The Latremie Post

Trump administration scraps multimillion-dollar

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has canceled solar projects in Puerto Rico worth millions of dollars, even as the island struggles with chronic power outages and a crumbling electric grid.

The canceled projects aimed to help 30,000 low-income families in rural areas across the U.S. territory as part of a now-fading transition toward renewable energy.

In an email obtained by The Associated Press, the U.S. Energy Department expressed concerns that a push under Puerto Rico’s former governor for a 100% renewable future threatened the reliability of the island’s energy system.

“The Puerto Rico grid cannot afford to run on more distributed solar power,” the department’s message stated. “The rapid, widespread deployment of rooftop solar has created fluctuations in Puerto Rico’s grid, leading to unacceptable instability and fragility.”

However, Javier Rúa Jovet, public policy director for Puerto Rico’s Solar and Energy Storage Association, disputed that claim in a phone interview.

He said approximately 200,000 families across Puerto Rico rely on solar power, which generates close to 1.4 gigawatts of energy daily for the rest of the island. “That’s helping avoid blackouts,” Rúa Jovet said, adding that the inverters of those systems also help regulate fluctuations across the grid.

Expressing his disappointment, he called the cancellation of the solar projects “a tragedy.” “These are funds for the most needy,” he added.

Earlier this month, the Energy Department canceled three programs, including one worth $400 million, which would have installed solar and battery storage systems in low-income homes and those with medical needs.

According to the department’s email, on January 9, it planned to reallocate up to $350 million from private distributed solar systems to support fixes aimed at improving power generation in Puerto Rico. It remains unclear if that funding has since been allocated.

One program would have financed solar projects for 150 low-income households on the small Puerto Rican island of Culebra.

“The people are really upset and angry,” said Dan Whittle, associate vice president with the Environmental Defense Fund, which was overseeing that project. “They’re seeing other people keep the lights on during these power outages, and they’re not sure why they’re not included.”

Whittle noted that a privately funded project installed solar panels and batteries on 45 homes just a week before Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico in September 2022. He expressed bafflement at the federal government’s decision.

“They are buying hook, line, and sinker that solar is the problem. It could not be more wrong,” he said.

These solar projects were part of an initial $1 billion fund created by the U.S. Congress in 2022 under former President Joe Biden to help boost energy resilience in Puerto Rico, which is still recovering from Hurricane Maria.

The Category 4 storm devastated the island in September 2017, destroying an already weakened electric grid, which suffered from years of a lack of maintenance and investment. Since then, power outages have persisted, with massive blackouts striking on New Year’s Eve 2024 and during Holy Week last year.

In recent years, residents and businesses able to afford solar energy have increasingly embraced it on an island of 3.2 million people with a poverty rate exceeding 40%. However, more than 60% of Puerto Rico’s energy is still generated by petroleum-fired power plants, 24% by natural gas, 8% by coal, and only 7% by renewables, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The cancellation of the solar projects comes just a month after the administration of Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González sued Luma Energy, the private company overseeing the transmission and distribution of power on the island.

At the time, Governor González criticized the electrical system’s performance, stating it “has not improved with the speed, consistency or effectiveness that Puerto Rico deserves.”
https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/trump-administration-scraps-multimillion-dollar-solar-projects-puerto-129474251

Contractor must narrow claims or add 3rd defendant in Ann Arbor school construction dispute, judge says

**Ann Arbor HVAC Contractor Faces Legal Challenges in School Renovation Dispute**

*Ann Arbor, MI* — The HVAC contractor involved in a construction dispute with Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) may be required to narrow its court allegations against the district and the project’s manager—or potentially add another defendant—as the case approaches a possible trial date later this year.

Ottawa Lake-based Core Mechanical Inc. was hired in early 2022 for an $11.4 million renovation project at Ann Arbor’s Wines Elementary and Forsythe Middle School. In a complaint filed last August, Core Mechanical alleged months of work delays and “severe mismanagement” by AAPS and Clark Construction Company, which managed work in a school boiler room. According to the complaint, these issues resulted in $2.7 million in lost productivity and other business damages.

