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dreaminginthedeepsouth · 7 months ago

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Mike Luckovich

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LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

May 8, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

MAY 09, 2024

Today, in Racine, Wisconsin, President Joe Biden announced that Microsoft is investing $3.3 billion dollars to build a new data center that will help operate one of the most powerful artificial intelligence systems in the world. It is expected to create 2,300 union construction jobs and employ 2,000 permanent workers.

Microsoft has also partnered with Gateway Technical College to train and certify 200 students a year to fill new jobs in data and information technology. In addition, Microsoft is working with nearby high schools to train students for future jobs.

Speaking at Gateway Technical College’s Racine campus, Biden contrasted today’s investment with that made by Trump about the same site in 2018. In that year, Trump went to Wisconsin for the “groundbreaking” of a high-tech campus he claimed would be the “eighth wonder of the world.”

Under Republican governor Scott Walker, Wisconsin legislators approved a $3 billion subsidy and tax incentive package—ten times larger than any similar previous package in the state—to lure the Taiwan-based Foxconn electronics company. Once built, a new $10 billion campus that would focus on building large liquid-crystal display screens would bring 13,000 jobs to the area, they promised.

Foxconn built a number of buildings, but the larger plan never materialized, even after taxpayers had been locked into contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars for upgrading roads, sewer system, electricity, and so on. When voters elected Democrat Tony Evers as governor in 2022, he dropped the tax incentives from $3 billion to $80 million, which depended on the hiring of only 1,454 workers, reflecting the corporation’s current plans. Foxconn dropped its capital investment from $10 billion to $672.8 million.

In November 2023, Microsoft announced it was buying some of the Foxconn properties in Wisconsin.

Today, Biden noted that rather than bringing jobs to Racine, Trump’s policies meant the city lost 1,000 manufacturing jobs during his term. Wisconsin as a whole lost 83,500. “Racine was once a manufacturing boomtown,” Biden recalled, “all the way through the 1960s, powering companies—invented and manufacturing Windex…portable vacuum cleaners, and so much more, and powered by middle-class jobs.

“And then came trickle-down economics [which] cut taxes for the very wealthy and biggest corporations…. We shipped American jobs overseas because labor was cheaper. We slashed public investment in education and innovation. And the result: We hollowed out the middle class. My predecessor and his administration doubled down on that failed trickle-down economics, along with the [trail] of broken promises.”

“But that’s not on my watch,” Biden said. “We’re determined to turn it around.” He noted that thanks to the Democrats’ policies, in the past three years, Racine has added nearly 4,000 jobs—hitting a record low unemployment rate—and Wisconsin as a whole has gained 178,000 new jobs.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act have fueled “a historic boom in rebuilding our roads and bridges, developing and deploying clean energy, [and] revitalizing American manufacturing,” he said. That investment has attracted $866 billion in private-sector investment across the country, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs “building new semiconductor factories, electric vehicles and battery factories…here in America.”

The Biden administration has been scrupulous about making sure that money from the funds appropriated to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and manufacturing base has gone to Republican-dominated districts; indeed, Republican-dominated states have gotten the bulk of those investments. “President Biden promised to be the president of all Americans—whether you voted for him or not. And that’s what this agenda is delivering,” White House deputy chief of staff Natalie Quillian told Matt Egan of CNN in February.

But there is, perhaps, a deeper national strategy behind that investment. Political philosophers studying the rise of authoritarianism note that strongmen rise by appealing to a population that has been dispossessed economically or otherwise. By bringing jobs back to those regions that have lost them over the past several decades and promising “the great comeback story all across…the entire country,” as he did today, Biden is striking at that sense of alienation.

“When folks see a new factory being built here in Wisconsin, people going to work making a really good wage in their hometowns, I hope they feel the pride that I feel,” Biden said. “Pride in their hometowns making a comeback. Pride in knowing we can get big things done in America still.”

That approach might be gaining traction. Last Friday, when Trump warned the audience of Fox 2 Detroit television that President’s Biden’s policies would cost jobs in Michigan, local host Roop Raj provided a “reality check,” noting that Michigan gained 24,000 jobs between January 2021, when Biden took office, and May 2023.

At Gateway Technical College, Biden thanked Wisconsin governor Tony Evers and Racine mayor Cory Mason, both Democrats, as well as Microsoft president Brad Smith and AFL-CIO president Liz Schuler.

The picture of Wisconsin state officials working with business and labor leaders, at a public college established in 1911, was an image straight from the Progressive Era, when the state was the birthplace of the so-called Wisconsin Idea. In the earliest years of the twentieth century, when the country reeled under industrial monopolies and labor strikes, Wisconsin governor Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette and his colleagues advanced the idea that professors, lawmakers, and officials should work together to provide technical expertise to enable the state to mediate a fair relationship between workers and employers.

In his introduction to the 1912 book explaining the Wisconsin Idea, former president Theodore Roosevelt, a Republican, explained that the Wisconsin Idea turned the ideas of reformers into a workable plan, then set out to put those ideas into practice. Roosevelt approvingly quoted economist Simon Patten, who maintained that the world had adequate resources to feed, clothe, and educate everyone, if only people cared to achieve that end. Quoting Patten, Roosevelt wrote: “The real idealist is a pragmatist and an economist. He demands measurable results and reaches them by means made available by economic efficiency. Only in this way is social progress possible.”

Reformers must be able to envision a better future, Roosevelt wrote, but they must also find a way to turn those ideals into reality. That involved careful study and hard work to develop the machinery to achieve their ends.

Roosevelt compared people engaged in progressive reform to “that greatest of all democratic reformers, Abraham Lincoln.” Like Lincoln, he wrote, reformers “will be assailed on the one side by the reactionary, and on the other by that type of bubble reformer who is only anxious to go to extremes, and who always gets angry when he is asked what practical results he can show.” “[T]he true reformer,” Roosevelt wrote, “must study hard and work patiently.”

“It is no easy matter actually to insure, instead of merely talking about, a measurable equality of opportunity for all men,” Roosevelt wrote. “It is no easy matter to make this Republic genuinely an industrial as well as a political democracy. It is no easy matter to secure justice for those who in the past have not received it, and at the same time to see that no injustice is meted out to others in the process. It is no easy matter to keep the balance level and make it evident that we have set our faces like flint against seeing this government turned into either government by a plutocracy, or government by a mob. It is no easy matter to give the public their proper control over corporations and big business, and yet to prevent abuse of that control.”

“All through the Union we need to learn the Wisconsin lesson,” Roosevelt wrote in 1912.

“We’re the United States of America,” President Biden said today, “And there’s nothing beyond our capacity when we work together.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

#Letters From An American #Heather Cox Richardson #Biden Administration #election 2024 #infrastructure #jobs #economic reality

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sagitariusrising · 1 year ago

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I Let The Beast in Too Soon

“I let the beast in too soon, I don't know how to live without my hand on his throat, I fight him always and still. Oh darling, it's so sweet, you think you know how crazy, how crazy I am. You say you don't spook easy, you won't go, but I know, And I pray that you will…”

A man with silver hair meets a woman covered in stars…

18+ content. Orson Krennic / OFC; Modern AU; Modern Rogue One tech interpretations; Boston setting; Defense Contractor!Krennic; Scientist!Krennic; Kyber Crystals; OFC with psychic abilities; Mentions of Wilhuff Tarkin, Galen Erso, Chirrut Îmwe, Baze Malbus; other characters forthcoming; clubbing; alcohol use; smut; mutual attraction dialed up to 11; safer sex practices; OFC doesn't have time for Krennic's games; emotional vulnerability from both characters; fear; Krennic is besotted; more tags to be added later

Word Count: 5450-ish

This story is inspired by the house on the bluff on the coast and my need to put Orson Krennic and his science in a modern setting.

Full courage!! This is my first full fic post ever and the story has lived rent-free in my head for years. Several of you have seen it, you know who you are, specifically @smolbeandrabbles (who was my first reader: OCs = my babies), and @pinksiamese (who gave me thoughtful and constructive feedback, edited what was needed, and kicked my rear end into gear). I owe a lot to @sufferthesea (and her perfect comm that helped form the entire planned story) There's more...

Playlist (in order)

The title comes from "Fast as You Can," by Fiona Apple: This song nicely encompasses the entire planned fic.

"More," by the Sisters of Mercy.

"Fascination Street," by The Cure

"Perfect Kiss," by New Order

"Natural One" by the Folk Implosion

"The Killing Moon," by Echo and the Bunnymen

OFCs faceclaim is here

***

A man with silver hair entered the club.

Kary noticed him immediately, but who wouldn’t? Confident in his masculinity, pale suit, and haughty expression. He checked his coat at the door and surveyed the dance floor.

Feigning disinterest, she peeked as he strode to the bar. He raised his hand and ordered a drink.

He’s too old to be here, he’s probably slumming tonight. Maybe he’s lost? Or meeting someone?

