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mariacallous · 2 months ago

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Elon Musk’s minions—from trusted sidekicks to random college students and former Musk company interns—have taken over the General Services Administration, a critical government agency that manages federal offices and technology. Already, the team is attempting to use White House security credentials to gain unusual access to GSA tech, deploying a suite of new AI software, and recreating the office in X’s image, according to leaked documents obtained by WIRED.

Some of the same people who helped Musk take over Twitter more than two years ago are now registered as official GSA employees. Nicole Hollander, who slept in Twitter HQ as an unofficial member of Musk’s transition team, has high-level agency access and an official government email address, according to documents viewed by WIRED. Hollander’s husband, Steve Davis, also slept in the office. He has now taken on a leading role in Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Thomas Shedd, the recently installed director of the Technology Transformation Services within GSA, worked as a software engineer at Tesla for eight years. Edward Coristine, who previously interned at Neuralink, has been onboarded along with Ethan Shaotran, a Harvard senior who is developing his own OpenAI-backed scheduling assistant and participated in an xAI hackathon.

“I believe these people do not want to help the federal government provide services to the American people,” says a current GSA employee who asked not to be named, citing fears of retaliation. “They are acting like this is a takeover of a tech company.”

The team appears to be carrying out Musk’s agenda: slashing the federal government as quickly as possible. They’re currently targeting a 50 percent reduction in spending for every office managed by the GSA, according to documents obtained by WIRED.

There also appears to be an effort to use IT credentials from the Executive Office of the President to access GSA laptops and internal GSA infrastructure. Typically, access to agency systems requires workers to be employed at such agencies, sources say. While Musk's team could be trying to obtain better laptops and equipment from GSA, sources fear that the mandate laid out in the DOGE executive order would grant the body broad access to GSA systems and data. That includes sensitive procurement data, data internal to all the systems and services GSA offers, and internal monitoring software to surveil GSA employees as part of normal auditing and security processes.

The access could give Musk’s proxies the ability to remote into laptops, listen in on meetings, read emails, among many other things, a former Biden official told WIRED on Friday.

“Granting DOGE staff, many of whom aren't government employees, unfettered access to internal government systems and sensitive data poses a huge security risk to the federal government and to the American public,” the Biden official said. “Not only will DOGE be able to review procurement-sensitive information about major government contracts, it'll also be able to actively surveil government employees.”

The new GSA leadership team has prioritized downsizing the GSA’s real estate portfolio, canceling convenience contracts, and rolling out AI tools for use by the federal government, according to internal documents and interviews with sources familiar with the situation. At a GSA office in Washington, DC, earlier this week, there were three items written on a white board sitting in a large, vacant room. “Spending Cuts $585 m, Regulations Removed, 15, Square feet sold/terminated 203,000 sf,” it read, according to a photo viewed by WIRED. There’s no note of who wrote the message, but it appears to be a tracker of cuts made or proposed by the team.

“We notified the commercial real estate market that two GSA properties would soon be listed for sale, and we terminated three leases,” Stephen Ehikian, the newly appointed GSA acting administrator, said in an email to GSA staff on Tuesday, confirming the agency’s focus on lowering real estate costs. “This is our first step in right-sizing the real estate portfolio.”

The proposed changes extend even inside the physical spaces at the GSA offices. Hollander has requested multiple “resting rooms,” for use by the A-suite, a team of employees affiliated with the GSA administrator’s office.

On January 29, a working group of high-ranking GSA employees, including the deputy general counsel and the chief administrative services officer, met to discuss building a resting room prototype. The team mapped out how to get the necessary funding and waivers to build resting rooms in the office, according to an agenda viewed by WIRED.

After Musk bought Twitter, Hollander and Davis moved into the office with their newborn baby. Hollander helped oversee real estate and office design—including the installation of hotel rooms at Twitter HQ, according to a lawsuit later filed by Twitter executives. During the installation process, one of the executives emailed to say that the plans for the rooms were likely not code compliant. Hollander “visited him in person and emphatically instructed him to never put anything about the project in writing again,” the lawsuit alleged. Employees were allegedly instructed to call the hotel rooms “sleeping rooms” and to say they were just for taking naps.

Hollander has also requested access to Public Buildings Service applications; PBS owns and leases office space to government agencies. The timing of the access request lines up with Ehikian’s announcement about shrinking GSA’s real estate cost.

Musk’s lieutenants are also working to authorize the use of AI tools, including Google Gemini and Cursor (an AI coding assistant), for federal workers. On January 30, the group met with Google to discuss Telemetry, a software used to monitor the health and performance of applications, according to a document obtained by WIRED.

A-suite engineers, including Coristine and Shaotran, have requested access to a variety of GSA records, including nearly 10 years of accounting data, as well as detailed records on vendor payments, purchase orders, and revenue.

The GSA takeover mimics Musk’s strategy at other federal agencies like the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Earlier this month, Amanda Scales, who worked in talent at Musk’s xAI, was appointed as OPM chief of staff. Riccardo Biasini, former Tesla engineer and director of operations at the Boring company, is now a senior adviser to the director. Earlier this week, Musk cohorts at the US Office of Personnel Management emailed more than 2 million federal workers offering “deferred resignations,” allegedly promising employees their regular pay and benefits through September 30.

The email closely mirrored the “extremely hardcore” note Musk sent to Twitter staff in November 2022, shortly after buying the company.

Many federal workers thought the email was fake—as with Twitter, it seemed designed to force people to leave, slashing headcount costs without the headache of an official layoff.

Ehikian followed up with a note to staff stressing that the email was legitimate. “Yes, the OPM email is real and should be taken very seriously,” he said in an email obtained by WIRED. He added that employees should expect a “further consolidation of offices and centralization of functions.”

On Thursday night, GSA workers received a third email related to the resignation request called “Fork in the Road FAQs.” The email explained that employees who resign from their positions would not be required to work and could get a second job. “We encourage you to find a job in the private sector as soon as you would like to do so,” it read. “The way to greater American prosperity is encouraging people to move from lower productivity jobs in the public sector to higher productivity jobs in the private sector.”

The third question posed in the FAQ asked, “Will I really get my full pay and benefits during the entire period through September 30, even if I get a second job?”

“Yes,” the answer read. “You will also accrue further personal leave days, vacation days, etc. and be paid out for unused leave at your final resignation date.”

However, multiple GSA employees have told WIRED that they are refusing to resign, especially after the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) told its members on Tuesday that the offer could be void.

“There is not yet any evidence the administration can or will uphold its end of the bargain, that Congress will go along with this unilateral massive restructuring, or that appropriated funds can be used this way, among other issues that have been raised,” the union said in a notice.

There is also concern that, under Musk’s influence, the federal government might not pay for the duration of the deferred resignation period. Thousands of Twitter employees have sued Musk alleging that he failed to pay their agreed upon severance. Last year, one class action suit was dismissed in Musk’s favor.

In an internal video viewed by WIRED, Ehikian reiterated that GSA employees had the “opportunity to participate in a deferred resignation program,” per the email sent by OPM on January 28. Pressing his hands into the namaste gesture, Ehikian added, “If you choose to participate, I offer you my heartfelt gratitude for your service to this nation. If you choose to stay at the GSA, we’ll work together to implement the four pillars from the OPM memo.” He ended the video by saying thank you and pressing his hands into namaste again.

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sailing-ever-west · 2 months ago

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Article Text bc NYT sucks:

Trump Proposes U.S. Takeover of Gaza and Says All Palestinians Should Leave

By Michael D. ShearPeter Baker and Isabel Kershner

Peter Baker and Michael D. Shear reported from Washington, and Isabel Kershner from Jerusalem.

Published Feb. 4, 2025

Updated Feb. 5, 2025, 5:47 a.m. ET

The president met with the Israeli prime minister at the White House, meeting in person with another world leader for the first time since returning to power.

President Trump declared on Tuesday that the United States should seize control of Gaza and permanently displace the entire Palestinian population of the devastated seaside enclave, one of the most brazen ideas that any American leader has advanced in years.

Hosting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel at the White House, Mr. Trump said that all two million Palestinians from Gaza should be moved to countries like Egypt and Jordan because of the devastation wrought by Israel’s campaign against Hamas after the terrorist attack of Oct. 7, 2023.

