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Jordan News
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
The 26th Royal Accession Anniversary: A Continued Journey of Nation-Building and Modernization in Jordan - Jordan News
Tomorrow, June 9, Jordanians will mark the 26th anniversary of His Majesty King Abdullah II's accession to the throne. Led by His Majesty, Jordanians continue their steadfast journey of development, modernization, reform, and support for fellow Arabs, in service of the nation and the pursuit of stability and peace. اضافة اعلان Since ascending the throne in 1999, King Abdullah II has led Jordan through significant milestones in building and solidifying the modern state, strengthening the rule of law, and achieving progress across the economic, social, and political spheres. In his Throne Speech opening the first ordinary session of the 20th Parliament on November 18, 2024, His Majesty reaffirmed that the goal is to ensure a dignified life for all citizens, empower youth, and prepare them for future job markets. Jordanian sports have also seen remarkable growth and achievements at both regional and global levels, most notably the national football team's historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The King's visits to cities, towns, and rural areas reflect his close connection to the people—a hallmark of the Hashemite approach that reinforces national unity and social cohesion under the concept of one Jordanian family. Advancing Jordan's development, building on achievements, and serving loyal citizens remain top priorities for His Majesty. He consistently expresses pride in what Jordanians have achieved and his firm belief in their united commitment to develop and protect Jordan, while standing by the causes of the Arab nation. In celebration of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's constitutional accession to power, royal visits to all governorates in the past year were accompanied by the launch of initiatives that spurred development across education, healthcare, industry, and productivity sectors, aiming to engage the public in sustainable growth. In Balqa Governorate on December 10, 2024, His Majesty inaugurated a Military Retirees Club to provide social, cultural, and sports services to veterans and their families. On November 28, 2024, in Karak, His Majesty praised the region's wealth in resources such as potash and its key projects in industry, agriculture, and water, reaffirming commitment to improving services across all governorates. He inaugurated the Research, Development, and Innovation Center of the Arab Potash Company, which aims to develop new products and investment opportunities tied to Dead Sea minerals. His Majesty also launched the company's 10-year growth strategy (2024–2034) for the fertilizer and derivative chemical industries, part of Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision. In Tafileh on October 16, 2024, the King stressed the importance of leveraging the region's tourism sites and agricultural lands, improving facilities at places like Dana Reserve and Sela Castle, and expanding successful investment models like the wind energy project. He highlighted the significance of local museums and new service centers in promoting tourism and enhancing services. On October 1, 2024, in Ajloun, His Majesty emphasized the impact of the cable car project in boosting tourism and reiterated the need to implement the region's master plan and develop infrastructure to attract investment and create job opportunities. While visiting Jerash on September 17, 2024, following the completion of the first phase of political modernization, His Majesty voiced hope that the recent parliamentary elections would mark a turning point toward program-based political parties that meet citizens' aspirations. He described Jerash as 'a city of history and authenticity that showcases Jordan to the world.' The King sees no separation between political and economic modernization, as reiterated during his visit to Zarqa on May 14, 2024. In Madaba in April 2024, the King highlighted the city's historical and religious significance and its potential for further tourism growth, especially at Mount Nebo. Also in April, during his visit to Mafraq, His Majesty praised the region's continuous development, especially in agriculture, and acknowledged its strategic location on key international trade routes. Addressing the northern and eastern border communities, the King said: 'You are closest to the frontlines and know the efforts of our armed forces and security services in protecting the country and combatting smuggling. Your sons are among those heroes whom we honor and respect.' During a meeting on April 8, 2024, with representatives from Jordan's refugee camps, His Majesty affirmed that a strong and stable Jordan is best positioned to support Arab brothers, especially Palestinians. While visiting the southern desert in Wadi Rum, the King fondly recalled his service in the 40th Armored Brigade and expressed appreciation for the region's natural beauty and tourism potential. On March 27, 2024, during a gathering in Qasr Al-Mshatta with representatives of the central desert, His Majesty said Jordan has overcome many hardships thanks to the resolve of its people, and the world respects