STM Blog
USDOT selects The Ray as Capacity Builder for 15 communities in launch of national Thriving Communities Program
The Ray partners with USDOT to boost transportation projects in 15 communities in the Thriving Communities Program with $5.1M in technical assistance.
Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Daily News Staff
ATLANTA, Ga. – May 10, 2023 – The Ray announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $5.1 million to The Ray and partners Arcadis, InfraStrategies, and Beverly Scott Associates to support 15 communities as a Networked Communities capacity builder within the USDOT’s Thriving Communities Program. The 15 communities matched with The Ray are located near ports, airports, freight, and rail facilities. Community infrastructure needs and priorities will drive The Ray’s capacity building strategy and focus on mobility, access, housing, economic issues, workforce development, and environmental justice.
The Thriving Communities Program provides two years of no-cost, intensive technical assistance to under-resourced or disadvantaged communities to help identify, develop, and deliver transportation projects that can both strengthen and transform their community. The technical assistance and capacity building approach includes support for all stages of projects, from planning and permitting to procurement and contract administration, through construction, operation and maintenance.
“My father, Ray C. Anderson, helped to green the White House and chaired a sustainability committee under two Presidents,” said Harriet Langford, founder of The Ray. “Yet again, through The Ray’s partnership with Thriving Communities, his commitment to net-zero, his belief in technology for good, and his influence through proving – then scaling fast – will be shared across the country with communities that need it most today.”
About the Thriving Communities Program
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act provides historic, unprecedented federal investment in transportation and infrastructure. Before now, local communities have not been traditional partners to the federal government and have not had the opportunity to receive direct federal funding. The Thriving Communities Program recognizes that these communities are at a disadvantage when competing for federal funds. The Program is designed to bridge the resources gap by pairing these communities with organizations that offer a variety of capacity building services, intended to give communities the ability to compete for and leverage these funds to build and sustain their own infrastructure development.
“The approach of the Thriving Communities Program centers on equity, community leadership, and workforce development to build and embed long-lasting, community-driven infrastructure solutions,” said Laura Rogers, Deputy Director of The Ray.
The capacity builder team led by The Ray will work on the front lines with the 15 Networked Communities to ensure they are in a position to compete for and benefit from federal resources, creating transformational opportunities to plan and implement impactful infrastructure projects. The Ray’s proven record of success working with local, state, and regional government agencies, coupled with wide ranging relationships with industry through public-private-philanthropic partnerships (P4), will be leveraged to lead this capacity building approach. The capacity builder team is entirely woman-led and understands the importance of building wealth, empowering communities, and providing equitable access to support people and communities so they can thrive. The team will support these communities by providing:
- Technology transfer
- Connections to private sector technologists and experts
- Connections to peer transportation agencies
- Advanced planning tools and software
- Technical assistance
- Procurement assistance
- Project organization and facilitation
- Policy analysis
- Public awareness and promotion
- Financial evaluation, planning, & strategy
Networked Communities
Networked Communities are special places where families can grow, businesses can thrive, and underserved, overburdened, and disadvantaged communities can flourish if provided the opportunity. Many of the communities that were chosen for the Program had previously applied for federal funding but were unsuccessful due to a lack of necessary resources to be competitive. The communities also come into the Program with varying levels of needs that range from advancing stalled feasibility studies to securing funds for the implementation of policy and infrastructure improvements. The Networked Communities are from urban, suburban, and rural communities that are located near significant transportation facilities and include:
- Montgomery, Alabama
- Wrangell, Alaska
- Saint Paul, Alaska
- Douglas, Arizona
- San Lois, Arizona
- Osceola Port Authority, Arkansas
- Doraville, Georgia
- Detroit, Michigan
- Chester Economic Development Authority, Pennsylvania
- Pottstown, Pennsylvania
- Charleston Area Transportation Study, South Carolina
- Brownsville, Texas
- Kearns Metro Township, Utah
- Nisqually Indian Tribe, Washington
- Upper Kanawha Valley Strategic Initiative Council, Washington
“The Ray, from its inception, has leveraged philanthropy through the P4 model – via technical assistance, powerful software and tools, and a stubborn commitment to project execution – to accelerate our mission to achieve net-zero transportation,” said Rogers. She continued, “The Thriving Communities Program is evocative of The Ray’s core model that we’ve fine-tuned over the last eight years, and now we have the privilege to work with USDOT in partnership through TCP to scale our impact even more broadly.”