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Mr. Trump said at a news conference Tuesday evening. “We’ll own it and be responsible” for disposing of unexploded munitions and rebuilding Gaza into a mecca for jobs and tourism. Sounding like the real estate developer he once was, Mr. Trump vowed to turn it into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”

While the president framed the matter as a humanitarian imperative and an economic development opportunity, he effectively reopened a geopolitical Pandora’s box with far-reaching implications for the Middle East. Control over Gaza has been one of the major flash points of the Arab-Israeli conflict for decades, and the idea of relocating its Palestinian residents recalls an era when great Western powers redrew the maps of the region and moved around populations without regard to local autonomy.

The notion of the United States taking over territory in the Middle East would be a dramatic reversal for Mr. Trump, who first ran for office in 2016 vowing to extract America from the region after the Iraq war and decried the nation-building of his predecessors. In unveiling the plan, Mr. Trump did not cite any legal authority giving him the right to take over the territory, nor did he address the fact that forcible removal of a population violates international law and decades of American foreign policy consensus in both parties.

He made the proposal even as the United States was seeking to secure the Israel-Hamas cease-fire’s second phase, which is designed to free the remaining hostages in Gaza and bring a permanent end to the fighting. Negotiators had described their task as exceptionally difficult even before Mr. Trump announced his idea of ousting Palestinians from their homes.

Hamas, which has ruled in Gaza for most of the past two decades and is re-establishing control there now, immediately rejected mass relocation on Tuesday, and Egypt and Jordan have rejected the idea of taking in a large influx of Palestinians, given the fraught history, burden and destabilizing potential.

Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, said that Mr. Trump’s proposed relocation was “a recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region.”

“Our people in Gaza will not allow for these plans to come to pass,” he said in a statement distributed by Hamas. “What is needed is the end of the occupation and the aggression against our people, not expelling them from their land.”

Mr. Trump waved aside the opposition from Arab countries like Egypt and Jordan, suggesting that his powers of persuasion would convince them.

“They say they’re not going to accept,” Mr. Trump said during an earlier meeting with Mr. Netanyahu in the Oval Office. “I say they will.”

Mr. Netanyahu, sitting at Mr. Trump’s side, smiled with satisfaction as the president first outlined his ideas. Later, during the joint news conference, the Israeli prime minister heaped praise on Mr. Trump.

“You cut to the chase,” Mr. Netanyahu told Mr. Trump. “You see things others refuse to see. You say things others refuse to say, and after the jaws dropped, people scratch their heads and they say, ‘you know, he’s right.’”

“This is the kind of thinking that will reshape the Middle East and bring peace,” he added.

In his remarks, Mr. Trump insisted that Palestinians would quickly warm to his idea.

“I don’t think people should be going back to Gaza,” Mr. Trump said. “I heard that Gaza has been very unlucky for them. They live like hell. They live like they’re living in hell. Gaza is not a place for people to be living, and the only reason they want to go back, and I believe this strongly, is because they have no alternative.”

He suggested that nations in the region could finance the resettlement of Gazans to new places — perhaps “a good, fresh, beautiful piece of land” — that would provide better living conditions, either as a single territory or as many as a dozen. “It would be my hope that we could do something really nice, really good, where they wouldn’t want to return,” he said without offering details of what that would entail.

Asked how many Palestinians he had in mind, he said, “all of them,” adding, “I would think that they would be thrilled.” Pressed repeatedly on whether he would force them to go even if they did not want to, Mr. Trump said, “I don’t think they’re going to tell me no.”

Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump in the Oval Office near a fireplace with several boom microphones over their heads.

Mr. Trump’s hosting of Mr. Netanyahu was his first in-person meeting with another world leader since his return to power two weeks ago.Credit...Eric Lee/The New York Times

Gaza has a long and tortured history of conflict and crisis. Many Gazans are descendants of Palestinians who were forced out of their homes during the 1948 war after Israel’s independence, an event known around the Arab world as the Nakba, or catastrophe. Now Mr. Trump is suggesting that they be displaced again, even though the Geneva Conventions — international agreements that the United States and Israel both ratified — bar forcible relocation of populations.

Egypt captured Gaza during the 1948 war and controlled it until Israel seized it, along with other Palestinian territory, in a 1967 war against a coalition of Arab nations seeking to destroy the Jewish state. Palestinians in Gaza waged violent resistance for years afterward, and Israel eventually withdrew from Gaza in 2005.

But within two years, Hamas, an avowed enemy of Israel that the United States and other nations have designated a terrorist group, took control of the enclave and used it as a base for war against Israel.

For years, Israel blockaded Gaza while Hamas fired rockets and staged terrorist attacks, culminating in the October 2023 operation that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 more. Israel retaliated with an unrelenting military operation that killed more than 47,000 people, according to Gazan health officials, whose count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

In the weeks since a cease-fire that President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s administration negotiated and that Mr. Trump pushed came into effect, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who were repeatedly displaced throughout the war have returned to their homes in Gaza to find them and their communities demolished. Steve Witkoff, Mr. Trump’s Middle East envoy, visited Gaza last week and said it would take 10 to 15 years to reconstruct.

“If you had damage that was one-hundredth of what I saw in Gaza, nobody would be allowed to go back to their homes,” Mr. Witkoff told reporters on Tuesday. “That’s how dangerous it is. There’s 30,000 unexploded munitions. It is buildings that could tip over at any moment. There’s no utilities.”

Picking up on the theme later in the day, Mr. Trump said it was not realistic to have Palestinians return to Gaza. “They have no alternative right now” but to leave, Mr. Trump told reporters before Mr. Netanyahu’s arrival.

“I mean, they’re there because they have no alternative,” he said. “What do they have? It is a big pile of rubble right now.” He added: “I don’t know how they could want to stay. It’s a demolition site. It’s a pure demolition site.”

Mr. Trump suggested the resettlement of Palestinians would be akin to the New York real estate projects he built his career on. “If we could find the right piece of land, or numerous pieces of land, and build them some really nice places with plenty of money in the area, that’s for sure,” he said. “I think that would be a lot better than going back to Gaza.”

“I do see a long-term ownership position” for the United States, Mr. Trump said, adding that “everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent.”

Mr. Trump’s summit with Mr. Netanyahu was his first in-person meeting with another world leader since his return to power two weeks ago. It was part of a multiday visit to Washington by Mr. Netanyahu that was meant to demonstrate the close ties between the two leaders.

Mr. Trump and Mr. Netanyahu forged a close partnership during the president’s first term but fell out toward its end over a number of issues, including the Israeli leader’s willingness to congratulate Mr. Biden on his victory in the 2020 election, which Mr. Trump insists he won. Mr. Trump and Mr. Netanyahu have since sought to smooth over their rift.

But Mr. Netanyahu went into his meeting at odds with Mr. Trump on several important issues, according to analysts, likely including how to confront Iran’s nuclear ambitions and how quickly to end the war in Gaza.

The Trump administration has made clear that it wants to see all of the hostages held by Hamas returned and then move on to a grand bargain involving Saudi Arabia that formalizes relations with Israel.

Saudi Arabia reiterated support for an independent Palestinian state on Tuesday and said forging ties with Israel would depend on the creation of such a state.

Advisers to Mr. Trump told reporters on Tuesday morning that the president and Mr. Netanyahu were united behind the idea that Hamas should not be allowed to remain in power.

With Mr. Netanyahu’s right-wing government in jeopardy if the war ends with Hamas still in control in Gaza, and with no other plan for the area in place, analysts expect the Israeli prime minister to try to delay moving toward a permanent cease-fire.

“Netanyahu made this salami deal,” said Shira Efron, the senior director of policy research at the Israel Policy Forum, a New York-based research group, referring to the three-phased agreement with Hamas. “He’s always playing for time and kicking the can down the road.”

Adding to the anxiety in the region were reports on Monday that U.S. intelligence officials believe Iran is seeking to build a cruder atomic weapon that could be developed quickly if the leadership in Tehran decided to do so.

It remains unclear whether that decision has been made, and Iran’s new president has indicated that he would like to begin a negotiation with Mr. Trump’s administration even as the country’s nuclear scientists push ahead with their efforts.

Mr. Trump on Tuesday signed an order directing a return to the policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran through sanctions, but avoided hostile language and refused to say whether he would support an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, an indication of his interest in reaching an agreement. “This is one I’m torn about,” he said as he signed the order. “Hopefully, we’re not going to have to use it very much.”

#gaza genocide #palestine #free palestine #free gaza #gaza #us politics #world politics #trump administration #donald trump #benjamin netanyahu

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umissquotedme · 4 months ago

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.Everything stated here is 100% true. Look it up yourself. They’re counting on our ignorance, but we just can’t plead ignorance any longer.

