nuebe gaming gcash Biochar Market to Exhibit a Remarkable CAGR of 12.63% by 2031, Size, Share, Trends, Key Drivers, Demand, Opportunity Analysis and Competitive Outlook 12-16-2024 08:24 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Data Bridge Market Research The global biochar market size was valued at USD 244.17 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 632.30 million by 2031, with a CAGR of 12.63% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. Biochar is a carbon-rich, stable form of charcoal produced through the pyrolysis of organic materials, such as agricultural waste, forestry residues, or other biomass. It is primarily used as a soil amendment to enhance soil fertility, improve water retention, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. In addition, biochar can contribute to carbon sequestration by storing carbon in the soil, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Browse More About This Research Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-biochar-market Some of the major players operating in the Biochar market are Black Owl Biochar (U.S.), CharGrow (U.S.), Cool Planet (U.S.), Earth Systems (Australia), Pacific Biochar Benefit Corporation (U.S.), Pacific Pyrolysis Pty Ltd (Australia), Phoenix Energy (U.S.), arstaeco (India), MAI Animal Health (U.S.), Biochar Now, LLC (U.S.), Airex Inc. (Canada), American BioChar Company (U.S.), Bioforcetech Corp. (U.S.), EcoEra (Sweden), Pyropower (Netherlands), and ETIA SAS (France) Biochar Market Regional Analysis The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, technology, feedstock, and application as referenced above. The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America as part of South America. Browse Trending Reports: https://dbmrblogs02.blogspot.com/2024/12/airless-tires-market-dynamics-key.html https://dbmrblogs02.blogspot.com/2024/12/vascular-endothelial-growth-factor-vegf.html https://dbmrblogs02.blogspot.com/2024/12/skid-steer-loaders-market-opportunities.html https://dbmrblogs02.blogspot.com/2024/12/single-use-medical-devices-reprocessing_16.html About Data Bridge Market Research: An absolute way to predict what the future holds is to understand the current trend! Data Bridge Market Research presented itself as an unconventional and neoteric market research and consulting firm with an unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are committed to uncovering the best market opportunities and nurturing effective information for your business to thrive in the marketplace. Data Bridge strives to provide appropriate solutions to complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Data Bridge is a set of pure wisdom and experience that was formulated and framed in 2015 in Pune. Contact Us: - Data Bridge Market Research Email: - sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.com This release was published on openPR.None10 hot-ticket gifts we predict will sell out on Black Friday 2024

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The Lewis and Clark County Commission is seeking residents to serve on the following boards: ■ Augusta Cemetery Board ■ Board of Adjustment ■ Compensation Board ■ Forestvale Historic Preservation Committee ■ Lewis and Clark County DUI Task Force ■ Lincoln Cemetery District ■ Lincoln Parks Board ■ Noxious Weed Board -Augusta, Wolf Creek ■ Open Lands Citizens Advisory Committee ■ Scratchgravel Solid Waste District ■ Tax Appeal Board Applications are at ver nment/C om -mission/Boards or by calling 447-8378 and can be submitted to the Commissioner's Office, 316 N. Park Ave., Room 345, Helena, MT 59623. The city of Helena is now accepting applications for several commission boards and committees. Deadline for applications is 4 p.m. Dec. 31. The city has the following board vacancies: ■ Medical field repre -sentative. Term expires Sept. 1,2027. Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board ■ Banking/finance representative. Interim term expires Jan. 31,2027. ■ Citizen-at-large. Interim term expires Jan. 31, 2026. Board of Adjustment ■ Alternate member. Term expires Sept. 30, 2027. Citizen Conservation Board ■ Two residents to serve as a citizens — at - large. Interim terms expire Feb. 28, 2026. Golf Advisory Board ■ Board member. Term expires Oct. 31,2027. Helena Public Art Committee ■ Board members. Terms expire Dec. 31, 2027, Dec. 31, 2026, and Dec. 31, 2025. Information Technology & Services Board ■ IT executive. Term expires Jan. 23,2027. City-County Consolidated Parks Board ■ City appointee. Term expires Sept. 30,2027. City-County Consolidated Planning Board ■ City appointee. Interim term expires Sept. 1, 2027. Tourism Business Improvement District board of trustees ■ Two residents to serve as a representative of an owner or a manager of property within the district. Interim terms expire June 30,2026. Urban Renewal Tax Increment Financing Advisory Board Capitol Hill Urban Renewal District ■ Owner or representative of property within the district. Term is three years. ■ Owner or representative of business within the district. Term is two years. ■ Member at large with vested interest within the district. Term is two years. Downtown Urban Renewal District ■ Owner or representative of property within the district. Term is two years. ■ Owner or representative of business within the district. Term is two years. ■ Member-at-large with vested interest within the district. Term is three years. Railroad Urban Renewal District ■ Owner or representative of property within the district. Term is two years. ■ Owner or representative of business within the district. Term is three years. ■ Member-at-large with vested interest within the district. Term is three years. People who have previously applied for any of the listed board vacancies are encouraged to reapply. Apply by using this form: .Sam McDowell: Chiefs enacted emergency plan after Patrick Mahomes’ outburst vs. Raiders. What next?

