Latest news with #JohnCole
The Guardian
25-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Annabel Cole obituary
My mother, Annabel Cole, who has died aged 101, led a remarkably varied life as well as a very long one. It spanned a childhood in France, a spell in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during the second world war, protesting at Greenham Common, local politics, teaching and painting. She was descended from the Quaker Fry family, her maternal grandfather being the Bloomsbury art critic Roger Fry. Her mother, Pamela Fry, fell in love with a Romanian Jew, Avram Diamand, at art school in Paris, and Annabel was born in their studio there. The family moved to Britain in 1932, as the whisperings of impending fascism became louder. She attended a range of schools, including Maldon grammar school and Chelmsford high school in Essex, and the progressive boarding school Frensham Heights in Surrey, before evacuating with most of her family to Canada early in the second world war. Annabel spent several years working on farms in Canada before returning to England in 1943 to serve with the WAAF until after the end of the war. She had an eventful time in the WAAF that included helping to organise a successful rebellion against the substandard quarters her unit were ordered to move to. She married John Cole, a solicitor, in 1948 and had three children – me, Peter and Rachel – over the next six years. Fiercely intelligent, she became increasingly frustrated by her role as mother and housewife, and once the children were at school she was able to expand her horizons. Attending St Osyth's teacher training college in Clacton during the 1960s gave her the intellectual stimulation she had been missing; afterwards she taught in several primary schools in the Essex area, the last one of which involved helping visually impaired children. Annabel's retirement in the mid-1970s began another chapter in her life, and perhaps the most colourful. She had been an active opponent of nuclear weapons for many years and became secretary of Colchester CND. A frequent visitor to Greenham Common, she was arrested on one occasion (though spared a prison sentence) for cutting through the barbed wire perimeter fence. She remained politically involved well into her 90s and a distinctive (though tiny) figure on the streets of Lewes in East Sussex, where she lived for much of her retirement. She moved into a care home only at the age of 99, and even then very much on her own terms. John died in 1991. She is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
After closure of two hospitals in Delco, officials rally to keep private equity out of health care
Located outside of Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pa., which recently closed (Capital-Star photo by John Cole) Nearly two weeks after Crozer-Chester Medical Center officially closed its doors, Gov. Josh Shapiro and state lawmakers in Delaware County gathered outside the building to rally support for legislation they believe would help prevent other hospitals from closing across Pennsylvania in the future. 'We are here today because Crozer was a critically important health care system right here in Delaware County, a health care system that has been forced to close its doors and stop serving its patients because of the greed and mismanagement of a private equity firm,' Shapiro said Thursday. Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital are both owned by Prospect Medical Holdings, a California for-profit healthcare company. Both closed their doors in the past month, leaving the fifth most populous county in Pennsylvania with just two hospitals, as the private equity firm filed for bankruptcy. 'I am done letting private equity wreak havoc on our health care system, wreak havoc on our communities, treating our hospitals like a piggy bank that they can drain and then smash on the floor. Those days are over,' Shapiro said. 'The time for action is right now. It is long past time to stand up for our local hospitals and nursing facilities and put in place real safeguards against private equity and for our community.' Peggy Malone, who's president of the Crozer-Chester Nurses Association, described what Prospect did as 'immoral, devastating' but 'legal,' due to current state laws. She noted previously closed Springfield Hospital and Delaware County Memorial Hospital over the past few years as additional examples from Prospect. 'I knew the health system before Prospect Medical came into our lives and created our nightmares. I can tell you, because I was here,' said Malone. 'We let the wolf in the door here in Delaware County, and we can never, ever do that again. The wolf, an out of state private equity-funded company came in and ruthlessly, without hesitation, without shade, ate us all up.' Dr. Max Cooper, who was an ER doctor at Crozer until its recent closing, said that one day after the hospital closed, a male victim was shot in the chest by a gun one block away. Since the hospital was closed, the man died during the 30-minute trip to Lankenau Medical Center in neighboring Montgomery County. Shapiro and lawmakers in Delaware County's delegation on hand for Thursday's press conference say they believe House Bill 1460 and Senate Bill 322, dubbed the Health System Protection Act, would help prevent closures like Crozer from happening in the future. The proposal would stop lease back arrangements, where private equity firms force hospitals to sell off the land the facilities are built on, to then rent back those spaces at what Shapiro called, 'ridiculously high prices.' The legislation would also empower the state Attorney General's Office to review and, if necessary, block or place conditions on sales involving healthcare institutions to for-profit entities, like Prospect. Attorney General Dave Sunday's office told the Capital-Star that they are currently reviewing drafts of this legislation and 'look forward to a robust negotiation process.' 