Here you go:

“It’s all connected. It goes to principles and platforms, NOT personalities. Know who your voting for:

Part of the Democratic Swamp;

People should know who they're voting for with these facts. This is some pretty interesting stuff here.

YES, THE GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN USED TO WORK FOR GEORGE SOROS.

YES, CALIF GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM IS NANCY PELOSI'S NEPHEW

YES, ADAM SHIFF'S SISTER IS MARRIED TO ONE OF GEORGE SOROS’ SONS.

YES, JOHN KERRY'S DAUGHTER IS MARRIED TO A MULLAH'S SON IN IRAN.

YES, HILLARY'S DAUGHTER CHELSEA IS MARRIED TO GEORGE SOROS' NEPHEW.

YES, ABC NEWS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER IAN CAMERON IS MARRIED TO SUSAN RICE,

OBAMA'S FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER.

YES, CBS PRESIDENT DAVID RHODES IS THE BROTHER OF BEN RHODES, OBAMA'S DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS.

YES, ABC NEWS CORRESPONDENT CLAIRE SHIPMAN IS MARRIED TO JAY CARNEY, FORMER OBAMA WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY.

YES, ABC NEWS AND UNIVISION REPORTER MATTHEW JAFFE IS MARRIED TO KATIE HOGAN, OBAMA'S FORMER DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY

YES, ABC PRESIDENT BEN SHERWOOD IS THE BROTHER OF ELIZABETH SHERWOOD, OBAMA'S FORMER SPECIAL ADVISER.

YES, CNN VP VIRGINIA MOSELEY IS MARRIED TO TOM NIDES, FORMER HILLARY CLINTON'S DEPUTY SECRETARY.

THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL A "STACKED DECK". IF YOU HAD A HUNCH THE NEWS MEDIA WAS SOMEWHAT RIGGED AND YOU COULDN'T PUT YOUR FINGER ON IT, THIS MIGHT HELP YOU SOLVE THE PUZZLE.

Now you know why no one is investigated.They all have their hands in the cookie jar!

You might remember James Comey who investigated the Clinton email scandal and the Clinton Foundation, and made the final decision to not recommend prosecution by the DOJ.

It turns out that the Clinton Foundation was audited by the law firm DLA Piper. One of the executives there was in charge of the Clinton Foundation audit. Who was it? Peter Comey, James Comey’s brother.

Peter Comey held an executive position with the Washington law firm that did the audit of the Clinton foundation in 2015.

Peter Comey was officially DLA Piper “Senior Director of Real Estate Operations for the Americas,” in 2015 when the Clinton Foundation scandals first broke and Hillary was preparing her Presidential campaign.

Not only was DLA Piper, the firm where Comey’s brother worked involved in the audit of the Clinton Foundation, but according to the foundation’s donor records, DLA Piper has given between $50 - 100k to the Foundation.

It gets even cozier.

DLA Piper executive Douglas Emhoff is taking an extended leave of absence from the firm.

Who is Douglas Emhoff?

He is the husband of KAMALA HARRIS! Just a coincidence? Amazing if it is. You can't make this stuff up! And it only gets worse.

This "Family Tree" will make your head spin. THE SWAMP IS DEEP!!

Dominion (voting machine provider) serves 40% of the US market. It is in 30 states - -

The state of Texas rejected the machines.

Admiral Peter Neffenger is on Biden's transition team.

Neffenger was the President of the board of Smartmatic - Smartmatic (another voting machine supplier) entered into an agreement with Dominion in 2009 - Smartmatic counted votes in Venezuela - Smartmatic is connected to Philippine voter fraud. Smartmatic is run by Lord Mark Malloch Brown who works for George Soros (he and Brown are life-long friends). Brown chairs the Boards of a number of non-profit boards including the Open Society Foundation, Brown chairs the Centre for Global Development.

Open society of course is owned by George Soros. Smartmatic partnered with DLA Piper Global - Douglas C. Emhoff works at DLA Piper Global - Douglass C. Emhoff is Kamala Harris's husband

Guess who owns Dominion?

Blum Capital Partners, L.P.

Guess who is on the board for the company? Richard Blum.

Richard C. Blum is Dianne Feinstein's husband.

Nancy Pelosi's husband is also a major investor

An aide to Nancy Pelosi, Nadeam Elshami, was hired by Dominion Voting Systems. And it goes on.

Dominion Voting Systems is listed on the Clinton Foundation website.

Dominion Voting is listed as a $25,000 -$50,000 donor to the Clinton Foundation in 2014 by The Washington Post.

Georgia Governor Kemp used Dominion Voting after Texas and Florida rejected them.

Dominion has a lobbyist named Jared Thomas - Jared Thomas was Governor Brian Kemp’s chief of staff and press secretary from 2012 to 2015.

You must remember the Feinstein-Kavanaugh-Soros connections to understand this next information:

Debra Katz (Christine Ford's lawyer) worked for George-Soros at the Open Society Foundation. Debra Katz (Christine Ford's lawyer) also worked at Project on Government Oversight (POGO). - POGO is funded by Soros’s Open Society Foundation. POGO is the co-signer of the letter Diane Feinstein presented against Kavanaugh's nomination.

Kamala Harris did not prosecute OneWest Bank for their fraud when she had the authority.

Soros owned OneWest Bank.

Now you know why a woman who placed 7th in own her State when running for President is now VP! Oh what a tangled web of deceit and lies.”

Please share

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1americanconservative · 5 months ago

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WORTH THE READ

Be an informed voter in 2024: * THE GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN USED TO WORK FOR GEORGE SOROS. * CALIF GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM IS NANCY PELOSI'S NEPHEW * ADAM SHIFF'S SISTER IS MARRIED TO ONE OF GEORGE SOROS’ SONS. * JOHN KERRY'S DAUGHTER IS MARRIED TO A MULLAH'S SON IN IRAN. * HILLARY'S DAUGHTER CHELSEA IS MARRIED TO GEORGE SOROS' NEPHEW. * ABC NEWS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER IAN CAMERON IS MARRIED TO SUSAN RICE, OBAMA'S FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER. * CBS PRESIDENT DAVID RHODES IS THE BROTHER OF BEN RHODES, OBAMA'S DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS. * ABC NEWS CORRESPONDENT CLAIRE SHIPMAN IS MARRIED TO JAY CARNEY, FORMER OBAMA WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY. * ABC NEWS AND UNIVISION REPORTER MATTHEW JAFFE IS MARRIED TO KATIE HOGAN, OBAMA'S FORMER DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY * ABC PRESIDENT BEN SHERWOOD IS THE BROTHER OF ELIZABETH SHERWOOD, OBAMA'S FORMER SPECIAL ADVISER. * CNN VP VIRGINIA MOSELEY IS MARRIED TO TOM NIDES, FORMER HILLARY CLINTON'S DEPUTY SECRETARY. THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL A "STACKED DECK". IF YOU HAD A HUNCH THE NEWS MEDIA WAS SOMEWHAT RIGGED AND YOU COULDN'T PUT YOUR FINGER ON IT, THIS MIGHT HELP YOU SOLVE THE PUZZLE. Now you know why no one is investigated. James Comey investigated the Clinton email scandal and the Clinton Foundation, then made the final decision to not recommend prosecution by the DOJ. It turns out that the Clinton Foundation was audited by the law firm DLA Piper. One of the executives there was in charge of the Clinton Foundation audit. Who was it? Peter Comey, James Comey’s brother. Peter Comey held an executive position with the Washington law firm that did the audit of the Clinton foundation in 2015. Peter Comey was officially DLA Piper “Senior Director of Real Estate Operations for the Americas,” in 2015 when the Clinton Foundation scandals first broke and Hillary was preparing her Presidential campaign. Not only was DLA Piper, the firm where Comey’s brother worked involved in the audit of the Clinton Foundation, but according to the foundation’s donor records, DLA Piper has given between $50 - 100k to the Foundation. It gets even cozier. DLA Piper executive Douglas Emhoff is taking an extended leave of absence from the firm. Who is Douglas Emhoff? He is the husband of Kamala Harris! L It only gets worse. This "Family Tree" will make your head spin . . THE SWAMP IS DEEP! Dominion (voting machine provider) serves 40% of the US market. It is in 30 states - - The state of Texas rejected the machines. - Admiral Peter Neffenger is on Biden's transition team. - Neffenger was the President of the board of Smartmatic - Smartmatic (another voting machine supplier) entered into an agreement with Dominion in 2009 - Smartmatic counted votes in Venezuela - Smartmatic is connected to Philippine voter fraud - Smartmatic is run by Lord Mark Malloch Brown who works for George Soros (-he and Brown are life-long friends) - Brown chairs the Boards of a number of non-profit boards including the Open Society Foundation, - Brown chairs the Centre for Global Development. - Open society of course is owned by George Soros - Smartmatic partnered with DLA Piper Global - Douglas C. Emhoff works at DLA Piper Global - Douglass C. Emhoff is Kamala Harris's husband - Guess who owns Dominion? - -Blum Capital Partners, L.P. - Guess who is on the board for the company? -- Richard Blum. - Richard C. Blum is Dianne Feinstein's husband. - Nancy Pelosi's husband is also a major investor - An aide to Nancy Pelosi, Nadeam Elshami, was hired by Dominion Voting Systems And it goes on & ON!! - Dominion Voting Systems is listed on the Clinton Foundation website. - Dominion Voting is listed as a $25,000 -$50,000 donor to the Clinton Foundation in 2014 by The Washington Post