KUWAIT: Kuwait Telecommunications Company – stc, a world-class digital leader providing innovative services and platforms to customers, enabling the digital transformation in Kuwait, approved an amendment to its articles of association during its extraordinary general meeting as part of its sustainable strategy to foster a thriving work environment. The amendment to Article No. 17 allows the company to utilize its treasury shares as stock options that can be exercised by employees. The action aims to empower employees and encourage them to excel further within their roles, while also serving as an additional benefit that can attract top talent from the local market. Introducing the employee stock option plan aligns with stc’s strategic approach to strengthening its workforce and building loyalty amongst its employees. The program will be implemented once approved by the board of directors, followed by obtaining the approval during the company’s annual general meeting. stc indicated in a statement that the board of directors aims to strengthen the relationship between the Company and its employees, inspiring them to continue innovating and progressing within their respective fields. Considering that employees will become shareholders in the company through the stock option program, stc believes that employees will be more driven to achieve new milestones. Aside from its existing employees, the stock option program is set to attract new talents through this additional benefit that will be provided by the Company. The amendment to the Article of Association comes under stc’s ongoing commitment to enhance its human resources policies by adopting global best practices in enhancing workplace environments. stc expects the stock option program to foster a stronger sense of ownership among employees, creating a deeper alignment between their individual goals and the company’s overarching objectives. By providing employees with the opportunity to become shareholders, the program will further reinforce their commitment to stc’s success and drive long-term value creation for all stakeholders, including employees, shareholders, and customers. The announcement of the stock option program came in a disclosure released by stc on Boursa Kuwait, confirming the approval of the use of treasury shares as well as the introduction of the program during the EGM. The amendment stated that the company will be permitted to sell or grant its employees all or part of its shares through the stock option program in accordance with the regulating rules approved by the general meeting of shareholders. It is worth mentioning that stc was ranked the number one ideal employer of choice for engineers and IT professionals in Kuwait according to Universum’s custom research in comparison with 19 of the strongest brands in Kuwait. The recognition serves as a testament to stc’s progressive approach to fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment.