Because Core Mechanical attributed part of these problems to a design error, Clark Construction responded late last year by seeking to assign blame to the project’s architect through a formal notice.

During a hearing on Wednesday, January 21, Patrick Facca, attorney for Clark Construction, stated that the notice naming another potentially responsible party was intended to highlight conflicting contract allegations. He explained:

> “They claim abandonment of contract, and then, they incorporate that in a breach of contract allegation against Clark. Well, abandonment of contract, of course, is the opposite of breach of contract.”

Core Mechanical’s allegations against AAPS include breach of contract for allegedly allowing inefficient project conditions to worsen, and “unjust enrichment” regarding expenses incurred by the HVAC provider. The claims against Clark Construction seek to enforce an indemnity agreement, citing Clark’s obligation to protect AAPS subcontractors from losses.

Kelly Kane, representing Core Mechanical, argued that fault notices typically relate to damages involving personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death—not contract disputes. Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Carol Kuhnke agreed but noted that Core’s contract claims are “interwoven within the complaint,” making it “permissible for Clark” to identify the architect as a potential co-defendant.

Judge Kuhnke offered Core Mechanical the option to amend the complaint to clarify that only contract remedies are sought, dismiss any tort claims, or add a defendant. Kane requested 21 days to amend or clarify the claims against Clark Construction.

Currently, the court has tentatively scheduled a settlement conference for September 24 and a bench trial for November 6, 2024. These dates may change as attorneys prepare documentation and expert testimony.

**Project Delays and Damages**

Core Mechanical’s original allegations state that a reassignment of work and operating “in a piecemeal fashion” led to an additional 12,885 man-hours, with most damages estimated just over $2 million. Other claimed damages include:

– $358,562.48 for costs related to extended project delays
– $182,464.96 for added project management expenses
– $122,936.15 for installing variable frequency drives for electrical lighting
– Approximately $8,000 and $8,600 for added boiler room design changes and investigative tasks

The heating and cooling service provider also alleges that AAPS terminated their contract a year and a half into the project.

Both Clark Construction and AAPS have denied the allegations as unfounded. AAPS officials and representatives declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2026/01/contractor-must-narrow-claims-or-add-3rd-defendant-in-ann-arbor-school-construction-dispute-judge-says.html

Metra trains to run on reduced schedules Friday due to dangerously cold temperatures

All Metra trains will be operating on reduced schedules this Friday due to the bitter cold temperatures expected in the forecast.

Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly and check for any updates before heading to the station. Safety remains a top priority during extreme weather conditions.
https://wgntv.com/news/traffic/metra-trains-reduced-schedules-cold-weather/

Having waited and learned, Collin Gillespie making most of time with Suns

**Collin Gillespie: A Journey of Patience, Perseverance, and Progress**

PHILADELPHIA — Collin Gillespie knows what it takes to wait for the right opportunity. He knew it back in high school, entering his senior year at Archbishop Wood virtually unheralded in the Catholic League, with offers mainly from Albany, Maine, and Holy Family. He knew it as a freshman at Villanova, watching from the sidelines for six weeks during December and January before returning to a team that went on to win the national championship in 2018. And he knew it as an NBA rookie, patiently rehabbing a broken leg that delayed the start of his professional career.

So, as the 26-year-old prepared to play his first NBA game in Philadelphia — more than three-and-a-half years after going undrafted in 2022 — the Huntingdon Valley native was comfortable with the path he’d taken and the places it had led him.

“I’ve learned a lot about the NBA game since being here with Denver,” Gillespie said from the Phoenix Suns locker room ahead of a 116-110 win over the 76ers. “I’ve gotten valuable experience on the court as well. So I think it’s just experience, being able to learn while being off the floor, while being on the floor, just a little bit of everything, trying to continue to get better every day.”

