionals who planned to hire her for consulting, she said companies have told her: "'Oh, this person is no longer with the company.' 'Oh, this person has been laid off.' 'Oh, this person no longer works here effective last month.'

Melody, who is using only her first name for privacy reasons, is also a DEI professional and said she was laid off along with others on her DEI team within just a few months of their hiring.MORE: DEI: What does it mean and what is its purpose?

"It's difficult to be somewhere for a brief period of time and feel like you didn't even have the time to make the impact you wanted to make," Melody told ABC News.

"The workplace is so full of human beings and we're not robots," she added. "We definitely need people at work who can help us feel like we belong there."

Nationwide call to action

George Floyd, a Black man, was killed by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020 during an arrest. His death prompted a nationwide movement in which protesters demanded individuals and organizations alike take action in addressing societal injustices that impact historically marginalized groups.

To do this, some companies sought out the expertise of DEI professionals like Butler and Melody.

"We suddenly saw everyone coming out of the woodwork wanting to hire a lot of them, hiring inaugural DEI folks," Melody said. "And you had to wonder, like, are people actually ready for this? Or is this a trend that we're seeing?"

DEI initiatives are often intended to address workplace culture and conditions, such as inaccessibility in the workplace for disabled people, poor retention rates for workers of color and other inequalities faced by marginalized groups.MORE: Rise in anti-LGBTQ hate and extremism captured in new reports

From September 2019 to September 2020, job postings for diversity, inclusion and belonging positions on the hiring website Indeed rose by 56.3%, the company said.

A LinkedIn study found that chief diversity and inclusion officer positions grew by 168.9% from 2019 to 2022.

The rapid organizational movement toward addressing inequalities was initially exciting for DEI professionals. But in just a couple of years, that excitement wavered as growth rapidly fell apart.

"The honeymoon is over," Cecil Howard, a DEI consultant and former chief diversity officer at the University of South Florida, told ABC News.

"Right after George Floyd's killing, everybody who didn't have a diversity office quickly created a diversity office," he added. "A few years later, they started realizing, 'We checked the box and things are a little quieter now.'"

DEI begins to disappear

Starting in late 2020 -- months after the killing of Floyd set off a racial reckoning -- a host of companies escalated cuts of DEI professionals, a survey of more than 600 companies from data firm Revelio Labs found.

Last year, the layoffs accelerated significantly, the study found.MORE: Where guaranteed income programs are growing in the US

One in three DEI professionals lost their roles over a one-year period ending in December, the survey said. Over that period, the study added, non-DEI workers experienced a relatively lower attrition rate of 21%.

The job losses owe to several trends: a sluggish economy that prompted cost cuts, a softening of the scrutiny that held corporations to account over racial justice and a rise of conservative backlash against DEI, some DEI professionals told ABC News.

"In 2020 a lot of organizations reacted to the market, reacted to social events taking place without really having a clear understanding of what DEI is and how it should be enabled in business," Christie Lindor, a diversity strategist and CEO of Tessi Consulting, told ABC News.

"When things get rough, these are the areas that go," Lindor added.

Speaking to laid-off DEI professionals, Howard noticed job losses concentrated among individuals who criticized an employer's diversity-related policies or offered ambitious ideas for reform, he said.

"The separations weren't coming from organizations that were really serious about enhancing their culture," he said, describing a chilling effect for DEI professionals: "We don't need you to be a voice; we need you to be a face."

At the same time, conservative elected officials such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began to target DEI initiatives.

DeSantis last month signed into law a bill that prohibits state or federal spending on DEI programs at public universities in Florida.

The acronym, DeSantis said, should be reinterpreted as "discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination."

In February, Abbott's office ordered state agencies to stop using diversity, equity and inclusion programs in hiring, calling them "illegal."

Abbott's chief of staff, Gardner Pate claimed these programs "proactively encourage discrimination in the workplace," and do the opposite of what they claim to do.

And in June, Abbott signed a ban on diversity offices in state-funded higher education institutions.

In a statement, a spokesperson from Abbott's office told ABC News that "the issue is not diversity – the issue is that equity is not equality, and DEI practices conflate the two."

The statement continued, "Some universities and woke professors have been using DEI to advance political agendas and exclude conservative viewpoints on college campuses. These efforts adversely affect our students, limit exposure to diverse thought, and destroy our education system."

DeSantis' office did not respond to ABC News' requests for comment.

Lindor accused elected officials like Abbott and DeSantis of "weaponizing" DEI for political purposes, calling conservative political attacks one of the "driving forces" behind cuts in the field.

Butler and Melody believe that anti-DEI policies intend to turn back progress made by marginalized groups toward equality.

"People fear losing power," said Butler. "So much of this work has to be centered around deconstructing things like white supremacy, deconstructing status quos. And those status quos and white supremacy protect people in positions of power."

Without these DEI policies, professionals fear that organizations may fall back into patterns that create unhealthy or exclusive work cultures that drive away diverse candidates, employees and customers alike.

"If we don't have employees that understand people of different cultures, different backgrounds – companies are going to find themselves losing good employees to discriminatory practices," said Brit Levy, a former DEI employee who was laid off from Meta.MORE: How Colorado Springs, with a history of hate, built LGBTQ safe spaces after the Club Q shooting

She continued, "It's going to be an uphill battle for retention. Employee morale is going to go down because now you have these employees that feel like targets they have targets on their back."

