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Homeless Population Declines in Los Angeles for Second Straight Year

A key survey of homelessness in Los Angeles determined that the number of people sleeping without shelter fell again. More than 72,000 people remain homeless in Los Angeles County.

© Mark Abramson for The New York Times

Homelessness declined in Los Angeles for the second year in a row, according to a new survey.

Europe launches new €500 million flagship fund for Ukraine after Russian attacks

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and the Acting US Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery, Richard Verma.

Ukraine to receive record-breaking financial aid package from EU and partners for recovery, energy, air defense, and agriculture. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has announced multi-billion euro agreements reached during the Ukrine Recovery Conference in Rome.

On 10-11 July, Italy hosted the fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference. The event was dedicated to the country’s recovery and long-term reconstruction. brought together a broad and high-level international delegation of over 6,000 to 8,000 participants from around 70 countries and 100 government delegations.

Among them is the creation of a new European Flagship Fund worth €500 million, set to launch in 2026 with a focus on energy and infrastructure investment.

In addition, under the Ukraine Facility, agreements have been signed for:

  • €1.8 billion in loan guarantees,
  • €580 million in grants,
  • and blended financing mechanisms.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, commenting on the deal, stated that the EU aims to unlock up to €10 billion in investments to “rebuild destroyed homes, reopen hospitals, support businesses, and ensure energy security.”

Switzerland has committed €5 billion for economic recovery efforts.

The European Investment Bank is providing Ukraine with:

  • €134 million for transport infrastructure,
  • and a €200 million loan to Ukrhydroenergo (with the first €120 million tranche) to help restore hydropower plants.

Separately, the UK is offering a $2.3 billion loan for Ukraine’s air defense needs. The funds will be used to procure weapons and defense materials from the UK. The loan has a 19-year term with a 6-year grace period.

Ukrainian farmers will also receive €50 million in grant aid.

Shmyhal added, “We’ve reached an agreement with the Council of Europe Development Bank to fund €100 million in housing certificates under the eRecovery program, and an additional €200 million loan to support internally displaced persons.”

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Why Are Protesters in Mexico City Angry at Remote Workers?

Top concerns include the displacement of longtime residents as rents and food prices surge. Ire over the influx of well-heeled foreigners has been building for years.

© Carl De Souza/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

A protester lighting an aerosol can during a march against gentrification in Mexico City on Friday.

With CEQA Scaled Back, California Hopes for a Housing Boom

After scaling back a landmark environmental law, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state leaders are hoping for a construction boom.

© Jason Henry for The New York Times

Housing experts said that higher-density buildings like apartment complexes could get faster approvals after California rolled back its environmental law.

California Rolls Back Its Landmark Environmental Law

Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers scaled back a law that was vilified for its role in California’s housing shortage and homelessness crisis.

© John G Mabanglo/EPA, via Shutterstock

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California on Monday signed two bills to scale back environmental restrictions as the state faces a severe housing shortage.
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