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(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump has promised to reduce government waste and employed wealthy businessmen Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the charge. So far, spending on federal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies are prime targets for Musk and Ramaswamy, and a recent report shows just how widespread federal DEI spending has become. The report from Do No Harm shows 500 ways the Biden-Harris administration “infused DEI into the federal government.” Those examples include federal agencies starting dozens of equity training programs, doling out federal contracts and jobs based on race and gender, and teaching Americans more about their country’s racism, both past and present. The DEI explosion took off after Biden issued executive orders on his first day in office as well as another in June of 2021. The first executive order “established that affirmatively advancing equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity is the responsibility of the whole of our Government.” The second order established “that it is the policy of my Administration to cultivate a workforce that draws from the full diversity of the Nation.” Biden also issued other executive orders, including around gender and sexuality, to the same effect his first year in office. Those orders gave federal bureaucrats not only permission but actually direct orders to embrace DEI policies across the board. And Do No Harm’s report shows they did, full-throttle, citing 80 “Equity Action Plans” submitted by agencies that promised over 500 taxpayer-funded actions. Some of the actions are seemingly mild, such as the U.S. Social Security Administration tracking more racial data. Other examples of DEI policies, though, made the federal government the nation’s teacher. For example, a blog for the U.S. Treasury Department lectures Americans on racial inequality. More directly, the federal government began implementing training programs for many federal employees that fully embrace racial ideology labeled “woke” by its opponents. For instance, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission invested in training for employees to consider equity more in its regulatory decisions. “Training will address how equity and environmental justice involves removing barriers underserved communities may face in the context of the Commission’s practices, processes, and policies,” FERC said in its Equity Action Plan. “Training also will address how, consistent with FERC’s mission and statutory duties, the Commission considers the impact of its actions on such communities. More specific trainings geared toward the responsibilities of different program offices and issue areas also may be identified or developed and offered.” Other actions seem to favor some groups over others. Changing the “percentage” of benefits received necessarily requires giving contracts, grants, or other federal resources to certain groups, almost always at the expense of white Americans, even more often white men. For example, the American Battle Monuments Commissions in its Equity Action Plan called for “expanding the percentage of U.S.-based contracted goods and services awarded to minority-owned, women-owned, and service disabled veteran-owned enterprises.” In fact, the ABMC pledged to pay a worker for this sole purpose. In another instance, the Smithsonian Institute pledged to recruit more Black and indigenous interns. “One of the simplest ways to ensure equity and accessibility in internships is to provide a livable stipend and advertise it clearly in promotion materials,” the federal group said in its Equity Action Plan. “Many units include a statement directly in their internship description about their commitment to equity. They also are intentional about making the application process simple and transparent, offering access services for interviews and allowing for multiple formats in place of a required essay.” The Smithsonian Institution , the federal steward of America’s past, also promised to begin promoting a historical framework that emphasizes American racism in the past and today. The federal group pledged to “Address the historical roots and contemporary impacts of race and racism in the United States and globally through interdisciplinary scholarship, creative partnerships, dialogue, education, and engagement.” The Center Square has reported on other examples of DEI policies and grants becoming the norm in recent years as well, though much of this kind of spending began before the Biden-Harris administration took power. Those include:Javed Rana reviews progress on development activities in Poonch
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The St. Charles Public Library’s Sunday Concert series will continue at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, with a performance by the Alba Quartet playing the music of Mozart and his contemporaries, interspersed with fun facts about the man and his life, library officials said. The free performance is funded through donations to the St. Charles Public Library Foundation, officials said. The St. Charles Public Library is at 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles. For more information, go to www.scpld.org or call 630-584-0076. Two Waubonsee Community College students, Briana Harris and Kevin Bustamente Fontanel, of Yorkville, achieved a second-place finish at the University of Illinois’ fourth annual Reimagine Our Future sustainability competition earlier this month. The virtual event took place on Dec. 7 and featured 250 undergraduate students from colleges and universities worldwide. Harris and Bustamente Fontanel stood out as the only community college students competing, Waubonsee officials said in a press release. Guided by Waubonsee faculty members Steven Zusman, an associate professor of philosophy, and David Voorhees, a professor of Earth science and geology, the Waubonsee team excelled in a rigorous challenge to develop a sustainable solution addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, according to the release. Harris and Bustamente Fontanel proposed a new product named Return, a 100% biodegradable water bottle crafted from waste-derived wax, cellulose acetate and triacetin