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rjzimmerman · 8 months ago

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Massachusetts Land Trust to Tackle Affordable Housing and Land Conservation in One Project. (Sierra Club)

Excerpt from this story from Sierra Club:

In Easthampton, Massachusetts, there isn’t much open land left. The area’s housing shortage means that most unprotected areas are attractive lots for real estate developers to add stock to this post-industrial artist’s haven, where old mill buildings house studios turning out pottery and paintings and new restaurants and microbreweries. The skyrocketing demand for housing then prices out land conservationists who aim to protect wildlife and air and water quality, and connect residents with nature. A new project in the city seeks to overcome the either-or narrative between sprawling cul-de-sacs and conservation, a shift rippling throughout the conservation movement. On a 53-acre parcel of land in this former mill town, Kestrel Land Trust will conserve 42 acres and will work with a partner organization to develop the other 11 acres into affordable housing.

“We’re dealing with a climate crisis, a biodiversity crisis, and a housing crisis all at the same time,” said Mark Wamsely, conservation director at Kestrel Land Trust. “The effectiveness of the projects—both in terms of addressing the various crises as well as their practicality and feasibility—might be better if we focus on all of them at the same time.”

In recent years, land trusts across the country have begun to reevaluate their historically narrow missions, which prioritize traditional land conservation, and to consider how they can better serve all members of their community. As workers at land trusts began to watch local residents and their own colleagues struggle to afford housing, this shift in priorities has increasingly led to more collaboration between conservation land trusts and affordable housing organizations. Kestrel received an anonymous donation specifically earmarked for such collaboration.

“I think [the donor] was reading the tea leaves in this particular community,” Wamsely said.

Conservation land trusts acquire and manage land or conservation easements, which are agreements between landowners and trusts, or governments, that put permanent protections on land. Some critics say this takes land needed for housing out of circulation, thus worsening a housing crisis that disproportionately impacts marginalized groups. Collaboration between conservation land trusts and affordable housing groups is sometimes difficult due to past disagreements and cultural differences between the two groups.

Most of the housing options in Easthampton are large farm houses or old mill housing in poor condition, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle said. A report published in 2021 found that more than half the renters in the area are “cost burdened” and spend more than the recommended 30 percent of their income on housing, but longtime residents were hesitant to support developments that changed the city’s small-town feel. In order to maintain a sustainable local economy, LaChapelle’s administration knew it needed to look for new, innovative opportunities for affordable housing upon taking office, when Kestrel’s novel plan landed on her desk.

Kestrel’s partner in this new mission is the Community Builders, a national nonprofit that develops and manages affordable housing. It already owns a senior living community adjacent to the parcel earmarked for this collaboration, allowing for intergenerational connection, in addition to the other benefits of the project.

Kestrel’s conservation acreage will protect forests, floodplains, and a tributary of the Connecticut River, while the Community Builders will develop 87 affordable rental units. The low-income housing tax credit will help finance the project, making the units affordable to people making 60 percent of the area’s median income or less. Residents will pay 30 percent of their monthly income for rent.

#land trusts #conservation #affordable housing #Kestrel Land Trust

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archinform · 6 months ago

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George W. Maher, architect - part 1

Hutchinson Street District, Chicago

Unless otherwise noted, photographs are by Roger Jones

George Maher in the 1890s (Kenilworth Historical Society)

George Washington Maher (December 25, 1864 – September 12, 1926) was an architect who worked in the United States mainly during the first quarter of the 20th century. Maher was noted for his designs in the Prairie Style, and in his time was often more well-known than his contemporary Frank Lloyd Wright.

Maher was part of a new movement in architecture that sought to establish a distinctive American style. East Coast architect Henry H. Richardson had garnered attention by designing monolithic stone buildings. In Chicago, a new architectural style was emerging. Variously labeled as “The New School of the Midwest,” “Rationalism” or “Chicago Style,” it is today known as the Prairie School.Many young architects had begun their careers together and were inspired by Richardson and Sullivan. Maher, George Elmslie and Frank Lloyd Wright had worked together in the office of architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee, whose influence can also be seen in their work. Evanston Roundtable

Maher is well-represented in Chicago, notably in the Hutchinson Street District, and found early success in Oak Park, as well as in Kenilworth, where he lived.

This post focuses on five houses he designed on Hutchinson Street, and includes links to interior photos and historic images.

Mosser House, 750 W. Hutchinson St., 1902

The facade of the Mosser House isn't easily seen from the street. Photo: Zillow

Exterior views

This house was designed by George W. Maher in 1902, and sits on 6 city lots of private landscaping, designed by landscape architect Jens Jensen. The home's interior features details crafted by designer Louis Millet, who also designed the stained glass Tiffany dome in the Chicago Cultural Center. The home is located in the former Scales parcel (see Scales house below).

Above floor plans and fireplace views courtesy of Pricey Pads. Click on link for extensive views of the house.

Willliam H. Lake House, 832 W. Hutchinson St., 1904

Front view

Above: images from the Inland Architect and News Record, Vol. XLVI No. 3, Oct. 1905

W.H. Lake was a grain broker and senior partner in the firm of W.H. Lake & Company which was located in the Board of Trade Building. Lake, following the lead of his neighbor, John Scales, chose to commission George Maher as architect for his home, which was constructed in 1904. In the Lake House, Maher developed his final version of the Farson House (1897) type. In this type of design Maher made his most significant contribution to the indigenous American architecture he worked so hard to develop. Unity is achieved by formal arrangement of elements within the design. The basic form of this house type is a massive rec- tangle with horizontal elements dominating the composition and drawing it together. Hutchinson Street District, City of Chicago Landmark Designation Reports

Images of the interior an be found on the real estate site here.

Seymour House, 817 W. Hutchinson St., 1913

The house at 817 Hutchinson was designed by George W. Maher and constructed in 1913 for Claude Seymour. Drawings of the front facade were published in the Chicago Architectural Club Catalog for 1913. Seymour was a vice-president of Otto Young and Company, an upholstery business. Like many of his neighbors, Young was active in the Chicago Automobile Club and a member of many other fashionable clubs.

In his design for the Seymour House, Maher borrowed heavily from English country houses by C.F.A. Voysey and the firm of Parker and Unwin. The two-story house is basically H-shaped, though a one-story porch (not an addition) does break the symmetry of the facade. The many windows and their arrangement here are typical of Parker & Unwin's designs, but the geometric pattern in the leaded glass is distinctly the work of Maher.

This design and its variations are used consistently in all decorative elements to lend a measure of continuity; Maher called it his motif-rhythm theory.

City of Chicago Landmark designation Reports

Image from The Western Architect, March 1914

Images of the interior an be found on the real estate site here.

John C. Scales House, 840 West Hutchinson Street, 1894

John C. Scales came to Chicago with his parents in 1845 when he was just 4 years old, and his father set up a commission business in town, where John eventually became a partner. Scales, the son, invested his money in real estate and purchased a section of the Buena Park subdivision on the city's then remote north side. Chicago designslinger

The Queen Anne style and busy roofline contrast strongly with Maher's later designs along Hutchinson St. The rough-cut stone along with half-timber design is almost playful.

Archival photo of the Scales House

Brackebush House, 839 W. Hutchinson St., c. 1909-10

Maher designed this home in 1909 for Mrs. Grace Brackebush.