That was it. Turning her attention back to the beat of the music, she lost herself in the dancing. Tonight’s venture away from home had a purpose: she needed the distraction, to get outside of her head.

***

Clubbing in the theatre district hadn’t been part of Orson Krennic’s evening agenda. Tonight was supposed to be his big sendoff, but he’d left the festivities early, feeling let down and almost empty.

The event had been part presentation, part retirement party. Krennic delivered his academic paper, titled “Nanotechnology and Optic Crystals: Military Applications of Laser Technology for Drone Warfare” at the banquet sponsored jointly by MIT and Tarkin Industries. A celebration, his last hurrah.

Retired from the Navy with Captain stripes in place, Krennic went to work in the private sector. For Wilhuff Tarkin, his rival both in school and in the service. Putting their differences aside, the two men had diligently worked to produce technology for military contracts.

After five years, Krennic had become bored and embittered. Tarkin had regularly second-guessed and belittled his ideas and took more than his fair share of credit for their designs. Krennic was paid well and was respected in the industry--at least to his face. And he had all the status symbols: a penthouse apartment with a view of the waterfront, first name status at all the restaurants, and an expensive car. Plenty of beautiful women threw themselves at him, a rotation of bed partners whom he’d enjoy for the night and forget in the morning.

But the thrill was gone.

Krennic was bored. He wanted something beyond the superficiality of business transactions and casual sex. His weapon designs had become repetitive, the innovation was gone. The social scene in Boston was dull and noisy. He began to entertain the possibility of a more substantial relationship, but the dating apps were bewildering: all of his matches were airbrushed women with parted lips who called him “Daddy.”

Galen Erso was the zenith of his disillusion. They had been as thick as thieves in the Science Corps, had come up together in the Futures Program, attended MIT together, and become commissioned officers in the same unit in the Navy. They were like Oppenheimer and Groves: the crystal-based lasers they designed together were invaluable to the government and had been used for crushing conflict in countries across the globe.

But Galen had seen the impact of their work in real-time, the bodies of civilians whom their weapons had struck down. Horrified and encouraged by his wife, Galen had resigned his commission, left the Navy, and settled on some organic farm in the middle of nowhere to raise a family.

Krennic had seen Galen at a protest in front of Tarkin Industries. Disheveled, with long hair and hemp trousers, Galen had been carrying a sign that said STOP THE WEAPONS OF WAR and was leading a chant of REMEMBER THE INNOCENT. The next day, Krennic received an email with attached photos of dead bodies and destroyed cities.

Deciding he needed an exit plan, Krennic spent extra hours at the lab, developing and testing a new application, nanotechnology with ion beams reflecting from lenses made from Kyberium. Testing in the lab had proved successful, his field simulations had confirmed his hypotheses, and he’d been able to duplicate his results successfully.

The power of the Kyberium was swift and deadly. Applying for a patent was easy and he had stealthily offered the technology to Raytheon. Krennic was going to get out of Boston, build a house up north by the ocean, and figure out the next chapter of his life.

After the sale had gone through---a generous profit and a share of Raytheon’s proceeds in perpetuity---he had sold his shares in Tarkin Industries and resigned. Wihuff was furious, apoplectic. And humiliated when the paper Krennic had written about the technology had gotten noticed and published in a well-regarded academic journal. Forced to swallow his pride, Tarkin had arranged for Krennic to present the paper at tonight’s conference and combined the presentation with a retirement party.

The applause had been thunderous. After the presentation, Krennic accepted a glass of scotch and made his way around the room, shaking hands and nodding at his peers' congratulations. Tarkin muttered “congratulations” and palmed over a shining point of Kyberium, Krennic nodded his thanks and slid the crystal into his pocket. But the room was stuffy, the company boring, and there was too much fawning. He had already moved on. Krennic ducked out of the gala as soon as he could.

***

He had boarded the subway with the intent of going home. But at the Theatre District stop, he’d made a spur-of-the-moment decision to get off the train and walk the remainder of the way.

The sidewalks were crowded with theatergoers, tourists, and scads of people streaming in and out of the blocks of dance clubs. The music coming out of one of the clubs had stopped him: the tunes reminded him of his youth and decided he would have a drink and perhaps find some female company, he’d paid the ridiculous cover charge and gone in.

The pulse of “More” by the Sisters of Mercy greeted him. Through flashing lights and the crowd at the bar, the dance floor was packed.

Meeting women was easy: his looks and obvious income made sure of that. But surveying the room, he thought blonde...brunette...too thin...too fat...too odd looking...taken...Christ, they’re all too young!”

He ordered bourbon, tugged off his tie, and stuffed it in his pocket. Maybe he would just sit and enjoy the scenery.

Leaning against the bar, he scanned the crowds.

And found her.

Twirling on the dance floor, a shapely redhead. Pale skin, with tattoos covering her shoulders and back. She wore a thin camisole and a flowy skirt made of silky material. Younger than him, but not a kid. She sang along to the music, oblivious to others.

No dance partner. He watched her rebuff a man who slid up against her. Interesting…

The opening chords of “Fascination Street” by the Cure dropped from the speakers.

Krennic watched the girl change her rhythm and sway her body to the music; enchanted to watch her run her hands over her shoulders and hips, twisting and turning. He’d found his mark for the evening. He ordered another bourbon and downed it. More courage, he needed a buzz to focus his concentration.

***

Kary was grieving: Baze and Imwe were dead, and their house was on the market. Nan had died two years ago. Her circle of protection, the friends who had helped her understand her powers and harness and control the visions.

And the responsibility that had been left to her. She shook it off.

Just stop. Dance, get another drink.

She twirled to the pulse of the music, hands in her hair. The song faded away. Out of breath, she turned to the bar.

The silver-haired man was staring at her.

She met his gaze. A jolt flared in her belly. He was cruelly handsome: tall, flinty blue eyes. And still alone.

What is he doing here?

Intrigued, she maneuvered to the bar. An empty seat allowed Kary a clear view.

And why is he staring at me?

Flagging down the bartender, she ordered a bottle of water. She downed it in large gulps. Then, a gin and tonic. Triple limes. Her third, fourth drink of the night? She’d forgotten.

…screw it.

She gulped her drink and swiped her hand across her face. the juniper tingled on her tongue.

Tonight is for forgetting.

He was still watching her.

***

Her bare back was half-turned towards him and Krennic’s eyes followed the lines of tattoos; they wrapped her back and shoulders, clear patterns of constellations: Cygnus, Lyra, Hercules, Draco, Capricorn, Sagittarius, Scorpio, Libra. His trained eye found the circumpolar patterns of Ursa Major and Minor, Cassiopeia, and Cepheus.

The night sky, he thought. Northern Hemisphere in the summertime. A slight smile tucked one corner of his mouth. She knows her astronomy.

Repositioning himself to get a better view, he continued to study her. Hair cascaded into tendrils of copper that glimmered in the colored lights. Damp with sweat, her camisole clung to her body, enhancing the round sweep of her waist and breasts. But her smile was unaffected, she seemed oblivious to the admiring glances.

Including mine…

The music covered his growl. That body.

Phantom sensations of her pressed against him, curves swaying on the dance floor. His cock stirred as he envisioned her hair spread across the sheets of his bed, his hands moving her hips to match his rhythm, that smile evolving into moans of pleasure.

Krennic put down his empty glass and signaled the bartender. “Another. And send a drink,” he said, raising his voice over the music, “to the redhead with the tattoos.”

He watched the bartender mix another drink and slide it in front of her. She shook her head. The bartender retracted it and poured her a shot of something instead. Krennic watched her toss it back and signal for another.

“Sorry, bro.” The bartender handed Krennic the refused cocktail. “The lady says no.”

Krennic smirked and stared down the bar. Her eyes met his; cool and savvy, gleaming with interest. No giggling or primping herself, no salacious expressions or fluttering of eyelashes: none of the usual female responses to his interest. But she was returning his appraising gaze, eyes drifting from his face, studying his body, drifting to below his waist. She met his eye again and seemed to remember herself, and her eyes darted away. Then she shrugged and returned his smirk. She turned away.

This girl is a rebel.

His intrigue continued to grow. So did the lust coursing through him. He got up and strode towards her.

***

Kary focused her attention on the drink in front of her.

Who is this guy?

The way he held himself and the smirk on his face told her that he was used to getting what he wanted.

This is getting more and more interesting... he’s played this game before, but I’m not falling for run-of-the-mill games.

“Not feeling thirsty?”

His voice was rich and distinguished, gilded with an accent she couldn’t quite place: Australian? South African?

He glared at the young man sitting next to her until he got up and left.

Stomach flipping, Kary watched him take the vacated seat. She shook her head and looked him over; he was dressed in a crisp white shirt, pale grey slacks, cufflinks, and an expensive watch. The body beneath was broad through the chest and tapered at the waist. He had enormous hands. Close up, his eyes were shockingly blue, full of intelligence and cunning.

