All posts tagged: local

European tech industry coalition calls for ‘radical action’ on digital sovereignty — starting with buying local

European tech industry coalition calls for ‘radical action’ on digital sovereignty — starting with buying local

Published by skeptic

A broad coalition drawn from across the ranks of Europe’s tech industry is calling for “radical action” from European Union lawmakers to shrink reliance on foreign-owned digital infrastructure and services to bolster the bloc’s economic prospects, resilience, and security in increasingly fraught geopolitical times. In an open letter to European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU’s digital chief, Henna Virkkunen, which TechCrunch reviewed ahead of publication, more than 80 signatories (representing around 100 organizations) said they want regional lawmakers to rethink current support efforts so that they are centered on fostering uptake of homegrown alternatives with the strongest commercial potential — from apps, platforms, and AI models to chips, computing, storage, and connectivity. Companies spanning areas including cloud, telecoms, defence, along with several regional business and startup associations, have put their names to the letter — which was sent to the Commission on Sunday — urging the bloc to switch its tech strategy onto a quasi-war footing by committing to support “sovereign digital infrastructure.” The plan pushes for reducing reliance on foreign-owned …

Adding local color, American Hindus fashion Holi into a festival of belonging

Adding local color, American Hindus fashion Holi into a festival of belonging

Published by skeptic

(RNS) — Anshul Virmani, a software consultant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, said his colleagues at work begin asking about Holi long before his children do. “They always ask, ‘When is the color festival? When are you guys gonna do the color-themed event?’” Most Americans would be hard-pressed to name any Hindu holiday, but Holi, the vibrant festival that involves playfully throwing pink, purple, yellow and other brightly hued powders, has become far and away the most recognizable, if still mysterious, event for non-Hindus. In the past decade, Holi celebrations across the U.S. have increased, often filling up an entire month’s weekends or two. While diaspora Hindus are finding new ways to celebrate Holi in their new environs, from family-friendly confetti throwing at public parks to neon-glow parties at the hottest nightclubs, many are also sharing the tradition with a wider audience. “We’ve seen a lot of people who are not from South Asia coming to our events,” said Virmani, who is an event planner in his spare time. His company, AV Entertainment, will host six Holi …

Report: Muslim community leaders blocking women in local politics

Report: Muslim community leaders blocking women in local politics

Published by skeptic

Muslim ‘community leaders’ act as “a barrier” to women trying to enter local politics, a recent report has found. The report from Muslim Women’s Network UK also found that caste discrimination and sectarian bigotry plays a role in obstructing women from Muslim communities from being elected as local councillors and retaining their seats. It cited examples of Muslim women facing pressure from male ‘community leader’ networks and even “abusive and violent means” to prevent them from participating in local politics. It also highlighted the “special relationship” male Muslim ‘community leaders’ have with the Labour Party. The report, which examines how to increase the representation of women from minority communities in UK politics, found that despite minority communities constituting 18% of the population, only 3% of local council seats are held by women from these backgrounds. Muslim ‘community leaders’ provide Labour “a ready-made electorate” The report said Muslim women’s participation in politics is hindered by male ‘elders’ who acquire ‘community leader’ status “by means of their connections with religious, cultural, business and political actors in their …

How to Stand Up for Your Local Library by Getting Involved

How to Stand Up for Your Local Library by Getting Involved

Published by skeptic

Katie’s parents never told her “no” when she asked for a book, which was the start of most of her problems. She has an MLIS from the University of Illinois and works full time as a Circulation & Reference Manager in Illinois. She has a deep-rooted love of all things disturbing, twisted, and terrifying and takes enormous pleasure in creeping out her coworkers. When she’s not at work, she’s at home watching the Cubs with her cats and her cardigan collection. Other hobbies include scrapbooking, introducing more readers to the Church of Tana French, and convincing her husband that she can, in fact, fit more books onto her shelves. Twitter: @kt_librarylady View All posts by Katie McLain Horner February is National Library Lovers Month, so if you’ve been wondering how to get more involved with your local library, now’s a great time to do so. But more than that, libraries have been under political attack for the last several years, and the new presidential administration is looking to escalate that work. From the Department …

At 2025 India Art Fair, Local Collectors Show No Sign of Slowing Down

At 2025 India Art Fair, Local Collectors Show No Sign of Slowing Down

Published by skeptic

For its 16th edition, the India Art Fair in New Delhi clamped down on the number of invites it extended for its ultra-VIP preview, from 11 am to 3 pm on Thursday. This attempt to avoid the overwhelming rush witnessed at last year’s edition was forgotten just minutes after the clock struck 3, the tent becoming overcrowded. The buzz all day seem optimistic, a sign of India’s maturation of a leading art market hub. The day’s clear blue sky, in a city that tends to be smoggy, seemed especially a good omen for commerce. Related Articles Long a flagbearer for the local market, the India Art Fair set its ambitions high at the end of 2024, with the unexpected announcement that it would expand to Mumbai. But a successful edition of recent rival Art Mumbai in November, and its commitment from major galleries for its 2025 edition, forced IAF to call off those plans. Now, back on its home turf, IAF had a point to prove.  “Our plans are about building a stronger collector base …