Companies choosing to slash DEI programs could face difficulty hiring candidates from underrepresented groups and understanding the needs of a diverse customer base, Lindor said.

"It's not just about being progressive as an organization," Howard said. "Start looking at the bottom line."

Some states that have banned workplace affirmative action -- a diversity initiative that allows employers to consider race as one factor in hiring -- saw that such bans negatively impacted diversity in the workplace, according to a Harvard study. The study analyzed the workforces of four state government following the ban and found that these states saw significant declines in the number of Black women, Latino men and Asian women working there.

Meanwhile, the number of white men in the workplaces increased, the study says.

Diversity has also proven to be good for business, according to several studies that indicate that companies that are more diverse are more innovative and in turn, more profitable.

Companies that fail to diversify could fall behind, especially in the tech industry, where a surge in the development of AI has heightened the importance of innovation, Lindor said.

"We're seeing more candidates who want to join companies that align with their values," Lindor said. "It's difficult for companies to authentically say DEI is a priority when they're cutting."

"We're going to start to see the results of that in the marketplace in the years to come," she added.

#nunyas news

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ivirginus · 2 years ago

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Who Can Buy Land in USA?

Who Can Buy Land in USA? A Foreigner’s Guide to Buying Land in the USA

Discount Lots SEARCH LAND FOR SALE If you’re interested in purchasing land in the United States, you may wonder who can buy land in USA. The answer is that both American citizens and foreign nationals can purchase property in the United States. However, foreign purchasers have some restrictions when it comes to owning a parcel of land. In this article, we’ll explore who can buy land in USA and whether or not you can own a parcel of land as a foreigner. Read on to learn about who can purchase land in the United States.

Who Can Buy Land in USA?

Generally, about anyone with the financial means and who meets certain eligibility criteria can purchase land in the USA. US Citizens and Permanent Residents US citizens who are 18 years or older and have a credit score of at least 650 can buy land in the United States. Additionally, permanent residents who have lived and worked in the US for at least two years may be eligible to purchase a plot of land. Companies and Corporations Companies and corporations authorized to conduct business in the US may be eligible to buy land. Additionally, they must meet certain requirements set by lenders who will review their financial situation and credit score. International Investors Non-US citizens looking to purchase a parcel of land in the United States must have a valid visa and meet certain requirements set by lenders. This includes having a certain credit score, proof of residency in the US for at least two years, and providing any other documents that may be necessary depending on who you are buying from. Additionally, you might have to pay additional taxes or fees, so it’s best to research all of the relevant laws and regulations before signing any contracts.

Are There Additional Rules and Regulations for Non-Residents?

Foreigners interested in investing in the land may also be subject to additional rules and regulations depending on the state they wish to purchase the property. For example, Florida has specific laws that must be followed regarding foreign real estate purchases. Additionally, certain types of land may require approval from certain government agencies before a sale can happen. It is also important to understand that various other taxes and fees you might incur when buying land in the United States. These may include transfer taxes, title insurance costs, property taxes, and other closing costs. Before entering into a contract to buy land in the United States, it’s important to consult an attorney familiar with international transactions, as well as the laws and regulations in the state where you wish to purchase the property.

Does Buying Land in the US Automatically Grant Me Citizenship?

Purchasing land in the US can be a great opportunity for investors who have the means to do so. However, it’s important to know that purchasing land in the US does not automatically grant you citizenship. In order to become a citizen of the United States, you must go through a rigorous application process and meet other criteria set by the US government.

Where Are Foreign Buyers of US Land From?

Foreign purchasers who are interested in buying land in the United States typically come from the region of Asia, which makes up 22% of the total number of foreign land buyers. People from this region tend to invest in properties because the US real estate market is more stable than in other countries. The sales price of land is also more affordable.

Where Do Foreigners Buy Property in the USA?

There are many desirable states for foreigners to buy property. Some of the most popular destinations for international real estate transactions include Texas, California, and Florida. Each state offers unique opportunities to buy land with stunning scenery, a warm climate, and thriving real estate markets. - Texas is an attractive choice for non-resident buyers looking to invest in land due to its low taxes and business-friendly regulations. - California offers stunning scenery, climate, and culture and access to some of the US’s most desirable real estate markets. - Florida is another popular choice due to its year-round warm climate and relatively affordable real estate prices. Ultimately, who can buy land in the USA will depend on the individual’s financial situation and ability to meet the various requirements set by lenders and government agencies. It’s important to research all of the applicable laws, regulations, taxes, and fees before entering into a contract to purchase land in any state. With proper planning and guidance, foreign investors who meet the requirements can own a piece of the American dream. SEARCH LAND FOR SALE

