#facility allocation

[linnartsf]

Service facility allocation - optimization project

In the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro, opening and operating a series of barbershops comes with a unique set of challenges, especially when operating on a tight budget for renovation and rental expenses. In this article, I am sharing the story of one entrepreneur, the owner of multiple barbershops in the city, who leveraged SCDA’s analytics competence for drafting a service facility allocation…

[chemical-processes]

makes me kind of sad whenever MB rebukes itself for spending time watching media instead of writing code/making contingencies/assessing threats. Because like, for any human that would just be downtime. No one expects a person to be at work 24/7 constantly doing things. But anything MB sees as a preventable outcome it takes as a personal transgression that indicates a system failure (or itself just doing a 'half-assed' job). Like in some instances, its like yeah why are you watching Sanctuary Moon on a hostile ship buddy we don't have time for that, but also it's a contracted worker? Just because it's not human doesn't mean it doesn't deserve to take breaks, and have time off being a security consult, and have leisure time.

[arisingonmorningsinnocent]

idk which school/hospital/library/corporate office needs to hear this but your bathroom facilities need to have doors that lock and toilets and sinks that consistently work and soap and towel dispensers that are consistently stocked and floors with undamaged tile that people can safely walk or roll a wheelchair over and there need to be grab rails and hooks for basic accessibility functions and there needs to be a gender-neutral bathroom that people can access without requesting a key or climbing seven flights of stairs with no elevator and there needs to be a safe place for women who cannot undress in the same room as a man to change and there need to be sanitary bins for disposing of menstrual supplies and there needs to not be broken glass just left on the floor for weeks at a time literally ever and yes, all of this costs money, but it is actually a good use of funds to make sure people can physically be in the building where your organization is located without compromising their health or safety or dignity. institutional recognition of the needs of the human body or i kill you!!

[townpostin]

Railway Workers from Badampahar to Get Tatanagar Quarters

300 Vacant Homes Allocated to Improve Housing for Branch Line Staff Chakradharpur Division takes steps to provide better residential facilities for railway workers from branch lines. JAMSHEDPUR – The Chakradharpur Division Personnel Department has issued an order to allot 300 vacant quarters in various Tatanagar colonies to railway workers from the Badampahar route. Workers from Adityapur,…

[desultory-suggestions]

The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) is still and always in need of donations. Whether you can offer a dollar or a hundred, please do what you can to fund the powerful and direct support the PCRF is offering during this horrific genocide. Continue to share these resources, and do not let yourself become used to the violence and terror that Palestinians are living through. The money donated to the PCRF will not only offer immediate support to families, but will continue to be used to rebuild and recover in the long term.

“Our "Gaza Relief and Recovery" campaign aims to address urgent humanitarian needs and support long-term recovery efforts in Gaza. The funds raised will primarily focus on immediate relief, including providing essential medical supplies, food, medical treatment, clean water, and other necessities for families affected by the conflict. Additionally, our campaign will support rebuilding healthcare facilities and providing long-term support through impactful programs and projects to support the needs of children and the health sector in Gaza. It will also allocate resources towards trauma counseling, mental health support, and other initiatives for children affected by the conflict, aiming to foster healing and resilience within the community.” (PCRF, 2024).

[joeygoldy]

Useful Tips for Becoming a Successful Agriculture Investor

Agriculture investment refers to the allocation of financial resources, capital, or assets into various aspects of the agricultural sector with the expectation of generating a return on investment (ROI). This could mean investing monies in agriculture land for sale such as coconut land for sale in Sri Lanka, or other types of investments. It involves deploying funds in activities and projects related to agriculture for the purpose of profit, income generation, or long-term wealth creation. Agriculture investment can take many forms, including:

Farmland Acquisition: Purchasing agricultural land for the cultivation of crops or the raising of livestock. This can involve both large-scale and small-scale farming operations.

Infrastructure Development: Investing in the construction and improvement of infrastructure such as irrigation systems, roads, storage facilities, and processing plants to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency.

Technological Advancements: Funding the development and adoption of agricultural technologies, such as precision agriculture, automation, and biotechnology, to improve crop yields and reduce operational costs.

Agribusiness Ventures: Investing in agribusinesses, such as food processing, distribution, and marketing, that are part of the agricultural value chain.

Research and Development: Supporting research initiatives related to agriculture to develop new crop varieties, pest-resistant strains, and sustainable farming practices.

Input Supply: Investing in the production and distribution of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and machinery.