DfE: “highly unlikely” selective faith schools can meet local needs

DfE: “highly unlikely” selective faith schools can meet local needs

Published by skeptic

The National Secular Society has welcomed a statement from the Department for Education which suggests local authorities would be “highly unlikely” to open selective faith schools. The statement was made in a discussion on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill on the BBC Radio 4 Sunday programme. The bill will end the presumption that new schools should be free schools, which could enable voluntary aided (VA) faith schools to open more easily. The existing 50% faith cap limits the number of places that new free schools with a religious character can prioritise based on faith. Groups including the NSS are concerned that removing the free school presumption inadvertently removes limits to faith-based admissions at newly opened faith schools. VA faith schools can select 100% of their intake based on faith when oversubscribed. Rabbi: Opening VA schools would lead to “religious ghettos” Responding to concerns that the removal of the free school presumption could pave the way for a new generation of fully selective faith schools, the DfE said: “Under the proposals the local authority will …

Plans for new units in Warwickshire set to boost local SMEs

Plans for new units in Warwickshire set to boost local SMEs

Published by skeptic

Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) has submitted plans to Warwick district council for 16 units across 43,000 sq ft of commercial space on Fusiliers Way, between Warwick and Leamington Spa. If approved, it would be the first part of a two-phase scheme planned for the local area by WPDG. That would include a local centre to support a growing neighbourhood and business community, including a convenience store, children’s day nursery and coffee shop. Rob Andrews, head of development at WPDG, said: “We’re pleased to be bringing forward this scheme which will provide valuable space for SMEs to grow in the region. “It’s important we can provide high-quality space which fits the needs of businesses. The scheme will allow more high-growth SMEs to lay their foundations for further development in Warwickshire, while retaining the economic value they generate in the County. “If the plans are approved, we would hope to be in a position to start work in summer 2025.” Of the latest plans, 15 of the business units will range from 1,000 sq ft …

How the children’s wellbeing and schools bill shifts power to local authorities

How the children’s wellbeing and schools bill shifts power to local authorities

Published by skeptic

The UK government is making a radical departure from its predecessor’s education policy, with plans for big changes in the national curriculum, home education and safeguarding, and the relationship between schools and local authorities. The new children’s wellbeing and schools bill introduced to parliament on December 17, alongside other proposed reforms, suggests the Labour government is working on a much broader front than the previous Conservative administration. It ends a 14-year focus on trying to raise attainment in England’s schools by turning them into academies free of local authority control. Instead, the bill shifts power back towards local authorities, giving them the ability to open schools that aren’t academies, as well as more jurisdiction over children who aren’t in school. The original plans for the bill as included in the King’s speech focused on tightening regulations at the margins of the school system. This included a register of children who are homeschooled and ramping up Ofsted’s scrutiny of independent schools operating unlawfully. The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has now confirmed the bill includes a number …

How a Local AI Research Assistants Enhance Privacy & Efficiency

How a Local AI Research Assistants Enhance Privacy & Efficiency

Published by skeptic

Research often feels like an uphill battle—hours spent sifting through articles, piecing together information, and trying to make sense of it all. For writers, analysts, and academics, balancing thoroughness with efficiency is a constant challenge. But what if there were a way to streamline this process and save time without sacrificing quality? A fully local AI research assistant is transforming how research and summarization tasks are approached. Using advanced local language models (LLMs) and a modular design, this tool automates the research process while prioritizing privacy and eliminating operational costs. Designed for professionals and researchers, it offers a customizable solution to streamline workflows and deliver actionable insights tailored to specific needs. Checkout the video guide by LangChain below to learn how to build your very own personal research assistant that is locally installed for privacy. Imagine having an assistant that automates your research while working entirely on local resources, ensuring privacy and reducing costs. This innovative tool uses advanced LLMs to conduct searches, identify knowledge gaps, and refine summaries in a seamless, iterative process. The …

Work of local councillors celebrated at London awards ceremony

Work of local councillors celebrated at London awards ceremony

Published by skeptic

The vital work of local councillors was celebrated at an awards ceremony at London’s Guildhall this week. The 15th annual LGIU and CCLA Cllr awards bestows awards on five individuals across five categories, chosen from more than 350 nominations, and reflect the varied contributions made by a wide range of councillors. Jonathan Carr-West, the chief executive of the local government information unit (LGIU) said: “Councillors across England and Wales do incredible work day in and day out to support their communities, make local areas better places to live, and ensure the voices of residents are heard across council decision making. “At LGIU, we are determined to celebrate these remarkable achievements, which genuinely improve residents’ lives and the well-being of our communities. “I want to congratulate all of our very worthy Cllr Awards winners this evening. Their dedication and service represent the very best of local government.” Founding partner of the awards – CCLA – is a leading sustainability fund manager, serving local authorities and the public sector, as well as charities, faith-based organisations and individuals. …