Top Things to Consider Before Buying Land in the USA

When considering who can buy land in USA, there are a few important things to remember. Why Do You Want to Buy an American Property? Your primary objective should be to determine the purpose of your purchase. Are you looking for a vacation home, an investment property, or something else? Examine the regions and property kinds that have historically performed well and provided solid returns. Look for upcoming events that might increase demand for real estate, such as major festivals, sporting events, or even specific construction projects, such as a new harbor or shopping center. Can You Stay in the USA? Despite the fact that the USA has long been a favorite destination for foreign property searchers, most people can only enter the country for up to 90 days per year for either business or pleasure. Therefore, you must possess a B-2 visa if you want to spend more time maximizing your property. The holder of this visa may stay for up to six months. Additionally, those applying for a B-2 visa must demonstrate that they have enough money to maintain themselves abroad. Have You Thought About Where Your Land Will Be Located in the US? It’s good to visit any property or development in person. That way, you can see for yourself what the neighborhood is really like, get a sense of the surroundings and the actual property, see how close it is to local amenities, any extras like beaches or outdoor adventures, and check out public transportation options. Do You Have a Set Budget? While you can easily find cheap land for sale across the country, it’s crucial to estimate how much your property will ultimately cost you and how you plan to pay for it. You may use any finances more effectively to identify the ideal property if you clearly understand your budget, enabling you to set particular goals. You might need to convert your local currency into US dollars if you purchase real estate in the US. Early on in your research, get in touch with a currency expert so you can stay on top of exchange rates and prepare for how changes in the currency will influence your guests. This way, you may incorporate your overseas payments into your total spending plan and maintain control of any less obvious costs. Prepare for Extra Charges and Hidden Fees You could be pleasantly surprised to learn that there aren’t too many additional costs while purchasing in the US, despite the possibility that there will be. Since US property taxes and levies are among the lowest in the world, you should normally allow them in the purchase price. However, if you own a property in a resort, you may be responsible for additional expenses. It is also important to remember that you can encounter unforeseen expenses here if and when the time comes to sell your US property. The seller frequently covers the cost, for instance. The American tax system is famous for being complicated; for help, contact a financial or legal professional. SEARCH LAND FOR SALE

How to Buy Property in the USA as a Non-Citizen?

Foreigners can easily buy land in the USA without a green card, a specific kind of visa, or even USA citizenship. As we mentioned earlier, they are ought to have a valid visa and proof of residency in the US for at least two years. Here are some important things to know for a smooth buying process. Understand the Tax Implications It’s important to understand the tax implications of buying property in the US while living abroad. The Real Property Tax Act The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) dictates who is eligible to buy real estate in the US, who pays taxes on it, and other related matters. The Act requires foreign buyers who sell their property to pay a 10-15% capital gains tax. Every foreign land investor is given a taxpayer identification number. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses this individual taxpayer identification number to track rental income and other taxes associated with owning property in the United States. Failure to obtain this number can result in fines, penalties, or even having your property seized by the government. Non-resident owners planning to spend more than 180 days in the country over a 12-month period need to register for a tax identification number. Tax Treaties There are numerous international tax treaties that the US has signed. These agreements are made to limit the possibility of double taxation. The tax treaty may lower the taxes you would ordinarily pay on income from a US property if you are a resident of a nation having a US tax treaty. Tax Rates In general, the government taxes any income from real estate in the US that a non-resident owns that is not actually tied to a US trade or enterprise at a 30% rate. This rate might be lower if your resident country and the US have a tax treaty. How Your Property Income Is Treated A non-resident immigrant may treat all income from property that generates income in the US as being inextricably linked to a US trade or enterprise if they own it or have an interest in it. This is known as the Section 871(d) election. If you choose this option, you can deduct expenses related to real estate income, making the net income taxable. This will apply to all income derived from US-based real estate. SEARCH LAND FOR SALE Financing Options as a Foreigner Cash payment is the simplest method for foreign investors. Typically, you can request an international wire transfer via your local bank. That way, you wouldn’t have to be concerned about currency conversion. Can Foreigners Qualify for a US Mortgage? You will face a much more difficult process if you’re looking to get a conventional loan from an American bank. For foreign national mortgages, you can expect to come up with a 50% down payment for the property. If you’re living in the US, you’ll face many issues, and the bank’s decisions could be based on whether or not you are a citizen or a green card holder. This is not going to be an easy route.

What’s the Easiest Way for Foreigners to Buy Land in the USA?

The easiest way for foreign people to buy land in the US is to pay for it in cash. Paying for the property in full means that the title transfers to you immediately, and it’s a done deal. If cash isn’t an option, then the next best thing would be to attempt owner financing. Owner financing is a great option for foreigners purchasing property without the hassle of securing a traditional mortgage. Here’s where DiscountLots can help immensely! It allows buyers to make payments directly to the property seller rather than through a third-party lender who approves mortgages. By taking advantage of Discount Lots’ owner financing options, you can save money by taking advantage of discounted rates. This can help to reduce the overall cost of buying land in the United States, making it more accessible and attainable for any non-US citizen who wishes to purchase real property here. With Discount Lots, you can easily find owner financing options that are right for your budget and needs. We don’t require credit history checks, there are no prepayment penalties and you can learn more about our owner financing process here.

Do Foreign Buyers Have to Pay Extra Stamp Duties?

Foreigners purchasing real estate in the US are not subject to any additional stamp duty, as opposed to Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Vancouver, Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne, which all increased the tax paid by foreign buyers from 7% to 30%. There are no restrictions when foreigners purchase real estate in the United States. In reality, many affluent overseas investors buy investment properties, including single-family homes, multi-unit apartments or condos, and even commercial properties like shopping centers. They also buy residential lands and vacation homes in the United States. Foreigners and Americans each pay the same amount in stamp duty. Additionally, you might add the stamp duty (property transfer tax) to the cost basis of the property when you sell it, lowering your future tax liability.

How Long Does the Land Buying Process Take in the US?