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — LaNorris Sellers' 20-yard touchdown run with 1:08 to play gave No. 16 South Carolina its sixth straight win, a 17-14 victory over 12th-ranked Clemson on Saturday. Sellers, a freshman in his first season as starter, finished with 166 yards rushing and two scores as the Gamecocks (9-3, 4-1 SEC, No. 15 CFP) continued a run that has seen them defeat four ranked opponents this month. Clemson (9-3, 5-2 ACC, No. 12) drove to the South Carolina 18 with 16 seconds left — well within reach of a tying field goal — when Cade Klubnik was intercepted by Demetrius Knight Jr. The Gamecocks, who were 3-3 after losing at Alabama in mid-October, have given the College Football Playoff selection committee plenty to consider with their second-half charge. Much of the credit goes to the maturing Sellers, who has played with poise under most circumstances. He shook off an early fumble and a late interception in this one as South Carolina won its second straight at rival Clemson. On his game-winning run, Sellers spun away from defender Peter Woods, moved right and cut to his left to reach the end zone. It was the latest amazing show put on Sellers, who twice rallied South Carolina in the fourth quarter in a 34-30 victory over Missouri two weeks ago, when he had career highs with 353 yards and five TD passes. The Tigers also were hoping to play their way into the CFP's 12-team field. But their offense had too many costly mistakes and their defense could not corral Sellers, who finished 13 of 21 passing for 164 yards. Still, there could be postseason hope for Clemson, which will cross its fingers and hope Syracuse can pull off an upset over No. 8 Miami later Saturday that would get the Tigers into the Atlantic Coast Conference title game next week against SMU. Both teams came in on highs, the Tigers having won three straight and the Gamecocks five in a row, including three consecutive over ranked opponents Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and Missouri. But neither team found its offensive rhythm in the opening half. Sellers was sacked by T.J. Parker and turned the ball over as Parker recovered with South Carolina inside the Clemson 20. The Tigers drove to the South Carolina 11 and turned down a chip-shot field goal to go for it on fourth-and-1. But Mafah was stopped way short by Jalon Kilgore and Knight. Klubnik had scoring runs of 13 and 18 yards for the Tigers. South Carolina: What a run by the Gamecocks, who before the season were picked 13th in the SEC and now may find themselves part of the national championship playoff field. Clemson: The Tigers lost to both ranked SEC opponents they faced this season, first to No. 1 Georgia to start the year and then to rival South Carolina. South Carolina and Clemson both await their postseason games. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballThe New York Jets' season is quickly going down the drain, and sitting at 3-8 while on their bye week, there's still plenty of noise around the franchise. A big question being asked is what the futures of Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers look like beyond 2024, with the pair not guaranteed to be with the franchise after this season. With the Jets struggling and the offense showing little sign of improving despite a host of efforts made to turn things around, nothing seems to have fixed their current issues. Thought to be joint at the hip, Adams and Rodgers might not be Jets next year, with the franchise possibly going in a different direction as the experiment has clearly failed. But for Davante, his or Aaron's future isn't a topic of discussion. “At this point, it's really not something that gets brought up day-to-day because we both have a positive mindset and the way that we want to attack every week,” Adams said on the Up & Adams Show . “So if we get to talking about him being on a different team, me being on a different team, like that's just not what we need in our heads right now. We got to put nothing but positive energy and thoughts out there and just keep working. “I mean, we got six weeks left, and like I said, we're not out of it. The chances are really low, we see all the percentages and all this stuff, but at the end of the day, all we can do is worry about the next game.” Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images With the Jets' season heading south, the big question that fans and the organization must ask themselves is, will Rodgers and Adams be part of the change next season? Related: Jets Reveal Major Decision Regarding Play-Calling Switch There are many thoughts that Rodgers will be done in New York after 2024, and where that leaves Adams and his situation with the Jets is unknown, but its anything but an easy solution. The Jets still have six games to go to try to salvage something from the year, and that is all that is occupying Adams and Rodgers' minds, but they wouldn't be human if they weren't looking ahead to what might potentially be on the horizon in 2025. Related: Jets Explain Bizarre Benching Of Young Starter