### Making the Most of the Moment

Gillespie has made the most of all that waiting, and he’s now making the most of the minutes he’s earned. He is averaging 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists for the suddenly resurgent Suns. The 25th straight game he started against Philadelphia shows how solidly he has fit alongside the high-scoring Devin Booker.

In Tuesday’s game, Gillespie recorded 12 points on 3-for-6 shooting, along with four rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes. The night before, he scored 22 points in a win in Brooklyn as the Suns have gone 8-3 in January.

What’s impressive is how he’s translated flashes of potential — glimpsed during a 2023-24 campaign with Denver (where he traveled with the Nuggets for one game in Philly but did not play) and a 33-game stint last year — into sustained production, now averaging 28.1 minutes per night and looking every bit like an NBA regular.

### A Proven Winner at Every Level

Gillespie’s growth has never surprised those who have seen him adapt seamlessly as the level of competition has risen. During his Villanova career, he played 156 games and scored 1,858 points, averaging 15 or more points in the 2019-20 and 2021-22 seasons. In his senior year, he shot an impressive 41.5 percent from beyond the arc.

Despite his college success, Gillespie went undrafted, leading him to the two-way contract route. He signed with the Denver Nuggets, but shortly after Summer League, he fractured his lower left leg during a workout at Villanova, ending his rookie season before it even began. The Nuggets went on to win the NBA title that year without him on the floor.

Instead, Gillespie learned by watching — just as he did in college when sidelined early on a championship team. “I think I learned a lot about the NBA game, the pace, the details, tendencies of certain guys,” he said. “There’s a lot that you could learn about the game, about yourself, about teammates, other teams, especially when you’re just sitting watching. I did it when I was in college when I got hurt, so I kind of have that experience of being able to do that.”

### Mental Fortitude and Competitiveness

While there have been questions about his size (6-foot-1), quickness, and defense, Gillespie’s makeup has never been in doubt. Kyle Lowry, the 76ers guard and Villanova alumnus, calls him a “winner.” Suns coach Jordan Ott echoes that sentiment, praising his “ultracompetitive” nature, his history of winning at every level, and his fearlessness.

Gillespie maximized his time on the Denver bench, then made the most of limited minutes with the Nuggets. Transitioning to the Suns as a two-way player, then a rotation member, and now a key piece of a playoff-contending team, he’s steadily grown.

Last season with the Nuggets, he averaged 3.6 points in 9.4 minutes across 24 games. With the Suns, he improved to 5.9 points in 14.0 minutes over 33 games—including nine starts—while posting 20 points per game in G League action. This year, Gillespie has been with the Suns full-time, contributing significantly to a team many thought to be rebuilding.

### Versatility & Skill Set

“I always go back to his ability to shoot off the dribble, which I think is an elite skill of his and something that’s needed in today’s game with so many pick-and-rolls and so many drives,” Coach Ott said. “He’s able to defend his position for his size. You cannot target him. He became super competitive to take those challenges, and now he just got the opportunity.”

Gillespie is proving that last year’s statistics were not just opportunism on a sub-.500 team. He posted 20.8 points per 100 possessions last year, and this season, with more talent around him demanding the ball, he’s up to 23.2 points per 100 possessions. His assists per 100 possessions remain steady at 8.4.

Defensively, Gillespie ranks eighth in the league with 1.4 steals per 48 minutes played, just behind the 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, who leads the league at 2.1 steals per game.

### Embracing the Professional Mindset

Gillespie credits his rapid improvement to his time at Villanova, where the team treated basketball “like it was our job in college, and now it is our job.” Many of his former Wildcats teammates now excelling in the NBA would vouch for that mentality.

Now fully adapting to the challenges presented in the NBA, Gillespie is flourishing.

“I think I know my role,” he said. “I play with really good players. I play with Book, and he has so much gravity on the floor. Jalen (Green) has an immense amount of gravity on the floor, able to put a ton of pressure on the rim. So just being able to play off those guys, I feel like I’m pretty good in terms of being able to find my role, whether I need to go out there and score, whether I need to go out there and find guys, get rebounds, kind of run the offense, or just contribute to winning in any way possible.”