plasticizer, officials said. Unlike traditional plastic bottles, Return fully decomposes within two years, offering a sustainable solution concerning plastics, according to the release. Tickets are on sale for “Groundhog Day Celebration: Breakfast with Wanda,” a fundraiser for Anderson Humane being held from 9 to 11 am. Sunday, Feb. 2, at Enticing Cuisine Banquets and Catering, 1117 N. Washington Ave., Batavia. Attendees will get to meet Wanda the Groundhog, learn about her role in the ecosystem and snap photos to commemorate Groundhog Day, according to the South Elgin-based Anderson Humane social media post. Admission is $35 and includes a breakfast buffet, a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar and photo opportunities with Wanda and other animals. To purchase tickets, go to bit.ly/3BATPhS. For more information, go to ahconnects.org/events. Helmar Lutheran Church at 11935 Lisbon Road in Newark will hold an all-you-can-eat dinner fundraiser from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the church. Proceeds from the event will go to support the HLC Food Pantry which has grown from serving 10 to 120 families twice a month, church officials said. The upcoming free-will donation dinner will include ham, kumla (a Norwegian potato dumpling), applesauce, dessert and beverage. For those that would prefer, a baked potato will be substituted for kumla. Carry-outs will be available, event organizers said. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s fleet has been given top environmental honors by the NAFA Fleet Management Association. The district’s fleet maintenance program was named the No. 1 Green Garage for 2024, which tops the list of the 10 most progressive and environmentally-committed fleet maintenance garages in the country, district officials said. The Green Garage Contest highlights the best practices in sustainable garage operations, the district said. Rhea Courtney Bozic, an environmental scientist, green fleet consultant and sustainable transportation expert, was the contest’s chief judge, the NAFA Fleet Management Association’s website said. The association is a global organization of professionals who manage a wide variety of vehicle fleets, such as commercial, public safety, utility, military and off-road equipment. According to the association, DuPage County was the only Illinois organization in the top 10 although the University of Illinois did receive an honorable mention. The Forest Preserve District of Will County will use a $600,000 state grant to fund improvements at the Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville, district officials announced. The Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant will help pay for relocating the entrance drive, enhancing picnic shelters, adding a canoe and kayak launch, replacing latrines with flush restrooms and realigning trails, officials said in a news release. A new patio will be built near the historic Greene Barn to provide a better visitor experience, the release said. The improvements were part of the preserve’s master plan that was adopted in 2023. Earlier this year, the district was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to put toward the Greene Valley project. The district plans to break ground on the grant-funded improvements in 2026.I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! contestant Coleen Rooney has stunned her jungle mates by revealing details of her lavish £20m family abode. The television star plunged into the demanding Aussie bush two weeks ago, joining a constellation of celebs such as pro dancer Oti Mabuse, N-Dubz's Tulisa Contostavlos, broadcaster Dean McCullough, and TikTok star GK Barry. In the episode on Saturday night (November 30), the 38-year-old opened up about her Cheshire pad shared with ex-footballer husband Wayne Rooney. As Tulisa and GK prepared kangaroo tail, a prize from the evening's TV-inspired Bushtucker trial, Oti enquired whether there was a club at Coleen's residence. Her response left fellow campers astounded: "We have a few bars." Coleen went on to detail her sprawling mansion, mentioning: "We have the common bar, where if people come back late we'll have that and we use that for parties because it goes out onto the garden so we can open it up", reports . She also mentioned their property includes a football pitch. High Lake Manor, as it's formally known, also boasts a swimming pool, cinema, gym and snooker room. Coleen and Wayne share this luxurious home with their four sons: Kai, Klay, Kit, and Cass. While Coleen is tackling the challenges of the jungle, Wayne is ensuring their residence shines bright with thousands of festive lights. The I'm a Celeb participants were quick to express their admiration for Coleen's description of her six-bedroom mansion. Radio presenter Dean voiced his aspirations, stating, "If I end up in a big house, with the life I envision in my head-kids and all-I'd want to do it just like you." In another segment of tonight's episode, Dean queried whether people still refer to Coleen as a WAG, to which she conceded: "It always comes up." The Liverpudlian then reflected on how the term was once used pejoratively during her husband's sporting career. She remarked: "Yeah, I felt it at the time. I used to say we're all individuals, we're not a group where we're all exactly the same person. We've all got our own little lives and ways and personalities."Santa, maybe? Why we have different names for who ‘hurries down the chimney’ on Christmas