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Reprogrammed yeast cells enhance drug delivery precisionHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Casey’s concession comes more than two weeks after Election Day, as a grindingly slow ballot-counting process became a spectacle of hours-long election board meetings, social media outrage, lawsuits and accusations that some county officials were openly flouting the law. Republicans had been claiming that Democrats were trying to steal McCormick’s seat by counting “illegal votes.” Casey’s campaign had accused of Republicans of trying to block enough votes to prevent him from pulling ahead and winning. In a statement, Casey said he had just called McCormick to congratulate him. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” Casey said. The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on Nov. 7, concluding that not enough ballots remained to be counted in areas Casey was winning for him to take the lead. As of Thursday, McCormick led by about 16,000 votes out of almost 7 million ballots counted. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. That was well within the 0.5% margin threshold to trigger an automatic statewide recount under Pennsylvania law. But no election official expected a recount to change more than a couple hundred votes or so, and Pennsylvania’s highest court dealt him a blow when it refused entreaties to allow counties to count mail-in ballots that lacked a correct handwritten date on the return envelope. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority next year in the U.S. Senate. ___ Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriter Advertisement AdvertisementDallas mayor who abandoned Democratic Party says more will follow

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Imphal, Dec 14 (IANS): The Assam Rifles alone destroyed 354 acres of illicit poppy cultivation this year, primarily in three Manipur districts -- Ukhrul, Churachandpur and Chandel. A Defence spokesman said that through meticulously planned joint operations, the force successfully identified and destroyed 354 acres of illicit poppy cultivation, primarily in the districts of Ukhrul, Churachandpur, and Chandel. The Assam Rifles continued its determination to fight against the menace of poppy cultivation along the India-Myanmar border, he said. The spokesman said that by eliminating poppy fields and striking at the roots of narco-trade, Assam Rifles has reaffirmed its commitment towards ensuring stability and security in Manipur and beyond. According to the defence official, the battle against poppy cultivation has been a consistent priority for the para-military force, as reflected in its sustained efforts over the years. In 2020 the force identified a staggering 8057 acres of poppy fields, of which 1695 acres were destroyed. This trend of rigorous action continued in subsequent years with 5610 acres identified and 1976 acres destroyed in 2021. The Assam Rifles intensified its operations in 2022 identifying 494 acres and destroying 715 acres, including previously undiscovered patches. In 2023, 1735 acres were identified and 1488 acres were eradicated. By 2024 the area of identified poppy fields had declined significantly, reflecting the success of the state and Central governments and security forces’ multi-pronged strategy, the spokesman pointed out. Noting that the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur, no single agency can effectively address this challenge alone, the spokesman said that collaborative operations have proven essential, with Assam Rifles actively coordinating with state and central agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Manipur Police and other CAPFs deployed in the area. The NCB, as the nodal agency for drug enforcement under the Ministry of Home Affairs, ensured synergy among all stakeholders during operations, especially during the opium harvesting seasons. Joint operations have focused on curbing cultivation, disrupting supply chains and dismantling the networks sustaining the illicit drug trade. The security cover provided by the force has ensured the safe execution of destruction operations in vulnerable and conflict-prone areas. Assam Rifles deftly incorporated advanced technology, such as drone surveillance in identifying poppy fields in inaccessible terrains. An official statement said that these high-tech measures are complemented by actionable intelligence from local communities and inputs from civil society organisations (CSOs). The Leveraging of Technology and Community Support has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of operations, ensuring a swift and targeted approach. Additionally, the Force has also maintained a robust ground presence through Area Domination Patrols in traditional cultivation zones. This persistent vigilance has acted as a deterrent to the resurgence of illegal farming practices, the statement said. Beyond destruction campaigns, Assam Rifles has also prioritised addressing the socio-economic factors driving poppy cultivation. Under its "Drug-Free Manipur" initiative, the Force has conducted extensive awareness drives to educate communities about the perils of drug addiction and the risks associated with illegal farming. Through regular interactions with villagers and local