The purchase process for real estate in the US can take anywhere from four to eight weeks. This largely depends on the complexity of the transaction and who is involved—i.e., individuals, lenders, corporate entities, or trusts. It’s important to remember that if you’re a foreigner purchasing land in the US, you’ll need to set up a U.S.-based bank account prior to closing the transaction. This will ensure that you can wire the funds for your purchase in a timely manner and that everything remains secure.

Who Can Buy Land in USA: Final Thoughts

Foreigners who want to buy land in the United States of America can easily do so. The easiest way for a foreign buyer to purchase land is by paying for it in cash. Though, the most convenient option available is through owner financing. Additionally, foreign buyers who purchase real estate in the US pay the same stamp duty as domestic buyers and can expect their transaction to take four to eight weeks to complete. Discount Lots has access to a wide range of land and owner financing options that make buying property in the US easier for foreign buyers. We sell land directly to you, so there’s no need for a real estate agent or any third-party involvement. Contact us today for more information about purchasing land in the USA! Looking for Vacant Land? Discount Lots has affordable land for sale across the country. SEARCH LAND FOR SALE Read the full article

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ausetkmt · 2 years ago

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Florida’s Private Prison Movement Alive and Well | Prison Legal News

With the promise of saving taxpayer dollars to house a growing prisoner population during a cyclical crime wave in the early 1990s, Florida decided to experiment with private prisons. From the start, those involved in the push to privatize were tainted with ethical conflicts, and more than two decades later politics still rule the privatization issue while cost savings have proven elusive.

State lawmakers initially created the Correctional Privatization Commission (CPC) to push an initiative that the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) was reluctant to pursue: privatizing prisons. The CPC helped craft Florida’s 1993 statute that established the parameters for privatization.

Consulting for the CPC was Charles Thomas, a University of Florida criminology professor who was nationally known to specialize in prison issues. He contributed significantly to developing the law’s provisions. “I certainly had a fairly heavy hand in it,” he said.

He also had a heavy hand in the coffers of Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), the nation’s largest for-profit prison firm. At the same time he was consulting for the CPC, Thomas owned private prison stock and secured a $3 million fee from CCA in connection with Prison Realty Trust, a CCA spin-off company. While Florida’s Ethics Commission later levied a $20,000 fine on Thomas, the largest ever at that time, it was a fraction of the financial benefits he received from the private prison industry. [See: PLN, Sept. 1999, p.12; Feb. 1999, p.10].

One statutory provision championed by Thomas was a requirement that private prisons receive payments for being at 90% capacity, whether they were or not. “[FDOC] could really sink the ship by keeping the prison just 20 percent full,” he said. In some cases, this resulted in the state paying for empty private prison beds.

While that requirement may be popular with private prison executives and shareholders, it is contrary to good public policy. “The notion that any prison, public or private, is guaranteed to be 90 percent filled whether crime is going up or down is absurd,” said Judith Greene, a criminal justice policy expert and director of Justice Strategies, Inc., a research and advocacy group based in New York.

“We are incentivizing imprisoning people,” added former state Senator Paula Dockery. “That is in no way good for the state.”

It has, however, been very good for private prisons operating in Florida. For example, when the Blackwater River Correctional Facility was opened in 2010 by the GEO Group, it had an average population of 324 the first month. Yet GEO, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, was paid more than $82,000 a day to operate the facility – the cost for 1,800 prisoners. Questions were raised as to whether the Blackwater prison was even necessary, or resulted from political machinations. [See: PLN, March 2011, p.1].

Beyond Charles Thomas, other corruption within the CPC was ultimately brought to light. At the top of the agency was C. Mark Hodges. Investigators learned a Hawaii vacation that Hodges and his wife took in 1997 occurred while he was on-duty, and a private prison firm had paid the $1,800 tab for the trip. Also while on-duty, Hodges had earned $150,000 from consulting contracts in other states related to prison privatization issues; in one case, he billed a city $7,500 for a manual that was free under Florida’s Sunshine Law. Forced to resign in April 2002, he was fined $10,000 by the Florida Ethics Commission. [See: PLN, Oct. 2003, p.21].

The next CPC director, Alan Duffee, was also corrupt. In 2006 he pleaded guilty to wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering for embezzling over $224,000 from the private prison oversight agency, and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison. [See: PLN, May 2006, p.11]. The aftermath of that scandal saw four new members appointed to the CPC, who had a good idea: make private prison firms rebid for their state contracts.

Instead, the companies went on the attack. “They were almost insulted by the fact that we would even question them,” said Bob Ryals, a former CPC member. “They sent their big dog lawyers down to intervene, and they had a few speeches to make.”

Private prison operators also made campaign contributions and invested in lobbying state officials. “They went behind the scenes,” said Sam Block, another former member of the CPC. “They spent a lot of money to get the ear of the governor and then the leadership of the legislature.”

Over the next two years, CCA invested $110,000 in state election campaigns. GEO put $250,000 into political coffers the next year. Their investment netted a reward of 1,086 more private prison beds by the legislature.

Then-Governor Jeb Bush soon tired of the CPC’s questions about training, recidivism and private prison contracts. He disbanded the agency in 2004, and lawmakers defunded the CPC. That led to a private prison oversight model unique to Florida.

Typically, state corrections agencies oversee all prison operations, including private prison contracts. FDOC has control of prisoner transfers and monitors the operations of the state’s privately-operated prisons. However, the department has no control over the contracts. That duty was shifted to the Department of Management Services (DMS), an agency that initially admitted it was ill-prepared to manage prisons. The Bureau of Private Prison Monitoring was established shortly afterwards to manage oversight and contractual compliance for private prisons.