Not as old as I thought. She studied his hair; up close, black threads wove through the silver.

He studied her too, eyes sweeping over her.

“Not feeling chatty, either?”

Kary shook her head. She met his eyes and felt the familiar white noise in her head that was the precursor of…what she was drinking to block. She focused on his mouth instead, fearful that her eyes would give away the attraction she felt.

Or see who he really is…

Finishing her drink and tilting her head towards the dance floor, Kary got up and walked away.

***

Snubbed again. He watched her weave into the crowd. Or am I?

Krennic’s amusement deepened. His interest sharpened. This stunning woman wasn’t falling prey to his small talk and wasn't visibly impressed by his stature. His pride was wounded, but with every passing second, he felt she was worth the challenge. He wished he was still in the Navy; perhaps his dress whites would have made a stronger impression, but then again, she didn’t know who he was—his past, his work, his connections.

Even if she did, would she be impressed?

He scanned the dance floor, found her twirling to the music. They locked eyes and she jerked her head.

New Order blasted from the DJ booth. “Perfect Kiss.” It was one of his favorites, with its gorgeous synth-pop bridge and climax.

I haven’t danced informally for years.

Downing the last of his bourbon, he straightened his shoulders and neck. He kept his eyes on her and removed his cufflinks, and rolled up his sleeves.

***

Keeping her back to the bar, Kary waited for the silver-haired man to join her.

Will he accept the challenge? Or is he too proud to let go of himself?

Warmth settled up and down her back. The scent of expensive cologne and tobacco wrapped around her shoulders. Lips hovered close to her ear.

“May I touch you?”

That accent. She shivered, her thighs clenching together; she turned her head toward him. Nodded. Her hips filled his splayed hands. Kary’s head spun. He found the beat of the music with his body and buried his face in her hair, matching her pace. His fingers caressed through the silk of her clothes. His hard cock pressed against her backside.

No attempt to hide that. She struggled with her breath.

The nine minutes of the song felt like an eternity, which then dissolved into “Natural One” by Folk Implosion.

He spun her around and locked eyes with her, slinging his arms over her shoulders. She didn’t know if it was the drink, the music, or just lust, but she pressed herself close to the man with the silver hair. Tugging her closer, he eased her into a thrusting movement that matched the beat of the song. He slipped a long muscular thigh between hers and she ground herself against him, fresh jolts of desire rattling her spine. His hand skimmed down her back and cradled her bottom, moved lower, and went under her skirt; she was wet, and if she kept going like this, she was going to come right there on the dance floor.

I don’t care.

The white noise in her head dissolved into the red noise in her blood.

The music changed again.

***

The moody romance of Echo and the Bunnymen’s “Killing Moon” slowed the pace of the dancefloor.

Krennic stepped back and let a sliver of air between them. Twirling her into a waltz-like move, he steered one steadying hand between her shoulders and dropped the other one to her hip. As the music swelled, he eased her into a backward dip and left a lingering kiss on the throat.

She groaned.

Grinning, he drifted his lips up the curve of her neck.

He wanted more but the song ended and she pulled away from him.

“I’ll be back.” She made brief eye contact, then smirked. “But if I’m not, you should come find me.”

She walked away, trailing her fingers down his arm.

***

Pushing her way through the crowd of women in front of the ladies room, she found an empty single bathroom with a door. Locking herself in, washed her hands and studied herself in the mirror. She was flushed, hot. Her hair was a mess.

Do I know what to do next? She steadied her breath. He’s a catch, that’s for sure…but why is he here?

She wasn’t looking for a man. The dance floor was full of women who would gladly take her place. She had come to the club to escape her grief. He was just a bonus to the night, a sexy dance partner who could be filed away as a fantasy.

He’s fucking hot, but there is too much at stake. She pushed back from the sink. I’ve gotta lose him…like now.

Running one hand through her snarled-up hair, she opened the door.

What happened next was a blur.

***

Krennic grabbed her hips and pulled her against him. He kissed her full on the mouth, his tongue seeking hers. He grinned as she returned the kiss, once, twice then jerked her head away and buried her face in his neck, kissing along his jawline and running her fingers through his hair.

Nails scraped against his scalp. Krennic growled and shoved her against the bathroom sink. Hoisting her up, he felt her legs wrap around his waist. Desire boiled over as she ground herself against him. Pushing her further back he kissed her chest, pushed his hands under her camisole and bra, and cupped her bare breasts, running his thumbs over her nipples. She thrust herself back against him, hands scrambling at the buttons on his shirt, growing more desperate and her hands traveled lower, the last button popped off and rattled against the floor.

Chest bare, he grunted as she nipped at his collarbone, the sensation going straight to his cock. Pulling her back again against the sink, he yanked up her skirt, running his hands up her legs. Krennic couldn’t contain his smile at the whimpering sounds she made as he plunged his fingers past her panties and found her wet.

Krennic pressed his fingers into her. Swirling and exploring, he grazed her clit and pressed harder as he heard her gasp. Stopping, he lowered his mouth against her ear and whispered:

“Is this for me? Did I do this to you?” His smile got wider as he met her eyes and watched her nod.

Hooking his thumbs into the waistband of her panties, he drew them down. She spread her legs to pull them off entirely and reached for his belt.

Her hands rubbed his cock through his pants, then stopped. Hissing at the friction, he looked down at her: she was frowning.

“Do you have something?” Her voice was soft, but firm.

Krennic mentally clawed his way out of his haze of lust.

What? Something? Oh. Protection.

Of course he didn’t have anything: tonight he hadn’t planned on an adventure with a strange woman.

Glancing around the room, he noticed a condom dispenser on the wall. Coins only. He had no change.

Reluctantly pulling away from her, Krennic examined the dispenser. Bending his elbow, he jammed it against the machine. Once, twice, three times. The dispenser dented and clanged open, condoms scattering across the floor. Krennic grabbed a handful and tossed them on the edge of the sink. Problem solved.

She grabbed the waist of his slacks and pulled him back to her. Another kiss then moved her face away.

Why wouldn’t she look at him?

And why was she avoiding kissing him on the mouth but letting him touch her everywhere else?

Krennic resolved to get to the bottom of these questions right after…

An insistent nip under his ear brought him back to reality. Krennic responded with a bite to her neck and slid his hands back under her skirt. Less tentative this time, he thrust a finger directly into her warmth and slid his hand around her back, holding her steady as she gasped and teetered on the edge of the sink. The only way this was going to work was if she could keep her balance against the sink. Fucking in a public bathroom was something he hadn’t done in years and he certainly wasn’t going to take her on the filthy floor.

She gasped as he pressed into her, she was so fucking wet, his palm pressing against her clit. Feeling her rub against him harder, he withdrew his hand. Krennic smirked as she whined in protest. He kept his voice light, teasing.

“Feeling eager?”

Krennic’s belt buckle clattered as she unzipped his slacks, jerking them down along with his boxers. Krennic saw her eyes widen as she boldly grasped him, stroking cock to the base, tightening and relaxing her grip. He groaned as he watched her lean forward and tease him with her tongue.

Hissing, he pushed her head away and pushed himself against her heat as she dragged her nails across his chest.

Reaching behind himself, Krennic fumbled for a condom. He had to get inside her. Hands shaking, he dropped the first condom on the floor. She had both hands on him, clenching, dragging. He couldn’t concentrate. Couldn’t open the fucking condom.

Impatient, she released him and plucked the condom out of his hands. Blinking in confusion, Krennic watched as she effortlessly opened the wrapper and with swift and triumphant ease, sheathed it over him.

Grabbing her waist again, he tugged her up onto the sink. Her hand reached between them, and grasped his cock, Krennic covered her hand with his and allowed her to guide him…

Watching her carefully, Krennic saw her eyes go out of focus as he eased into her. Trying to go slowly, to savor her, he gripped her hips, grit his teeth, and fought the urge to bury himself completely into her. She fought him, covering his hands with hers again, threading her fingers over his. Krennic was startled at the sense of intimacy he felt, but this was forgotten as she pushed her hips against his, engulfing him in soft warmth.

Groaning at the unexpected movement, he watched her, awed as she moved her body against his, bore down once, twice, and then trembled, and cried out. He felt her clench and pulse around him and realized that she was coming already.

Krennic watched her bite her lips to smother her cries of pleasure. Feeling her go limp, he supported her body against his and continued to thrust into her. She was perfect: hair askew, face flushed, hands sliding across his chest.

But she wouldn’t look him in the eye.

Desperate to see her, Krennic pulled out, she whined and clutched at him. He roughly spun her around and pushed her against the sink. Gripping her hips, fingers digging into her soft flesh, he plunged back into her from behind, feeling himself grow harder as she moaned gratefully when he thrust back into her. Gasping, she moved her hips to match his rhythm.