'Attorney General Sunday is a staunch advocate for Pennsylvanians in every part of the Commonwealth to have access to affordable health care,' his office said in a statement. 'This is a stance he will not relent from, and this office will be engaged in any and all matters in which we have authority to promote healthy communities.' Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Delaware), who sponsored the measure, said this is the third legislative session that they have tried to address the issue. It passed the House in a previous session, but it did not make it through both legislative chambers. In recent months, he says he believes the tone of the conversation has recently changed. 'Both parties are now taking it more seriously than ever before,' Kearney said. The proposal in the House is slated to receive a vote in the first week in June. Rep. Lisa Borowski (D-Delaware), who sponsors House legislation calling for reforms, highlighted her personal connection to the recently-shuttered hospital. In addition to working in healthcare for 30 years and being the daughter of a physician and a nurse, she noted that she gave birth to her first son at Crozer Health. As a result of the closure, Borowski pointed out that 2,651 people are now out of a job and hospitals, like Riddle Hospital, six miles away, are being overwhelmed with the excess of people who were previously being treated at the two former facilities owned by Prospect. The state Department of Labor and Industry has been working to connect the workers who lost their jobs in the hospital with employment resources, holding a job fair at Subaru Park earlier this week. The state is also putting forward $1 million to ensure that EMS services remain available in the county following the closures of those hospitals. The Capital-Star is seeking comment from Prospect. While similar legislation to help prevent hospital closures was introduced in previous sessions, there is a difference this time around. Unlike last year, the current bill does not include oversight of nonprofits hospitals by the attorney general's office. Kearney said he would prefer that both hospitals owned by private equity firms and non-profits were included. But, he recognized that the proposal didn't get across the finish line in the previous session with that language and is hoping to get the bill to a point where enough lawmakers vote in support of the reforms. 'There are, as you can imagine, a lot of fairly powerful interests that are at work here, including the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), who opposed the bill last year,' Kearney said. However, Kearney said they've been working 'very hard to get to a point where we can get them to neutral,' on this proposal. Shapiro also echoed a similar tone, noting that the General Assembly is divided between Democrats and Republicans. He would prefer to have a more broad version of the measure, but recognizes compromise may be needed. 'I want to have a strong bill, a bill that protects communities from the kind of profit seeking motives that we saw here in Delaware County, but I'm never going to let perfect be the enemy of possible,' Shapiro said. Shapiro and other lawmakers talked at-length about wanting to hold Prospect 'accountable' for closing multiple hospitals. 'We know who did this. Prospect did this, plain and simple, and they didn't have to do this,' Shapiro said. 'They stripped so much money out of this health system that they can no longer even make payroll to great nurses and doctors and medical staff and others who poured their heart and soul into this hospital.' 'But the thing is that money didn't just vanish into thin air, that money that they sucked out of this institution is lining the pockets of those executives at Prospect,' he added. 'Their ill-gotten gains deserve greater scrutiny.' Over the last seven months, Shapiro said that the state put up than $15 million to try and keep the hospital open. The Attorney General's Office is fighting Prospect in bankruptcy court. State Rep. Leanne Krueger (D-Delaware) asked them 'to do everything they can, to claw back the money that we have invested into this system and to hopefully open a criminal investigation, so these guys are truly held accountable.' When asked if he believes criminal charges should be filed against Prospect, Shapiro said that it's a question for the attorney general's office. A spokesman for Sunday did not respond to a question about a criminal investigation. Following the closing of Crozer, there are 13 hospitals in Pennsylvania that are still owned by private equity firms, according to the Private Equity Stakeholder Project (PESP). 'I'm concerned about the quality of care in those communities. I'm concerned about our rural hospitals, especially, that are teetering on the edge, those owned by private equity, and even some that aren't particularly with the Medicaid cuts that are being contemplated in Washington,' Shapiro told reporters. 