Collin Gillespie’s journey has been a testament to patience, resilience, and hard work — qualities that continue to define his rising NBA career.
https://www.mcall.com/2026/01/21/having-waited-and-learned-collin-gillespie-making-most-of-time-with-suns/

John Legend sets date for intimate Virginia Beach show featuring life stories

The sweet singing sensation, 13-time Grammy winner, and contender for the most famous baritone in the world—the one and only John Legend—is coming to Virginia Beach!

Legend will take the stage at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts on April 9, where he plans to belt out fan favorites and share stories from his life.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday and can be purchased at the theater’s box office or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Current and new members of the Sandler Center Cyber Club will receive an exclusive code to access presale tickets. The presale runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.

John Legend is a proud member of the prestigious EGOT club, having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. He has also been a coach on NBC’s reality competition TV show *The Voice*.

Fans can expect to hear hits such as his 2013 chart-topper “All of Me,” which spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Ordinary People,” which remained on the chart for 20 weeks in 2005.

For more details, visit [sandlercenter.org](https://sandlercenter.org).
https://www.dailypress.com/2026/01/20/john-legend-sets-date-for-intimate-virginia-beach-show-featuring-life-stories/

Arapahoe County mulls proposal that would safeguard current affordable housing

**Arapahoe County Explores Preserving Affordable Housing at Reserve at South Creek**

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. — As Denver7 continues its coverage of solutions to Colorado’s affordable housing needs, efforts extend beyond new construction and groundbreaking ceremonies. Preservation of existing affordable homes is emerging as a critical part of addressing the housing challenge.

“Preservation must continue to be a part of solving the affordability challenge,” said Perica Bell, Managing Director and Head of Preservation at April Housing.

Based in Los Angeles, April Housing manages one of the nation’s largest low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) portfolios. The organization hopes to partner with Arapahoe County to take over the Reserve at South Creek apartment complex—located near S. Jordan Road, E. Broncos Parkway, and Dove Parkway—which currently offers dozens of affordable housing units. The goal: preserve these existing affordable units and expand affordability within the community.

“Demand continues to outpace the production of new housing,” Bell explained. “So continuing to build new housing alone, without concerted efforts to preserve existing quality, affordable housing, will continue to result in a net loss.”

The current proposal aims to preserve 69 affordable units within the complex and convert the other 99 market-rate units into affordable housing. All units would be rented at rates affordable to households earning 60% or less of the area median income.

Elizabeth Loomis, Division Manager of Community Development, Housing, and Homeless Services at Arapahoe County, emphasized the importance of community stability. “We want to ensure that our families are staying rooted within their communities, so their children can continue their education in their pre-existing school districts, and we continue assisting individuals with employment,” she said.

If approved by the Arapahoe County Housing Authority at its meeting next week, the county would hold a 1% interest stake in the development.

Bell outlined the next steps in the process: “It’s really a step-by-step process. The second portion is going to the State to apply for tax credits and bonds. That process dictates the timeline—it could be as soon as the end of the year or it might take a bit longer.”

Arapahoe County recently surveyed thousands of residents to identify community priorities, with housing emerging as a key concern—31% of respondents listed it as a priority.

A significant part of the proposal involves April Housing overseeing renovations and safety improvements for the units. Bell described the process known as “re-syndication,” in which existing tax credit properties secure additional tax credits and financing.

“This allows us to make substantial renovations and improvements to residents’ homes,” Bell said. “Residents receive refreshed and renewed homes, often with updated amenities, along with the assurance of longer-term affordability.”

The Arapahoe County Housing Authority is scheduled to meet on January 27 to discuss the preservation plan for the Reserve at South Creek. This potential partnership marks a promising step toward stabilizing and expanding affordable housing options within the county.
https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/arapahoe-county-mulls-proposal-that-would-safeguard-current-affordable-housing

Council denies request to de-annex Berlin Road properties from Lebanon

**Lebanon City Council Denies Request for Property De-Annexation Along Berlin Road**

During the regular meeting on Wednesday, January 14, Lebanon City Council members denied a request from property owners seeking to de-annex from the city. The request involved three property owners, located near each other along Berlin Road, who met with city officials last month to discuss withdrawing their properties from the city limits.