The push to privatize Florida’s prisons reached its pinnacle in 2011. That year, the Florida legislature, with the support of Governor Rick Scott, introduced legislation to privatize the entire southern region of the state’s prison system. The bill was challenged in court by the Florida Police Benevolent Association, which represented FDOC guards at the time, and was found unconstitutional by a state court. [See: PLN, Feb. 2012, p.1].

GEO had nine lobbying firms on its payroll to support the privatization bill, most of which had strong political connections with Florida lawmakers. Lobbyist Bill Rubin, a longtime friend of Governor Scott, was hired by GEO, as was lobbyist Steve MacNamara, a longtime friend of the governor’s chief of staff.

Scott is a proponent of privatizing state functions, including prison-related services. In August 2013 he granted the Tennessee-based prison healthcare company Corizon, Inc. a major contract that cost almost 2,000 state workers their jobs. Corizon’s contract was put up for rebid in 2016 amid reports of deficient medical care and prisoner deaths.

The governor is also known for his close ties with GEO Group CEO George Zoley. In October 2013, Zoley gave Scott $20,000 towards renovations at the Tallahassee governor’s mansion. He also hosted a VIP fundraiser at his residence in July 2014; the proceeds went to Governor Scott and the Republican Party of Florida.

As the bill to privatize almost one-quarter of Florida’s prison system was reintroduced in 2012, Ed Buss was appointed secretary of the FDOC. While he had no role in the legislation, he was encouraged to sign off on it shortly after taking office. He expressed reservations about the private prison bill, which led to his ouster six months later.

Information regarding problems with Florida’s private prisons was withheld in reports analyzing the bill; the reports provided to lawmakers did not reflect memos that criticized “high rates of prison security violations” at two private facilities, which were more than double the incidents at state prisons. Also left out were auditor reports that found the reported savings from prison privatization were “artificially high.”

Things got heated as the legislation came to a vote. “It’s so hostile right now,” said Senator Ronda Storms. Republican Senator Don Gaetz warned lawmakers about voting against the privatization bill. “The burden lies heavy on those who vote no,” he said. Nonetheless, the bill failed to pass by just one vote in the state Senate. [See: PLN, April 2012, p.38].

Although the move to privatize large swaths of Florida’s prison system was unsuccessful, the issue did not die; in fact, prison privatization is alive and well in the Sunshine State. There are currently seven privately-operated prisons in Florida, housing about 10% of the state’s prison population at a cost of over $142 million annually.

Florida law requires private prisons to save 7% over the cost of comparable state prisons, though the method of calculating such savings has been criticized by the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, which stated in a 2010 report, “[t]here is no compelling evidence that the privatization of prisons has actually resulted in savings.... It is very difficult to ensure that a private prison is in fact 7% less costly to operate than a comparable public prison.”

“The cost analysis is, in my opinion, flawed,” said Jack Miles, who once oversaw prison contracts as DMS’s director. “People who don’t know a lot about procurement came up with the process to do it, probably impacted by lobbyists and people in the business.”

The 1993 privatization law that Prof. Charles Thomas helped write requires private prison costs to be compared to those at state prisons. However, private prison contracts typically allow the companies to transfer prisoners who are too sick, too problematic or too mentally ill to FDOC facilities. Absent those costlier prisoners, state prisons become more expensive to operate, on average, while private prisons appear less expensive.

“The savings are a fiction,” observed former FDOC secretary Jim McDonough. Former state Senator Dockery agreed. “You can make those numbers show anything you want them to,” she said.

In conducting research for an extensive series on prison privatization in Florida, Palm Beach Post reporter Pat Beall created a database from information obtained from 21 states over a 12-year period. The one-of-a-kind database of violent incidents at private prisons is available on the newspaper’s website. It “documents only those deaths, suicides, or serious injuries linked to prison policy, mismanagement or staffing. Riots were included if they resulted in serious injury or death, damage of $100,000 or more, or involved at least 100 inmates.”

While no major injuries from riots or human rights investigations occurred at Florida’s private prisons over that 12-year period, Beall found “the arrest records of [private prison] guards rival the records of prisoners they are hired to watch.”

Some of the guards employed by CCA and GEO Group were terminated by state prison officials. “I was firing them for a reason,” said McDonough.

With thousands of empty beds in state prisons, one lawmaker raised concerns. “We mothballed prisons because the prison population has not grown as fast as we expected,” noted Senator Mike Fasano. “So, why are we getting more prisoners to private prisons when there is more than enough room in our own?”

The answer seems simple: The state is required to pay private prison companies at 90% minimum occupancy rates, which creates an incentive to keep those facilities full even when space is available in FDOC prisons. Additionally, Florida lawmakers lack the political will to stand up to private prison firms that spend heavily on lobbyists and campaign contributions, and are unable to separate their privatization ideology from the reality of what happens when prisons and related services such as prison medical care are privatized.

Currently, CCA operates one state prison in Florida, the Lake City Correctional Facility, while Management and Training Corp. (MTC) manages the Gadsden Correctional Facility and GEO Group runs five prisons – the Bay, Graceville, Blackwater River, South Bay and Moore Haven Correctional Facilities. GEO also operates the Broward Transitional Center, a federal immigration detention facility.