Burying his face in her hair, Krennic struggled to hold his composure. She was too far away from him, her hands and chest pressed against the sink. Keeping his thrusts shallow, he ran his hands over her back and shoulders and pulled her back against him. his hand roamed over her belly, caressing his fingernails across her breasts, he pressed his hand against her chest and drew her against him.

He caught a glimpse of them in the mirror in front of the sink. Her face was a mask of pleasure.

The mirror…

Krennic leaned closer, and whispered in her ear.

“Look at me, little rebel…”

Her eyes met his in the mirror, feline green and heavy-lidded. She reached up and grasped his hair, shrieking as she came again, slamming her hips against his, keeping her eyes locked with his in the mirror.

Krennic fucked her through her second orgasm. The combination of her pulsing around his cock with their eye contact and the new rhythm of her hips against him sent him over his own edge. His orgasm shot through him. He gasped, pounding himself into her, coming hard, blissful, dissolving.

He continued to thrust through the aftershocks, burying his face in her neck, breathing in her scent, something floral, her sweat combined with his own. Moving his hand down her chest, over her belly, and back down between her legs, fingers brushing against her clit, grinning at her gasps.

Images of tenderness flashed through his mind. Inviting her to his bed, drinking coffee, and lounging in bed with the newspaper. Her tattoos, the stars lining her shoulders and back: maybe she would understand his work.

Christ, I didn’t even know her name.

Still inside her but receding, he wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck. Her hand moved against his, then up to his face. She kissed him. Once, twice...she didn’t pull away.

Someone banged at the door. “Hurry up in there!!!”

Krennic reluctantly pulled away, and withdrew from her, wincing. She made a mewling sound as she lowered her head. He pulled off the condom, washed his hands, and turned to her. She was meeting his eyes now. He reached for her...

“Will you excuse me?”

Nodding, he adjusted himself, buttoning his shirt.

“Just give me a minute”

Krennic stepped out, pushing against another couple trying to get in “Wait your fucking turn”.

***

Kary sagged against the sink, body thrumming and trying to collect her thoughts.

When their eyes locked in the mirror, Kary had a vision.

Shouting, fists slammed against tables. A panorama of explosions. The man’s voice, full of awe and pride.

“Oh! It’s beautiful”

Combined with his hands on her body, his cock thrusting, the vision had sent her over the edge. The best sex she’d ever had.

Her legs were wobbly, she was shocked at how empty she had felt when he pulled out. Turning around to see her backside in the mirror, Kary noticed marks on her hips. She was probably going to have bruises tomorrow.

I don’t care…

But she did: the visions frightened her. His presence, his power. She was intrigued by the man with the silver hair. He was stern, but a tiny bit vulnerable, a skilled lover who had met her challenge. What was he like outside of this place?

Hold on: you don't do things like this, you're drunk and lonely, the stars aligned and you let your guard down.

The fear and desire were overwhelming, and he was waiting for her.

Did he feel her power?

Never mind, you’ve got to lose him. Go home and forget this ever happened.

Cleaning herself up she noticed her panties under the sink, along with the button that had snapped from his shirt.

Collecting herself, Kary opened the door. He was leaning against the wall, ankles crossed, head lowered. Raising his eyes to her, he bit his lip and gave a shy smile. He reached for her hand.

“Hey, little rebel…”

Her stomach flipped as his blue eyes continued to plead with her: he had given her that look in the mirror. Kary felt the pulsing between her legs return.

“I think this is yours.” She held up the button.

His smile was boyish, the arrogance she had seen earlier was gone. He traced circles on the back of her hand with his thumb.

Kary tucked it into his pants pocket.

I need to get out of here.

“Listen, I’ve got to...you know…” He jerked his head towards the men’s room. “Meet you at the bar?”

She nodded, and his hand lingered on hers as he pulled away to stand in the short line. Kary backed away, keeping eye contact with him until she left the area.

She had five minutes, tops. Weaving around the dance floors to the crowded bar, she pushed her way through and flagged the bartender. Throwing a wad of cash on the bar, Kary made her way to the coat check.

***

Navigating his way back to the bar, Krennic was lost in thought. He was going to settle his bar tab, get her out of this club, and take her to his apartment. Maybe he’d fuck her again, but it wasn’t necessary tonight. He just wanted to hold her, wake up next to her. Get to know her, study the tattoos on her back up close. Figure out who this mystery girl was, and why this felt like something more than a casual fuck.

She could be the start of something beautiful.

Signaling the bartender, Krennic tossed down a credit card. Signing off on his tab, he glanced around the bar. He surveyed the dance floor: no sign of her. A coil of concern bloomed into panic. Flagging down the bartender again, Krennic asked “Have you seen the little redhead who was here earlier?”

The bartender pointed behind him. “I think that’s her over there…”

Krennic spun around and saw her at the coat check counter.

She was leaving!

Fighting his way through the crowd, Krennic shouted “Wait!!! Don’t go!!! Please!!” She glanced over her shoulder, and he caught her eye, pleading “Wait!! I don’t even know your name!”

Her eyes flashed with panic. What happened to the woman who had clung to him?

Fuck!!

Krennic cursed out loud, shoving people out of his way. She was too far away from him! Stumbling towards the exit, he shoved the door open and ran onto the crowded street. Panicking, he looked left, right, searching desperately for her in the throngs of people. He couldn’t find her.

Struggling against the impulse to punch out a window, a person, something, Krennic drove both hands into his hair, his heart pounding in despair. He was frantic, he had to find her, but how?

He didn’t even know her name, how could he let her slip away?!?!

An idea occurred to him. He pushed back into the club, through the crowds, and up to the bar. Almost shoving a young woman aside, he reached over and grabbed the bartender’s arm.

“The redhead!? Did she pay by credit card? Do you know her name?!”

Shaking off Krennic's hand, the bartender said “No man, sorry. I’ve never seen her before tonight, she’s not a regular here”

“Did she pay with a credit card!?”

“No man, sorry. She paid with cash. If I were you I’d check your pockets. Lots of thieves come in here, gotta be careful…”

Krennic cursed aloud again, bar patrons staring at him. She couldn't have been a thief. He reached in his pockets. Wallet, money clip, cufflinks-all there. His credit cards and cash were intact, his watch was still on his wrist. He dug into his back pocket, hands finding the button from his shirt, and something else.

He pulled out a bundle of silk and lace. Her panties. Despite himself, Krennic grinned. His little rebel had gotten the last word in. Now how the fuck could he find her?

***

Heart hammering, Kary fought back unplanned tears. He was frantic, heartbroken. She had heard him shout after her and almost had a change of heart. But she shoved the impulse aside and hurried out of the club. Pushing through the people on the sidewalk, she ducked into a parking garage and pressed herself against a retaining wall, hearing him holler in the streets.

She looked for a way out. The parking garage had an exit at the opposite end. Pulling out her phone, she called an Uber to pick her up. She needed to get home, away from where he could find her.

Baze and Îmwe had tried to teach her control her response to the Kyber crystals. But the visions were too overwhelming, unbearable. There was always a surge of power, blue and green fire.

And the silhouette of a man…

Dammit, this is no time to speculate, get out of here…

Looking up, she searched the shy. Through the glow of the city, she found the glint of the North Star and breathed through her panic.

Kary didn’t even know the silver-haired man’s name. It was better this way.

***

Krennic paced back and forth. He had taken a cab home, muttering his address to the driver and sitting in the back, clenching his fists and trying to keep a handle on his panic and anger.

He’d poured himself a bourbon, downed it, and poured another. The apartment, modern and sleek, seemed less like a home, too damn tidy. She would have been a beam of freshness and color to this place.

The bourbon was getting to him and he was going to pay tomorrow. Krennic didn’t care, the drink wasn’t numbing his wounded pride and the confusing -imagined?- connection he felt with the redhead. He pulled her panties out of his pocket. Again. Stroking the soft silk, he remembered the groans of pleasure, her weight against him, her lips, his surprising feelings.

It’s been a long time since you’ve wanted to take someone home with you.

He clenched his fists, downed the rest of his bourbon, and threw the tumbler to the floor. Ignoring the shattering glass, he thought “This is why I have to get the fuck out of Boston”.

Desperate for a distraction, Krennic picked up his phone. He scrolled through what looked like a million missed text messages and phone calls.

His realtor.

“Orson, where the hell are you? I’ve been trying to reach you all night. I’ve got your dream house, it’s going on the market next week, and you’ve got the first showing. Be there, bring your checkbook.”

A date. An address: Coburn Cove. Manchester-by-the-Sea.

And several photos of a ramshackle house atop a buff facing the ocean.