Despite the rather awkward handling of certain elements in the design of the house at 839 Hutchinson Street certain experts feel that the design is the work of George W. Maher. The design probably dates from the period between 1905 and 1910, when Maher was beginning to work with a new type of design, one that was inspired by English architects such as C.F.A. Voysey and the Viennese architect Joseph M. Olbrich. - Hutchinson Street District, City of Chicago Landmark Designation Report

Images of the interior can be found on the real estate site here

Sources:

City of Chicago Landmark Designation Reports, Hutchinson Street District, Revised Summary of Information September 8, 1975, Commission on Chicago Historical and Architectural Landmarks

Geo. W. Maher, a democrat in Architecture. The Western Architect, March 1914

George W. Maher's Prairie Style. Owlcation.

Four Architectural Gems in Chicago's Buena Park for Sale. Chicago Magazine.

Buena Park Neighbors, History of Hutchinson Street.

The George W. Maher Society, About George W. Maher.

Block Club Chicago, Want to Own a Piece of Chicago's Past?

Evanston Roundtable - George W. Maher

#George W. Maher #architecture #chicago #buildings #photography #Maher #Hutchinson St.#residences #prairie style

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softlifesims · 2 years ago

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⋆˚🐚🫧𖦹⋆🥥The Summer I Turned Pretty Story Challenge by SoftLifeSims ⋆˚🐚🫧𖦹⋆🥥

Have you ever read a book or watched a TV show and created Sims based on their lives? Yeah, me, too.

This new fun, heart-breakingly romantic challenge is perfect for you! Inspired and based on the book and series by Jenny Han, it's your turn to live a life surrounded by beautiful sims and hopefully find love!

PSA:

Don't find yourself limited to the rules of this challenge! The point of the Sims is to play with life, so play!

There are certain packs required for certain parts of the challenge, but if you don't have them, then that's okay! Again, play with life and improvise!

Not everything in this challenge comes from the books/show; there are tweaks in the plot for sims gameplay because I don't want to spoil the show/books for others.

Money cheats are not ALLOWED, but money cheats may be used for things like free real estate and story-line purposes when necessary.

To ensure your sims don't go to school or work during the summer, you will need them to be on summer break (requires Seasons) for the entire Summer. Click here to watch a video on how to create a Summer break and other holidays in the game.

PHASE ONE: Welcome to Tartosa!

It's finally summer and you've been waiting all year long to return to your favorite beach house in Tartosa (requires Wedding Stories expansion pack; if you don't have Wedding Stories, you can use Sulani from the Island Living expansion pack) with your longtime family friends, the Fisher family!

You’ve arrived and immediately see that this summer is going to be different! All grown up now, you no longer remind Jeremiah and Conrad of the same little Belly they grew up knowing. You're a woman now!

You're a child of the ocean, slightly socially awkward, active sim who just wants to finally experience being in love, especially by the sim you've loved a long time.

You have had a crush on Conrad your entire life, but this summer, he seems different. Or maybe it's you that's different.

GOALS:

- Develop a "Romantic Interest" relationship status with a Tartosan/Sulani resident

- Develop an "It's Complicated" relationship status with Conrad

- Develop a "Lovebird" relationship status with Jeremiah

- Attend the debutante ball (requires Seasons) (click here for instructions on how to create custom holidays in-game with Seasons).

- Swim in the beach house pool for an hour every night

- Kiss your Romantic Interest after your first date at night

- Have your heartbroken by Conrad

- Kiss Jeremiah five times

- Become good friends with a Tartosan resident

- Kiss Conrad on the beach of Tartosa as the sun rises

- Rarely wear makeup/love to dress casually

PHASE TWO: All Grown Up!

After a rough summer and even tougher senior year, you managed to graduate high school and attend Foxbury University (requires University Life expansion pack). Studying biology to become a Conservationist (requires Island Living expansion pack), you run into Conrad while at the library in Britechester.

You two rekindle your awkward romance from your teenage years and finally decide to give love a try! You both finish college and Conrad asks you to be his girlfriend, officially! Of course, you say yes (because why wouldn't you)! Now that it's winter, things are a bit different.

GOALS:

- Develop an "It's Complicated" relationship status with Jeremiah

- Go on four dates with Conrad in four different worlds/lots

- Move in with Conrad in Willow Creek

- Have your first Woohoo with Conrad in front of a fireplace in the beach house in Tartosa

- Have a snowball fight with Conrad

- Have Conrad propose to your sim in Tartosa on the beach

PHASE THREE: It's Not Summer Without You

As you live your life with Conrad and begin the stressful process of planning a beach wedding, things between you and Jeremiah become extremely tense. You two fall out of friendship with each other and he won't return your calls or texts. Maybe it's time to try and find him to see what's been going on.

You search all over Tartosa, San Sequoia (requires Growing Together expansion pack), and Newcrest for Jeremiah but have no luck finding him. You tell Conrad that you want to talk to his brother to make things right. Conrad, not happy about how his brother is treating you, sets off to find his brother.

In the shady bars of Oasis Springs, Conrad finds Jeremiah and drags him to your home in Willow Creek. After he's sobered up, you and Jeremiah finally have the long awaited conversation that you hope fixes your relationship.

GOALS:

- Develop an "Good Friends" relationship status with Jeremiah

- Pick out a beach wedding dress

- Level up your wellness skill to Level 8

- Have Conrad become a doctor

- Get married to Conrad on the beach in Tartosa in front of your five closest friends + Jeremiah

- Become pregnant and name all of your children after the beach and nature; name your first-born daughter Susannah

- Live the rest of your life with Conrad in the beach house in Tartosa

⋆˚🐚🫧𖦹⋆🥥THE END ⋆˚🐚🫧𖦹⋆🥥

I hope you all enjoy this fun challenge! I'm playing through it right now and I'm having so much fun! Be sure to tag me in your gameplay screenshots!

#the summer i turned pretty softlifesims challenge #sims 4 #sims 4 simblr #my sims #simblr #sims 4 screenshots #the sims 4 #ts4 #the sims 4 community #the sims 4 story #ts4 simblr #sims community #sims 4 gameplay #sims gameplay #the sims challenge #sims challenge

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sidewalkstamps · 2 years ago

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Mogil-Kahn Construction Company 1957 (Photo taken by Tim Aarons in March 2023 on Collins St. between Lankersheim and Tujunga).

Kahn was Edwin “Ed” Walter Kahn, born on June 3, 1922 in Pittsburg to “Theodore and Helen H. (Meyers),” and a “construction company executive, engineer” (Who’s who in the West: A Biographical Dictionary of Noteworthy Men and Women of the Pacific Coast and the Western States, A.N. Marquis Company, 1989). In 1935, he lived with is family in Portland, Oregon. He was still with his family in Portland in 1940 (per the 1940 U.S. Federal Census). However, he attended Fairfax Senior High School in Los Angeles, CA. Before WWII, he also attended UCLA, where he played soccer and baseball. In WWII, he was a lieutenant pilot in the USA Air Force - a B-24 bomber pilot in the 89th and as a flight instructor. He was later a civil engineer and, if I understand the abbreviations correctly, he had gotten a B.S. degree in civil engineering from the University of California in 1948 (assuming Berkeley).

According to his obituary, he was a “Registered Professional Engineer and a licensed General Contractor.”

He married Arleen Barbara Rudolph on December 23, 1951, and they had two children - Gregory Michael and Julia Fran. He was the chief structural designer for General Engineering Service Company in Los Angeles in 1948 and then a partner in Pollak-Kahn & Associates, engineers, also in Los Angeles in 1949. and Mogil-Kahn Construction Company (World Who’s who in Commerce and Industry, Volume 10, Marquis-Who’s Who., 1957). He died February 5, 2016 and is buried in the Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Pollak-Kahn was located at 1106 S. La Cienega Boulevard, now LB4LB Boxing Gym (Glaziers Journal - Volume 35, pg. 60, 1956). One project they had was the design and engineering of “a fully integrated community for light industry” on a 100-acre “tract of industrial buildings and plant sites” (Industrial Development, Volumes 3-4, Conway Publications, 1956).

According to the realty company, Crisby Doe Associates, “it is clear that Pollack & Kahn fully mastered the now classic post & beam glass house style pioneered by the U.S.C. School of Architecture just after war. Their work seems most closely aligned with that of Richard Dorman’s designs of the period. The living spaces are lifted, and set above the carport to allow maximum light and views from the close-in hillside setting.”