leaders, the force has actively promoted sustainable livelihood options, encouraging a shift toward legitimate and long-term economic activities. Assam Rifles’ zero-tolerance policy against narcotics-related activities has led to legal actions against defaulters, including cultivators and financiers. These measures, combined with efforts to restrict cross-border narcotics trafficking, have disrupted the infrastructure supporting poppy cultivation.Sunday, December 15, 2024 Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp Youtube Personal Finance Education Entertainment Jobs Alert Sports Hindi Technology Complaint Redressal. Fact-Checking Policy Correction policy Authors and Team DNPA Code of Ethics Onwership and Funding Cookie Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Contact US About Us More Search Home Personal Finance Income Tax Return: Forgetting the deadline for filing ITR will attract a... Personal Finance Income Tax Return: Forgetting the deadline for filing ITR will attract a fine of Rs 10,000 By Shyamu Maurya December 15, 2024 0 7 Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Income Tax Return: Forgetting the deadline for filing ITR will attract a fine of Rs 10,000 If taxpayers miss the December 31 deadline to file ITR for FY 2024-25, the penalty amount will increase to Rs 10,000, provided the annual income exceeds Rs 5 lakh. Belated ITR Filing Deadline 2024: Taxpayers who have missed the July 31 last date for filing their income tax returns (ITR) have time till December 31 to file ITR for assessment year 2024-25, on which a late fee of Rs 5,000 will have to be paid. Returns filed after the due date under section 139(1) of the Income Tax Act are called belated returns. However, belated returns attract late filing charges under section 234F. The last date for filing income tax returns for the financial year 2023-24 (AY 2024-25) was July 31, 2024. This was for taxpayers who do not have to get their accounts audited. Let’s know who has to pay how much penalty for filing late returns. Must file return by 31 December According to the Income Tax Department, as per section 234F, a late filing fee of Rs 5,000 has to be paid for filing the return after the due date under section 139(1). However, if the total income of the person does not exceed Rs 5 lakh, the amount of late filing fee to be paid will be Rs 1,000. If taxpayers miss the December 31 deadline for filing ITR for FY 2024-25, the penalty amount will increase to Rs 10,000, provided the annual income exceeds Rs 5 lakh. Fill your return this way If you have not filed your return yet, then first go to the Income Tax e-filing portal to file delayed ITR. Login using PAN on the Income Tax Department e-filing portal. After this, choose the appropriate ITR form as per your sources of income. Then choose Assessment Year 2024-25 for FY 2023-24. Fill in the details: Fill in the details of your income, tax exemption and tax liability. Pay any outstanding tax including interest and penalty. Submit the return: Verify the return through Aadhaar OTP, net banking or physical verification. Join Informal Newz Tags income tax return Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Previous article Transaction limit: How much cash should be kept in Savings Account to avoid income tax notice? Know what are the rules Shyamu Maurya Shyamu has done Degree in Fine Arts and has knowledge about bollywood industry. He started writing in 2018. Since then he has been associated with Informalnewz. In case of any complain or feedback, please contact me @informalnewz@gmail.com RELATED ARTICLES Personal Finance Transaction limit: How much cash should be kept in Savings Account to avoid income tax notice? Know what are the rules December 15, 2024 Personal Finance Airport News: Now you will not have to pay extra for tea, coffee, water at the airport, Indian government has taken this step December 14, 2024 Personal Finance New Credit Card: This bank has launched a new credit card for women, you will get unlimited lounge access at domestic airports December 14, 2024 - Advertisment - Most Popular Transaction limit: How much cash should be kept in Savings Account to avoid income tax notice? Know what are the rules December 15, 2024 SSC GD Final Merit List 2024: Staff Selection Commission declared the final merit list, so many candidates selected December 15, 2024 Airport News: Now you will not have to pay extra for tea, coffee, water at the airport, Indian government has taken this step December 14, 2024 New Credit Card: This bank has launched a new credit card for women, you will get unlimited lounge access at domestic airports December 14, 2024 Load more Recent Comments Gul Mohiudin on Kavita sister-in-law wore a sari without a blouse, seeing the pictures you will also be... Venkatesh on Urfi Javed crossed all limits, wore a front open hoodie top without inner, see photos and videos Gul Mohiudin on Malaika Arora came out in a backless strappy dress late at night, someone had to handle the gown and someone held her hand Gul Mohiudin on Priyanka Chopra reached award function without bra, shame had to be saved repeatedly in open jacket Venkatesh on Disha Patani shared a bo*ld picture while