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Salamanca punches ticket to state title gamePNC Financial Services Group Inc. cut its stake in shares of Hillenbrand, Inc. ( NYSE:HI – Free Report ) by 2.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 297,913 shares of the company’s stock after selling 5,955 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. owned approximately 0.42% of Hillenbrand worth $8,282,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Hillenbrand by 3.5% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 8,702,418 shares of the company’s stock worth $437,645,000 after purchasing an additional 290,275 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Hillenbrand during the first quarter valued at $3,285,000. GSA Capital Partners LLP bought a new stake in shares of Hillenbrand in the third quarter valued at about $627,000. Raymond James & Associates lifted its stake in Hillenbrand by 4.3% in the second quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 392,196 shares of the company’s stock worth $15,696,000 after acquiring an additional 16,323 shares during the period. Finally, Tidal Investments LLC bought a new position in Hillenbrand during the 1st quarter worth about $281,000. Institutional investors own 89.09% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth HI has been the subject of several recent research reports. DA Davidson restated a “neutral” rating and issued a $33.00 price target on shares of Hillenbrand in a report on Friday, November 15th. KeyCorp lowered their target price on Hillenbrand from $45.00 to $40.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 14th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Hillenbrand from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Friday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $44.67. Hillenbrand Trading Up 2.5 % NYSE:HI opened at $33.81 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $28.45 and a 200 day moving average of $35.81. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28. Hillenbrand, Inc. has a 52 week low of $25.11 and a 52 week high of $50.58. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.03 and a beta of 1.38. Hillenbrand ( NYSE:HI – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 13th. The company reported $1.01 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.08. Hillenbrand had a positive return on equity of 14.86% and a negative net margin of 6.63%. The firm had revenue of $837.60 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $793.38 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.13 EPS. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 9.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Hillenbrand, Inc. will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hillenbrand Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th were issued a dividend of $0.2225 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, September 16th. This represents a $0.89 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.63%. This is an increase from Hillenbrand’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. Hillenbrand’s dividend payout ratio is -29.77%. Hillenbrand Company Profile ( Free Report ) Hillenbrand, Inc operates as an industrial company in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions. The Advanced Process Solutions segment designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and services process and material handling equipment and systems comprising compounding, extrusion, and material handling equipment, equipment system design services, as well as offers mixing technology, ingredient automation, and portion process; and provides screening and separating equipment for various industries, including plastics, food and pharmaceuticals, chemicals, fertilizers, minerals, energy, wastewater treatment, forest products, and other general industrials. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hillenbrand, Inc. ( NYSE:HI – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Hillenbrand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hillenbrand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
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SANTA FE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 12, 2024-- The Water, Access, Treatment and Reuse (WATR) Alliance, a newly formed nonprofit organization, today announced its official launch. Headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, WATR Alliance is dedicated to advocating for innovative and sustainable water management practices at the city, state and federal levels throughout the Southwest and in Texas. With a focus on fostering economic growth, social equity, and ecological sustainability, the alliance aims to unite diverse stakeholders in reshaping water reuse and policy. “The Southwest’s unique water challenges demand collaborative solutions—ones that integrate technology, policy and community engagement,” said Jennifer Bradfute, Executive Director of WATR Alliance. WATR will immediately focus on some initiatives in New Mexico during the upcoming 2025 legislative session. “We may not be the loudest voice this session, but we are committed to building the most robust and inclusive membership. What truly matters to us is that our advocacy resonates across many sectors—bringing together diverse perspectives to align on a shared path forward. The establishment of the WATR Alliance is meant to fill a crucial gap by approaching water management from a comprehensive H2O molecule standpoint—considering all aspects of water's journey and impact. This perspective brings together sectors that range from agricultural, local municipalities and acequias to the energy industry, environmental groups and indigenous communities. The shared goal is the preservation of water resources and the maximization of reuse opportunities to support water reuse throughout the Southwest and the communities that have come to rely on water for their economic and social well-being. “The launch of this alliance embodies our shared vision for a sustainable water future,” said Kelly Bennett, Chair of the WATR Alliance Board of Directors and CEO of B3 Insights. “There is an incredible opportunity to augment water supply in this arid region. By harnessing the collective expertise and commitment of a diverse group of stakeholders, we can create a unified framework and amplify our voice to drive improved water access, treatment, and reuse that benefits the Southwestern region of the United States and Texas.” Key initiatives of WATR Alliance include: “The WATR Alliance is about uniting people through the shared resource of water,” said Michael Dyson, Treasurer of the WATR Alliance Board of Directors and CEO at Infinity Water Solutions. “For too long, we have passed judgment based on the origin of water, rather than its fitness for an intended use. All water, regardless of its source, holds immense value for industry and has even greater potential for the broader community, particularly in water-stressed areas. Our region’s water supply, much like its natural resources, is abundant and