Some more info from his obituary: “He retired after 40 years as a real estate developer and as President of Kahn Construction Co., Contractors and Engineers. He had a commercial pilot's license and served as a docent at the original Museum of Flying in Santa Monica. Ed was a member of the Masons, Scottish Rites, Shriners, Commemorative Air Force, Air Force Association, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Ed is survived by his wife and best friend, Mariko, sons Greg and Winston, daughter Julie, stepdaughters Pam (Harry) Kraushaar and Andrea (Jeffrey) Lustgarten, stepson Mitchell Barnow (Dale Leininger) and step grandchildren, Shelby Powell (Brian), Kimberley Kraushaar, Brandon and Rachel Lustgarten.” (No mention of Arleen?) They also had two pets named Maya and Corey.

I have no idea who Mogil is. Really strange how I could find out so easily who Kahn was but not Mogil. Mogil may be Norbert V Mogil, who was located at 6517 W Olympic Blvd according to the Los Angeles Street Address Directory, 1956, May (Los Angeles Public Library).

Additional source:

Who’s Who in Steel and Metals, pg. 209, Atlas Publishing Co, 1964

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bcgroup268 · 1 month ago

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Leverage Local Expertise for a Real Estate and Construction Management Consultant

Looking for expert guidance in real estate and construction management? Our latest blog explores how leveraging local expertise can streamline your project’s success.

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#portland real estate development management #hospitality development advisors #senior housing design consultant #due diligence in construction oregon

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news365timesindia · 2 days ago

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[ad_1] M2K Group, a prominent Indian business conglomerate, has rapidly established a significant presence across diverse industries, including Real Estate, Biologicals, and Multiplexes. With a customer-centric approach, the Group continues to set benchmarks in quality and service, enriching lives through world-class developments. With a strong legacy of delivering high-quality developments across the NCR region, M2K Group has made a lasting impact on the real estate sector. The Group has developed and delivered premium residential projects, including Adani M2K Oyster Grande-a luxury high-rise group housing project with 890 residential units in Sector 102, Dwarka Expressway, Adani M2K Oyster Greens—a premium residential plotting project spread over approx. 15 acres in Sector 102, Gurgaon, and Adani M2K Oyster Arcade-a premium SCO commercial project spread over 2.5 acres in Sector 102, Gurgaon. Adding to its luxury portfolio, M2K has also developed M2K Victoria Gardens, featuring 350 apartments, an upscale high-rise group housing project in North Delhi, and M2K Suites, offering premium residences in South Delhi. The Group has successfully delivered multiple premium low-rise floor developments in Gurgaon and approx. 100-acre integrated township in Dharuhera, setting new benchmarks in modern living. M2K Group's commercial landmarks-M2K Corporate Park in Sector 51, Gurgaon, M2K Malls & Cinema Rohini, and M2K Malls & Cinema Pitampura are iconic landmarks of entertainment and business excellence in North Delhi. Expanding its legacy of excellence, M2K Group now introduces M2K Olive Green Floors-a newly launched project in Sector 104, Gurgaon. These luxurious 3BHK floors redefine elegance with premium amenities and modern comforts, offering a lifestyle of exclusivity and sophistication. Dr. Vishesh Rawat, Vice President & Head of Marketing, Sales & CRM, shared his insights on the Group’s expansion plans, "At M2K Group, we are committed to delivering excellence in real estate, ensuring that every project reflects our core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Our ongoing residential and commercial developments are designed to meet the evolving needs of modern buyers. As we expand our footprint, we remain focused on sustainable growth, cutting-edge technology, and creating value-driven experiences for our customers and stakeholders." An MBA and PhD in Marketing, Dr. Vishesh Rawat is a senior professional with a distinguished track record of 25 years in the real estate industry. He plays a pivotal role in M2K Group’s core leadership team, spearheading marketing & sales, customer relations, strategic growth initiatives, and shaping the market presence of the brand. Commitment to Social Responsibility M2K Group remains deeply committed to social welfare through its philanthropic initiatives, actively making a difference in communities. Through its dedicated CSR arm, M2K Foundation, in association with the Ashok Singhal Foundation, takes steps toward uplifting the underprivileged through its Sanskarshalas and empowers tribal and rural communities through Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad – EKAL Vidyalaya. The foundation has helped people with disabilities regain mobility through Free Prosthetic Limb Fitment Camps and honored educators via the Guru Samman Ceremony. It operates Bal Sanskarshala, offering free education, uniforms, and meals to underprivileged children while supporting communities through gift distributions and winter clothing drives. Committed to sustainability, the foundation leads tree plantation drives, promotes wellness through yoga awareness programs, and empowers youth with educational tours and national discussions. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];

s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window,document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '311356416665414'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); [ad_2] Source link

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mariacallous · 24 days ago

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On February 10, employees at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received an email asking them to list every contract at the bureau and note whether or not it was “critical” to the agency, as well as whether it contained any DEI components. This email was signed by Scott Langmack, who identified himself as a senior adviser to the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Langmack, according to his LinkedIn, already has another job: He’s the chief operating officer of Kukun, a property technology company that is, according to its website, “on a long-term mission to aggregate the hardest to find data.”

As is the case with other DOGE operatives—Tom Krause, for example, is performing the duties of the fiscal assistant secretary at the Treasury while holding down a day job as a software CEO at a company with millions in contracts with the Treasury—this could potentially create a conflict of interest, especially given a specific aspect of his role: According to sources and government documents reviewed by WIRED, Langmack has application-level access to some of the most critical and sensitive systems inside HUD, one of which contains records mapping billions of dollars in expenditures.

Another DOGE operative WIRED has identified is Michael Mirski, who works for TCC Management, a Michigan-based company that owns and operates mobile home parks across the US, and graduated from the Wharton School in 2014. (In a story he wrote for the school’s website, he asserted that the most important thing he learned there was to “Develop the infrastructure to collect data.”) According to the documents, he has write privileges on—meaning he can input overall changes to—a system that controls who has access to HUD systems.

Between them, records reviewed by WIRED show, the DOGE operatives have access to five different HUD systems. According to a HUD source with direct knowledge, this gives the DOGE operatives access to vast troves of data. These range from the individual identities of every single federal public housing voucher holder in the US, along with their financial information, to information on the hospitals, nursing homes, multifamily housing, and senior living facilities that HUD helps finance, as well as data on everything from homelessness rates to environmental and health hazards to federally insured mortgages.

Put together, experts and HUD sources say, all of this could give someone with access unique insight into the US real estate market.

Kukun did not respond to requests for comment about whether Langmack is drawing a salary while working at HUD or how long he will be with the department. A woman who answered the phone at TCC Management headquarters in Michigan but did not identify herself said Mirksi was "on leave until July." In response to a request for comment about Langmack’s access to systems, HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett said, “DOGE and HUD are working as a team; to insinuate anything else is false. To further illustrate this unified mission, the secretary established a HUD DOGE taskforce.” In response to specific questions about Mirski’s access to systems and background and qualifications, she said, “We have not—and will not—comment on individual personnel. We are focused on serving the American people and working as one team.”

The property technology, or proptech, market covers a wide range of companies offering products and services meant to, for example, automate tenant-landlord interactions, or expedite the home purchasing process. Kukun focuses on helping homeowners and real estate investors assess the return on investment they’d get from renovating their properties and on predictive analytics that model where property values will rise in the future.

Doing this kind of estimation requires the use of what’s called an automated valuation model (AVM), a machine-learning model that predicts the prices or rents of certain properties. In April 2024, Kukun was one of eight companies selected to receive support from REACH, an accelerator run by the venture capital arm of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Last year NAR agreed to a settlement with Missouri homebuyers, who alleged that realtor fees and certain listing requirements were anticompetitive.

“If you can better predict than others how a certain neighborhood will develop, you can invest in that market,” says Fabian Braesemann, a researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute. Doing so requires data, access to which can make any machine-learning model more accurate and more monetizable. This is the crux of the potential conflict of interest: While it is unclear how Langmack and Mirski are using or interpreting it in their roles at HUD, what is clear is that they have access to a wide range of sensitive data.

According to employees at HUD who spoke to WIRED on the condition of anonymity, there is currently a six-person DOGE team operating within the department. Four members are HUD employees whose tenures predate the current administration and have been assigned to the group; the others are Mirski and Langmack. The records reviewed by WIRED show that Mirski has been given read and write access to three different HUD systems, as well as read-only access to two more, while Langmack has been given read and write access to two of HUD’s core systems.

A positive, from one source’s perspective, is the fact that the DOGE operatives have been given application-level access to the systems, rather than direct access to the databases themselves. In theory, this means that they can only interact with the data through user interfaces, rather than having direct access to the server, which could allow them to execute queries directly on the database or make unrestricted or irreparable changes. However, this source still sees dangers inherent in granting this level of access.