the Kingdom's principled positions and regional role. In Ma'an, on February 29, 2024, the King described the city as the gateway of goodness and the first station in the Kingdom's founding. He noted the many royal initiatives that have brought progress across various sectors. In Aqaba, on February 28, 2024, His Majesty reflected on how dreams of developing the port city had become reality thanks to the efforts of dedicated Jordanians. On the international front, the King has consistently worked to enhance Jordan's global standing, build cooperative relationships, and promote regional peace, tolerance, and humanitarian values. His international tours, especially to the United States and Europe, focus on securing support to stop the war in Gaza, protect civilians, ensure sustained humanitarian aid, and create political pathways for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Education in Jordan has significantly improved under His Majesty's reign, evolving to meet global standards and labor market demands. In his message to the nation on the 25th anniversary of assuming constitutional powers on February 7, 2024, the King said: 'Together, we have carried forward the mission of building modern Jordan at the dawn of the 21st century, staying true to the legacy of King Hussein and our founding generations. With God's help, we continue with confidence and determination, committed to political, economic, and administrative modernization.' Healthcare has also advanced with the construction of new hospitals, improved medical services, and initiatives targeting social protection and support for low-income families. His Majesty remains committed to enriching Jordan's democratic process and reinforcing the role of Parliament in the country's democratic development. The King's vision sees modernization as a three-pronged, interlinked path—political, economic, and administrative—which has expanded democratic progress and promoted youth and women's participation. In 2001, His Majesty approved the establishment of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, a non-profit organization focused on fostering development throughout Jordan. In 2006, royal initiatives were institutionalized for improved integration with governmental development plans. That same year, the King Abdullah II Center for Excellence was founded to promote a culture of excellence. During a visit to Amman on December 18, 2024, His Majesty expressed his pride in the capital as the 'beating heart of Jordan,' a city rich in history, heritage, and modernity—an enduring symbol of peace and unity. The King emphasizes good governance, economic freedom, sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and an investor-friendly climate, while also championing technology and digital transformation. This was echoed in his remarks at the G7 Outreach Session on June 14, 2024, where he spoke of the enormous opportunities in energy, innovation, and education for the Mediterranean region. As the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces, the King prioritizes the preparedness and advancement of the military and security agencies. Chairing a National Security Council meeting on December 7, 2024, His Majesty praised the Armed Forces for securing the northern borders and recognized their vital role in safeguarding national security. In February 2024, the King honored a group of veterans and martyrs with the Silver Jubilee Medal during a military ceremony, emphasizing their exemplary role in national service. His Majesty has also made media and culture pillars of societal development, alongside environmental and agricultural initiatives that align with sustainable development goals. In 2024, Jordan launched a national strategy to promote itself as a regional hub for green hydrogen and inaugurated the first national food security information system. Recognizing his contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, and humanitarian support—particularly in Gaza—the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) awarded King Abdullah II the Agricola Medal on June 4, 2025. Jordan continues to play a key role in unifying the Arab world and defending the Palestinian cause. The King remains a staunch advocate for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. Amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, His Majesty persistently calls for an end to the violence and the protection of civilians. At the Arab Summit in Bahrain on May 16, 2024, the King said: 'The war must end, and the world must assume its moral and humanitarian responsibility to resolve a conflict that has lasted over seven decades, and pave the way for a future of peace and dignity for our Arab sons and daughters.' He reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite custodianship. On January 10, 2024, King Abdullah II hosted a summit in Aqaba with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address developments in Gaza and the West Bank. At the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2024, His Majesty emphasized the urgent need to protect Palestinians and called on the international community to adopt a protection mechanism for them. Jordan continues its solidarity efforts by delivering humanitarian, medical, and relief aid to Gaza via land and air. The