Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, in partnership with Vermont Housing & Conservation Board and Champlain Housing Trust, has received a $350,000 grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. The two-year grant will be used to demonstrate how deep energy efficiency retrofits in single- and multi-family residences can make housing permanently and comprehensively affordable by reducing energy usage and costs.In addition to establishing energy usage as a significant component of housing affordability, the project will also show how various sources of government funding might be harnessed to finance energy efficiency retrofits.‘This exciting partnership will help us to demonstrate how deep investment in energy efficiency can support housing affordability,’ said Scott Johnstone, Executive Director of Vermont Energy Investment Corporation. ‘This is a win-win project that will provide a roadmap for achieving the twin goals of reducing energy usage and addressing the need for affordable housing in our community.’The project will target at least five single-family residences for deep energy efficiency improvements. The goal of these improvements is to achieve energy savings of at least 50%, and potentially much higher. The homes, recently acquired following foreclosure, will then be sold to low-income households and be made permanently affordable through the Champlain Housing Trust’s programs.Three multi-family buildings in West Rutland, Enosburg, and Windsor, financed in part by the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, will receive substantial energy efficiency improvements, again targeting energy savings of at least 50%.‘This is an exciting time in building energy science and this funding will help us determine what level of energy retrofit measures makes financial sense for permanently affordable rental housing. We are grateful for the opportunity presented by this generous award and will apply the findings to increase energy efficiency in Vermont’s portfolio of multi-family housing,’ said Gus Seelig, Executive Director of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board.A comprehensive set of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures will enable the expected very high level of projected energy savings. These will include building shell improvements such as air sealing and insulation; heating system improvements such as advanced control biomass heating systems; electrical efficiency improvements such as super-efficient LED lighting; and renewable energy systems such as solar domestic hot water heating systems.‘We are thrilled to collaborate with these two partners to demonstrate how effective, targeted use of resources can create lasting assets for low-income households and our communities,’ said Brenda Torpy, Chief Executive Officer of the Champlain Housing Trust.This project was one of nine projects selected to receive funding through the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation’s national competition soliciting ideas for scalable approaches to spurring energy efficiency retrofits of existing buildings in the United States. Launched in April 2010, the selection process was highly competitive, with 372 pre-proposals submitted by organizations in 44 states. The process included review by a panel of experts in real estate, finance, construction, efficiency technologies and government policies. More information on the competition can be found at www.ddcf.org/retrofits(link is external).About VEICThe Vermont Energy Investment Corporation is a mission-driven nonprofit organization, founded in 1986, dedicated to reducing the economic, social, and environmental costs of energy consumption through cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. VEIC has consulted in 25 states, 6 Canadian Provinces and 7 countries outside North America to design programs that reduce energy use through energy efficiency and renewable energy. In addition, VEIC operates Efficiency Vermont ‘ the nation’s first statewide energy efficiency utility ‘ as well as other implementation services across the country. For more information: www.veic.org(link is external)About VHCBThe Vermont Housing and Conservation Board is an independent, state funding agency providing grants, loans and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations, municipalities and state agencies for the development of permanently affordable housing and for the conservation of important agricultural land, recreational land, natural areas and historic properties in Vermont. www.vhcb.org(link is external)About Champlain Housing TrustThe Champlain Housing Trust, founded in 1984, is the largest community land trust in the country. Throughout Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties, CHT owns or manages over 1,500 apartments, stewards 485 owner-occupied homes in its signature shared-equity program, provides services to five housing cooperatives, and offers affordable energy efficiency and rehab loans. In 2008, CHT won the prestigious United Nations World Habitat Award, recognizing its innovative, sustainable programs.About the Doris Duke Charitable FoundationEstablished in 1996, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation seeks to improve the quality of people’s lives through grants supporting the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research and the prevention of child abuse, and through preservation of the cultural and environmental legacy of Doris Duke’s properties. The foundation’s Environment Program focuses on enabling communities to protect and manage wildlife habitat and create efficient built environments.
