fish plate

fish plate The work of Chinese artist Cao Fei explores our brave new human condition in a technological worldWalmart employees are now sporting body cameras as part of a contentious pilot program at certain U. S. stores. Customers have noticed signs at the entrances informing them about the recording devices, and staff members have been spotted donning yellow and black cameras , with one such instance occurring in Denton, Texas. A representative for Walmart confirmed the test, stating: "While we don't talk about the specifics of our security measures, we are always looking at new and innovative technology used across the retail industry. Heartbroken family blames Walmart for 9-year-old's death after metal cart incident and years of seizures Over 40,000 Christmas tree light controllers recalled at Walmart and Target over fire hazards "This is a pilot we are testing in one market, and we will evaluate the results before making any longer-term decisions.", reports the Express US . The intent behind the cameras is to safeguard workers by documenting interactions with customers, especially during the tense holiday shopping period. Nonetheless, the initiative has sparked backlash. Stuart Appelbaum, the head of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, remarked: "Workers need training on de-escalation. Workers need training on what to do during a hostile situation at work. The body camera doesn't do that. The body camera doesn't intervene." Bianca Agustin, co-leader of United for Respect, also chimed in, saying: "There are already cameras in stores...body cameras alone are no substitute for proper training." Agustin voiced concerns that the conspicuous cameras worn by Walmart staff could "provoke people" rather than provide assistance. Retail specialists aren't all on board. David Johnston, a high-level exec at the National Retail Federation, countered with: "The moment that you see yourself [on camera] is probably when you're going to change your behavior." Following in the footsteps of TJX Companies, the umbrella group for brands like TJ Maxx and Marshall's, which hailed reduced troublemaking after similar tests. TJX's top money guy John Joseph Klinger touched on the calming effect of recording gear, saying: "People are less likely to do something when they're being videotaped." Whether or not Walmart's staff will feel a boost in security is up in the air. A previous retail worker spilled the tea: "When they're acting like they're going to hit us...even with a camera, I don't think they would care in the moment."

(Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels) By Stephen Beech Employees are suffering "techno-strain" as a result of digital systems making it difficult to switch off from work, warns a new study. Staff are experiencing mental and physical issues due to being "hyperconnected" through digital technology, according to the findings. Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Psychology and Medicine conducted detailed interviews with employees from a variety of professions. They found that the cognitive and affective effort associated with constant connectivity and high work pace driven by the digital workplace is detrimental to employee well-being. The study is the final part of a research project exploring the "dark side effects" of digital working which include stress, overload, anxiety and fear of missing out. The results, published in the journal Frontiers in Organisational Psychology , highlight an "overarching" theme of "digital workplace technology intensity" as a result of digital workplace job demands. The research team says their findings indicate a "sense of burden" associated with working digitally which surfaced for most participants in perceptions of overload and feelings of being "overwhelmed" by the proliferation of messages, apps and meetings in the digital workplace. They say "fear of missing out" - or FOMO- on important information and contact with colleagues also contributed to stress and strain for digital workers, as did hassles encountered when using digital technologies. (Photo by Tara Winstead via Pexels) Study leader Elizabeth Marsh said: “Digital workplaces benefit both organizations and employees, for example by enabling collaborative and flexible work. "However, what we have found in our research is that there is a potential dark side to digital working, where employees can feel fatigue and strain due to being overburdened by the demands and intensity of the digital work environment. "A sense of pressure to be constantly connected and keeping up with messages can make it hard to psychologically detach from work." More from this section Fourteen employees were interviewed in detail and asked about their perceptions and experiences of digital workplace job demands and impacts to their health. Comments from interviewees included: “[It’s] just more difficult to leave it behind when it's all online and you can kind of jump on and do work at any time of the day or night.” Another participant said: “You kind of feel like you have to be there all the time. You have to be a little green light,” while another commented: “It's that pressure to respond [...] I've received an e-mail, I've gotta do this quickly because if not, someone might think “What is she doing from home?” In their analysis, the researchers explored potential underlying psychological, technological and organizational factors that may influence ways in which employees experience digital workplace job demands. The findings showed that participants' dark side experiences were particularly shaped by a pervasive and constant state of connectivity in the digital workplace, termed "hyperconnectivity." Those experiences contributed to a sense of pressure to be available and the erosion of work-life boundaries, according to the research team. (Photo by Thirdman via Pexels) They said the evidence also indicates that "hyperconnectivity" has become the norm among workers post-pandemic. PhD student Marsh said: “The findings underline the need for both researchers and professionals to identify, understand and mitigate the digital workplace job demands to protect the well-being of digital workers.” The research also makes practical suggestions for employers including helping workers improve their digital skills and empowering them to manage boundaries in the digital workplace. The team says their findings could also be used by IT departments to consider how to improve the usability and accessibility of the digital workplace, as well as reining in the proliferation of applications. Dr. Alexa Spence, Professor of Psychology, said: “This research extends the Job Demands-Resources literature by clarifying digital workplace job demands including hyperconnectivity and overload." She added: "It also contributes a novel construct of digital workplace technology intensity which adds new insight on the causes of technostress in the digital workplace. "In doing so, it highlights the potential health impacts, both mental and physical, of digital work.”Mink Ventures Grants Stock Options