…to be continued

#orson krennic #orson krennic x ofc #k/k #ben mendelsohn #rogue one #more tags tbd #krick's fics

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usafphantom2 · 9 months ago

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India approves development of the 5ª generation 'AMCA' fighter

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 03/07/2024 - 20:03in Military

In a significant move, the Indian Cabinet Security Committee approved the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) poaching project to be executed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

With an estimated cost of approximately US$ 2 billion, the project will be carried out by the Aeronautical Development Agency of the Defense Research and Development Organization. The goal is to develop poaching and its associated technologies in collaboration with several public and private sector entities. The plan includes the construction of approximately five prototypes within a period of about five years.

According to sources, the project will involve the production of the prototype by industry players, including the public sector company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

AMCA ??

As CCS Chaired by PM Modi Clears India Stealth Fighter Jet Program. The total Program cost would be Rs 15,000 Cr & total 5 Prototype will be built in 5 Years with first Proto Roll out in 3 Year

All the Tech required for it already built & devloped.

— Vivek Singh (@VivekSi85847001) March 7, 2024

The government has actively sought the development of national technologies in the defense sector.

The Ministry of Defense predicts that the fifth-generation aircraft project will create numerous employment opportunities and may result in substantial commercial contracts worth millions of dollars for Indian companies. This initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Air Force has significantly strengthened its support for Indian fighter aircraft projects. This is evidenced by the government's acquisition of more than 200 light combat aircraft and the approval of engines for the LCA Mark-2 project.

The introduction of the AMCA into operational functions is expected to begin after 2030. The two initial squads are planned to be equipped with GE-414 engines, while discussions are underway for the co-development of more powerful engines for the subsequent squads.

India is expected to introduce more than 200 of these advanced fifth-generation fighters, which will also contribute to the country's ability to develop future generations of jet fighters in the domestic market.

Source: ANI

Tags: Military AviationHAL - Hindustan Aeronautics LimitedHAL AMCA - Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft/Advanced Medium Combat AircraftIAF - Indian Air Force/Air Force of India

Sharing

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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zwischenstadt · 1 year ago

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"Beijing has long known what must be done to alleviate this crisis. An obvious step would be to initiate redistributive reform to boost household income and hence household consumption – which, as a share of GDP, has been among the lowest in the world. Since the late 90s, there have been calls to rebalance the Chinese economy in favour of a more sustainable growth model, by reducing its reliance on exports and fixed asset investment like infrastructure construction. This led to some reformist, redistributive policies under the Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao government of 2003–13, such as the New Labour Contract Law, the abolition of agriculture tax, and the redirection of government investment to inland rural regions. But the weight of vested interests (state enterprises, as well as local governments thriving on construction contracts and state bank loans fuelling those projects), and the powerlessness of social groups who stand to benefit from such rebalancing policy (workers, peasants and middle-class households), meant that reformism did not take root. The minimal gains in inequality reduction in the Hu–Wen period were duly reversed after the mid-2010s. More recently, Xi has made clear that his ‘common prosperity programme’ is not a return to the egalitarianism of the Mao era, nor even a restoration of welfarism. It is, rather, an assertion of the state’s paternalistic role vis-à-vis capital: increasing its presence in the tech and real estate sectors, and aligning private entrepreneurship with the broader interests of the nation."

Ho-Fun Hung, Zombie Economy

#china #economic development #xi jinping

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attud-com · 2 years ago

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mariacallous · 2 years ago

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In January, after New York-based short seller Hindenburg Research released a report accusing Adani Group of accounting fraud and stock manipulation, the Indian conglomerate defended itself by appealing to nationalism. “This is … a calculated attack on India, the independence, integrity and quality of Indian institutions, and the growth story and ambition of India,” the group said in a 413-page response refuting the allegations.

It is no surprise that Adani Group tied itself to India’s “growth story.” The industrial empire of Gautam Adani, the group’s founder, has been key to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India, which centers on big infrastructure projects as drivers of growth. In turn, Adani’s support for Modi’s nation-building plans, from airports to green hydrogen plants, has propelled his conglomerate’s meteoric rise. From 2014 to December 2022, Adani Group’s market capitalization soared from $6.5 billion to more than $223 billion.

Hindenburg’s report triggered a sudden reversal, however. The value of Adani Group’s publicly traded stocks soon fell by more than half—a rout that has continued a month after the report’s release. Modi has chosen to remain quiet about the affair, even as it has raised serious questions about India’s economy.

If Adani Group seeks refuge from criticism by tying its success to that of India’s, then the converse must also be reckoned with: The collapse of its shares represents a stress test for India’s growth project. It has cast doubt on whether Modi’s strategy of propping up a few favored corporate titans can translate into lasting results on the ground. And, beyond that, whether Modi’s India can deliver on hopes that it could become a driver of global economic growth, as China was for the past three decades.

Modi’s rise has long been intertwined with that of Adani’s. As chief minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, Modi made his name through his so-called Gujarat model of development, with its large infrastructure projects, such as dams, extensive highways, and solar power plants. Adani was critical not just to constructing many of these projects but also to bringing big business around to the idea of Modi as a potential prime minister. After Modi was elected in 2014, he flew from Gujarat to his new home of New Delhi in Adani’s private jet.

As Modi became India’s most popular leader since the republic’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Adani’s business interests expanded. His conglomerate partnered with the government on critical infrastructure projects within India and, increasingly, abroad. Since Modi entered office, Adani’s net worth increased by more than 5,000 percent to $150 billion in September 2022, making him Asia’s richest man before the scandal. His wealth came largely on the back of winning government contracts; expanding into strategic sectors, such as clean energy and defense; and building critical infrastructure projects. For instance, Adani Group secured seven out of the eight airports that the Indian government leased out to private companies. These kinds of contracts, in turn, led to more interest in Adani Group stock from investors.

The government has undoubtedly placed its trust in Adani, but the Hindenburg report could be a stumbling block in Modi’s plans to ensure that India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy. After the brutal stock rout, the group called off a $2.5 billion share sale and had to delay its expansion plans. A margin call followed, leading Adani to prepay a $1.1 billion loan. Meanwhile, French energy giant TotalEnergies has put on hold a $4 billion investment in an Adani Group green hydrogen project.

Over his tenure, Modi has been unwilling or unable to push through structural reform that would allow more companies to enter new sectors without significant risk-taking. He therefore has no option but to depend on national champions, such as Adani. But even among Indian billionaires, Adani is unique. Very few businesspeople enjoy the government’s confidence, can navigate dizzying state regulation, and, most of all, are willing to risk enormous amounts of capital.

In 2015, Credit Suisse published its House of Debt report, which examined the precarious debt levels of 10 prominent Indian business groups with a significant presence in various infrastructure sectors. Out of the 10 groups, many have ended up in bankruptcy courts in recent years, while others have pursued debt consolidation plans. Only one group—the Adani conglomerate—has continued to borrow and invest at a breathtaking pace.

The Economist has estimated that the combined revenues of companies controlled by Adani and fellow tycoon Mukesh Ambani, chair of India’s Reliance Industries, are equivalent to 4 percent of India’s GDP. Firms controlled by the pair also account for nearly a quarter of the capital spending of all publicly traded non-financial firms.

While many analysts fret over whether Adani Group is too big to fail, the more pertinent question is whether Adani has been too integral to the Indian economic project to fail.

Modi now faces a difficult dilemma. On the one hand, he relies heavily on large infrastructure development delivered by India’s billionaires. For example, Adani plans to develop massive renewable energy projects—and without them, India would find it challenging to fulfill its commitment to meet 50 percent of its energy requirements with renewables by 2030.

On the other hand, if Modi continues to protect Adani—as India’s opposition has alleged—by not addressing Hindenburg’s allegations, he runs the risk of undermining the credibility of India’s corporate governance and, by extension, its growth narrative.

Although India’s financial regulatory institutions are far from perfect, India has an established history of investigating and punishing financial fraud. The Adani Group scandal, however, has cast doubt on the ability of these institutions—such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the country’s capital markets regulator—to operate independently.

It’s worth asking whether the Adani saga could have been anticipated, investigated, and defused long before Hindenburg came along if watchdogs had done their job.

Consider, for instance, a puzzling question that Hindenburg has sought to address: What explains the mind-boggling rise in the price of many Adani Group stocks? The price-to-earnings ratio of Adani Enterprises, the conglomerate’s flagship entity, went from 37.6 to 343.9 in just two years. But as experts have pointed out, growth of that nature is typically seen in companies in the technology sector, not brick-and-mortar industries.

There could be innocuous explanations, but the fact that the company’s board of directors didn’t examine the issue publicly opened the door for worrying allegations put forth by Hindenburg. In particular, the short seller has alleged that Adani Group’s stocks are being inflated by the conglomerate itself through secretive offshore entities.

This brings us to the question of what India’s stock market and banking regulators were doing. Long before Hindenburg came along, news outlets had pointed to the existence of three Mauritius-based funds that appeared to only invest in Adani Group companies and whose ultimate ownership was opaque. Why weren’t these funds forced to furnish details of their ownership structure at any point in the last few years and nip allegations of “round-tripping” in the bud?