Brentwood Deli Employee Chases Armed Robber with Machete [Video]
Sign up for our COVID-19 newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest coronavirus news throughout New York A masked gunman’s plan to rob a Brentwood deli last month was foiled by a brave employee who whipped out a machete and used the large knife to scare away the suspect. Suffolk County police released surveillance video of the dramatic robbery attempt on Monday with the hope that someone would identify the suspect. Police are offering a $5,000 cash reward for any information that leads to an arrest. The incident occurred on Sept. 25 at Stop & Shop Deli on Crooked Hill Road at approximately 8 p.m., police said. The masked gunman walked in through the front door and pointed a silver .22 caliber pistol at the employee standing behind the counter, police said.The quick-thinking employee reacted, according to police, after the suspect fired a bullet that missed and hit a wall. The man behind the counter reached down and grabbed the machete, which he used to fend off the gunman. The suspect backpedaled out the front door as the employee continued to give chase.The suspect was described as a young black man with a thin build and approximately 5-foot-10. He was wearing a gray mask, dark pants, black and white sneakers and a black-running style top with white stripes on the sleeves, police said. He was also carrying a black Air Jordan backpack, police said. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-220-TIPS.
‘God’s will’: Health minister’s response on dengue fever deaths in East Nusa Tenggara
Terawan said the patients treated in the hospitals suffered from dengue shock syndrome (DSS), a dangerous complication of dengue infection that is associated with high mortality.The minister brought along 30 physicians — including pediatricians and internists — and six nurses on his Sikka trip.”I am here as ordered by President Joko [Jokowi] Widodo. He sends his regards to all of you for your hard work [to fight the disease] under the Sikka regent’s leadership.”Even some of the health personnel here suffered from the fever themselves. You’ve done such extraordinary work,” said Terawan. Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto has thanked local health workers for their efforts to tackle a dengue fever outbreak in East Nusa Tenggara’s Sikka regency despite the death of 13 patients to the mosquito-borne viral disease.”There were 1,190 people suffering [from dengue fever in Sikka] – that is quite a number. Thirteen of them have died, but it was not our fault. It is God’s will,” Terawan said during a visit to TC Hillers Maumere Region General Hospital in Sikka on Monday, as quoted by kompas.com.According to the Sikka administration, 1,065 people of the total patients have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals. Following Terawan’s visit, Sikka regency reported a 14th fatality in the outbreak as a 7-year-old succumbed to the disease at the Hillers hospital on Monday evening.Meanwhile, Alex Armanjaya of the Community Development Foundation (Yaspem), which fights against malaria in Sikka, suggested the government reactivate the role of jumantik (community healthcare workers) in carrying out on-site monitoring to curb the spread of dengue fever, which is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.Alex said Yaspem had trained 316 jumantik, but the Sikka administration had yet to make use of them during the current dengue fever wave.”If Sikka plans to avoid another plague in the future, the administration must redeploy the jumantik — give them financial aid.”In my observation, only Nenbura village in Doreng district has taken serious action in deploying jumantik.”You can’t wait for a case to [request the services] of jumantik,” said Alex, adding that the jumantik worked continually.Alex went on to say that Sikka regency had agreed to support the work of jumantik using money from the village funds program. (gis)Topics :
KPK demands 12 years for ex-Garuda boss Emirsyah Satar in bribery trial
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has charged Emirsyah Satar with bribery and money laundering, accusing the former president director of Garuda Indonesia of accepting multiple bribes totaling Rp 49.3 billion (US$3.1 million) during his term from 2005 to 2014.The KPK has brought the charge against Emirsyah under Article 12 of the Corruption Law, which prohibits civil servants and public administrators from accepting bribes, reported antaranews.com.“[We ask the court] to sentence the defendant to 12 years in prison and a fine of Rp 10 billion, [or an additional] eight months’ imprisonment if the defendant fails to pay the fine,” KPK prosecutor Ariawan Agustiartono read out the indictment during the virtual hearing on Thursday at the Jakarta Corruption Court.Ariawan also demanded that Emirsyah be sentenced to pay S$2.1 million in restitution or serve an additional five years in prison.The KPK accused Emirsyah of accepting Rp 8.8 billion, US$882,200, 1 million euro and S$1.18 million in bribes on five separate occasions, receiving the illicit money from British engineering company Rolls-Royce in connection with a procurement of aircraft parts and from European aviation giant Airbus in connection with aircraft procurement, as well as other sources.The indictment also named former Garuda engineering and management director Hadinoto Soedigno and former