Commodity Trading: Speculating on the future prices of agricultural commodities, such as grains, oilseeds, and livestock, through commodity markets or futures contracts.

Sustainable Agriculture: Funding practices and projects aimed at sustainable and environmentally responsible farming methods, which can include organic farming, agroforestry, and conservation efforts.

Rural Development: Supporting initiatives that improve the overall economic and social well-being of rural communities, often through investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Venture Capital and Start-ups: Investing in start-ups and companies focused on innovations in agriculture, such as vertical farming, aquaculture, or agricultural technology (AgTech).

Agriculture investment is important for food security, economic development, and job creation in many regions. However, it also comes with risks related to weather conditions, commodity price fluctuations, and market dynamics. Investors often conduct thorough research and risk assessments before committing their resources to agricultural ventures. Additionally, they may need to consider factors like government policies, environmental regulations, and social impacts on their investment decisions in the agricultural sector.

How to become a successful agriculture investor

Becoming a successful agriculture investor requires a combination of financial acumen, agricultural knowledge, and a strategic approach to investment. Here are some steps to help you become a successful agriculture investor:

Educate Yourself: Gain a strong understanding of the agricultural sector, including the different sub-sectors (crops, livestock, agribusiness, etc.). Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and emerging technologies.

Set Clear Investment Goals: Define your investment objectives, whether it is long-term wealth creation, income generation, or diversification of your investment portfolio.

Risk Assessment: Understand and assess the risks associated with agriculture investments, such as weather-related risks, market volatility, and regulatory changes, whether you are looking at land for sale or any other type of investment.

Develop a Diversified Portfolio: Diversify your investments across different agricultural sectors and geographic regions to spread risk.

Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to identify promising investment opportunities and potential demand for agricultural products.

Build a Network: Establish connections with farmers, agricultural experts, government agencies, and industry stakeholders who can provide insights and opportunities.

Financial Planning: Create a budget and financial plan that outlines your investment capital, expected returns, and cash flow requirements.

Select the Right Investment Type: Choose the type of agriculture investment that aligns with your goals, whether it is farmland, agribusiness ventures, or agricultural technology.

Due Diligence: Conduct comprehensive due diligence on potential investments, including assessing the quality of farmland, the financial health of agribusinesses, and the technology's potential for scalability and profitability.

Sustainable Practices: Consider investments in sustainable and environmentally responsible agriculture practices, as they are gaining importance in the industry.

Risk Management: Implement risk management strategies, such as insurance, to protect your investments from unforeseen events like natural disasters or crop failures.

Continuous Learning: Stay informed about changes in the agricultural industry and adapt your investment strategy accordingly.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Understand and comply with local, national, and international regulations and tax laws that may impact your agriculture investments.

Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review the performance of your investments and be prepared to make adjustments or exit underperforming ones.

Long-Term Perspective: Agriculture investments often require a long-term perspective, so be patient and avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.

Seek Professional Advice: Consult with financial advisors, agricultural experts, and legal professionals to ensure that your investments are structured and managed effectively.

Successful agriculture investment often involves a mix of financial expertise, industry knowledge, and a willingness to adapt to changing conditions. It is important to approach agriculture investment with a well-thought-out strategy, and to be prepared for both opportunities and challenges in this sector.

[metamorphesque]

Knowing full well that no media outlet is covering what is happening in Armenia, here are some updates for those who wish to stay informed:

For the past three weeks, azerbaijani forces have been firing at Armenian cross-border villages. Although no injuries have been reported, the gunfire has damaged residential homes. On the night of April 13, azerbaijani forces opened fire on the Armenian village of Khnatsakh in the Syunik Province, damaging the local Cultural Center.

The Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States has approved two final commitments totaling more than $339 million to support aircraft exports to azerbaijani Silk Way West Airlines, which has been implicated in transferring weapons from israel to azerbaijan, and its cargo flights from israel’s ovda airbase to azerbaijan have notably increased, particularly in 2024, aligning with periods of heightened military activity by the azerbaijani regime. This follows a long-standing pattern, where Silk Way’s flights to israel have consistently risen during times of military escalation by the azerbaijani government, particularly during conflicts with Armenia and Artsakh. Since 2016, israel has been a key military supplier to azerbaijan, and ovda serves as a crucial airfield for this transfer of military materials.