In addition, SEBI continued to sign off on the conglomerate’s fundraising proposals even though the Indian government disclosed in Parliament in 2021 that SEBI had begun a probe to investigate some Adani Group companies over “non-compliance of rules.” It’s unclear what the scope of the SEBI investigation was and whether it has concluded.

For years, India’s beleaguered political opposition has accused regulatory authorities of corruption and raised allegations of crony capitalism, specifically pointing to Adani. But given the opposition’s lack of specific allegations made against SEBI, it seems more likely that the economy and stock market’s overseers are simply indifferent and plagued by inertia. Regardless, these accusations, and the Adani Group controversy, have not hurt Modi’s popularity, thanks in part to his administration’s tight control over the mainstream media.

Yet there may be consequences that stem from outside of India’s borders. It’s possible that global investors will become less bullish on India if they think that Indian business empires won’t be able to build necessary infrastructure or be reined in by domestic regulatory systems. Overseas partnerships and joint ventures could face headwinds as well, just as the Adani-TotalEnergies partnership has.

A fair, independent, and transparent probe into the allegations against Adani Group could ease these fears. Modi has so far ignored demands for one made by opposition political parties. But continuing to do so could very well be damaging to the long-term economic interests of India, and the world, even if it does not hurt Modi politically in the short term.

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gwrconsultancy · 2 years ago

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besttenderinuk · 4 months ago

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Explore a wide range of healthcare and pharmaceutical tenders in the UK with TenderBase. From NHS tenders to pharmaceutical contracts, find and bid on high-value opportunities with our advanced filtering tools. Stay ahead in the tendering process with the best source for healthcare contracts.

#best tender websites uk #Tender Search and Management Portal #Private Sector tender UK #government contracts finder #Tender Management Services in Uk #Tender Eligibility Analysis #construction tenders uk #small construction tenders uk #Private sector construction contracts

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theladysunami · 9 months ago

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I've seem some replies that are skeptical about Biden's support for worker's rights, so here are some relevant articles on the subject:

Full House: A Fully Constituted Biden NLRB is Here

Since President Biden’s inauguration, employers have known that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) would eventually return to a majority beholden to the interests of organized labor. However, the big question was when that would occur. After all, many still remember that the Obama administration faced an ongoing and uphill confirmation battle filling spots on the Board throughout his two terms in office, limiting his ability to effectively impact labor relations policy – and perhaps offering a glimpse of what President Biden might face in 2021 and beyond. It’s time for employers to brace themselves, however, because that day has now arrived. On July 28, the Senate confirmed two veteran union lawyers – Gwynne Wilcox and David Prouty – to fill one currently vacant seat and another that soon will be upon the expiration of Republican Member Emanuel’s term later this month. Once future Member Prouty takes the latter seat, the Biden Board will have its Democratic majority for the first time, and you can expect to see seismic changes take place when it comes to national workplace relations policy. ...

Biden's NLRB Brings Workers' Rights Back From the Dead

Last Friday, the National Labor Relations Board released its most important ruling in many decades. In a party-line decision in Cemex Construction Materials Pacific, LLC, the Board ruled that when a majority of a company’s employees file union affiliation cards, the employer can either voluntarily recognize their union or, if not, ask the Board to run a union recognition election. If, in the run-up to or during that election, the employer commits an unfair labor practice, such as illegally firing pro-union workers (which has become routine in nearly every such election over the past 40 years, as the penalties have been negligible), the Board will order the employer to recognize the union and enter forthwith into bargaining. The Cemex decision was preceded by another, one day earlier, in which the Board, also along party lines, set out rules for representation elections which required them to be held promptly after the Board had been asked to conduct them, curtailing employers’ ability to delay them, often indefinitely. Taken together, this one-two punch effectively makes union organizing possible again, after decades in which unpunished employer illegality was the most decisive factor in reducing the nation’s rate of private-sector unionization from roughly 35 percent to the bare 6 percent at which it stands today. ...

Biden vows veto if Congress moves to repeal NLRB rule on contract, franchise workers

President Joe Biden will veto an attempt to repeal a U.S. labor board rule requiring companies to bargain with unions representing some franchise and contract workers if it passes Congress, the White House said on Monday. The resolution, which is slated for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives later this week, would interfere with workers' rights to bargain for better working conditions, the White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement. The National Labor Relations Board rule, which takes effect in February, would treat companies as "joint employers" of contract and franchise workers when they have control over key working conditions such as pay, scheduling, discipline and supervision, even if that control is indirect or not exercised. The rule replaced a Trump-era regulation requiring companies to have "direct and immediate" control over workers in order to be considered joint employers, which was favored by business groups. "Reversing this rulemaking will prevent workers from exercising their right to bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions," the OMB said on Monday. "Too often, companies deny workers this right by hiding behind subcontractors, staffing agencies, and temporary agencies." ...

vice news

ironically i am working right now so i can’t do a full post on this like i would really prefer to do… but these are the most cartoonishly evil people that you could possibly imagine, even in a society as flawed as the one we’ve built for ourselves. these are bedrock groups devoted to protecting the american worker and consumer. massive huge giant waving red flags 🚩

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floorinsite · 2 days ago

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Construction output in Great Britain: September 2024, new orders and Construction Output Price Indices, July to September 2024

Short-term measures of output by the construction industry in September 2024, contracts awarded for new construction work in Great Britain and a summary of the Construction Output Price Indices (OPIs) in the UK for Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2024.

Table of contents

Main points

Construction output in September 2024

New orders in the construction industry in Quarter 3 2024

Construction output price indices in September 2024

Data on construction in Great Britain

Glossary

Data sources and quality

Related links

Cite this statistical bulletin

1.Main points

Construction output is estimated to have increased by 0.8% in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2024 compared with Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2024; this came solely from an increase in new work (2.0%), as repair and maintenance fell by 0.6%.

Monthly construction output is estimated to have grown by 0.1% in volume terms in September 2024; this came solely from a rise in repair and maintenance (0.4%) as new work fell by 0.2%.

At the sector level, four out of the nine sectors grew in September 2024; the main contributor to the monthly increase was private housing repair and maintenance, which grew by 1.3%.

Total construction new orders fell 22.0% (£2,722 million) in Quarter 3 2024 compared with Quarter 2 2024; this quarterly decrease came mainly from private new housing and private commercial new work, which fell 31.3% (£861 million) and 20.8% (£786 million), respectively.

The annual rate of construction output price growth was 2.0% in the 12 months to September 2024.

Back to table of contents

2.Construction output in September 2024

Monthly construction output is estimated to have grown by 0.1% in volume terms in September 2024. This follows growth of 0.6% (revised from 0.4%) in monthly construction output in August 2024. Monthly construction output for July 2024 fell by 0.4%.

Figure 1: The monthly all work construction output index in September 2024 saw an increase on the month, coming solely from a rise in repair and maintenance (0.4%) as new work fell by 0.2%

Monthly all work index, chained volume measure, seasonally adjusted, Great Britain, January 2010 to September 2024

All work monthly index

New work monthly index

Repair and maintenance monthly index

Sep 2024Apr 2023Nov 2021Jun 2020Jan 2019Aug 2017Mar 2016Oct 2014May 2013Dec 2011Jul 2010

0255075100125

Source: Construction Output and Employment data from the Office for National Statistics

Download this chart Figure 1: The monthly all work construction output index in September 2024 saw an increase on the month, coming solely from a rise in repair and maintenance (0.4%) as new work fell by 0.2%

Image .csv .xls

Type of workValue £ millionMost recent month on the previous monthMost recent month on yearMost recent three- months on three- monthsMost recent three- months on yearTotal all work17,6540.1-0.40.8-0.4Total all new work10,051-0.2-2.72.0-4.1Total repair and maintenance7,6030.42.8-0.64.8New housingPublic496-3.2-3.64.5-2.3Private3,180-0.4-2.00.7-4.1Other new workInfrastructure2,6121.4-7.22.8-8.8Public930-3.38.22.64.5Private industrial6561.45.93.93.8Private commercial2,179-0.1-4.21.4-4.2Repair and maintenancePublic housing7530.812.15.09.2Private housing2,9551.30.3-5.81.2Non-housing3,896-0.33.12.66.9

Source: Construction Output and Employment data from the Office for National Statistics

Download this table Table 1: Construction output main figures, September 2024, Great Britain

.xls .csv

Quarter-on-quarter construction output growth in Quarter 3 2024

Construction output grew by 0.8% (£444 million) in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2024. The quarterly growth came solely from an increase in new work (2.0%), as repair and maintenance fell by 0.6%.

The increase in Quarter 3 2024 was because of growth in two of the three months of the quarter, with growth of 0.6% in August and 0.1% in September.