Garuda executive project manager Agus Wahjudo as Emirsyah’s co-conspirators under the bribery charge.Read also: After 3 years, KPK concludes probe into Rolls-Royce bribery case implicating ex-Garuda bossUnder the charge of money laundering, the KPK accused Emirsyah of laundering Rp 87.4 billion through multiple channels and also implicated Soetikno Soedarjo, the former president director of diversified retail holding company PT Mugi Rekso Abadi (MRA).The antigraft body stated that some of the money was changed into several different foreign currencies and transferred to multiple overseas bank accounts in violation of Article 3 of the Money Laundering Law.Ariawan added that other sums were laundered through debt repayments and a variety of property schemes. These schemes included a home renovation project in South Jakarta, mortgage payments on an apartment unit in Melbourne, Australia, home credit assurance for a South Jakarta property, and an ownership transfer for an apartment unit in Singapore.In a separate bribery trial on Thursday that charged Soetikno with violating Article 5 of the Corruption Law, the KPK presented a sentencing demand of 10 years in prison, a fine of Rp 10 billion and US$14.6 million, as well as 11.5 million euros in restitution.Read also: KPK detains ex-Garuda boss, Emirsyah Satar, for alleged money launderinghe KPK initially charged Emirsyah with bribery in 2017, but was not detained until the commission laid a second charge of money laundering against him in August 2019. The KPK also detained Soetikno that same month, and concluded its investigations into the two suspects in December 2019. (mfp)Topics :
KPU urges govt to issue Perppu to regulate health protocols for regional polls
Following the concerns, KPU commissioner Dewa Raka Sandi said the regulations were made in accordance with existing laws, adding that the commission would look for ways to better align campaign regulations with COVID-19 prevention measures.President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo previously issued Perppu No. 2/2020 to push back the 2020 simultaneous regional elections to December from their initial September date over coronavirus concerns.As many as 270 regions across the archipelago will participate in this year’s elections to select their new leaders.Many observers still urged the government to postpone the poll for safety reasons amid the spike of coronavirus cases, pointing out that the early stages of the elections alone saw many candidates violating health protocols. (mfp) “One of the alternatives is to increase prohibition of campaigns [or other activities] that attract a crowd, including during balloting and vote counts.”Read also: KPU criticized for allowing crowd-pullers during campaigns for December’s electionsHe suggested that after the Perppu was issued, candidates should be allowed to hold online campaign events to gather support.Previously, government officials expressed concerns that KPU regulations allowed physical campaign events that could gather crowds such as concerts, art performances, festivals, competitions, bazaars, blood donation drives and commemorations of party anniversaries. As Indonesia is still grappling with rising COVID-19 infections, the General Elections Commission (KPU) has urged the government to revise the 2015 Regional Elections Law through a regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) in order to impose strict health protocols during campaigns for the upcoming simultaneous regional elections.KPU commissioner Virya Azis said the Perppu should adjust articles allowing crowd-gathering activities such as music concerts, which are allowed under the existing law, to better comply with health protocols to help cut the chain of coronavirus transmission and prevent regional elections clusters.The Perppu, he added, should also enforce strict punishments for violators and allow alternative election activities such as virtual campaigns and electronic vote recaps.“[Crowd-pulling campaigns] should be forbidden with heavy punishments through the Perppu,” Viryan said on Friday.
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Chelsea and Arsenal target Borussia Monchengladbach defender Matthias Ginter on a free transfer for next summer
Ginter has made a good name for himself in the Bundesliga (Picture: Getty Images)Chelsea and Arsenal have enquired about the availability of Borussia Monchengladbach defender Matthias Ginter on a free transfer for next summer, according to reports.The 26-year-old played a pivotal role in an impressive season for the Bundesliga club, in which they secured a top-four finish and Champions League football.Ginter’s solid form, which has seen him become a regular for the German national team, has also caught the attention of top European clubs.According to Sky Sport Germany, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are in the race for the centre-back’s signature this summer.ADVERTISEMENTWith his current deal with the club due to expire in 2021, Chelsea and Arsenal have also registered their interest in the World Cup winner’s services, should he become a free agent next year.AdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, the report states that his contract will automatically renew if he makes more than 25 appearances for Gladbach in the upcoming campaign.Regardless of that eventuality, the German outfit are already in negotiations with