King called for lifting the blockade and ending the humanitarian crisis at the Arab-Islamic Summit on November 11, 2024. His Majesty has also worked tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of UNRWA, underscoring its essential role until a just solution for Palestinians is achieved. Granting UNRWA the Order of Independence (First Class) in 2024 was a clear message of Jordan's unwavering support. In February 2024, King Abdullah II met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, reaffirming his firm stance against the forced displacement of Palestinians. On April 26, 2024, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania participated in the funeral of Pope Francis, symbolizing their commitment to global peace and interfaith dialogue. Her Majesty Queen Rania has consistently supported His Majesty's vision through initiatives in education and development, empowering women and youth through institutions such as the Queen Rania Foundation, Jordan River Foundation, and the Queen Rania Teacher Academy. Through her outreach across Jordan and on the international stage, Queen Rania continues to advocate for the needs and aspirations of local communities and highlight Jordan's humanitarian voice to the world.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
For this Salt Lake City building, energy efficiency, decarbonization are essential to function
Kevin Emerson, director of building efficiency and decarbonization for Utah Clean Energy, gives a tour of the organization's Climate Innovation Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 30, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) When they're out of the office, the Utah Clean Energy staff is often found in energy hearings, discussing policy with Utah leaders and advocating for more sustainable solutions to power the state. At their headquarters, on a small scale, they show how it's done. With the Climate Innovation Center, inaugurated in Salt Lake City last summer, the nonprofit not only searched for a facility that reflected its decarbonization efforts, but one that would create 'a teaching tool and living laboratory,' inviting Utahns to watch the workings of a real-life, ultra-efficient, zero-emissions building. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX After receiving many industry professionals to showcase the two-story building, with its extensive solar panels and a room with a battery to make intermittent energy available day and night, the organization opened its doors for the first time to the public for an open house on Friday. 'The building is meant to be a model of how we can eliminate emissions from operating the building,' Kevin Emerson, director of building efficiency and decarbonization at Utah Clean Energy said on Friday. 'So there's zero emissions that come from running the building. It's all electric and all solar powered.' Not only does the center produce enough energy to power its operations and even electric vehicles in its parking lot with about 39 kilowatts of solar capacity, but it has the ability to help utilities optimize their operations with a 90 kilowatt hours capacity battery. That battery, sitting in a small room alongside a heat pump water heater, is part of Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart batteries program, which pays users to incorporate their energy storage into the utility's smart power grid. 'We think it's important for our building to be kind of a flexible, interactive, kind of extension of the grid,' Emerson said. 'And because ultimately, we want that to be a standard practice, where batteries are located across the electric grid to incorporate more effectively all the renewable energy that you will keep adding.' Additionally, there's no gas combustion in the premises. All water features use conservation systems and even the washer and dryer machine installed in the janitor's closet uses a heat pump. Outside, the small garden in the facade is highly drought tolerant, full of native and pollinator-friendly plants, as well. Buildings play a big role in carbon emissions, Emerson told the group of climate and technology enthusiasts who showed up for the tour. According to the environmental nonprofit Architecture 2030, about 40% of carbon emissions come from built environments, either from its operations, or the pollution brought by construction activity itself, including mining, extraction, transportation and manufacturing materials. That's why, Emerson said, during the construction process, the team meticulously chose materials with smaller carbon footprints — from the carpets to the countertops and tiles. Embarking in this project saved emissions by opting to preserve many of the features of the building that sat in the lot prior to the nonprofit's arrival — and also, the staff repurposed wood pieces from the organization's previous headquarters for this building. A lot of the center's energy efficiency comes from its insulation, as well, with contractors paying special attention to a correct airtight construction, Emerson said. Another team also supervised the space's variable refrigerant flow heat pump, essentially a mechanical system that works like a large air conditioning unit that can provide cooling when it's warm, and work in reverse to extract warmth out of the air, even on cold winter days. The organization's next step is to document all of these features by pursuing third-party certifications for the building, including a zero energy validation, focusing on the emissions it is not producing, and a zero carbon one to certify the materials used in retrofitting the space. All of those lessons learned while designing and executing the building were included into a website, so others can incorporate non-polluting practices in new constructions or renovations. 