While the US and israel are aiding and arming azeris, Hungary has blocked the EU from allocating an additional 10 million euros ($11 million) in “non-lethal” military aid to Armenia through its European Peace Facility (EPF). Unlike other EU member states, Hungary has openly supported azerbaijan in the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) conflict. The Hungarian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that support three days after the outbreak of the 2020 Armenian-azerbaijani war in Artsakh.

[reasonsforhope]

"Dr James Odongo sat eating greens at a restaurant in Apac district in northern Uganda when his phone rang. The Ministry of Health had included Apac on its list of the 105 hard-hit districts that would be included in the first roll-out of the new malaria vaccine.

Odongo – who is the health officer for the district – felt ecstatic. Malaria, a leading cause of death in Uganda and most of Africa, had killed 41 children under five years in the district in 2024. This vaccine had been proven to help avert the severe forms of the disease that are responsible for most childhood malaria fatalities...

“The Ministry and WHO had set most of the guidelines for the roll-out exercise, including a directive that the vaccine be integrated into routine immunisation,” said Odongo in an interview with VaccinesWork. “But we wanted to familiarise our nurses and other health educators with details about the vaccine – and why it is administered in four doses (at 6, 7, 8 and 18 months) to give children optimal protection.”

“We wanted our nurses and other frontline health workers to understand how the vaccine worked so they could explain it to mothers and other community leaders,” he said. “We wanted to get on top of any misinformation that could cause hesitancy, and encourage mothers to bring their eligible children for the vaccination.”

Apac can’t wait

Odongo and team conducted an aggressive, thorough community awareness campaign to let people know that vaccine would soon be available, and how the ground-breaking antigen would soon help to tamp down the incidence of severe malaria in children under five years.

But unknown to Odongo and team, most of the mothers and community leaders in the district were as enthusiastic about the vaccine as the health professionals were, and looking forward to the roll-out.

The community’s eagerness was evident when the Ministry, in partnership with Gavi and the World Health Organization, launched the vaccine in the district on 2 April. Hundreds of mothers and community leaders from across the country and district thronged the function, presided over by Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, seeking the jab. For many of them, there weren’t enough hours in the day: health workers could only vaccinate 245 children before it got dark.

Holiver Atim, whose baby was vaccinated that day, said she wouldn’t have missed out on the opportunity – not after losing her firstborn to malaria. “I was one of the first people to arrive at the venue that day,” she said. “Malaria has taken so much from our family. So, if there was a chance that the vaccine would protect my other child, I wanted him to have it.”

Hard-bitten

A study published in the Open Journal of Statistics shows that Apac has the highest number of infectious mosquito bites globally, estimated at 1,500 per person a year – the reason the district also posts one of the highest malaria incidence and death rates in the country...

“Malaria is such a big burden here,” said Odongo. “It is the leading cause of severe illness and death in children under five years. We have a slight drop in cases during the dry season, but when the rains return and the swamps are saturated, cases surge right back.”

A ‘godsend’

The vaccine is a godsend, he said. The Ministry allocated an initial volley of 7,700 doses of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine to the district – although it targeted to vaccinate at least 9,225 children. As soon as Odongo and team received the vaccine they integrated it into the district’s routine immunisation so nurses at each of its 19 vaccinating health facilities could administer the shot alongside other antigens...

“We are seeing a tremendous demand for the vaccine, not only in Apac, but in most of the 105 high and moderate transmission districts that have rolled out the antigen. In fact, in most of these areas, the fear is that they will deplete the doses before every eligible child has been vaccinated,” said Akuno. “For instance, three parishes in Kole district, also in northern Uganda, have already utilised their allocated vaccines.

The Ministry of Health distributed just under 2.3 million doses of the vaccine early this year, with the initial goal of reaching 1.1 million children under two years in 105 high and moderate transmission districts across the country. But it plans to expand the roll-out countrywide.

Optimism on the frontline

It’s not just mothers who are enthusiastic about the vaccine. Moris Ogwang, registered nurse and deputy in-charge of the paediatric ward at Apac General Hospital, is looking forward to seeing a change in the grim statistics he records daily.

“We admit about 20 kids a day. But of these, 18 are usually because of malaria,” said Ogwang in an interview with VaccinesWork. “Sometimes we get babies who are barely weeks old, and they have severe malaria and pneumonia and need to be transfused.”

“The vaccine will help to stop such complicated cases,” he said. “It may not prevent children from contracting malaria, but it will help to build their immunity and stop severe forms of the disease, which are our biggest challenge, really.”