represents a vital opportunity for economic diversification if we’re willing to embrace water in a circular framework.” The WATR Alliance invites community members, policymakers, and organizations interested in sustainable water practices to join this transformative movement. Through proactive collaboration, the Alliance seeks to drive meaningful change that ensures economic resilience, environmental health, and social progress throughout the Southwest and beyond. About WATR Alliance The Water, Access, Treatment, and Reuse (WATR) Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reshaping water management through advocacy, partnerships, and innovation. With a commitment to sustainable practices, WATR Alliance promotes access, advanced treatment solutions, and the reuse of water resources, aligning with principles of economic development and ecological stewardship. For more information, visit www.watrnm.com View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211506521/en/ CONTACT: Ashley Kegley-Whitehead Chief Communications Officer (512) 660-2898 Ashley@water.energy KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA ARIZONA UTAH TEXAS NEW MEXICO NEVADA COLORADO UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COAL OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES ALTERNATIVE ENERGY HARDWARE MINING/MINERALS ENERGY FOREST PRODUCTS DATA MANAGEMENT AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY TECHNOLOGY NATURAL RESOURCES EDUCATION ENGINEERING CHEMICALS/PLASTICS ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) MANUFACTURING OTHER CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE WHITE HOUSE/FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE STATE/LOCAL CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY PUBLIC POLICY SCIENCE PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NUCLEAR ENVIRONMENT URBAN PLANNING LEGAL FINANCE OTHER SCIENCE OTHER ENERGY OTHER TECHNOLOGY BANKING UTILITIES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OIL/GAS SOURCE: WATR Alliance Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/12/2024 05:03 PM/DISC: 12/12/2024 05:03 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211506521/en
Liverpool came from behind to beat Leicester City 3-1 on Boxing Day and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table Liverpool have been warned that VAR's lengthy delay at the end of the 3-1 victory over Leicester City is the price that has to be paid for accuracy in the Premier League . Supporters were left frustrated late on when Cody Gakpo's goal was ruled out for an offside against Darwin Nunez in the build-up. The decision took three minutes to eventually decide on before the Stockley Park officials decided to agree with the on-field call. Soon after the incident, the Premier League took to social media to explain that the check had found Nunez to be in the offside position. Many fans have been left calling for semi-automated offsides to be introduced in the aftermath of this delay. This technology uses motion senses and cameras to adjudge whether a player is on or off. Analysing the decision on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher explained the delay was due to checks on Mohamed Salah's position too. Despite the time taken, Gallagher was keen to stress that semi-automated offsides should not be rushed through. "There were two checks, that's why it took so long," he explained. "People say it's infuriating, but this is what the people asked for. "Now you've given them the technology to get the decision right, this is the process, this is what we're told, this is what we've seen. We have come a long way in five years from where we were, we've got far more accurate decisions. "It is much, much better. Semi-automated offsides is a work in progress. "Maybe if it's going to take a long time, maybe wait until next season. When this is rolled out, it has to be 100 per cent, right now there are little tweaks needed." Semi-automated offsides have been used in major international tournaments and have proven to be quick at making decisions. However, 2025 is now the earliest that we expect to see it being used in the Premier League. In the end, the offside was inconsequential to Liverpool who now sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League prior to Arsenal's clash with Ipswich Town on Friday night. Join our WhatsApp community, sign up to a newsletter or listen to our podcasts HEREA brand new premier competition for under-19-year-olds is allowing young cricketers to develop their sporting skills. or signup to continue reading The Port Panthers Next Gen T20 competition, which has run every Thursday night in Port Macquarie, has seen players from the Macleay, Hastings, and Manning areas get on board. Nat and Jack Jordan are the masterminds behind the competition. "I've been involved with local cricket administration for 10 years and watched my kids go through the system looking for more cricket," Ms Jordan said. "This competition provides that but should also provide an opportunity for developing cricketers and officials in our area". The pair say the cricket community has supported the Port Panthers Next Gen T20. The competition has attracted some of the area's best young players and some of the most experienced coaches. Level 3 coaches Troy McKiernan and Kate Johnson joined Mid North Coast Academy coach Adam Broderick and PSSA State coach Paul Munro for the competition. Four teams were drafted by independent selectors which are: The first game started on October 17 and has seen a number of games played at Oxley Oval and Wayne Richards Park. Titans have been leading the competition, having won two of the three games they played. Not far behind in the following order on the ladder are the Warriors, Chargers and Titans. The competition has been supported by naming rights sponsor Port Panthers and shirt sponsor McDonald's Port Macquarie. "This financial support means costs have been kept low for players but we can also provide uniform, good level equipment and two umpires per game," Ms Jordan said. "These are all factors that help make the competition the best level it can be". Teams are playing extra matches on Thursday, December 5 and December 12, 2024. Due to rain, the grand final match has been rescheduled to Monday, January 27, 2025.