Core Points - The United Nations has added nearly 70 companies to a blacklist for their involvement in activities that violate Palestinian human rights through business ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank [1][3] - The updated list now includes a total of 158 companies, primarily Israeli, but also from the United States, Canada, China, Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg [3] - The blacklist aims to name and shame businesses linked to the settlements, which are considered illegal under international law [2][6] Company Involvement - New companies added to the blacklist include Heidelberg Materials (Germany), Steconfer (Portugal), and Ineco (Spain), while companies like Expedia Group, Booking Holdings Inc, and Airbnb Inc remain on the list [7][9] - Some companies, such as Heidelberg Materials, argue that their inclusion is unjustified as they claim not to be active in the occupied territories [8] - Steconfer has requested reconsideration, stating its role in a Jerusalem rail project is neutral and apolitical [9] Impact and Reactions - The UN's Human Rights Council created the blacklist, which lacks legal authority to enforce actions against the companies listed [6] - Israel has rejected the blacklist, claiming it targets businesses that have committed no wrongdoing and urging allies not to support it [4][5] - The revision of the list could further isolate Israel amid changing international recognition of Palestinian statehood [10] Historical Context - This is the first revision since 2023, when 97 companies were listed, down from 112 in the original list published in 2020 [13] - The council has identified specific business activities that could lead to inclusion on the list, such as supplying equipment for settlements and providing travel services to these areas [14]

Core Viewpoint - Jacobs has been selected to provide comprehensive design services for the New York State Department of Transportation, focusing on infrastructure improvements in the lower Hudson Valley region to enhance safety and connectivity for motorists [1][2]. Group 1: Project Scope and Impact - Jacobs will support NYSDOT's Region 8, which includes nearly 6,000 miles of state highways and over 1,000 bridges, addressing critical safety issues through traffic data analysis, environmental assessments, and Intelligent Transportation Systems design [2][3]. - The transportation projects are expected to support the economic vitality of communities by facilitating smoother commutes and improving the movement of goods and services [3]. Group 2: Company Profile and Achievements - Jacobs is ranked No. 2 in Transportation by Engineering News-Record and provides end-to-end services in various sectors, including transportation, with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a workforce of nearly 45,000 [4][5]. - The company is involved in significant infrastructure projects globally, such as the Queensferry Crossing in Scotland and the Grand Central Madison project in New York City [4].