Aceng made the same argument during the 2 April launch. She said that the vaccine was expected to prevent at least 800 cases of severe malaria in children every day. The vaccine is also anticipated to ease the financial burden imposed by the disease, saving families at least 15,000 Ugandan shillings (US$ 4.18) per case.

“We might not realise its impact immediately, but in a year or two, people will see its benefit,” she said.

Odongo is likewise optimistic. “I am positive that with the introduction of the malaria vaccine, alongside other preventive measures, like the use of treated mosquito nets, integrated community case management of malaria, and larviciding, we shall reduce cases of children who die of malaria,” he said.

-via Gavi, June 13, 2025

[buttonbuckfarm]

it’s disability pride month!! I love you disabled farmers!! I love you disabled rural folks!!

rural areas can be impossible to access as a physically disabled person - no sidewalks, no public transit, minimal healthcare facilities, etc - but that doesn’t mean disabled people don’t still live out in the country. even if metropolitan areas only do the bare minimum, funding isn’t allocated to do even that in rural areas, not to mention a total lack of funding for disabled farmers, rural disability focused nonprofits, etc.

disabled people of all kinds live rurally (often in poverty). metropolitan areas aren’t the only places with diverse populations, and “the country” shouldn’t be written of as spaces that don’t need or deserve accessibility. don’t reduce disabled people down to one lifestyle! support disability access everyone, for everyone!

[allthecanadianpolitics]

[...] while talking about health care, Rustad made a strange comparison. “A doctor I was talking to just last week, he is a specialist in spinal injuries and neck injuries — a specialist surgeon. He gets two days every two months at the facility he’s working at. That’s it — that’s all the time that has been allocated,” Rustad said. “One of his colleagues gets 12 days a month for doing gender-affirming surgeries. We can do better folks. We can figure out how to make sure that our professionals have the ability to go and provide the services that we need in British Columbia.” It’s the latest comment from Rustad on transgender people. In this fact check, we’re breaking down his claims and, as hateful incidents directed at trans people become more common, their potential impact.

Continue Reading

Tagging: @newsfromstolenland

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - February 1-7

(sorry it’s late, I’ve had pneumonia. between fever and meds, today was the first day in over a week I could even think)

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles!

1. These solar streetlights can withstand Category 5 hurricanes

“[The solar-powered streetlights] can identify potential problems before an outage occurs, identify current outages without the need for customer reporting, and allow for remote control of brightness settings. The streetlights are built to remain operational even during widespread power outages.”

2. 15 Democratic state AGs stand by gender-affirming care

“"Federal funding to institutions that provide gender-affirming care continues to be available, irrespective of President Trump’s recent Executive Order," the attorneys general say. […] “Health care decisions should be made by patients, families, and doctors, not by a politician trying to use his power to restrict your freedoms.”

3. India doubles tiger population in a decade

“[India has protected] the big cats from poaching and habitat loss, ensuring they have enough prey, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and increasing living standards for communities near tiger areas.”

4. A North Carolina wildlife crossing will save people. Can it save the last wild red wolves too?

“There are thought to be fewer than 20 red wolves left in the wild[…. S]tate agencies and nonprofit groups [plan to] rebuild a 2.5-mile section of the highway with fencing and a series of culverts, or small underpasses, to allow red wolves – as well as black bears, white-tailed deer and other animals – to pass safely underneath traffic.”

5. Merrimack Valley public transit system will keep bus fares free

“[… C]ollecting fares [used to] cost MeVa about $300,000 a year to maintain fare boxes, pay staffers and afford insurance. Since going fare free in 2022, the report found ridership increased 60% from pre-pandemic levels[….] The program is now funded by state allocated funds, including money from the so called “millionaire’s tax.””

6. Health care is key for youths getting out of prison. A new law helps them get it

“[The new law] requires all states to provide medical and dental screenings to Medicaid- and CHIP-eligible youths 30 days before or immediately after they leave a correctional facility. Youths must continue to receive case management services for 30 days after their release.”

7. World’s smallest otter makes comeback in Nepal after 185 years

“Scientists have for the first time in 185 years confirmed the presence of the Asian small-clawed otter in Nepal[….] The last time the […] the smallest of the world’s 13 known otter species, was recorded by scientists in Nepal was in 1839.”

8. B.C.'s smallest First Nation has big plans for a 'stewardship' economy

“The Kwiakah Centre of Excellence will be the base for a dedicated research station, an experimental kelp farm, the nation’s regenerative forestry operations and its territorial Indigenous guardian, or Forest Keepers, program[…. R]esults will include a 100-year management plan that integrates climate, salmon, kelp, and soil research to protect territorial waters and remaining old growth forests.”