In March 2016, GEO acquired a $9.9 million plot of land a few blocks away from its current headquarters in Boca Raton, where the company will start building a new state-of-the-art corporate office next year. Business must be good to justify that investment, and it is: In 2015, GEO generated $1.84 billion in gross revenue and $139 million in net profit. Six percent of the company’s total revenue came from private prison contracts in Florida.

Sources: Palm Beach Post, www.dms.myflorida.com, www.geogroup.com

#florida #private prisons #Florida’s Private Prison Movement Alive and Well

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theyoungturks · 2 years ago

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Power companies in Alabama and Florida straight-up bought nearly all of the media in their markets to smear politicians who want to expose their corruption. Ana Kasparian and Cenk Uygur discuss on The Young Turks. Watch TYT LIVE on weekdays 6-8 pm ET. http://youtube.com/theyoungturks/live Read more HERE: https://www.npr.org/2022/12/19/1143753129/power-companies-florida-alabama-media-investigation-consulting-firm "Terry Dunn couldn't fathom why Alabama's residents — among the poorest in the U.S. — pay some of the nation's most expensive electricity bills. So in 2010, Dunn ran for a seat on the state commission that sets energy prices. He promised to hold a formal rate hearing at which Alabama Power executives would have to open their financial books and answer questions, under oath and in public. That hadn't happened for nearly three decades. After winning, Dunn says, a top lobbyist for the utility took him aside and promised he could hold his roughly $100,000-a-year position on the commission for years — as long as he remained a team player. (Alabama Power declined to make the executive available to address the accusation; the utility and its corporate parent, Southern Company, declined all comment for this story.)" *** The largest online progressive news show in the world. Hosted by Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian. LIVE weekdays 6-8 pm ET. Help support our mission and get perks. Membership protects TYT's independence from corporate ownership and allows us to provide free live shows that speak truth to power for people around the world. See Perks: ▶ https://www.youtube.com/TheYoungTurks/join SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE: ☞ http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=theyoungturks FACEBOOK: ☞ http://www.facebook.com/TheYoungTurks TWITTER: ☞ http://www.twitter.com/TheYoungTurks INSTAGRAM: ☞ http://www.instagram.com/TheYoungTurks TWITCH: ☞ http://www.twitch.com/tyt 👕 Merch: http://shoptyt.com ❤ Donate: http://www.tyt.com/go 🔗 Website: https://www.tyt.com 📱App: http://www.tyt.com/app 📬 Newsletters: https://www.tyt.com/newsletters/ If you want to watch more videos from TYT, consider subscribing to other channels in our network: The Watchlist https://www.youtube.com/watchlisttyt Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey https://www.youtube.com/indisputabletyt Unbossed with Nina Turner https://www.youtube.com/unbossedtyt The Damage Report ▶ https://www.youtube.com/thedamagereport TYT Sports ▶ https://www.youtube.com/tytsports The Conversation ▶ https://www.youtube.com/tytconversation Rebel HQ ▶ https://www.youtube.com/rebelhq TYT Investigates ▶ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwNJt9PYyN1uyw2XhNIQMMA #TYT #TheYoungTurks #BreakingNews 221220__TA02 by The Young Turks

#IFTTT #YouTube

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rohitpalan · 5 days ago

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Structural Health Monitoring Market 2024 Future Analysis, Demand by Regions and Opportunities with Challenges 2034

According to the latest industry analysis, the global market size for structural health monitoring is estimated to be around US$ 4,478.0 million in 2024. It is projected to exhibit a CAGR growth of 14.0% over the forecast period, with an estimated market size of US$ 16,601.1 million by 2034.

The construction and infrastructural development sector, in the last few years, is witnessing a significant boom, especially post-pandemic. Emerging economies are investing a considerable amount of money in constructing public utilities such as bridges, roads, and flyovers. This has resulted in an exponential expansion of the market for structural health monitoring solutions.

Structural failures such as bridge collapses and weakened flyovers have also led to a massive demand for structural health monitoring solutions. Governments across the world have mandated stringent structural integrity assessments to ensure maximum public safety, which is driving the demand for these solutions. The expansion of smart and self-sufficient cities in countries like India, China, Brazil, and Singapore has also amplified the adoption of structural health monitoring equipment.

Companies involved in the manufacturing of structural health monitoring systems are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for predicting the mechanical integrity of buildings. Technological advancements, such as the use of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for regular inspections and surveys, have also fueled the market expansion.

“Continuous innovation is the key in this market. Companies in the structural health monitoring market must come up with new innovations, like the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms to comprehensively assess and analyze structural data in real time,” opines an FMI analyst.

Key Takeaways from the Market Study

The wired structural health monitoring segment is set to dominate the structural health monitoring market with a share of 62.40% in 2024.

Based on components, the structural health monitoring software segment is on track to lead the structural health monitoring industry with a share of 38.30% in 2024.

The structural health monitoring industry in China is anticipated to develop at a CAGR of 14.50% through 2034.

The structural health monitoring industry in Germany is estimated to rise at a 5.50% CAGR through 2034.

The structural health monitoring market in the United States has the potential to increase at 10.90% CAGR through 2034.

The Germany structural health monitoring industry is predicted to rise by 5.50% CAGR through 2034.

The structural health monitoring industry in Australia and New Zealand is likely to progress at a CAGR of 17.50% through 2034.

Competitive Landscape

The structural health monitoring market includes several leading companies, such as Nova Metrix LLC, Campbell Scientific Inc., COWI, Geocomp Corporation, Acellent Technologies Inc., Sixense, Pure Technologies (Xylem, Inc.), and Digitex.

