hopebuilding
@hopebuilding.bsky.social
I read a lot and share stories, especially those focused on solutions. I blog at Hopebuilding.blog and on Substack at Seeing Like A Local.
The UK and nine other European countries have agreed to accelerate the rollout of offshore windfarms in the 2030s and build a power grid in the North Sea, in a landmark pact to turn the ageing oil basin into a “clean energy reservoir”.
UK joins European offshore windfarm plan to create world’s largest ‘clean energy reservoir’
Britain among 10 countries to build 100GW grid in North Sea linking countries through subsea cables
www.theguardian.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:40 AM
The UK and nine other European countries have agreed to accelerate the rollout of offshore windfarms in the 2030s and build a power grid in the North Sea, in a landmark pact to turn the ageing oil basin into a “clean energy reservoir”.
But Trump’s promotion of a broadened mandate and his floating of an idea that the Board of Peace “might” replace the U.N. have put off major players and been dismissed by U.N. officials.
Trump's wide ambitions for Board of Peace spark new support for the United Nations
President Donald Trump’s latest attempt to sidestep the United Nations through his new Board of Peace appears to have inadvertently backfired.
apnews.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:30 AM
But Trump’s promotion of a broadened mandate and his floating of an idea that the Board of Peace “might” replace the U.N. have put off major players and been dismissed by U.N. officials.
Controversial plans to redevelop Belgrade’s former Yugoslav army headquarters into a luxury complex featuring a Trump International Hotel have collapsed, following the indictment of Serbia’s culture minister and other senior officials.
Plans for Trump hotel in Belgrade collapse after Serbia’s culture minister indicted
Proposals to redevelop a former Yugoslav military headquarters into a branded luxury complex have been dropped following indictments of senior cultural officials
www.theartnewspaper.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:20 AM
Controversial plans to redevelop Belgrade’s former Yugoslav army headquarters into a luxury complex featuring a Trump International Hotel have collapsed, following the indictment of Serbia’s culture minister and other senior officials.
Protesters rallied outside the headquarters of the University of Belgrade on what was a national day of education. The peaceful gathering, dubbed “Knowledge is power,” was in support of professors and teachers who have lost their jobs or positions for taking part in anti-government demonstrations.
Thousands rally in Belgrade against crackdown on student-led protests
Thousands of people have protested in Serbia’s capital against a government crackdown on universities.
apnews.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:18 AM
Protesters rallied outside the headquarters of the University of Belgrade on what was a national day of education. The peaceful gathering, dubbed “Knowledge is power,” was in support of professors and teachers who have lost their jobs or positions for taking part in anti-government demonstrations.
Reposted by hopebuilding
Ashland, Virginia:
"Despite widespread hazardous road conditions and icy weather from the recent winter storm, more than a thousand residents from across Greater Richmond made their opposition clear..."
www.vpm.org/news/2026-01...
"Despite widespread hazardous road conditions and icy weather from the recent winter storm, more than a thousand residents from across Greater Richmond made their opposition clear..."
www.vpm.org/news/2026-01...
Hanover County supervisors oppose proposed ICE facility
The locality’s ability to deter the purchase is extremely limited, though.
www.vpm.org
January 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Ashland, Virginia:
"Despite widespread hazardous road conditions and icy weather from the recent winter storm, more than a thousand residents from across Greater Richmond made their opposition clear..."
www.vpm.org/news/2026-01...
"Despite widespread hazardous road conditions and icy weather from the recent winter storm, more than a thousand residents from across Greater Richmond made their opposition clear..."
www.vpm.org/news/2026-01...
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said early Thursday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ended its enhanced immigration operation in the state of Maine.
Sen. Collins says Homeland Security ended enhanced ICE operation in Maine • Maine Morning Star
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said early Thursday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ended its enhanced immigration operation in the state of Maine. The Republican senator said she had sever...
mainemorningstar.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:03 AM
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said early Thursday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ended its enhanced immigration operation in the state of Maine.
Reposted by hopebuilding
🚨ICE is teargassing a PRE-SCHOOL! 🚨
#ICEoffOurStreets
#ICEoffOurStreets
January 29, 2026 at 10:05 PM
🚨ICE is teargassing a PRE-SCHOOL! 🚨
#ICEoffOurStreets
#ICEoffOurStreets
In a letter emailed to management, employees called on Target to "do the right thing" and bar federal immigration authorities from its stores. The letter, viewed by Business Insider, was signed by 284 employees, many of whom said they were residents of Minnesota, where Target is headquartered.
Hundreds of Target employees urge the company to keep ICE out of stores. Read the letter to leadership.
More than 275 employees signed a letter to Target leadership that outlined four steps they say the company should take in response to ICE.
www.businessinsider.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:55 AM
In a letter emailed to management, employees called on Target to "do the right thing" and bar federal immigration authorities from its stores. The letter, viewed by Business Insider, was signed by 284 employees, many of whom said they were residents of Minnesota, where Target is headquartered.