Bringing Together Experienced Partners and Innovative Technologies
The Ray, Arcadis, InfraStrategies, and Beverly Scott and Associates are a team of world-class experts who are transforming transportation infrastructure by leading the way with some of the world’s boldest thinking, building projects that inspire confidence in new innovations, and showing that the technologies and path to achieve safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation already exist. Using their combined experience, the team will work with the USDOT to help plan, develop, and support the scaling of infrastructure improvement projects across the 15 communities selected as Networked Communities.
Source: The Ray
Related Links
https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/
Entertainment
Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny Wins 7 Emmys, Sets New Record
Executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z, the show becomes the most-awarded halftime production in Emmy history.
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show starring Bad Bunny took home seven Emmy Awards at the 78th Emmy Awards, making it the most-awarded Super Bowl halftime show in Emmy history, according to Roc Nation. The live spectacle—executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z—won across major production categories, underscoring how the halftime stage has evolved into a full-scale, awards-caliber live television event.
The record-setting wins included Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Music Direction, Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special, Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming, Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special, Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Special, and Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork for a Special. Roc Nation also noted the show set a global viewership record, pulling 4.157 billion views in 24 hours across global broadcast, YouTube, and social platforms.
Beyond the trophies and viewership numbers, the halftime show leaned into big-name star power with special guest performers Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, plus additional appearances from Karol G, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Young Miko, and others. The sweep signals not just a win for the artists on stage, but for the behind-the-scenes creative teams turning the halftime show into one of the most technically ambitious live productions on television.
What to watch for: With Emmy recognition now firmly in the conversation, expect future halftime shows to push even harder on cinematic staging, choreography, and broadcast innovation—because the bar (and the awards) just got higher.
Source: Roc Nation (PRNewswire), Sept. 6, 2026
Link to original press release: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-apple-music-super-bowl-lx-halftime-starring-bad-bunny–executive-produced-by-roc-nation–jay-z-wins-seven-emmys-302870842.html
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Last Updated on September 17, 2026 by Daily News Staff
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Paramount’s century-long connection to Hollywood could be facing one of its biggest challenges yet, as the entertainment giant reportedly prepares for the possibility of moving major operations out of California amid an escalating legal battle over its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Paramount has informed the offices of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Attorney General Rob Bonta that it is prepared to formally announce plans to leave California, according to reporting Wednesday from TheWrap. Paramount has not formally announced a relocation, and a company spokesperson declined to comment to the publication.
The potential move centers on Paramount Skydance’s proposed approximately $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal being challenged on antitrust grounds by California and a coalition of 11 other states, along with a separate challenge from the Writers Guild of America. California Attorney General Rob Bonta argues that combining the two entertainment companies could reduce competition, potentially leading to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.
A court agreement currently prevents Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery from completing the merger until June 1, 2027, or until after a court decision on the states’ claims, whichever comes first. The antitrust case is scheduled for trial in March 2027.
Paramount’s Hollywood Future
At the center of the controversy is Paramount’s historic studio complex at 5555 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, one of the entertainment industry’s most recognizable properties.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Paramount CEO David Ellison has told associates that he would prefer to remain in Los Angeles. However, Paramount’s board has reportedly approved a contingency plan that could move the company’s headquarters out of Hollywood, and Ellison has indicated that the company is prepared to sell its historic studio properties and relocate operations if the merger remains stalled.
Tennessee, Texas and Georgia have emerged in reports as potential destinations should Paramount ultimately decide to relocate.
The financial pressure is significant. Beginning October 1, Paramount faces a roughly $7 million-per-day additional payment obligation tied to delays in completing the Warner Bros. Discovery transaction. Paramount has asked the federal court to require the states and the Writers Guild of America to post a $1.88 billion bond to cover potential costs associated with the delay.
What’s at Stake for Los Angeles?
A Paramount departure could extend far beyond the loss of a famous Hollywood address.
An economic analysis cited by TheWrap estimates that a large-scale Paramount departure could put as many as 57,980 full-time jobs, $21.2 billion in annual economic output and approximately $1.17 billion in state and local tax revenue at risk. Those figures represent an economic-impact scenario rather than a prediction that all of those losses would necessarily occur.
There are competing concerns about the merger itself. Los Angeles County analysis has estimated that completing the Paramount-Warner Bros. combination could also eliminate thousands of entertainment and related jobs because of consolidation. Opponents of the merger, including entertainment unions, have raised concerns about reduced competition and employment, while supporters argue that reaching a settlement could help prevent Paramount from moving operations out of California.