Development Services Director Shana Olson reported that the property owners — Edward Goering (32756 Berlin Road), Richard Poland (32777 Berlin Road), and Gary Cummings (32783 Berlin Road) — cited limited access to city utilities and infrastructure, public safety concerns including homeless encampments, trespassing, thefts, and the desire to reduce property tax obligations as reasons for their request. It should be noted that Cummings later withdrew his de-annexation request.

Although city water and sewer connections are available more than a mile north of these properties, the owners expressed no interest in connecting to these services, according to City Manager Ron Whitlatch.

Berlin Road falls under the jurisdiction of the Lebanon Police Department. Olson shared that the department responded to 66 calls in this area during the last six months and has recently intensified efforts to engage with encampments and address trespassing issues.

Further research revealed that Cummings’ and Poland’s properties were originally part of two parcels owned by the Nordstrands. In 2001, the Nordstrands annexed these parcels into the city and subsequently divided the larger lot into three smaller parcels. Linn County code does not permit such subdivision of these parcels. These subdivided properties were then sold.

Goering’s property was similarly formed through annexation and partition by Morse Brothers Construction and Ted Halstengard in the 1980s and 1990s.

“The properties that they’re currently living on right now that have been subdivided, they would not be living there without taking advantage of the city code,” Whitlatch stated. While the current property owners were not responsible for the original subdivision, the parcels were annexed into the city limits specifically to benefit from city codes — and now the owners want to reverse that.

After some discussion, no motion was made to approve the de-annexation request.

—

**Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities Master Plan Presented**

Public Works Director Jason Williams presented an updated Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities Master Plan, outlining a long-term strategy to address regulatory compliance, aging infrastructure, capacity limitations, and future growth projections.

Williams described the plan as containing “a long list” of phased projects extending through 2045. He noted, “Over the course of this document, 2025 through 2045, the total cost of projects listed here are $95,550,29 [sic].”

The wastewater treatment plant, originally built in 1954 and upgraded in 1976, has undergone several improvements over the years. “Since then we’ve gone through everything we can to keep it functioning and meeting regulation,” Williams added.

The master plan phases are as follows:

– **Phase One:** Improvements to solids stream treatment
– **Phase Two:** Enhancements to liquids stream treatment
– **Phase Three:** Final upgrades to liquids stream and supporting infrastructure improvements

The plan includes an evaluation of current facility conditions, projections of wastewater flow demands through 2045, identification of deficiencies, and consideration of anticipated legal and regulatory changes.

City Council will review the master plan again and vote on its adoption during the March meeting.

The full master plan document is available to view online.

—

**In Other Business**

[Content for other business items, if applicable, can be inserted here.]
https://www.sweethomenews.com/council-denies-request-to-de-annex-berlin-road-properties-from-lebanon/

Pen in Hand: The winter travelers that come and go

When the days get shorter and the nights start to grow cold, some birds take to the wing and disappear, flowing south in an aerial river that is unseen by the human world.

This same mysterious current of birds swirls through the skies, embarking on a journey driven by instinct and the changing seasons.
https://www.tehachapinews.com/lifestyle/pen-in-hand-the-winter-travelers-that-come-and-go/article_55287192-76ff-469d-8de0-ec050fd69d79.html

It’s A New Year, And At Least So Far, A New Stock Market

As an aside, the 10-year Treasury yield jumped late Friday, January 16th, closing above the 4.20% yield level for the first time in several months.