9. Glades County schools deploy 13 new Blue Bird electric school buses

“The students at the Glades County school district will directly benefit from the cleaner, quieter rides, and operational cost savings that electric school buses provide[, as well as] the addition of much-needed air conditioning in the new school buses. Until now, only three buses in the district provided air conditioning[….]”

10. e.l.f. Beauty CEO defends DEI: 'Our diversity is a key competitive advantage'

“The cosmetics company recently held that it would not nix its DEI initiatives[….] "Our mission is to make the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip and face," [CEO] Amin said. "One of the best ways we know how to live that mission is to have an employee base that reflects the community that we serve."”

January 22-28 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[redjaybathood]

HUR rescued 15 cats (a whole colony) from the Snake Island (of "russian warship, go fuck yourself" fame)

I hope everything will be okay with the cats and kittens. Animals are suffering in this war no less than humans - for a lot of them, their suffering is directly tied to the human one. You don't know how many stories I read about people trying to find homes for cats that were forced to be homeless, either because their owners died, or close to it. One such case is about a cat in Kharkiv: her owner is from Donetsk region, she is a refugee herself and was evacuated together with her cat, and was living in allocated room - but with the constant shelling, her health took a nosedive. She is now in an assisted living facility and probably won't be able to leave anymore. The cat is now homeless.

A lot of cats and dogs, not to mention non-domesticated animals, can't be evacuated from the active war zones. Zoos were hit, forests burned down or were shoot through with artillery and mines.

Ecocide after russians blew up Kakhovka dam.

Ecocide after russians poisoned a river.

That human safari russians conduct with drones in Kherson where they hunt Ukrainian civillians for sport? They do it with dogs too.

Such are the times. This is what russia does.

[wachinyeya]

By Ray Levy Uyeda, May 16, 2025

Activists in eastern Kentucky are forcing the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to go back to the drawing board mere months after the federal agency signed off on a Record of Decision approving a 500-acre site in Roxana, Kentucky, as the location for a $500 million medium-security prison. 

On Jan. 22, the Appalachian Rekindling Project (ARP), a community-building and land restoration organization led by Indigenous women, announced that it purchased a section of the site the BOP identified as its first choice for the new prison. With the acquisition of 68 acres of private land, the ARP aims to heal the land and the local community—in part by stopping the prison from ever getting built.

“This land has already seen so much harm in the strip-mining industry and has already been out of access [to] environmental care and tending,” said Tiffany, one of the leaders of ARP who declined to use her last name for privacy and safety reasons. “The thought of adding another extractive industry—one that extracts people from their communities and extracts labor out of them—was really horrifying to us.”

The land purchase, made with the help of the Institute to End Mass Incarceration (IEMI), comes after 20 years of back and forth between the federal government and residents of Letcher County, the eastern Kentucky municipality with a population of 21,000 where the prison was originally intended. The saga began in 2006, when Republican Rep. Hal Rogers requested that the BOP evaluate the potential for a new prison in Kentucky, citing the need for an economic stimulus. 

Ten years after, the BOP approved $500 million for a new prison built atop a former mountaintop coal-removal site. In 2018, a small coalition of rural organizers succeeded in forcing the agency to table the project. By then it was clear that the BOP preferred to spend the funds improving aging prison infrastructure rather than on building new prisons. Also concerning to locals was that most of the initial cost for the Letcher County facility was slated for preparation of the land, as mountaintop removal sites require extensive remediation. 

“The last time [Donald] Trump was in office, he did speak out vocally against this project; he thought it was a wasteful allocation of funds,” said Joan Steffen, an attorney at the Institute to End Mass Incarceration. She told Prism that the Department of Justice has consistently asked for the earmarked funds to be taken out of the agency’s budget. 

This is why it was a surprise when in 2022, the BOP announced that it was revisiting the project—this time under the guise of constructing a medium-security facility. When the agency released the Record of Decision in late 2024, locals assumed it was the end of the road for any resistance, despite significant gaps in the agency’s environmental justice analysis. 

But throughout 2024, the ARP quietly organized and collected funds for the purchase. Tiffany also met with the landowners multiple times and built a relationship with them, finding common ground in that they were both born and raised in Letcher County. The landowners even knew her mom. She emphasized the importance of community ties in Appalachia, explaining that her deep roots in Letcher County resonated with landowners. 