'One of the goals that Utah Clean Energy has is to help all the folks involved in construction across the state realize that building zero emissions as a standard practice is possible,' Emerson added. 'And that's our vision, is that zero emission buildings become a standard practice here in Utah that supports energy affordability.' Hopefully, he said, more buildings become a big part of solutions for climate and better air quality days in Utah. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Charlotte Launches ‘First-Of-Its-Kind' Black Innovation Hub To Empower Entrepreneurs
Charlotte, North Carolina is one of the country's premier cities when it comes to Black-owned businesses and a new effort from Cauthy Dawkins and other members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce is set to create a hub designed specifically for those businesses. According to The Charlotte Observer, the chamber acquired an unused property and has poured resources into transforming the building into what Dawkins calls a 'one-stop shop for professionals and small businesses,' in hopes of helping entrepreneurs, improving Charlotte's economic growth, and fighting food insecurity. The Innovation Center, as the property is now known, will feature an agri-tech program for farmers, event spaces for business meetings, co-working spaces for startups, entrepreneurs and nonprofits; as well as a retail store and a distribution center for small businesses. To figure out how the space could be best utilized, Dawkins visited other cities with similar hubs, cities like Atlanta, Washington D.C., and nearby Durham, North Carolina, and what he came away with from those tours ultimately led him to create a first-of-its-kind hub for Black-owned businesses and professionals in Charlotte. 'As things in the community get taken away, like federal funding and grants, we want to be a safe space,' Dawkins told the Observer. 'I wanted to create a safe space for business owners and professionals to come get elevated.' The chamber spent approximately $30,000 to acquire the building, and is in the process of launching a $3.7 million fundraising campaign to attract funding for the necessary renovations in order to accommodate the chamber's vision for the space. According to two of the chamber's advisors Kneshia Gabriel and Jeremy Johnson, the space has been needed in the city and the Charlotte metro area in general for quite some time. 'We just want to bring more locals here to help expand their experience and help them figure out what they want to do,' Gabriel told the Observer. 'It's definitely needed and I can see it being a great resource and support system for those looking to thrive in the business community,' Johnson added. According to the fundraiser for the Black Innovation Center, which is listed on the fundraising platform Give Butter, 'Charlotte is evolving. Yet too often, Black entrepreneurs are excluded from the opportunities shaping its future. The Innovation Center–CLT is a bold response—designed to close the gap, elevate ideas, and drive inclusive innovation. We're creating a dynamic space where: Black-owned businesses scale with real support, creatives build brands and media that move culture, communities grow wealth and networks—together. And your investment makes it possible.' RELATED CONTENT: 'We Needed This Forever': Black Business Hub Launches In Wisconsin
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Protesters in New Smyrna Beach push back on massive Deering Park development
The Brief New Smyrna Beach approved a major development west of I-95 despite strong public opposition. Protesters cited concerns over traffic, flooding, and building on former conservation land. The Deering Park Innovation Center passed with a 4-1 city commission vote; construction timeline is TBD. NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - Tensions flared at a New Smyrna Beach city commission meeting as dozens of residents protested a massive development plan approved this week, voicing concerns over overcrowding, environmental impact and unchecked growth. What we know The New Smyrna Beach City Commission approved the Deering Park Innovation Center in a 4-1 vote, despite widespread opposition from residents. The project includes thousands of new homes and industrial buildings to be built on over 1,618 acres west of Interstate 95 and south of State Road 44. Designs call for six million square feet of commercial and light industrial space and 2,150 residential units with 400 acres dedicated to natural vegetation. It involves rezoning land that opponents say includes former conservation areas and wetlands. Officials have not announced when construction will begin. What we don't know A specific timeline for the development's groundbreaking and construction phases remains