Figure 2: All work saw a rise in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2024 (0.8%)

Contributions to quarterly growth (Quarter 3 2024 compared with Quarter 2 2024) chained volume measure, seasonally adjusted, Great Britain, percentage points

All workNon housing repair and maintenancePrivate housing repair and maintenancePublic housing repair and maintenancePrivate commercial new workPrivate industrial new workPublic other new workInfrastructure new workPrivate housing new workPublic housing new work

-101-1.25-0.75-0.5-0.250.250.50.75

Source: Construction Output and Employment data from the Office for National Statistics

Notes:

Please note that sector estimates may not sum because of rounding.

Download this chart Figure 2: All work saw a rise in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2024 (0.8%)

Image .csv .xls

Of the nine sectors, eight saw increases in Quarter 3 2024, with the largest contributors being non-housing repair and maintenance, and infrastructure new work. These sectors grew by 2.6% (£298 million) and 2.8% (£213 million), respectively.

The only negative contributor was private housing repair and maintenance, which fell by 5.8% (£539 million).

Figure 3: The quarterly series saw the first increase after three periods of consecutive falls, with contributions coming solely from new work

Quarter-on-quarter contributions to all work growth, chained volume measure, seasonally adjusted, Great Britain, Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2021 to Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2024

All Work

All new work

All R&M

Jan to Mar 2021Oct to Dec 2021July to Sept 2022Apr to Jun 2023Jan to Mar 2024

-3-2-101234

Source: Construction Output and Employment data from the Office for National Statistics

Download this chart Figure 3: The quarterly series saw the first increase after three periods of consecutive falls, with contributions coming solely from new work

Image .csv .xls

Month-on-month construction output growth in September 2024

The 0.1% growth in construction output in September 2024 represents an increase of £15 million in monetary terms compared with August 2024, with four out of the nine sectors seeing growth on the month. The volume in September 2024 was £17,654 million.

Figure 4: All work saw a rise on the month in September 2024 (0.1%) with four out of the nine sectors showing increases

Contributions to monthly growth (September 2024 compared with August 2024), chained volume measure, seasonally adjusted, Great Britain, percentage points

-0.2-0.15-0.1-0.0500.050.10.150.20.25

Source: Construction Output and Employment data from the Office for National Statistics

Notes:

Please note that sector estimates may not sum because of rounding.

Download this chart Figure 4: All work saw a rise on the month in September 2024 (0.1%) with four out of the nine sectors showing increases

Image .csv .xls

Private housing repair and maintenance and infrastructure new work were the largest positive contributors to the monthly increase in September 2024, increasing 1.3% (£39 million) and 1.4% (£37 million), respectively.Back to table of contents

3.New orders in the construction industry in Quarter 3 2024

In Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2024, total construction new orders decreased by 22.0% (£2,722 million) compared with Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2024. This follows an increase of 16.0% in Quarter 2 2024, compared with Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2024. Quarter 3 2024 showed the lowest level of total construction new orders (£9,673 million) since Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2023 (£9,126 million). More information can be found in our New orders in the construction industry dataset.

Other new work new orders (that is, non-housing) was the largest contributor to the decrease in Quarter 3 2024, falling by 18.3% (£1,682 million). This mainly came from private commercial new orders, which fell by 20.8% (£786 million) and was caused by decreases in offices, entertainment and shops. The other main contributor to the fall in other new work was public new orders, which decreased by 28.0% (£532 million).

Housing new orders saw a decrease of 32.6% (£1,041 million). This came predominantly from private new housing, which fell by 31.3% (£861 million). Public new housing also fell by 40.5% (£180 million).

Figure 5: Total new orders saw a decrease (22.0%) in Quarter 3 2024 compared to Quarter 2 2024

Components of work, new orders, constant prices, seasonally adjusted, Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2017 to Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2024, Great Britain

All new Housing

All Other Work

All New Work

Q3 2024Q3 2023Q3 2022Q3 2021Q3 2020Q3 2019Q3 2018Q3 2017

05,00010,00015,00020,000

£ million

Source: Construction Output and Employment data from the Office for National Statistics, and Barbour ABI

Download this chart Figure 5: Total new orders saw a decrease (22.0%) in Quarter 3 2024 compared to Quarter 2 2024

Image .csv .xls

Type of workValue (£m)Most recent quarter on previous quarterMost recent quarter on a year earlierMost recent year on yearAll new work9,673-22.0-9.4-5.5All new housing2,154-32.6-35.6-17.4Public264-40.5-43.3-15.2Private1,890-31.3-34.4-17.7All other work7,519-18.32.6-0.5Infrastructure2,1320.835.65.0Public1,365-28.0-7.56.5Private industrial1,036-26.9-13.9-21.4Private commercial2,986-20.8-3.02.8

Source: Construction Output and Employment data from the Office for National Statistics, and Barbour ABI

Download this table Table 2: Construction new orders main figures, Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2024

.xls .csvBack to table of contents

4.Construction output price indices in September 2024

Prices in the construction industry, as estimated by our Construction Output Price Index (OPI), increased to 2.0% in the 12-month period to September 2024.

Figure 6: Annual construction output price growth in September 2024 was 2.0%

Annual rate of construction output price growth, percentage change, January 2014 to September 2024

New work

Repair and maintenance

All work

Sep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021Sep 2020Sep 2019Sep 2018Sep 2017Sep 2016Sep 2015Sep 2014

-5-2.502.557.51012.515 %

Source: Construction output price indices data from the Office for National Statistics

Download this chart Figure 6: Annual construction output price growth in September 2024 was 2.0%

Image .csv .xlsBack to table of contents

5.Data on construction in Great Britain

Output in the construction industry Dataset | Released 15 November 2024 Monthly construction output for Great Britain at current price and chained volume measures, seasonally adjusted by public and private sector. Quality measures, including response rates.

Output in the construction industry: sub-national and sub-sector Dataset | Released 15 November 2024 Quarterly non-seasonally adjusted type of work and regional data at current prices, Great Britain.

Construction output price indices Dataset | Released 15 November 2024 A summary of the Construction Output Price Indices (OPIs) from January 2014 to September 2024, UK.

New orders in the construction industry Dataset | Released 15 November 2024 Quarterly new orders at current price and chained volume measures, seasonally adjusted by public and private sector. Quarterly non-seasonally adjusted type of work and regional data.

Construction statistics annual tables Dataset | Released 28 November 2023 The construction industry in Great Britain, including value of output and type of work, new orders by sector, number of firms and total employment.

Output in the Construction Industry – customise my data Dataset | Released 15 November 2024 Customise My Data (CMD) is our new way of providing filterable, explorable data suitable to individual user needs.

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allthebrazilianpolitics · 2 years ago

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Brazil port regulator approves public consultation for new US$580mn terminal

Brazilian waterways and ports regulator Antaq authorized a public consultation on the construction and operation of Itaguaí port terminal ITG 02 in Rio de Janeiro state.

With the consultation, authorities aim to collect suggestions to prepare the construction notice and a leasing contract, which is a widely used mechanism in Brazil to attract private investment to the sector.

"The expectation is that the new project … will receive, throughout the contract, almost 3bn reais (US$576mn) in investments and increase the iron ore flow capacity through Itaguaí port, handling almost 400Mt over the contractual term," Antaq said in a press release.

#brazil #brazilian politics #politics #economy #mod nise da silveira #image description in alt

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mirnaheadlines · 6 days ago

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Government Policies for a Green Economy: Incentives and Regulations

Green Economy A successful transition to a green economy requires a combination of public and private sector efforts, Green Economy with governments playing a crucial role in setting the framework for this transformation. Policies often target sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, waste management, and construction, which are significant contributors to environmental impacts. In this context, incentives and regulations serve as two sides of the policy coin, ensuring both the encouragement of sustainable practices and the enforcement of environmental protection.

One of the main goals of government policies for a green economy is to shift economic activity toward more sustainable practices. This involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and ensuring that economic growth is decoupled from environmental degradation. To achieve these goals, governments employ a wide range of tools, including tax breaks, subsidies, grants, carbon pricing mechanisms, and strict environmental regulations.

A green economy also emphasizes social inclusiveness, Green Economy ensuring that the transition to sustainability benefits all members of society, particularly vulnerable groups who are most affected by environmental degradation. Green Economy Government policies often include provisions for job creation in green industries, education and training for new skills, and social protection measures to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition.

This section will delve into six key areas of government policies for a green economy: renewable energy incentives, carbon pricing mechanisms, green transportation policies, sustainable agriculture support, waste management and recycling regulations, and financial incentives for green innovation.

Renewable Energy Incentives Green Economy

One of the cornerstones of any green economy policy framework is the promotion of renewable energy sources. Governments have introduced a range of incentives to encourage the production and consumption of renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and hydropower. These incentives are critical for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which are the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable energy incentives often take the form of subsidies and tax breaks. For instance, many governments offer production tax credits (PTCs) and investment tax credits (ITCs) to companies that generate renewable energy or invest in renewable energy infrastructure. These financial incentives lower the cost of renewable energy projects, making them more competitive with traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources.