'So, I'm very very worried about that.' Shapiro said that legislation couldn't go back and undo a transaction that legally took place, so the private equity firms would still own those hospitals, if those proposals were enacted into law. However, he said it remains to be seen whether or not the attorney general gets additional authority as part of this legislation to manage healthcare institutions that are currently owned by private equity. Shortly following the end of the press conference, a car attempted to pull into the hospital parking lot with what appeared to be a medical emergency involving a baby, who was seen by medical professionals on-site. Peggy Malone, president of the Crozer-Chester Nurses Association, told reporters following that incident it was an example of why the hospital needs to remain open. 'Not one child should ever die because those bastards closed our hospital,' Malone said, visibly upset. 'They never cared about the people in this community. But, we do, and this is why we've been fighting so hard and somebody has to open our ER now.' Malone said since their hospital isn't open, the baby would have to be treated at the closest hospital, about 30 minutes away. 'If that child had died today, the devastation that would have caused that entire family, it's unbearable, and this can't happen,' Malone said. 'It has to stop now, get our ER open, now.' 'There's no reason that that ER is closed. Get Prospect out of here. Hold them accountable, and open our ER now,' she said, which was followed by applause for others also standing by. Malone said there are units and floors that could be opened to treat these emergencies and said Prospect is in the way of that happening. 'Get us in there. We will take care of this, but there are units in there that can be restored,' Malone said. 'You could keep us up and going. It might be smaller. It might not look like this, but get us open,' she added. 'No baby should die.'
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Eldridge Real Estate Credit Secures Loan for 591-Bed Purpose-Built Student Scheme in Glasgow
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 29, 2025-- Eldridge Real Estate Credit today announced the provision of around £100m debt facilities to Vita Group for the development and construction of a 591-unit purpose-built student accommodation ('PBSA') scheme in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Eldridge Real Estate Credit is a leading investor in real estate credit opportunities throughout the US, UK, and Europe, including construction, bridge, and special situation opportunities across the capital structure. This project marks the team's ninth financing transaction with Vita Group, bringing its total support to nearly £1 billion (including current and redeemed facilities) across the delivery of nearly 7,000 student housing units. 'The UK has gained nearly half a million full-time students since 2012, and today there is only enough student housing for approximately 50% of them. This development, and our continued partnership with Vita, takes a meaningful step toward addressing the pressing need for high-quality student accommodation, and furthers our commitment to this rapidly growing marketplace,' said John Cole, Global Head of Real Estate Credit, Eldridge Capital Management. The scheme, located on India Street, is just northwest of Glasgow city centre with the University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University reachable within 30 minutes. Residents will also enjoy quick access to transport links including the Glasgow Central railway station and the Glasgow Subway, as well as entertainment found along Sauchiehall Street. 'With a location perfectly situated between leading universities, this project marks a continuation of our investment in Glasgow and aims to alleviate some of the pressures felt across the city as a result of Glasgow's growing population. We remain focused on creating vibrant living and learning communities for students that enable them to thrive during this exciting period in their life,' added Pete Shipley, Finance Director, Vita Group. The 18-storey development will feature 591 studio apartments, ranging from 18sqm to 29 sqm. Among the high-quality amenities included in the building are a fully equipped kitchens, a fitness centre, a cinema and game room, as well as dedicated study spaces and high-speed internet, ensuring a best-in-class living experience for residents. Vita Group's tailored services will also enhance the offering, providing a social events calendar, contents insurance, concierge services, career tools, and fortnightly room cleaning. Construction is expected to be completed in July 2027, with McAleer & Rushe serving as developer and contractor. About Eldridge Capital Management Eldridge Capital Management is a leading alternative investment firm with $72 billion in assets under management. The firm focuses on four investment strategies – diversified credit, GP solutions, real estate credit, and sports & entertainment. Headquartered in New York, Eldridge Capital Management has offices in Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Dallas, Greenwich, London, and Singapore. To learn more, please visit Eldridge Real Estate Credit is the brand name for the real estate credit team at Cain International ('Cain') that is being integrated into Eldridge Capital Management. Cain is a privately held investment firm focused on real estate and business opportunities that shape the fabric of global gateway cities. Cain is a partnership between its CEO, Jonathan Goldstein and Eldridge Industries. Cain currently manages over $17 billion in assets through its real estate equity, real estate credit, and private equity platforms. About Vita Vita Group