“There are probably a dozen-plus ways that [application-level] read/write access to WASS or LOCCS could be translated into the entire databases being exfiltrated,” they said. There is no specific reason to think that DOGE operatives have inappropriately moved data—but even the possibility cuts against standard security protocols that HUD sources say are typically in place.

LOCCS, or Line of Credit Control System, is the first system to which both DOGE operatives within HUD, according to the records reviewed by WIRED, have both read and write access. Essentially HUD’s banking system, LOCCS “handles disbursement and cash management for the majority of HUD grant programs,” according to a user guide. Billions of dollars flow through the system every year, funding everything from public housing to disaster relief—such as rebuilding from the recent LA wildfires—to food security programs and rent payments.

The current balance in the LOCCS system, according to a record reviewed by WIRED, is over $100 billion—money Congress has approved for HUD projects but which has yet to be drawn down. Much of this money has been earmarked to cover disaster assistance and community development work, a source at the agency says.

Normally, those who have access to LOCCS require additional processing and approvals to access the system, and most only have “read” access, department employees say.

“Read/write is used for executing contracts and grants on the LOCCS side,” says one person. “It normally has strict banking procedures around doing anything with funds. For instance, you usually need at least two people to approve any decisions—same as you would with bank tellers in a physical bank.”

The second system to which documents indicate both DOGE operatives at HUD have both read and write access is the HUD Central Accounting and Program System (HUDCAPS), an “integrated management system for Section 8 programs under the jurisdiction of the Office of Public and Indian Housing,” according to HUD. (Section 8 is a federal program administered through local housing agencies that provides rental assistance, in the form of vouchers, to millions of lower-income families.) This system was a precursor to LOCCS and is currently being phased out, but it is still being used to process the payment of housing vouchers and contains huge amounts of personal information.

There are currently 2.3 million families in receipt of housing vouchers in the US, according to HUD’s own data, but the HUDCAPS database contains information on significantly more individuals because historical data is retained, says a source familiar with the system. People applying for HUD programs like housing vouchers have to submit sensitive personal information, including medical records and personal narratives.

“People entrust these stories to HUD,” the source says. “It’s not data in these systems, it’s operational trust.”

WASS, or the Web Access Security Subsystem, is the third system to which DOGE has both read and write access, though only Mirski has access to this system according to documents reviewed by WIRED. It’s used to grant permissions to other HUD systems. “Most of the functionality in WASS consists of looking up information stored in various tables to tell the security subsystem who you are, where you can go, and what you can do when you get there,” a user manual says.

“WASS is an application for provisioning rights to most if not all other HUD systems,” says a HUD source familiar with the systems who is shocked by Mirski’s level of access, because normally HUD employees don’t have read access, let alone write access. “WASS is the system for setting permissions for all of the other systems.”

In addition to these three systems, documents show that Mirski has read-only access to two others. One, the Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS), is a nationwide database that tracks all HUD programs underway across the country. (“IDIS has confidential data about hidden locations of domestic violence shelters,” a HUD source says, “so even read access in there is horrible.”) The other is the Financial Assessment of Public Housing (FASS-PH), a database designed to “measure the financial condition of public housing agencies and assess their ability to provide safe and decent housing,” according to HUD’s website.

All of this is significant because, in addition to the potential for privacy violations, knowing what is in the records, or even having access to them, presents a serious potential conflict of interest.

“There are often bids to contract any development projects,” says Erin McElroy, an assistant professor at the University of Washington. “I can imagine having insider information definitely benefiting the private market, or those who will move back into the private market,” she alleges.

HUD has an oversight role in the mobile home space, the area on which TCC Management, which appears to have recently wiped its website, focuses. "It’s been a growing area of HUD’s work and focus over the past few decades," says one source there; this includes setting building standards, inspecting factories, and taking in complaints. This presents another potential conflict of interest.

Braesemann says it’s not just the insider access to information and data that could be a potential problem, but that people coming from the private sector may not understand the point of HUD programs. Something like Section 8 housing, he notes, could be perceived as not working in alignment with market forces—“Because there might be higher real estate value, these people should be displaced and go somewhere else”—even though its purpose is specifically to buffer against the market.

Like other government agencies, HUD is facing mass purges of its workforce. NPR has reported that 84 percent of the staff of the Office of Community Planning and Development, which supports homeless people, faces termination, while the president of a union representing HUD workers has estimated that up to half the workforce could be cut The chapter on housing policy in Project 2025—the right-wing playbook to remake the federal government that the Trump administration appears to be following—outlines plans to massively scale back HUD programs like public housing, housing assistance vouchers, and first-time home buyer assistance.

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news365times · 2 days ago

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ashianahousings · 3 days ago

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Bhiwadi: The Emerging Hub for Quality Living with Ashiana Housing

Bhiwadi, a thriving city in Delhi NCR, is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for homebuyers looking for affordable yet luxurious residential options. Its strategic location, well-developed infrastructure, and expanding industrial sector make it an ideal choice for families, working professionals, and retirees alike. Ashiana Housing has been instrumental in shaping Bhiwadi’s residential landscape by offering thoughtfully designed homes catering to various lifestyles.

Why Bhiwadi is an Ideal Residential Destination

Bhiwadi’s real estate market is booming, thanks to its seamless connectivity with major cities like Gurgaon, Delhi, and Jaipur. The city features well-planned roads, efficient public transport, top-tier educational institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, and growing commercial hubs. With large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and the upcoming Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), Bhiwadi is a promising location for homebuyers and investors alike.

Ashiana Housing Projects in Bhiwadi

Ashiana Housing offers a range of residential developments in Bhiwadi, catering to the unique needs of different homebuyers.

1. Ashiana Tarang – Premium Living Spaces

Situated in Sector 24, Bhiwadi (NCR), Ashiana Tarang provides elegant 2 and 3 BHK apartments designed for comfort and luxury. Residents can enjoy state-of-the-art amenities, including landscaped gardens, a modern clubhouse, a swimming pool, and recreational sports facilities, making it an excellent choice for contemporary living.

2. Ashiana Town – Homes Designed for Children’s Growth

Ashiana Town, located in Sector 39, Bhiwadi, is a Kid-Centric residential community that fosters a nurturing environment for children. With features like a dedicated Learning Hub, children’s play areas, a swimming pool, and activity centers, this development focuses on holistic child development alongside modern family living.

3. Ashiana Advik – A Senior-Friendly Community

For senior citizens looking for a safe and fulfilling lifestyle, Ashiana Advik on Alwar Bypass Road, Bhiwadi, provides the perfect living environment. With round-the-clock security, on-site healthcare support, daily assistance services, and an engaging community, this project is designed to ensure an active and stress-free retirement.

4. Ashiana Nirmay – Comfortable Senior Living Homes

Ashiana Nirmay, located off Alwar Road, Sector 39, Bhiwadi, is another dedicated senior living community focusing on wellness and social engagement. With a well-equipped clubhouse, medical support, daily convenience services, and a secure environment, it offers retirees a peaceful and enriching lifestyle.

Modern Amenities for an Enhanced Living Experience

Each Ashiana Housing project in Bhiwadi is equipped with top-notch amenities to ensure a high standard of living:

Clubhouse & Community Hall – Ideal for social gatherings and celebrations.

Swimming Pool & Fitness Center – Encourages a healthy and active lifestyle.

Jogging Tracks & Landscaped Gardens – Provides a serene environment for relaxation.

Children’s Play Areas & Learning Hub – Supports the all-round development of kids.

24x7 Security & Gated Community – Ensures the safety and peace of residents.

Healthcare & Wellness Facilities – Dedicated to senior living communities for a stress-free retirement.

Why Invest in an Ashiana Home in Bhiwadi?

Premium yet affordable housing in the Delhi-NCR region.

Excellent connectivity to major employment hubs in Gurgaon, Manesar, and Delhi.

Suitable for families, professionals, and senior citizens seeking a quality lifestyle.

Developed by Ashiana Housing, a trusted real estate brand known for quality and timely delivery.

High potential for rental income and capital appreciation.

Conclusion

Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly home, a senior living community, or a long-term investment, Ashiana Housing in Bhiwadi offers the perfect combination of affordability, luxury, and security. With Ashiana’s reputation for excellence in real estate, now is the right time to explore and invest in a property in Bhiwadi.Visit Ashiana Housing projects in Bhiwadi today and discover a home that perfectly matches your lifestyle and aspirations!