Minnesota is home to one of the highest concentrations of Korean adoptees in the United States.
It’s also home to the Adoptee Hub, a volunteer-run nonprofit that teaches native language classes and offers birth family reunification support.
It’s also home to the Adoptee Hub, a volunteer-run nonprofit that teaches native language classes and offers birth family reunification support.
Korean adoptees in Minnesota find community amid ICE raids
As ICE ramps up its presence in Minnesota, a Korean adoptee nonprofit is speaking directly to its community about safety.
www.goodgoodgood.co
January 30, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Minnesota is home to one of the highest concentrations of Korean adoptees in the United States.
It’s also home to the Adoptee Hub, a volunteer-run nonprofit that teaches native language classes and offers birth family reunification support.
It’s also home to the Adoptee Hub, a volunteer-run nonprofit that teaches native language classes and offers birth family reunification support.
And, while United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement continue what Minnesota officials call “an occupation” across the state, Alverson has decided to do what he can in support of his community.
Minneapolis cafe vows to be 100% free to 'everyone except ICE' as long as agents are in MN: 'We're relying on donations'
Modern Times Cafe has transformed into “Post Modern Times” in an effort to support community members amid ICE occupation.
www.goodgoodgood.co
January 30, 2026 at 12:48 AM
And, while United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement continue what Minnesota officials call “an occupation” across the state, Alverson has decided to do what he can in support of his community.
Today, as President Zelensky warns that Russia is preparing “a new massive strike”, we examine growing speculation that an undeclared truce may be in place regarding strikes on energy infrastructure.
Zelensky warns of ‘massive’ attack ahead of Sunday peace talks | Ukraine: The Latest
YouTube video by The Telegraph
www.youtube.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Today, as President Zelensky warns that Russia is preparing “a new massive strike”, we examine growing speculation that an undeclared truce may be in place regarding strikes on energy infrastructure.
Scientists studying Baffin Island’s caribou herds say there has been a ten-fold recovery of the population in the past decade.
“The numbers we are seeing are incredibly good news right across the board,” ....
“The numbers we are seeing are incredibly good news right across the board,” ....
Baffin Island caribou population growth ‘incredibly good news’
Scientists studying Baffin Island’s caribou herds say there has been a ten-fold recovery of the population in the past decade.
nunatsiaq.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Scientists studying Baffin Island’s caribou herds say there has been a ten-fold recovery of the population in the past decade.
“The numbers we are seeing are incredibly good news right across the board,” ....
“The numbers we are seeing are incredibly good news right across the board,” ....
This is exactly what Carney is doing: re-industrializing the economy by pressing ahead with infrastructure projects and attracting foreign investment in manufacturing.
American Carmakers Are Leaving. Bring on the Chinese EVs. - Macleans.ca
Canada’s auto industry is atrophying. The new deal with China is the jolt it needs.
macleans.ca
January 29, 2026 at 9:11 PM
This is exactly what Carney is doing: re-industrializing the economy by pressing ahead with infrastructure projects and attracting foreign investment in manufacturing.
This snowbird exodus from the U.S. could have a dramatic impact on the real-estate market south of the border. Between April of 2023 and March of 2024, Canadians spent a total of US$5.9 billion on residential properties and accounted for 13 per cent of foreign home buyers in the U.S..
Flight of the Snowbirds - Macleans.ca
My husband and I spent 13 amazing winters at our property in Palm Desert, California. We won’t be going back anytime soon.
macleans.ca
January 29, 2026 at 9:08 PM
This snowbird exodus from the U.S. could have a dramatic impact on the real-estate market south of the border. Between April of 2023 and March of 2024, Canadians spent a total of US$5.9 billion on residential properties and accounted for 13 per cent of foreign home buyers in the U.S..
For years, Domodedovo Airport was a Russian success story. After being privatized in the 1990s, it grew to become Moscow’s second-largest airport and the Russian capital’s primary gateway to the world. It has now been sold — at a fire-sale price.
Moscow Airport Sells for Half Off, a Sign of Russia’s Global Isolation
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:50 PM
For years, Domodedovo Airport was a Russian success story. After being privatized in the 1990s, it grew to become Moscow’s second-largest airport and the Russian capital’s primary gateway to the world. It has now been sold — at a fire-sale price.
As the Senate moves toward a Friday government shutdown after Democrats blocked a package of funding bills today, food businesses and farmworker groups are pushing Democrats to stick to their demands for new restrictions on immigration agents and enforcement.
Food Businesses and Farm Groups Call on Congress to Rein in ICE
Nationally renowned Minneapolis chef Sean Sherman will deliver a letter to senators signed by chefs and restaurant owners today.
civileats.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:48 PM
As the Senate moves toward a Friday government shutdown after Democrats blocked a package of funding bills today, food businesses and farmworker groups are pushing Democrats to stick to their demands for new restrictions on immigration agents and enforcement.