There was no specific news explaining why the yield surged like that. However, the equity markets reacted accordingly.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4860982-its-new-year-at-least-so-far-new-stock-market?source=feed_all_articles

Good idea? Bad idea? How Utahns are feeling about holding back third graders struggling with reading

**Utah Governor Spencer Cox Advocates for Tougher Third Grade Reading Standards and Grade Retention Policy**

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has raised concerns over nearly half of the state’s third graders reading below minimum proficiency levels. He emphasizes the urgent need for action to improve child literacy across Utah’s schools.

### Increased Resources for Early Literacy

Governor Cox is proposing an allocation of tens of millions of dollars in the state budget to hire paraprofessionals who will provide additional reading support for early elementary students. He believes that boosting resources in K-12 education is a crucial first step toward improving literacy outcomes.

### Proposal for Third Grade Retention Policy

Beyond increasing funding, Cox advocates for a more controversial measure: implementing a retention policy that requires students who do not pass a reading comprehension test to repeat the third grade.

Acknowledging the divisiveness of such a policy, Cox stressed the long-term benefits it could have for struggling children. Speaking at a recent literacy symposium, he said, “I think there’s a way we can do it that treats kids and families with dignity and respect and makes it easy for them, but we need that pressure. It’s not that we want to hold kids back, it’s that we want them reading at third grade level so we don’t have to hold them back.”

### Legislative Support and Public Opinion

Legislative leaders have voiced their support for Cox’s proposal during recent editorial board meetings with the *Deseret News*, signaling potential bipartisan backing.

Currently, grade retention in Utah is rare and typically occurs only in extreme cases or upon parent request. A statewide, mandated retention policy would mark a significant shift from existing practices.

A recent *Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics* poll reflects public opinion on this matter, surveying 799 registered Utah voters about retention standards and the proposed policy:

– **38%** believe current retention standards should be more strict
– **34%** say the standards are about right
– **8%** want less strict standards
– **19%** are uncertain

Among parents surveyed:

– **37%** want stricter retention standards
– **37%** think they are about right
– **10%** prefer less strict standards

Political affiliation displayed only slight differences in opinion:

– **41%** of Republicans favor stricter standards, while **36%** think they are appropriate
– **37%** of Democrats want stricter standards, **30%** say they are about right, and **11%** want less strict standards

### Broad Support for ‘Repeat Third Grade’ Policy

The poll also shows a majority of Utahns support the proposed policy that would require third graders who fail a state reading test to repeat the grade:

– **67%** support the policy (with **24%** strongly supporting it and **43%** somewhat supporting it)
– **24%** oppose the policy (**17%** somewhat oppose and **7%** strongly oppose)

Among parents:

– **59%** support the policy (**19%** strongly)
– Nearly one-third oppose it (with **8%** strongly opposed)

By party affiliation:

– **73%** of Republicans support the policy
– **66%** of Democrats support the policy

### Views on Technology in the Classroom

The poll also explored opinions on the role of technology in education:

– **60%** of respondents see technology as both helpful and harmful
– **29%** believe technology is mostly helpful
– Only **7%** think technology in classrooms is mostly harmful

Parents’ views are similar, with:

– **61%** considering classroom technology both helpful and harmful
– **26%** mostly helpful
– **9%** mostly harmful

### Upcoming Legislative Focus on Educational Technology

The 2026 Utah Legislature is expected to focus heavily on classroom technology. Republican lawmakers plan to propose two key bills:

– **Software Accountability for Education (SAFE) Act:** Would establish approval standards for educational software, ensuring vendors meet child safety requirements.
– **Balance Act:** Aims to set statewide limits on screen time in schools, especially in early grades, and establish rules for the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms.

Additionally, legislators are preparing to consider a bill enforcing a “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban in Utah’s public K-12 schools. Currently, students are required to keep their cellphones pocketed during class time.

—

Governor Cox’s push for strengthening reading proficiency standards signals Utah’s commitment to improving early education outcomes, while upcoming legislative efforts indicate an increased focus on balancing technology’s role in classrooms. As debates continue, parents and educators across the state will be closely watching how these policies take shape.
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2026/01/19/new-poll-shows-how-utahns-feel-about-third-grade-retention-plan/