There’s no chance that the ARP will sell to the BOP, Tiffany told Prism. This means that the federal government has to reconsider its plan and reevaluate potential sites for prison construction—a lengthy and bureaucratic process that can take years. Meanwhile, the price tag for a new construction project will balloon beyond what the agency wants to spend.

In this latest iteration of the fight against the prison in Letcher County, organizers hoped to articulate not just what they are against, but what they are for. 

“Rematriation is a solid strategy for abolition,” Tiffany told Prism. One of the hopes of organizers is to return bison to the land. The animals were once ubiquitous throughout the Midwest and Appalachia until they were hunted into extinction for the purpose of rendering Indigenous life unlivable. They also plan to plant native and non-native plants like persimmons, pawpaws, and grasses, both as food sources and as natural flood prevention. Of course, they’ll also need to hire local people to put up fencing for the bison, help plant and restore the area, and manage other projects.

The ARP’s approach to economic development and land care offers a tangible alternative to the promises made by the region’s congressman. Rogers insisted that a prison would result in jobs and a local boost to the economy. However, locals worried about the educational requirements for correctional officer positions as well as mounting evidence that prisons depress local economies. 

In one study of how the introduction of prisons affected rural Central Appalachian communities, researchers found that poverty rates remained just as high as before construction. The federal agency, Appalachian Regional Commission, lists the Kentucky counties where three federal prisons have opened under Rogers’ tenure as “distressed.” Recent research from the Prison Policy Initiative also found that chronic understaffing at prisons and jails isn’t effectively countered by promises of pay increases or workplace benefits. In other words, the growing body of research contradicts the purported reasons for constructing prisons. 

“​It’s become something that [Rogers] is so ingrained towards establishing that his ego will not let him let go of it,” said Artie Ann Bates, a resident of Letcher County and organizer with the coalition group Concerned Letcher Countians. “I think when someone is so driven to acquire something that they no longer listen to logic or reason or dissenting voices, then that’s a problem.”

But it’s not just claims about jobs that concern local residents like Bates; it’s also that the BOP appears to have no comprehensive plan for issues such as flooding. Eastern Kentucky and much of Central Appalachia faced catastrophic flooding in 2022. This includes Roxana, where the Letcher facility was planned for. Not only have the impacts of mountaintop coal removal increased streamflow, bringing greater amounts of contaminated water at faster paces through Kentucky’s mountains and hollers, but when disaster strikes, prisons rarely have adequate plans for how to evacuate people in their custody. 

“Folks who are incarcerated really do get bottom-of-the-barrel treatment,” Bates said. “They’re sort of the forgotten population.”

Bates has a different view of Letcher County’s potential for economic revitalization. She’d like more mental health services provided to locals and to see an economy based on regenerative agriculture. The ARP’s acquisition is a great place to start. For her it also offers another benefit: healing. 

“[Concerned Letcher Countians] think that it will be the kind of growth and development that will provide the nexus for young people to learn Indigenous practices and restorative use of the land,” Bates said. “It’s economically good. It’s ecologically productive, it’s culturally positive. It’s the beginning of righting a wrong that started 500 years ago.”

[sirpuntine]

Are you aware of ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ?

"This site is a multigenerational home for the Indigenous peoples of Florida, and it is not the home of a harmful and unnecessary prison." - Friends of the Everglades

Source

“Alligator Alcatraz” is an immigrant detention center being built illegally in the Big Cypress Preserve of the Florida Everglades to house 5,000 people in tents in summer, with plans to use alligators and snakes as opposed to walls and buildings as a deterrent to the people being kidnapped, trafficked, and contained.

“State authorities project that the center will be operational at the beginning of July, with an initial capacity of at least 1,000 detainees and a gradual expansion thereafter”

As of 6/26: Construction has already started and has been connected to LOGISTIC EVENT CORPS and US TENT RENTAL. FL National Guard and Highway Patrol have been sent to “secure the perimeter and entry points of Alligator Alcatraz”. Homeland Security is largely funding it with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) using its Shelter and Service Program, which usually allocates money to governments and nonprofits to “provide migrants with temporary shelter, food and transportation”.

There are 15 Miccosukee and Seminole villages in Big Cypress, which also supplies 40% of their drinking water, but the tribes WERE NOT CONSULTED and EXPLICITLY OPPOSE construction.