These companies specialize in offering a range of services to construction companies, both public and private.

They also offer consulting and monitoring services to stakeholders in various industries such as civil engineering, construction, transportation, and energy.

These companies play a crucial role in helping construction companies monitor and assess the safety and health of their buildings and infrastructure.

Recent Developments:

ABS and Seatrium, in November 2023, achieved structural health monitoring notation for ADMARINE 686, with a digital twin for predictive maintenance.

IIT Mandi and INRIA developed AI-based structural health monitoring for accurate infrastructure health prediction in September 2023.

In November 2023, University of Central Florida researchers unveiled four innovations utilizing AI and virtual reality to enhance structural health monitoring. This also included their flagship ‘Virtual Visualization System’.

Read More @https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-structural-health-monitoring-market-140500217.html

#Structural Health Monitoring Market

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progressglobenews · 13 days ago

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ProPublica:

The campaign against solar power benefited from a confluence of two powerful forces funded by oil and gas interests. A former executive at Ariel Corporation, the county’s largest employer and one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of methane gas compressors, was working behind the scenes. And helping in a more public way is the Mount Vernon News, a newspaper now in the hands of Metric Media, which operates websites that reportedly engage in pay-to-play coverage. Ariel and the former executive did not respond to requests for comment. Metric Media’s leader did not answer questions for this story; he has previously denied that his news outlets are partisan. Across the country, the oil and gas industry and power companies have exploited a struggling news industry and a fraught political process to fight the transition to clean energy and maximize profits, Floodlight and its partners have reported. In Florida, two power companies paid a consulting firm to hire newspapers to attack a pro-solar politician. In Alabama, the state’s largest monopoly electric company purchased a historic Black newspaper, then didn’t write about soaring power bills. In California, Chevron launched its own newsroom when other papers shuttered; it doesn’t cover itself critically. In Mount Vernon, a city of 17,000 where the local university named its new sports complex CH4 after the chemical formula for methane, a variety of tactics have been deployed simultaneously, creating an anti-solar echo chamber.

#ohio #climate change

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samulwatson · 1 month ago

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Transform Your Vision into Reality with Florida’s Premier Custom Screen Printing Services

In a world where individuality and branding are paramount, custom screen printing stands as a powerful tool for personal and professional expression. Whether you're looking to create unique apparel, promotional items, or event merchandise, Florida’s premier custom screen printing services offer an unparalleled blend of creativity and quality. Here's how you can transform your vision into reality with top-notch custom screen printing in FL.

Why Choose Custom Screen Printing?

Custom screen printing is more than just a method for decorating items; it's a way to showcase your creativity and convey your message with precision and style. Here’s why custom screen printing stands out:

Versatility: From t-shirts and hoodies to tote bags and posters, custom screen printing can be applied to a wide variety of materials. This versatility ensures that your design can be replicated on nearly any surface.

Durability: Screen printing uses high-quality inks and methods that result in vibrant colors and long-lasting prints. Whether you’re designing apparel for a special event or creating promotional products, the durability of screen printing ensures your design stands the test of time.

Cost-Effectiveness: For large quantities, screen printing offers a cost-effective solution. The more you print, the lower the cost per unit, making it ideal for bulk orders.

Top Custom Screen Printing Services in Florida:

Florida is home to a diverse array of custom screen printing services, each offering unique advantages. Here’s a look at some of the top services that can help bring your ideas to life:

1. Sunshine State Prints:

Sunshine State Prints is renowned for its exceptional quality and customer service. They offer a wide range of options, including eco-friendly inks and specialty finishes. Their team works closely with clients to ensure every detail of the design is executed to perfection.

2. Miami Print Co.

Based in the heart of Miami, Miami Print Co. specializes in vibrant, eye-catching designs. They cater to both small and large orders, making them a great choice for everything from personal projects to corporate branding. Their state-of-the-art equipment ensures high-quality results with every print.

3. Orlando Custom Tees:

Orlando Custom Tees is known for its fast turnaround times and affordability. They offer a user-friendly design process and a variety of garment options. Whether you need custom screen printing for a family reunion or a business event, they provide reliable and efficient service.

4. Tampa Bay Screen Printing:

Tampa Bay Screen Printing excels in creating custom designs that stand out. They offer personalized consultations to help you choose the best materials and printing techniques for your project. Their commitment to quality ensures that every print meets high standards.

How to Get Started with Custom Screen Printing in FL:

Ready to turn your vision into reality? Here’s a simple guide to getting started with custom screen printing services in Florida:

Define Your Vision: Clearly outline your design, including colors, graphics, and text. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for the printing service to bring your vision to life.

Choose the Right Service: Research local custom screen printing services to find one that matches your needs. Consider factors such as quality, turnaround time, and customer reviews.

Consult with the Experts: Reach out to the selected screen printing service to discuss your project. Provide them with your design and any specific requirements you have.

Review and Approve: Most services will provide a proof of your design before proceeding with the final print. Review this carefully to ensure everything is as you envision.

Place Your Order: Once you’re satisfied with the proof, place your order and await the delivery of your custom-printed items.

Conclusion:

Dgpromoinc offers a fantastic way to express your creativity and enhance your brand with custom screen printing. As Florida’s premier custom screen printing service, we're equipped to transform your vision into high-quality, lasting prints. Whether you need personalized apparel, promotional products, or event merchandise, dgpromoinc can bring your ideas to life with precision and flair.