Ginter over a new deal. Metro Sport ReporterTuesday 28 Jul 2020 2:17 pmShare this article via facebookShare this article via twitterShare this article via messengerShare this with Share this article via emailShare this article via flipboardCopy link Advertisement Comment Chelsea and Arsenal target Borussia Monchengladbach defender Matthias Ginter on a free transfer for next summer Lampard is believed to be on the lookout for a centre-back (Picture: Getty Images)Both Chelsea and Arsenal have endured defensive struggles, with the Blues conceding 54 goals in the 2019-20 campaign, which is more than any other side in the Premier League’s top 10.After securing the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, Lampard is reportedly focusing on defenders to shore up his backline.Kepa Arrizabalaga’s place in the side is also an area of concern, but, the west London club will only sell him if they can recoup a large portion of their £71.6 million outlay on the Spaniard.More: Arsenal FCArsenal flop Denis Suarez delivers verdict on Thomas Partey and Lucas Torreira movesThomas Partey debut? Ian Wright picks his Arsenal starting XI vs Manchester CityArsene Wenger explains why Mikel Arteta is ‘lucky’ to be managing ArsenalMeanwhile, the Gunners go into their FA Cup final against Chelsea on Saturday with three senior centre-backs out injured; Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari.Speaking before Saturday’s final, Mikel Arteta admitted it an area they need to address.‘I already mentioned three central defenders who are not available and we haven’t had them available for a long time anyway, during this season,’ the Spaniard said. ‘We will have to address that.’MORE: Charlie Nicholas names just four Arsenal players that have shown ‘real substance’ this seasonMORE: Chelsea handed major boost in Ben Chilwell transfer pursuit as Leicester miss out on Champions LeagueFollow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramFor more stories like this, check our sport page Advertisement
Valaris declares Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Valaris, offshore drilling contractor with the world’s largest fleet, has filed for bankruptcy protection in an attempt to restructure its debt. Valaris said on Wednesday that it voluntarilyfiled for a Chapter 11 financial restructuring in the United States BankruptcyCourt for the Southern District of Texas. “Valaris will continue to serve our customers uninterrupted through this process, delivering safe and reliable operations, through its highly-capable rig fleet. “We have taken several steps to right-size and streamline our organization in line with our goal to be the offshore drilling cost leader. Now, we intend to use this restructuring to complement these measures to create a stronger financial structure for the company. Valaris also faced delisting from the New York Stock Exchange in April after its stock fell under $1. As far as the restructuring process is concerned, the company entered into restructuring agreements with approximately 50 per cent of its noteholders, to undergo “a financial restructuring that is intended to reduce its debt load substantially, support continued operations during the current lower demand environment, and provide a robust financial platform to take advantage of market recovery over the long term“. According to the offshore driller, it aims to pursue an efficient restructuring process and exit Chapter 11 “as soon as possible” and is confident that a comprehensive financial restructuring is “in the best interest of the company and its stakeholders in the long-term”. Valaris added that would work with itsother creditors and stakeholders who have not signed the restructuring supportagreement to advance the company’s efforts to restructure its balance sheet.
The agreement will fully equitize thecompany’s pre-petition revolving credit facility and unsecured notes, a fullybackstopped rights offering to noteholders for $500 million of new securednotes, the effective cancellation of existing equity interests in the companyin exchange for, in certain circumstances, warrants for post-emergence equityand payment of trade claims in full in cash. “We appreciate the continued support of all of our stakeholders throughout this process, particularly our employees who continue to provide excellent service to our customers amid challenging market conditions […]”. It claims that it will have “one of the best balance sheets in the offshore drilling industry” after consummation of the contemplated restructuring transactions. Tom Burke, president and CEO of Valaris, said: “The substantial downturn in the energy sector, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, requires that we take this step to create a stronger company able to adapt to the prolonged contraction in the industry and to continue to enhance our position as overall market conditions improve. In related company news, Valaris booked a $3 billion loss in the first-quarter over rig impairments. During the spring, the company faced terminations for several of its drilling contracts on two occasions. Valaris further stated that it wasconfident of running its business normally since it has around $175 million incash. Also, certain noteholders will provide the company with an additional$500 million of liquidity, with an option to have no cash interest, to supportits operations throughout the Chapter 11 process.