unclear. Additionally, there's no official word yet on how the city plans to address infrastructure improvements, traffic mitigation, or environmental protections in response to the concerns raised. The backstory New Smyrna Beach is already grappling with rapid population growth, daily traffic congestion, and recurring flood issues. Residents say the city's infrastructure is under strain and fear the development will exacerbate those problems. The project has highlighted a broader debate about how the city should handle expansion and environmental preservation. The Deering Park proposal has been in the works for more than four years, backed by local leaders in Southeast Volusia who view it as a strategic move to accommodate growth and boost the local economy. The plan was developed as part of a long-term vision for the area, though many residents say they were not adequately consulted. What they're saying The project, known as the Deering Park Innovation Center, will bring several thousand homes and industrial buildings to the city west of Interstate 95. "This is a massive development on former conservation lands and wetlands in an area already facing daily gridlock, worsening floods and explosive population growth," said one protester during the city commission meeting. Despite vocal opposition, the rezoning measure passed by a 4-1 vote. "I would think about 90% — maybe more — are opposed to this," added another resident holding a protest sign. On the other side of the debate, supporters of the project praised its long-term vision. "I want to commend the leaders and visionaries of Southeast Volusia that came together over four years ago to identify and begin the process for the beautiful future of our city and our region," one project backer said during the meeting. Timeline Officials have not yet announced a timeline for construction. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the City of New Smyrna Beach.
Axios
14-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
Medicare innovation lab plays up patient choice, preventive care
Medicare's innovation center plans to put more emphasis on empowering consumers to make personal choices in health care, and on promoting healthier lifestyles to prevent diseases, officials wrote in a strategy memo released Tuesday. Why it matters: The low-profile office created as part of the Affordable Care Act has wide latitude to try out different health policy experiments and could be a useful lever to implementing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s agenda. What they're saying:"The Innovation Center's next phase will focus on testing models that transform the U.S. health system into one that builds healthier lives — through prevention, individual empowerment, and choice and competition," director Abe Sutton wrote in the strategy document. State of play: The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation has a budget of $10 billion over a decade to run time-limited programs that experiment with alternative ways of paying health care providers in Medicare and Medicaid, with the aim of saving taxpayer dollars and improving care quality. Going forward, the center will tailor payment models to promote evidence-based preventive care, focusing on health and nutrition counseling, cancer screenings and blood pressure control, Sutton wrote. Quality evaluations will focus on preventive health outcomes and disease prevention. Value-based payment models have already allowed some providers to offer services like medically tailored meals and nonemergency medical transportation. Future models may also offer access to evidence-based alternative medicine, per the memo. The office said it's aiming to increase Medicare beneficiaries' access to tools like mobile apps for disease management and healthy living. It also will publish data about providers and services, including cost and quality performance, to support beneficiary decision-making. Reality check: It's hard to generate immediate cost savings with preventive care efforts, and successful center models are supposed to drive down federal spending, said Brian Fuller, a managing director focused on value-based care at ATI Advisory. "It's definitely the direction the system needs to go. [But] I think, like any strategy refresh, the proof is in the details," he told Axios. Between the lines: Sutton wants to require all of the center's experiments to involve downside financial risk, where health care providers could lose money if they don't meet certain quality or cost standards. At the same time, the center will focus on making it easier for providers to participate in payment experiments by cutting down on administrative burdens. The center also plans to implement new payment experiments within Medicare Advantage, according to the strategy. Historically, its models have focused primarily on driving change in traditional Medicare. Overall, value-based care providers and experts are optimistic about the Trump administration's plan for realigning incentives in health care and moving away from payments pegged on the volume of services delivered. "We're excited encouraged by the new supervised strategy built on a lot of the themes that we've been working on a bipartisan thesis for 15 years," said Mara McDermott, CEO of advocacy group Accountable for Health.