taking a bath, seeing Tiger Shroff’s heart beat will increase EDITOR PICKS Transaction limit: How much cash should be kept in Savings Account to avoid income tax notice? Know what are the rules December 15, 2024 SSC GD Final Merit List 2024: Staff Selection Commission declared the final merit list, so many candidates selected December 15, 2024 Airport News: Now you will not have to pay extra for tea, coffee, water at the airport, Indian government has taken this step December 14, 2024 POPULAR POSTS Transaction limit: How much cash should be kept in Savings Account to avoid income tax notice? Know what are the rules December 15, 2024 SSC GD Final Merit List 2024: Staff Selection Commission declared the final merit list, so many candidates selected December 15, 2024 Airport News: Now you will not have to pay extra for tea, coffee, water at the airport, Indian government has taken this step December 14, 2024 POPULAR CATEGORY Personal Finance 17947 Entertainment 17062 India 4496 News 3785 Technology 2247 Jobs Alert 788 Travel 652 Education 451 ABOUT US INFORMALNEWZ brings the Latest News & Top Breaking headlines on Politics and Current Affairs. Up-to-date news coverage, aggregated from sources all over the world by informal Newz. Find latest news coverage of breaking news events, trending topics, and compelling articles. Contact us: informalnewz@gmail.com FOLLOW US Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp Youtube © - 2024 - informalnewz | Izon web Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us - Izon Web Pvt. Ltd. Hno. 789, Basement, Dlf Phase 4 Sector 43, Gurgaon, Haryana -122009, Call: +91-9110801499, 0124-4941700 Home Privacy Policy Authors and Team About Us Contact US Cookie Policy Disclaimer DNPA Code of Ethics Onwership and Funding Terms of Service Complaint Redressal. Fact-Checking Policy Correction policy हिन्दीBEND, OREGON (AP) — Eliza Wilson is a little nervous as she draws the microphone close, but she is determined to share her life story. “My father was a disabled veteran,” she says. “I first experienced homelessness when I was 5 years old.” Wilson, who’s 36, leads programs focused on unhoused youth. On a recent Saturday, she is addressing a citizen assembly, a grassroots gathering seeking solutions to tough local challenges. Her audience consists of 30 ordinary Oregonians. They are acupuncturists and elk hunters; house cleaners and retired riverboat pilots. None are public policy experts. All the same, these participants have been asked to recommend new strategies for combating youth homelessness — a major problem in this affluent Oregon city and the surrounding rural areas of Deschutes County. This unusual experiment in small-D democracy is underwritten by more than $250,000 in grants from backers such as the Rockefeller Foundation and Omidyar Network. As a key early presenter, Wilson wins rapt attention, clicking through data-rich slides and sharing her story of crisis and recovery. That’s how citizen assemblies should work, says Kevin O’Neil, an innovation specialist at the Rockefeller Foundation. His research shows Americans are frustrated with what they perceive as aloofness and gridlock within civic institutions. “People want to be directly involved in decision-making,” O’Neil says. “They recognize the value of expertise, but they don’t want to delegate decision-making to experts.” RELATED COVERAGE Soros’ Open Society Foundations say they remain focused on human rights GivingTuesday estimates $3.6B was donated this year, an increase from 2023 How an Irish YouTuber turned a niche following into millions for charities with holiday livestreams Assemblies can help “overcome polarization and strengthen societal cohesion,” says Claudia Chwalisz, founder of DemocracyNext . Her nonprofit, launched in Paris in 2022, champions such assemblies worldwide, hoping they can “create the democratic spaces for everyday people to grapple with the complexity of policy issues, listen to one another, and find common ground.” At least, that’s the theory. To succeed, citizen assemblies can’t settle for a few days of harmonious dialogue among well-intentioned strangers. They need to inspire policy changes or new programs from government and other civic institutions. In Europe, such wins abound. In the United States, results are spottier. The most fruitful U.S. effort to date was a 2021 people’s assembly in Washington State that produced 148 ideas — including more solar canopies and food composting — to combat climate change. More often, progress is challenging. An assembly in 2022 in Petaluma, California, spun up ideas to repurpose a long-time county fairground site. Two years later, the fair still operates under short-term leases; its long-term destiny remains in limbo. In Colorado’s Montrose County , enacting an assembly’s bold ideas for improving rural day care has been “more of a marathon than a sprint,” says organizer Morgan Lasher. Can central Oregon do better? It may take years to know, but evidence so far shows both the assembly system’s opportunities and the challenges. Bend’s local economy is strong, with a jobless rate of just 4.2% and median household income of more than $80,000. As housing costs have skyrocketed, though, the