Ready to see your designs come to life? Contact dgpromoinc today and start your journey towards creating something truly special.

#Custom Screen Printing Service #Custom Screen Printing Fl #custom t shirts orlando #screen printing in orlando

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antraajaal · 1 month ago

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Decor For Events In Fort Lauderdale, USA

Types of Events We Cater To

At Pavan Events, we cater to a wide variety of events, providing unique and personalized decor solutions for each. Some of the most common events we specialize in include:

Weddings

Weddings are one of the most significant milestones in life, and the decor needs to reflect the grandeur of the occasion. From traditional setups to modern, minimalist designs, we offer bespoke wedding decor services to make your special day memorable.

Corporate Events

Whether it’s a product launch, gala dinner, or corporate retreat, we create professional and elegant decor that enhances the brand image while ensuring a sophisticated look for any corporate event in Fort Lauderdale.

Private Parties

Celebrate in style with our decor services for birthdays, anniversaries, engagement parties, and more. Our creative team ensures that your private party is as unique and unforgettable as you envision it to be.

Themed Events

Need decor for a themed party? Whether it’s a Gatsby-inspired event, a beach party, or a masquerade ball, we bring creative and innovative ideas to ensure your event stands out.

Personalized Decor Solutions

Why Choose Pavan Events for Your Event Decor in Fort Lauderdale?

Choosing the right decor company is crucial to the success of your event. Here’s why Pavan Events should be your top choice for decor for events in Fort Lauderdale:

Local Expertise

As a locally based company, we have extensive experience working with Fort Lauderdale venues and understand the unique requirements of events in this vibrant city. Whether your event is indoor or outdoor, we can create the perfect decor setup that suits the venue and the South Florida climate.

Customized Services

We believe that no two events are the same, and we take pride in offering fully customized decor solutions. Our team works closely with you to create a design that fits your style, theme, and budget.

Exceptional Customer Service

At Pavan Events, we are committed to providing top-notch customer service. From the initial consultation to the final setup, we keep you informed every step of the way and ensure that your needs are met with professionalism and care.

for more details visit website -: https://pavanevents.com/

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shabanmalik · 2 months ago

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The Essential Guide to Bookkeeping Services South Florida

Running a business in South Florida comes with unique challenges, particularly when it comes to managing finances. Whether you're a small startup or an established corporation, efficient bookkeeping is crucial for your success. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of bookkeeping services South Florida, what to look for when hiring a bookkeeper, and how these services can help your business thrive.

Why Bookkeeping Services South Florida Are Essential for Your Business

Bookkeeping is the process of recording and managing financial transactions, and it plays a vital role in the overall health of your business. Here are some key reasons why bookkeeping services South Florida are essential:

Accurate Financial Records: Professional bookkeepers ensure that your financial records are accurate and up-to-date. This precision helps you make informed business decisions based on real-time financial data.

Time-Saving: Managing bookkeeping in-house can be time-consuming. By outsourcing to bookkeeping services South Florida, you can focus on what you do best—growing your business.

Tax Compliance: Keeping track of your finances throughout the year helps ensure you’re prepared come tax season. Professional bookkeepers are well-versed in tax regulations and can help minimize your tax liability.

Cash Flow Management: Understanding your cash flow is critical for business sustainability. Bookkeeping services South Florida can help you monitor cash flow, ensuring you have the funds necessary to meet obligations.

Financial Reporting: Regular financial reports provided by bookkeepers can help you assess the financial health of your business. These reports can be invaluable when seeking investments or loans.

What to Look for in Bookkeeping Services South Florida

When selecting a bookkeeping service South Florida, consider the following factors:

Experience and Expertise: Look for a service with a proven track record in bookkeeping. Experienced professionals will understand the intricacies of local regulations and can tailor their services to your specific needs.

Range of Services: Some bookkeeping services South Florida offer a broad range of services, including payroll processing, tax preparation, and financial consulting. Choose a service that can meet all your financial needs.

Technology and Tools: In today’s digital age, it’s important to select a bookkeeping service that uses modern accounting software. This ensures your financial data is secure and easily accessible.

Client Testimonials: Check reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Positive feedback can provide insight into the service's reliability and effectiveness.

Transparent Pricing: Understanding the pricing structure is crucial. Look for a service that offers clear pricing without hidden fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Benefits of Local Bookkeeping Services South Florida

Choosing local bookkeeping services South Florida offers several advantages:

Personalized Service: Local bookkeepers understand the South Florida business landscape and can provide tailored solutions that meet your specific needs.

Accessibility: Being in the same geographic area allows for easier communication and meetings. This accessibility can foster a better working relationship.

Community Involvement: Local bookkeepers are often more invested in the community, which can lead to networking opportunities and potential collaborations.

Take Control of Your Financial Future

In conclusion, professional bookkeeping services South Florida can transform the way you manage your business finances. By ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective cash flow management, these services enable you to focus on what truly matters—growing your business.

Don't let financial management overwhelm you. Take the first step towards a more organized and successful business by reaching out to our expert bookkeeping services South Florida today. Whether you’re looking for a complete financial overhaul or simply need assistance with day-to-day bookkeeping tasks, we’re here to help. Contact us now to schedule a consultation and discover how we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs. Your financial peace of mind starts here!

#bookkeeping

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