European Parliament condemns gendercide
LifeSiteNews 10 October 2013The European Parliament approved a report–Gendercide: the missing women?–that condemns practices that destroy the lives of women and girls, including sex selection abortion and infanticide. The report by MEP Antigoni Papadopoulou recognizes that sex selective abortion is a form of discrimination and violence against women and girls and that family or societal pressure on women to pursue sex-selective abortion is considered a form of physical and psychological violence.The Gendercide Report of Mrs. Papadopoulou was adopted on October 8th by 567 votes in favor 37 against and 54 abstentions.The report acknowledges that forced abortion and sex selective abortion are global concern and calls on the European Commission and all relevant stakeholders “to take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that practicing forced abortions and sex-selective surgery to terminate pregnancy without prior and informed consent or understanding of the procedure by the women involved is criminalized.” However, it fails to support legislative measures to stop any and all abortions that are based solely on the child’s sex and appears to issue an exemption for those sex selection abortions based on the mother’s ‘choice’.The report recognizes the lucrative nature of sex determination and supports the prohibition of advertisements for sex selection services. It calls on the European Commission and Member States to “identify clinics in Europe that conduct sex-selective abortions, provide statistics on this practice and elaborate a list of best practices for preventing them”.Overall, passage of the report expresses the concern of the European Parliament for practices that devalue and destroy the life of a girl child, before and after birth, and that are the reasons why the three most dangerous words in the world today are “It’s a girl!”http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/european-parliament-condemns-gendercide
EDWIN JOHN DIETZEL, age 94
Edwin John Dietzel, 94, of Laurel, went home to be with the Lord on May 22, 2017 at Heritage House of Connersville.Ed was born July 26, 1922 to John and Elizabeth (Becker) Dietzel at their home in Franklin County, Indiana. He attended Collitt School, graduating 8th grade in 1938. He walked 4 miles a day to attend school and attained perfect attendance several years. He began farming and auto mechanics with his older brother, Bill. In 1942, at age 20, he entered the US Army. He served as a truck driver with the 1213 Quartermaster Corps, serving in England for 3 years.Upon his return from the Army, he married his fiancé, Gladys McQueen on January 15, 1946. He began farming, later moving to Cincinnati, Ohio to work at Globe Wernicke Company. They returned to Franklin County to farm and he also drove a school bus for the Franklin County School Corporation for 40 years. Upon his retirement there, he worked for the State of Indiana, Dept. of Natural Resources for 10 additional years. While there, he earned the “Intermittent Employee of the Year” award in 1995. While employed there, he was a friendly fixture in Metamora, steering the Ben Franklin III canal boat and taking care of the horses, Tony and Rex (among others) at Metamora State Canal.His hobbies were antique cars, hunting, fishing, gardening and traveling. He always enjoyed meeting people and conversing and never met a stranger. In his later years, he enjoyed taking care of his constant companion, his miniature Chihuahua, Buddy.He became a 50 year member of the Freemasons (Laurel Lodge No. 447) on January 7, 2005 and obtained his 32nd Degree Scottish Rite membership in Indianapolis, Indiana.Survivors include his daughter, Linda Sue (Sebree), a granddaughter, Lauren Olivia (Prifogle) and her husband, Mark and a grandson Finley. He is also survived by his second wife, Ruby, whom he married October 1979 and her children, Chuck (Pauline) Riddell and Penny (Ron) Vail; grandchildren, Eddie (Rebecca) Vail, Trisha (John) Race, Christy Bonar, Tyler Vail, Angela (Tom) Kovach, Daniel (Jane) Riddell, John Riddell, Haley Riddell; several great grandchildren and five nieces and nephews, David (Rhonda) McQueen, Becky (Chuck) Lucas, Peggy McQueen, Kenny Downard and Ron (Jane) Downard.He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Gladys, his brother, William Louis, his sister, Alma Marie (Downard), his son-in-law, Jim Sebree, brother-in-law, Glendon McQueen; a step-daughter, Brenda Bonar; several aunts, uncles and cousins and a myriad of friends.Family & friends may visit from 5 until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Ave., Brookville, where Masonic Memorial Services will begin at 7:00 P.M..Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, May 26, 2017 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home in Brookville. Burial with full military graveside honors will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery, Brookville.Phillip & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Edwin Dietzel, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
Roma directors frustrated as Pallotta rejects €575m offer
Promoted Content6 Interesting Ways To Make Money With A Drone10 Awesome TV Series That Got Cancelled Way Too Soon7 Ways To Understand Your Girlfriend BetterBest & Worst Celebrity Endorsed Games Ever MadeWho Is The Most Powerful Woman On Earth?Ever Thought Of Sleeping Next To Celebs? This Guy Will Show YouWho Earns More Than Ronaldo?Here Are The Best Movies Since 1982 You Should Definitely See6 Extreme Facts About Hurricanes9 Facts You Should Know Before Getting A TattooTop 10 Most Costly Liquids In The World7 Most Beautiful Indian Top Models Ever Roma directors are stunned by owner James Pallotta’s decision to reject an offer from the Friedkin Group, it has been claimed. Loading… read also:Chelsea forward decides to join Roma Sources close to the Friedkin Group say they were willing to pay €125m at the signing, with a further €52m over six months and €85m by the end of the year, covering minority interests in the club with an extra €13m. A Roma source stated that “it was a risky move to reject €575m” in this economic climate. FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 The Financial Times reports “several people within the club were dismayed with James Pallotta” rejecting the €575m takeover proposal. The negotiations were at such an advanced stage that the club had released a statement confirming exclusive talks, but the deal was never finalised.Advertisement