The Mayor of Miami is opposing construction until environmental impact assessments are done and is reportedly considering legal action

“Levine Cava also reported that the state of Florida offered only 20 million dollars for the property, while its most recent appraisal exceeds 190 million”

DeSantis has claimed the project has zero environmental impacts, which has been vehemently denied by environmentalists:

"There will be impact because sewage will be generated, water will be used, and it will create light pollution affecting the habitat” - Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades

“She also contends the state failed to follow proper procedure by skipping a required environmental review before building a federal facility. Samples raised additional alarm over the threat to endangered species, noting that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) maps show panthers living in the area.”

“In addition to the criticisms of the immigration plan itself, construction in this region -considered ecologically sensitive- could cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem of the Everglades, one of the most important natural reserves in the United States.” [x]

In 1969, Marjory Stoneman Douglas founded Friends of the Everglades to stop construction in the same location based on the findings of the 1st ever environmental impact study done in FL and was successful

"Development of the proposed jetport and its attendant facilities will lead to land drainage and development for agriculture, transportation, and services in the Big Cypress Swamp which will inexorably destroy the south Florida ecosystem and thus the Everglades National Park."

US President Ford established Big Cypress National Preserve in 1974 In order to “assure the preservation, conservation, and protection of the natural, scenic, hydrologic, floral and faunal, and recreational values of the Big Cypress Watershed”

Call Scripts:

Use these exactly, or use pieces, or base your own message on them - as long as you contact ASAP

Friends of the Everglades: “Dear Gov. DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier, Don’t make the same mistake Florida avoided 55 years ago. I’m urging you to STOP the reckless plan to build an “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center in the heart of the Everglades. This land is critical to the future of the Everglades — that’s why thousands of Floridians joined forces to stop the Everglades Jetport from paving over this very ground in 1970. Now Attorney General Uthmeier wants to do what even President Nixon’s administration knew was wrong: open the door to development in one of America’s most fragile and iconic ecosystems, surrounded by Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. You have the power to stop this anti-Everglades proposal, and I’m calling on you to use it. NO AIRPORTS. NO ROCK MINES. NO PRISONS on this land. ONLY EVERGLADES! Sincerely, [your info here]”

Jessica Namath: “My name is (name] and I'm calling to ask that you help protect our nation's FIRST National Preserve - Big Cypress - and stop "Alligator Alcatraz". The Everglades are no place for ANY 1,000 person facility. The infrastructure can't support it, and the impacts to the indigenous community and ecosystem would be catastrophic. Please oppose this terrible idea!”

Sierra Club FL Chapter: “Dear Governor DeSantis - You have repeatedly claimed to be a defender of the Everglades. Now is the moment to back up those words with action. The proposed “Alligator Alcatraz” ICE facility would devastate a vital part of the Everglades — undoing decades of restoration progress and wasting billions of taxpayer dollars already invested in protecting this unique ecosystem. This project threatens to destroy the very heart of the River of Grass, undermining the hard work of generations of advocates and scientists dedicated to restoring Florida’s natural heritage. I urge you to listen to the thousands of Floridians who stand against this plan. Show real leadership by rejecting this harmful project and fully committing to protecting and restoring the Everglades for future generations. The time to act is now. Stop Alligator Alcatraz, and stand by your promise to protect the Everglades. Sincerely, [your info here]”

Friends of the Everglades provide this to contact DeSantis and Uthmeier. You can also email DeSantis through his website, or use the contact info below:

DeSantis Mailing Address: The Capitol / 400 South Monroe St. / Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 | DeSantis Phone: (850)717-9337 or (850)488-7146

Uthmeier Mailing Address: Office of the Attorney General / State of Florida /!PL-01, The Capitol / Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050 | Uthmeier Phone: (866)966-7226

Call the companies involved and confront their complicity, demanding they stop their service

US Tent Rental (Sarasota, FL): (941)727-3311

Logistics Event Corps (SweetWater, FL): (305)232-8368

BTW DeSantis has already said he wants to build another detention center at Camp Blanding, 30 miles West of Jacksonville, in Northeast FL

[travellingdragon]