Media in Moscow are selling a narrative of mass Western migration to Russia, especially from Germany. Numbers contradict the Kremlin's claims.
Anti-woke Germans in Russia used as propaganda for Putin
Media in Moscow are selling a narrative of mass Western migration to Russia, especially from Germany. Numbers contradict the Kremlin's claims.
www.dw.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Media in Moscow are selling a narrative of mass Western migration to Russia, especially from Germany. Numbers contradict the Kremlin's claims.
The EU is probing Elon Musk’s Grok AI after its deepfake feature generated millions of sexualized images of women and children. Brussels is putting its toughest tech laws to one of their biggest test yet.
Can the EU take on Musk over AI "undressing" feature?
The EU is probing Elon Musk’s Grok AI after its deepfake feature generated millions of sexualized images of women and children. Brussels is putting its toughest tech laws to one of their biggest test ...
www.dw.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:44 PM
The EU is probing Elon Musk’s Grok AI after its deepfake feature generated millions of sexualized images of women and children. Brussels is putting its toughest tech laws to one of their biggest test yet.
As the United States gears up to attend or host several international events, foreign countries appear increasingly worried that the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown could have spillover effects.
U.S. ICE Actions Spark International Concern
Foreign countries appear worried that the United States’ immigration crackdown could have spillover effects.
foreignpolicy.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:37 PM
As the United States gears up to attend or host several international events, foreign countries appear increasingly worried that the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown could have spillover effects.
The Fred Hampton Free Store in an abandoned Family Dollar store in New Orleans is part free thrift store, over-the-counter pharmacy, punk show venue — and wholly “a radical community center,” said Dan Bingler, who runs it. It’s simply neighbors helping neighbors, says Bingler......
Free Store Becomes Lifeline Amid Homelessness And Drug Crises | DailyGood
The Fred Hampton Free Store in an abandoned Family Dollar store in New Orleans is part free thrift store, over-the-counter pharmacy, punk show venue — and
www.dailygood.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:36 PM
The Fred Hampton Free Store in an abandoned Family Dollar store in New Orleans is part free thrift store, over-the-counter pharmacy, punk show venue — and wholly “a radical community center,” said Dan Bingler, who runs it. It’s simply neighbors helping neighbors, says Bingler......
More than 113 years after the Titanic sank in April 1912, the idea of an unsinkable ship still captures engineers’ imagination. Now, researchers in the US say they have taken a practical step toward that goal.
New metal tubes float even when damaged, raise hopes for safer ships
Engineers have developed laser-treated aluminum tubes that stay afloat indefinitely, even after heavy damage and long submersion.
interestingengineering.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:30 PM
More than 113 years after the Titanic sank in April 1912, the idea of an unsinkable ship still captures engineers’ imagination. Now, researchers in the US say they have taken a practical step toward that goal.
He was compelled to retreat because Minneapolis residents’ confrontations with his de facto secret police laid bare for the nation — and even his own party — how extreme his immigration agents’ behavior had become.
Opinion | Trump didn’t de-escalate in Minneapolis on his own. He was forced to retreat.
Minneapolis activists taught us why refusing to comply matters so much.
www.ms.now
January 29, 2026 at 8:25 PM
He was compelled to retreat because Minneapolis residents’ confrontations with his de facto secret police laid bare for the nation — and even his own party — how extreme his immigration agents’ behavior had become.
Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, a Ghanaian royal, is spearheading a transformative education initiative in Ghana, partnering with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to address the nation's critical infrastructure needs.
Every Child Deserves A Classroom: Addressing Ghana's Education Gap
Ghana's Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah partners with GETFund to close the education gap by building classrooms and connecting the African diaspora.
www.washingtoninformer.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:20 PM
Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, a Ghanaian royal, is spearheading a transformative education initiative in Ghana, partnering with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to address the nation's critical infrastructure needs.
Even as the moments that first brought national attention to these four individuals have passed, the images have lingered — and they’re shaping the way some Americans see the Trump administration’s crackdown.
How four faces changed the way many Americans see Trump’s immigration crackdown | CNN
The moments that brought national attention to Renee Good, ChongLy Scott Thao, Liam Conejo Ramos and Alex Pretti have passed, but images of them have lingered — and they’re shaping the way some Americ...
www.cnn.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Even as the moments that first brought national attention to these four individuals have passed, the images have lingered — and they’re shaping the way some Americans see the Trump administration’s crackdown.
“Lukoil had agreed to sell most of its foreign assets, estimated to be worth around $22 billion, to U.S. private equity firm Carlyle Group pending approval from the U.S. government, Russia’s No. 2 oil producer said on Thursday.
Russia's Lukoil to sell foreign assets to US Carlyle Group
The total foreign assets of Lukoil are valued by analysts at about $22 billion.
tvpworld.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:49 PM
“Lukoil had agreed to sell most of its foreign assets, estimated to be worth around $22 billion, to U.S. private equity firm Carlyle Group pending approval from the U.S. government, Russia’s No. 2 oil producer said on Thursday.