is dedicated to creating environments where people can thrive. Founded in 2012, Vita began with a mission to reinvent student accommodation. Since then, it has become the most recommended student housing provider in the UK and Spain, evolving to deliver four unique living brands—Vita Student, Uhaus, Union and House of Social. The four brands span 28 locations in 13 cities and through these locations, Vita serves a diverse community of residents from over 100 countries. View source version on CONTACT: Media Carleton English,[email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED KINGDOM EUROPE INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY FINANCE OTHER EDUCATION BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES UNIVERSITY EDUCATION RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE SOURCE: Eldridge Real Estate Credit Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 04/29/2025 04:30 AM/DISC: 04/29/2025 04:29 AM
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Amish residents in Parke Co. help family after tornado hits their property
ROCKVILLE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Last Saturday morning, an EF1 tornado hit Parke County including the residence of John Cole and his family. The damages include the destruction of a more than 125-year-old barn, destruction of another building that also totaled the 2 vehicles, and some minor damage to their house. Cole said after this storm settled his family was approached by some local Amish residents they knew and offered to help. Vigo Co. to open Indiana's first championship disc golf course 'They voluntarily reached out to us after the tornado and said that they wanted to help get things cleaned up, so they have been over here cleaning up the yard and cutting down the trees,' said Cole. 'It has been really heartwarming.' Cole said they will never be able to thank them enough for being a source of light in these dark times. 'We are hoping that this never happens again in our lifetime, but to know that there are people in the community that just voluntarily step up and say that they want to help so that we don't have to go out asking people for help,' said Cole. 'People come to us and say we want to help you.' Cole said they're still waiting to receive estimates from their insurance about the costs of the damage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Edify to provide solar energy to power Rio Tinto's Gladstone operations
Edify Energy has agreed to provide solar power and battery storage capacity to energise Rio Tinto's Gladstone aluminium operations in Queensland, Australia. Both companies have signed two new solar and battery hybrid services agreements (HSAs), which are integral to repowering its Gladstone aluminium operations with lower carbon energy. Rio Tinto will acquire 90% of the electricity and battery storage capacity produced by Edify's Smoky Creek and Guthrie's Gap solar power stations for 20 years. Edify will be responsible for the construction, ownership and operation of the projects, with work set to commence in late 2025 and aiming for completion in 2028. Edify Energy chief executive John Cole stated: 'The Smoky Creek and Guthrie's Gap solar power stations deliver the latest in solar, battery and inverter technology to support Australia's power needs. 'This collaboration is an important commitment to supporting the sustainable future of Australia's industrial sector. We are proud to advance Rio Tinto's goals to repower its Gladstone operations and to play a role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.' The Smoky Creek and Guthrie's Gap solar power stations in Central Queensland will collectively have 600MWac [megawatts alternating current] of solar capacity and 600MW/2,400 megawatt hours (MWh) of battery storage. The HSAs will help Rio Tinto ensure a total of 2.7GW of future wind and solar energy in Queensland and the 2.2GW of renewable wind and solar power purchase agreements signed in 2024 for its Gladstone operations. The four contracted projects will supply 80% of Boyne smelter's annual electricity needs, reducing its scope 1 and 2 emissions [emissions from sources it owns or controls and emissions which are a consequence of its activities but occur from sources not owned or controlled by it] by 70%, or 5.6Mt of CO₂ equivalent annually. Rio Tinto's 90% stake in the Smoky Creek and Guthrie's Gap battery system capacity totals 2,160MWh, which will supply 30% of the firming needed to transition the Boyne smelter to renewable energy. It will store renewable energy for use during peak demand or when solar output is low, boosting the stability and resilience of Queensland's power network Rio Tinto's integrated aluminium production chain in Queensland is a key economic driver, employing 4,500 people and supporting thousands more jobs. The company's Gladstone operations provide 3,000 jobs, including 1,000 at the Boyne smelter. Rio Tinto's three production sites in the Gladstone region include the Boyne aluminium smelter, the Yarwun alumina refinery and the Queensland alumina refinery. Rio Tinto Australia chief executive Kellie Parker stated: 'For the first time, we have integrated crucial battery storage in our efforts to make the Boyne aluminium smelter globally cost-competitive, as traditional energy sources become more expensive. 'We continue to investigate further renewable energy investments to repower our Gladstone aluminium operations.' "Edify to provide solar energy to power Rio Tinto's Gladstone operations" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