Every British dragon seemed able to maintain a full and perfect accounting, down to pence, of their funds. Even when there had been a further four allocations, after small seizures of individual wagons taken in skirmishing, there was still not a beast among them who could not stand before all the separate scrolls—Temeraire now kept these posted up outside his own clearing, under guard—and in an instant calculate the exact value of the shares of any dragon on the list, and compare this against their own. This facility in no way diminished their desire of having the numbers written out for them, however, much to the dismay of their captains. "I had no idea of Iskierka’s being so handy at sums," Granby muttered, as she announced with great satisfaction, "I believe I have one hundred twenty-four pounds sixteen shillings threepence, and Requiescat has one hundred twenty-one pounds eleven shillings tuppence; now pray check it for me, Granby, and show me all your work," which entailed a quarter of an hour’s hard-fought calculations for him, with one mistake along the way, which Iskierka pointed out severely before he had quite finished writing it down. Aviators did not get a great deal in the way of formal schooling. Mrs. Pemberton finally took pity upon the officers and offered her services to make individual copies of the lists, and as her head for mathematics was good enough to satisfy them, the dragons were eager to accept the substitute, although after a week she was obliged to begin charging them a shilling apiece for the copies, or she would have been applied to for a fresh set by every beast, every day.

League of Dragons, chapter 16

[globalnewscollective]

The U.S. Department of Education Is Collapsing—Here’s What That Means for You

If you're in high school, college, grad school, or you owe student loans. Listen to this. It concerns you. This isn't a drill, and I want you to stick around to the end. I'll tell you exactly how it's going to impact you.

The U.S. Department of Education is going to lay off half of its more than 4,000 employees today, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Earlier today, the department told staff that DC offices would be closed on Wednesday and they would reopen on Thursday for security reasons. Employees were told to take their laptops home with them and to work remotely on Wednesday. They were also told that they would not be permitted in any education department facility on Wednesday for any reason.

Now combine this with the news that Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order directing the Secretary of Education to take steps to close the department. Maybe you think that it's not going to matter to you, but it does.

The Department of Education allocates billions of dollars in aid to colleges, to universities and to public schools at the K through 12 level. It also issues about $100 billion in student loans and more than $30 billion in Pell grants every single year. Cutting 50% of the staff makes it more likely that colleges, universities, and K through 12 schools won't receive their institutional aid. Pell grants may not be issued. Student loans may not be funded. FAFSA information may not be sent to your school, which means that other aid may also be held up. Without that money, millions of students won't be able to start next semester on time, or maybe not at all. Colleges may not have the funds necessary to remain operational. Student loan repayment plans will expire. Forgiveness applications won't be processed. The entire system is collapsing in real time, and nobody knows what happens next.

What’s Happening?

The U.S. Department of Education is experiencing massive cuts, leading to fears of widespread disruptions in student aid, school funding, and loan services. This move comes as part of a broader effort by conservatives to dismantle federal oversight in education, pushing responsibilities to individual states. With over 2,000 employees being laid off and the department’s ability to operate severely weakened, the ripple effects will be felt nationwide.

How This Affects You

Student Loans & Financial Aid: The Department of Education is responsible for distributing federal student aid, including Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and debt forgiveness programs. With half the workforce gone, these processes will slow to a crawl, leaving students unsure if they’ll receive their expected financial support.

Public School Funding: Many K-12 schools rely on federal funds to support special education programs, free and reduced lunch initiatives, and low-income student services. The disruption of these funds could devastate public school districts already struggling with tight budgets.

FAFSA & College Admissions: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step for students seeking tuition assistance. Without proper staffing, FAFSA applications may be delayed, and students could face uncertainty about their tuition costs.

School Closures & Higher Tuition: Colleges and universities that depend on federal funding to operate may be forced to raise tuition, cut programs, or even shut down entirely. Students at risk of losing their financial aid may drop out or delay their education indefinitely.

Why Is This Happening?

Trump and his allies have long pushed for the elimination of the Department of Education, arguing that education should be handled at the state level without federal oversight. This latest move to slash the department’s workforce is a step toward that goal. Trump’s expected executive order would accelerate this process, stripping the agency of its power to distribute funds, regulate schools, and enforce civil rights protections for students.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just a bureaucratic reshuffle—it’s an attack on the foundations of accessible education in America. The Department of Education exists to ensure that all students, regardless of income or background, have access to quality education. Its dismantling would disproportionately harm marginalized communities, lower-income students, and those relying on federal aid to pursue their education.

What Can You Do?

Stay informed and share this information with those affected.

Call your representatives and demand action to prevent further cuts.

Support organizations that advocate for student rights and education funding.

Vote in upcoming elections to hold policymakers accountable.

This isn’t a drill. The dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education is happening in real-time, and its consequences will be felt for years to come. If we don’t take action now, an entire generation’s access to education could be at risk.