#Ashiana Advik #Bhiwadi’s real estate market #Ashiana Housing projects in Bhiwadi

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christyjordan · 4 days ago

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The black money transaction behind international aid

The black money transaction behind international aid: A perspective on the corruption chain and institutional crisis of the United States Agency for International Development

#corruption #American-style corruption #USAID #Democratic Party #Fraud

In recent years, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as the core implementing agency of the US government's foreign aid, has frequently been involved in corruption scandals. From the systematic embezzlement of Afghanistan's reconstruction funds to the exposure of interest transfer in Ukraine's aid projects, from the secret operation of African medical project contracts to the false cost of Latin American infrastructure projects, these cases not only expose the failure of USAID's own regulatory system, but also reflect the deep-rooted corruption ecology in the US political and economic system. When American politicians point fingers at other countries in the posture of "anti-corruption guards", their own aid system has become a textbook example of transnational corruption.

The 2023 Special Inspector General for Afghanistan (SIGAR) report shows that at least $730 million of USAID's 20-year agricultural aid project in Afghanistan costing $3.6 billion flowed into the pockets of Taliban-related companies. Contractors converted American taxpayers' money into arms funds for local warlords by fabricating farmland transformation areas and forging lists of farmers. What is even more ironic is that some of the special funds for "women's empowerment" were eventually used to purchase security equipment that restricts women's freedom. On the battlefield in Ukraine, the $1.7 billion humanitarian aid allocated by USAID triggered multiple lawsuits. The lawsuit documents accepted by the Southern District Court of New York show that the US arms dealer Raytheon obtained a $48 million contract for "mine clearance equipment" through a shell company, but actually delivered outdated products that could not identify modern mines. Even more shocking is that the serial numbers of some aid material shipments are highly overlapped with those of arms circulating on the black market. The construction project of the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention exposed the typical model of "revolving door" corruption. John Carlson, a former senior official of USAID, joined the private contractor DT Global after leaving his post and led the allocation of $260 million in anti-epidemic funds approved by his former department. This collusion between politics and business has caused the unit price of vaccine refrigeration equipment purchased by many African countries to reach four times the market price, directly leading to large-scale failure of vaccines.

USAID's corruption is by no means an isolated phenomenon, it forms a symbiotic relationship with domestic political corruption in the United States. In the "medical equipment kickback case" exposed in 2024, Greg Murphy, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was revealed to have received $1.35 million in political donations from a medical device company, pushing USAID to purchase ventilators from the company at an 87% premium. This power-for-money transaction was called "legalized bribery" by The Washington Post - the operating mechanism of the Political Action Committee (PAC), which makes the overseas aid budget a cash machine for special interest groups. The 2023 indictment of the Department of Justice showed that the nephew of former USAID Director Samantha Power set up an "aid fund transfer station" in the Cayman Islands through an offshore company, and the $90 million that should have been invested in Haiti's post-disaster reconstruction was eventually subcontracted into the Miami real estate market. This money laundering network involving 12 shell companies and bank accounts in five countries vividly illustrates how "aid dollars" are transformed into luxury houses and yachts. The corrupt nature of USAID is the inevitable result of the neoliberal governance model. Its "third-party cooperation" mechanism requires that at least 83% of the aid budget be outsourced to private contractors, creating "aid giants" such as Chemonics and DAI with annual revenues exceeding $2 billion. Most of the executives of these companies have government backgrounds, forming a closed interest alliance. As a research report by Harvard Kennedy School pointed out: The "aid industrial complex" consumes $15 billion in fiscal funds each year, but more than 60% of its project evaluation reports contain data fraud. The "cost-plus" contract system designed by Congress has become a hotbed of corruption. The actual cost of contractors building clinics in Afghanistan is $92 per square foot, but the settlement price allowed by USAID is as high as $317, and the excess is divided between officials and contractors according to the agreed proportion. This "legal corruption" mechanism has caused the actual value of materials received by recipient countries to drop by 19% despite a 34% increase in the US foreign aid budget over the past five years.

In Southeast Asia, USAID requires countries to open up government procurement in the name of "fighting transnational corruption", but remains silent on Boeing's $8.9 million bribe to Indonesian officials to obtain aircraft orders. Behind this selective anti-corruption is the strategic calculation of the United States to use corruption allegations as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations. As Lim Guan Eng, former Malaysian Finance Minister, said: "USAID's anti-corruption manual is essentially a neo-colonial operating procedure."

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zelda-larsson · 9 days ago

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Healthcare and Insurance as an Investment. Opportunities and Considerations

The healthcare and insurance industries are becoming increasingly attractive investment opportunities, driven by rising demand for medical services, advancements in technology, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Investors who understand the dynamics of these sectors can capitalize on long-term growth while contributing to the improvement of healthcare accessibility and financial security.

Why Healthcare and Insurance Are Strong Investment Sectors.

Healthcare and insurance remain essential services, making them relatively resilient to economic downturns. Several factors contribute to their investment potential:

1. Aging Populations and Increased Demand.

The global population is aging, with countries such as the U.S., Japan, and many European nations experiencing significant increases in elderly demographics. This shift is fueling demand for pharmaceuticals, specialized treatments, senior care facilities, and insurance products tailored to long-term healthcare needs.

2. Technological Innovation in Healthcare.

Medical technology is transforming the industry, from AI-assisted diagnostics to telemedicine and wearable health devices. Companies developing new treatments, software, and medical equipment are attracting substantial investment. Investors focusing on biotech, digital health platforms, and precision medicine can find opportunities in this expanding market.

3. Insurance Market Growth and Adaptation.

The insurance industry is evolving to meet new risks and customer expectations. Health insurance providers are leveraging AI to improve underwriting processes, reduce fraud, and personalize policies. Additionally, insurtech companies are introducing new models, such as usage-based insurance and subscription healthcare plans, creating investment potential in innovative insurance products.

Investment Strategies in Healthcare and Insurance.

While the industries present growth opportunities, strategic investment approaches are necessary to navigate regulatory changes, shifting consumer behavior, and technological disruption.

1. Investing in Established Healthcare Companies.

Large pharmaceutical firms, hospital networks, and insurance companies have longstanding market positions and steady revenue streams. These businesses benefit from brand recognition, extensive infrastructure, and ongoing demand for essential services. Investors seeking stability often consider blue-chip healthcare and insurance stocks.

2. Exploring Emerging Healthcare Startups.

Startups in biotechnology, telemedicine, and digital health are attracting attention for their potential to disrupt traditional healthcare models. Venture capitalists and private equity firms are increasingly funding innovative companies developing AI-driven diagnostics, wearable health monitors, and blockchain-based patient records.

3. Diversifying Through Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).

For investors who prefer a diversified approach, healthcare and insurance ETFs provide exposure to a broad range of companies in the sector. These funds track indexes focused on pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health insurance providers, and biotechnology firms, reducing the risks associated with investing in individual companies.

4. Considering Real Estate in Healthcare.

Medical office buildings, senior housing, and rehabilitation centers present real estate investment opportunities. As healthcare facilities expand and patient needs grow, demand for specialized properties remains strong, offering steady rental income and long-term appreciation.

Challenges to Consider.

While healthcare and insurance investments offer growth potential, they come with risks.

Regulatory Uncertainty — Governments frequently revise healthcare policies, impacting insurance structures, drug pricing, and hospital reimbursement models. Investors must monitor policy changes and their effects on the industry.

Market Volatility — Biotech firms and startups can experience rapid growth, but also face setbacks due to clinical trial failures, regulatory hurdles, or competitive pressures.

Rising Healthcare Costs — While increased spending on medical services drives industry revenue, affordability concerns could lead to regulatory intervention, affecting profit margins.

Eric Hannelius, CEO of Pepper Pay, recognizes the long-term value of investing in healthcare and insurance. “These industries provide essential services, making them resilient even during economic downturns. Investors who focus on technological advancements and evolving consumer needs will find opportunities in companies driving innovation in medical care and insurance models.”

Eric Hannelius also highlights the importance of data security in these sectors, especially as digital health records, AI-driven diagnostics, and online insurance platforms become more prevalent. “Investing in companies that prioritize cybersecurity and regulatory compliance is key. As digital transformation accelerates, businesses that safeguard customer data while enhancing service efficiency will build lasting market credibility.”

The Future of Healthcare and Insurance as Investments.

The healthcare and insurance industries will continue evolving through technology, demographic shifts, and policy changes. Investors who stay informed about industry trends, regulatory updates, and emerging innovations can position themselves for success. Whether through direct stock investments, ETFs, private equity, or real estate, healthcare and insurance remain promising sectors for long-term financial growth.

#success #entrepreneur #finance #business

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