spectacle of people living in tent and trailer encampments has become more common. A January count found more than 1,800 people were homeless in Deschutes County, up from 913 in 2020. In 2023, DemocracyNext and Healthy Democracy , a Portland, Oregon, nonprofit, connected with Bend officials interested in bringing the assembly idea to central Oregon. Josh Burgess, an Air Force veteran, who moved to Bend and became the proverbial “advance man” for DemocracyNext. Operating in a county evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans, Burgess built rapport with both liberal and conservative members on the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. “It took four or five meetings to get there,” Burgess recalls. Organizers decided to focus on homelessness among ages 14 to 24, where opportunities for progress seemed greatest. To pick citizens for the assembly, organizers contacted 12,000 county residents before selecting just 30. Everything was balanced by age, race, gender, and geography – a slow, costly requirement. Even so, advocates such as Michelle Barsa of Omidyar Network says assemblies’ big edge comes from using “an actual representative sample of the community, not just the people who always show up at town-hall meetings and yell into a microphone for three minutes.” At the northern edge of Oregon State’s Bend campus, a few hundred yards from the Deschutes River, is the McGrath Family atrium, a sunlight-drenched space with panoramic woodland views. It feels almost like a spa. As the Bend assembly gets started, black tablecloths at a huge, U-shaped table convey gravity. Name tags identify attendees as “Noelle,” “Dave,” “Alex.” The first few hours go slowly, but everything perks up after lunch. Eliza Wilson takes command, introducing herself as director of runaway and homeless youth services at J Bar J , a social-services organization. Her voice is unfailingly steady, but emotions race fast across her face: hope, frustration, empathy, resolve, and more. “Teens get really good at hiding their homelessness,” Wilson explains. “We don’t share family business outside of the family. I was really fortunate that a high-school counselor pointed me, at age 15, to the first youth shelter that had just opened in Bend. I stayed there for three years, until I graduated from high school. I finally got on my feet at age 21.” As Wilson finishes, questions stream in. “Are there any programs advocating for children to get back to their parents?” one woman wants to know. “Is there open communication between you guys and the school district?” a man asks. Wilson and other presenters respond with a road map of what exists today. They point out how homeless youth are in a precarious but not hopeless situation, counting on allies for a couch to sleep on. Less than 20 percent live outside in encampments. Practically everyone in the audience takes notes. The next day, assembly members strike up conversations with young adults who were once homeless. Chronic problems — and glimmers of ideas about how to address them — tumble forth. Flaws in the foster parent system. The risk of sexual abuse. The unique challenges that LGBTQ youth face. Attendees — who shared their thoughts with the Chronicle on the condition they be identified only by their first name — regarded those conversations as eye-opening breakthroughs in their hunt for policy recommendations. “I’m coming away with a whole different point of view,” Ken told me. He had arrived believing that poor parenting and drug abuse led to homelessness, and that affected families should personally address such challenges. Now, he said, he was interested in broader solutions. Several local officials stopped by to watch the assembly proceedings. Phil Chang, a Deschutes County commissioner, said the broad-based assembly creates “social license for us to do things that the community wants.” Conservative county commissioner Tony DeBone worries that Oregon’s rollback of drug-offense laws has worsened social problems; he also believes that an economic upturn would do the most good. Still, he says, he’s willing to see what the assembly can offer. Ultimately, the assembly’s effectiveness will depend on whether its recommendations can overcome bureaucratic inertia, says Tammy Baney, executive director of the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council . Proposed changes in police interactions with homeless youth could be acted on within a month or two if local law enforcement is receptive, she says. Improving Oregon’s gridlocked foster-care system might be much harder. “It all depends on how much political will there is,” Baney says. _____ George Anders is editor-at-large at the Chronicle of Philanthropy, where you can read the full article . This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as part of a partnership to cover philanthropy and nonprofits supported by the Lilly Endowment. The Chronicle is solely responsible for the content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy .

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Why your words and photos might already be training AISmith's career-high 205 yards rushing carries San Diego past Morehead State 37-14