Feed-in tariffs (FITs) are another common incentive mechanism. Green Economy Under a FIT program, renewable energy producers are guaranteed a fixed price for the electricity they generate, often over a long-term contract. This provides a stable revenue stream and reduces the financial risk associated with renewable energy investments. Net metering programs, which allow individuals and businesses to sell excess renewable energy back to the grid, are another way governments encourage the adoption of renewable technologies.

Governments also support renewable energy through research and development (R&D) funding. Green Economy By investing in the development of new technologies, governments can help bring down the cost of renewable energy and make it more accessible. Many governments also provide grants and low-interest loans for renewable energy projects, particularly for smaller-scale projects such as rooftop solar installations.

In addition to financial incentives, governments often mandate the use of renewable energy through renewable portfolio standards (RPS). An RPS requires utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources, creating a guaranteed market for renewable energy. This not only supports the growth of the renewable energy industry but also helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of the energy sector.

Green Economy The combination of financial incentives and regulatory mandates has been instrumental in driving the rapid growth of renewable energy in many parts of the world. Countries such as Germany, Denmark, and China have become global leaders in renewable energy production, thanks in large part to strong government policies that promote green energy development.

Carbon Pricing Mechanisms

Carbon pricing is a critical tool in the fight against climate change��and a key component of government policies for a green economy. By putting a price on carbon emissions, governments create an economic incentive for businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. There are two main types of carbon pricing mechanisms: carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems.

A carbon tax directly sets a price on carbon by levying a tax on the carbon content of fossil fuels. This encourages businesses and consumers to reduce their use of carbon-intensive energy sources and shift toward cleaner alternatives. The revenue generated from carbon taxes is often used to fund green initiatives, such as renewable energy projects or energy efficiency programs, or to provide rebates to low-income households to offset higher energy costs.

Cap-and-trade systems, also known as emissions trading schemes (ETS), work by setting a limit (or cap) on the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that can be emitted by covered entities, such as power plants or industrial facilities. Companies are issued emission allowances, which they can trade with one another. Companies that can reduce their emissions at a lower cost can sell their excess allowances to companies that face higher costs for reducing emissions. This creates a market for carbon allowances and incentivizes businesses to invest in cleaner technologies.

Both carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems are designed to internalize the environmental cost of carbon emissions, making it more expensive to pollute and more profitable to invest in sustainable practices. These mechanisms can drive innovation, as businesses seek out new technologies and processes to reduce their carbon liabilities.

Several countries and regions have implemented carbon pricing policies with varying degrees of success. The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is one of the largest and most established cap-and-trade programs in the world. Canada has implemented a nationwide carbon tax, with revenue returned to households through rebates. In the United States, some states, such as California, have implemented their own cap-and-trade programs in the absence of a national carbon pricing policy.

However, carbon pricing mechanisms face challenges, including political opposition and concerns about economic competitiveness. In some cases, businesses argue that carbon pricing increases costs and puts them at a disadvantage compared to competitors in countries without similar policies. To address these concerns, governments often include provisions to protect industries that are vulnerable to international competition, such as offering rebates or exemptions for certain sectors.

Green Transportation Policies

Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in urban areas. To promote a green economy, governments are implementing a range of policies aimed at reducing emissions from the transportation sector. These policies focus on promoting the use of public transportation, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and improving fuel efficiency standards.

One of the most effective ways to reduce transportation emissions is to encourage the use of public transportation. Governments invest in expanding and improving public transit systems, such as buses, trains, and subways, to make them more accessible and attractive to commuters. By providing reliable and affordable public transportation options, governments can reduce the number of cars on the road and lower overall emissions.

In addition to improving public transportation, governments are offering incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs). These incentives often take the form of tax credits or rebates for EV buyers, which help offset the higher upfront cost of electric vehicles compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Some governments also offer additional perks for EV owners, such as access to carpool lanes or free parking in city centers.

Governments are also investing in the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicles, such as building charging stations. A lack of charging infrastructure is often cited as a barrier to EV adoption, so governments play a critical role in addressing this challenge. By providing grants or partnering with private companies, governments can help build a network of charging stations that makes EVs a more convenient option for drivers.

Another important component of green transportation policies is improving fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks. Governments set regulations that require automakers to produce vehicles that meet certain fuel efficiency targets, which helps reduce the amount of fuel consumed and the emissions produced by the transportation sector. Some governments also implement vehicle emissions standards, which limit the amount of pollutants that cars and trucks can emit.

In addition to these policies, governments are encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. Investments in bike lanes, pedestrian infrastructure, and bike-sharing programs make it easier for people to choose low-emission forms of transportation. These efforts not only reduce emissions but also improve public health by promoting physical activity.

Sustainable Agriculture Support

Agriculture is both a contributor to and a victim of environmental degradation. It is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water use, and pollution from fertilizers and pesticides. At the same time, agriculture is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including more frequent droughts, floods, and changing weather patterns. As a result, governments are increasingly focusing on promoting sustainable agricultural practices as part of their green economy policies.

One of the key ways governments support sustainable agriculture is through financial incentives for farmers who adopt environmentally friendly practices. These incentives can take the form of subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans for practices such as organic farming, agroforestry, and conservation tillage. By providing financial support, governments encourage farmers to invest in sustainable practices that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.

Governments also provide technical assistance and education to help farmers transition to more sustainable practices. This can include training programs on topics such as water conservation, soil health, and pest management, as well as access to research and technology that supports sustainable farming. Extension services, which provide hands-on assistance to farmers, are another important tool for promoting sustainable agriculture.

In addition to financial and technical support, governments implement regulations to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. These regulations can include restrictions on the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers, requirements for buffer zones to protect water sources from agricultural runoff, and mandates for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and manure management.

Governments are also working to promote more sustainable food systems by encouraging the consumption of locally produced and organic foods. Public procurement policies, which require government institutions such as schools and hospitals to purchase a certain percentage of their food from sustainable sources, are one way governments support the development of local, sustainable food systems.

Another important aspect of sustainable agriculture policies is protecting biodiversity and promoting ecosystem services. Governments often provide incentives for farmers to preserve natural habitats on their land, such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands, which provide important ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and pollination. By promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health, governments help ensure that agricultural systems are more resilient to environmental changes.

Waste Management and Recycling Regulations

Effective waste management is a critical component of a green economy. Governments play a key role in regulating waste disposal, promoting recycling, and encouraging the reduction of waste generation. These efforts are aimed at reducing the environmental impact of waste, including greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, pollution from improper disposal, and the depletion of natural resources through excessive consumption.

One of the main ways governments regulate waste is by setting standards for waste disposal. This includes regulating landfills, incinerators, and hazardous waste facilities to ensure that they operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Governments also implement bans or restrictions on certain types of waste, such as single-use plastics, to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or the environment.

In addition to regulating waste disposal, governments are increasingly focusing on promoting recycling and waste reduction. Many governments have implemented extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, which require manufacturers to take responsibility for the disposal of the products they produce. This can include requirements for companies to fund recycling programs or take back products at the end of their life cycle.

Governments also implement policies to encourage households and businesses to recycle more. This can include providing curbside recycling services, setting recycling targets, and offering incentives for recycling, such as deposit return schemes for beverage containers. Public awareness campaigns and education programs are also important tools for promoting recycling and waste reduction.

In some cases, governments use economic instruments to promote waste reduction, such as charging fees for waste disposal or providing financial incentives for businesses that reduce waste. Pay-as-you-throw programs, which charge households based on the amount of waste they generate, are one example of how governments use pricing mechanisms to encourage waste reduction.

Another important component of waste management policies is promoting the circular economy, which focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible through recycling, reusing, and remanufacturing. Governments support the circular economy by providing incentives for businesses that adopt circular practices, such as designing products for durability and recyclability, and by setting targets for reducing waste and increasing recycling rates.

Source :

Government Policies for a Green Economy: Incentives and Regulations

#Carbon Pricing Mechanisms #Circular Economy Policies #Clean Energy Subsidies #Climate Change Mitigation Strategies #Climate Resilience Planning #Community Sustainability Programs #Eco-Friendly Transportation Initiatives #Eco-Tourism Development Strategies #Energy Efficiency Standards #Environmental Policy Frameworks #Environmental Protection Regulations #Government Grants For Green Projects #Government Policies For A Green Economy #Green Building Regulations #Green Job Creation Initiatives #Green Tax Incentives #Incentives For Energy Audits #Incentives For Sustainable Development #Investment In Green Technologies #Low-Emission Vehicle Incentives #Pollution Control Policies #Public Transport Expansion Regulations #Regulations Promoting Renewable Energy #Renewable Energy Certificates #Smart City Regulations #Sustainable Agriculture Policies #Sustainable Forestry Practices #Sustainable Urban Development Policies #Waste Management Policies #Water Conservation Regulations

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