Mayor Bass has said she remains focused on protecting Los Angeles entertainment jobs and keeping Hollywood’s entertainment industry centered in the city. Bonta’s office, meanwhile, has maintained that California will continue enforcing its antitrust laws while remaining open to good-faith discussions. There is still an opportunity for the dispute to be resolved before Paramount makes a final decision about its California operations. Paramount Skydance and representatives for California Attorney General Rob Bonta are scheduled to participate in court-ordered settlement talks on October 14 and 15. The discussions could potentially resolve the antitrust dispute and clear a path for Paramount’s proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. For now, Paramount has made no official announcement that it is leaving California. The company declined to comment on reports Wednesday that it was preparing to announce a departure. That leaves the future of Paramount’s Hollywood operations — including its historic Melrose Avenue studio — uncertain as the legal and financial pressure surrounding the merger continues to build. Settlement Talks Scheduled
For now, the gates at Paramount remain firmly planted on Melrose Avenue.
Settlement Talks Scheduled
There is still an opportunity for the dispute to be resolved before Paramount makes a final decision about its California operations.
Paramount Skydance and representatives for California Attorney General Rob Bonta are scheduled to participate in court-ordered settlement talks on October 14 and 15. The discussions could potentially resolve the antitrust dispute and clear a path for Paramount’s proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.
For now, Paramount has made no official announcement that it is leaving California. The company declined to comment on reports Wednesday that it was preparing to announce a departure.
That leaves the future of Paramount’s Hollywood operations — including its historic Melrose Avenue studio — uncertain as the legal and financial pressure surrounding the merger continues to build.uilding around the Warner Bros. Discovery deal, the question of whether one of Hollywood’s most historic studios will continue calling California home has moved from speculation to a potentially consequential decision for Los Angeles and its entertainment industry.
STM Daily News will continue monitoring the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery dispute and what it could mean for Hollywood, entertainment workers and the future of film and television production in California.
Source and Related Reading
- California Attorney General — Agreement Halting Paramount/Warner Bros. Merger — Primary source explaining the states’ antitrust challenge and agreement delaying completion of the merger.
- Los Angeles Times — Paramount and Bonta Ordered Into Settlement Talks — Reports the October 14–15 settlement meetings and current state of the dispute.
- Los Angeles Times — Paramount’s Possible Hollywood Exit — Detailed reporting on the relocation contingency, potential destinations and implications for Los Angeles.
- Reuters — DOJ Backs Bond Demand in Paramount-Warner Fight — Covers the $1.88 billion bond dispute, $7 million daily fee and March trial.
- TheWrap — Paramount Preps California Exit — Reports the latest developments surrounding Paramount’s potential departure.
Community
Veggies for Veterans Distributes 600 Produce Bags at Phoenix VA
Volunteers distributed 600 bags of fresh produce in less than an hour during the latest Veggies for Veterans event at the Phoenix VA Medical Center. Santander participated for the first time, while Peddler’s Son donated watermelons.
Last Updated on September 17, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Santander made its first appearance alongside volunteers and partners supporting the fresh-food distribution.
PHOENIX — Volunteers distributed 600 bags of fresh fruits and vegetables to veterans in less than an hour during the September 10 Veggies for Veterans event at the Phoenix VA Medical Center.
Hosted by Diana Gregory Outreach Services, the event brought volunteers together in an assembly line to pack grocery bags and distribute them to waiting veterans. Participating volunteer groups and partners included SRP, State Farm, Fry’s, Legacy and Santander. This marked Santander’s first appearance at a Veggies for Veterans event.
“It’s been almost a decade since we’ve been doing Veggies for Veterans,” Diana Gregory said. “We want to thank all the volunteers, our partners and everyone who makes this possible.”
Veterans received an additional seasonal treat during the distribution. Peddler’s Son donated watermelons for the event, providing a bonus item alongside the bags of produce.
Dr. Isabel Kozak, a partner in the outreach effort, said the fresh food can be especially meaningful for veterans managing chronic health conditions.
“We distributed 600 bags to veterans today, and I heard many, many heartfelt thank-yous,” Dr. Kozak said. “We have veterans who have hypertension and diabetes, and I think it’s really important that we provide this very nutritious food.”
The strong early turnout kept volunteers busy as veterans moved through the indoor distribution area and the outdoor setup near the medical center’s main entrance. Gregory praised the teamwork that allowed all 600 bags to be handed out in under an hour.
Diana Gregory Outreach Services plans to hold two more community events before the end of 2026. One will be another Veggies for Veterans distribution in November, featuring more fresh fruits and vegetables.
The organization’s continuing work supports its broader mission of uplifting veterans and seniors throughout the Phoenix community.
To learn more about Veggies for Veterans, upcoming community events, volunteer opportunities or ways to support Diana Gregory Outreach Services, visit DianaGregory.com.
Reporting and video production by STM Daily News and TNC Network, LLC.