NoneBrisbane news live: PM condemns ‘another antisemitic attack’A planet-wide solar boom is beating expectations at every turnAP News Summary at 5:20 p.m. EST

Wordle today, December 18, 2024: Need hints for puzzle #1278? Find clues, tips, and today's Wordle answer here to solve the NYT Wordle challenge quickly. Wordle hints, clues and answer today #1278 December 18, 2024: There’s a new puzzle every day! You should be aware that Wordle has undergone several adjustments and difficulties in recent years if you were among the original users. But in the very simple Wordle game, the player only has to guess five or six letters. Using the coloured tiles, you might be able to predict the sentences immediately. Grey means the letter is not in the word, green means the letter is in the right location, and yellow means the letter is in the wrong place but correct. It is sufficient to apply one of the previously described concepts and make an effort to forecast how the issue will develop in the future. Keep in mind that there are up to six possible choices for the word of the day. But occasionally, a drawn-out decision-making process produces advantageous results. You can choose the word of the day instead of the typical response by adhering to these rules and recommendations. Today’s Wordle Hints for December 18, 2024 The word of the day for Wordle #1278 was selected due to its capacity to stop your run. But sometimes we can mislead people even when we speak clearly. It also utilises the feature of letter repetition. But don’t worry, you can follow these guidelines: – The word has one vowel. – It starts with the letter ‘H’. – There are no repeated letters. – The third letter is ‘F’. – Here’s a clue: Large, heavy, or substantial in size, weight, or amount. Are you still unable to pinpoint the problem? The last piece of advice has the potential to have a big impact. If you’re near and only need one or two letters, don’t pull out just yet. The answer is provided below. Wordle Answer for December 18, 2024 (#1278) You can now scroll away if you want to give it one last try. Here’s the word you’re looking for, though, while you wait for your guess to be verified: Today’s Wordle answer is “HEFTY.” Did you solve it on your own? This one was probably easy for you to understand. For more information on how to complete the Wordle challenge, stay tuned and come back tomorrow. Click for more latest Gaming news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Pragya is an accomplished journalist known for in-depth reporting and a keen eye for detail. Delivers insightful and well-researched content that informs and engages readers.Stoli vodka files for bankruptcy in the United States

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NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. NYMT (the "Company") announced today that its Board of Directors (the "Board") declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share on shares of its common stock for the quarter ending December 31, 2024. The dividend will be payable on January 23, 2025 to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 20, 2024. In addition, the Board declared cash dividends on the Company's 8.000% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series D Preferred Stock"), 7.875% Series E Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series E Preferred Stock"), 6.875% Series F Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series F Preferred Stock") and 7.000% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series G Preferred Stock") as stated below. Quarterly Preferred Stock Dividends The Board declared cash dividends for the dividend period that began on October 15, 2024 and ends on January 14, 2025 as follows: Class of Preferred Stock Series D Series E Series F Series G Record Date January 1, 2025 January 1, 2025 January 1, 2025 January 1, 2025 Payment Date January 15, 2025 January 15, 2025 January 15, 2025 January 15, 2025 Cash Dividend Per Share $0.50 $0.4921875 $0.4296875 $0.4375 About New York Mortgage Trust New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. is a Maryland corporation that has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") for federal income tax purposes. NYMT is an internally managed REIT in the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related single-family and multi-family residential assets. Forward-Looking Statements When used in this press release, in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or in other written or oral communications, statements which are not historical in nature, including those containing words such as "will," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "continue," "intend," "could," "would," "should," "may" or similar expressions, are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, as such, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Statements regarding the following subject, among others, may be forward-looking: the payment of dividends. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates, projections, beliefs and assumptions of management of the Company at the time of such statements and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Actual results and outcomes could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: changes in the Company's business and investment strategy; inflation and changes in interest rates and the fair market value of the Company's assets, including negative changes resulting in margin calls relating to the financing of the Company's assets; changes in credit spreads; changes in the long-term credit ratings of the U.S., Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae; general volatility of the markets in which the Company invests; changes in prepayment rates on the loans the Company owns or that underlie the Company's investment securities; increased rates of default, delinquency or vacancy and/or decreased recovery rates on or at the Company's assets; the Company's ability to identify and acquire targeted assets, including assets in its investment pipeline; the Company's ability to dispose of assets from time to time on terms favorable to it, including the disposition over time of its joint venture equity investments; changes in relationships with the Company's financing counterparties and the Company's ability to borrow to finance its assets and the terms thereof; changes in the Company's relationships with and/or the performance of its operating partners; the Company's ability to predict and control costs; changes in laws, regulations or policies affecting the Company's business; the Company's ability to make distributions to its stockholders in the future; the Company's ability to maintain its qualification as a REIT for federal tax purposes; the Company's ability to maintain its exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; impairments in the value of the collateral underlying the Company's investments; the Company's ability to manage or hedge credit risk, interest rate risk, and other financial and operational risks; the Company's exposure to liquidity risk, risks associated with the use of leverage, and market risks; and risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy, the availability of investment opportunities and the conditions in markets for residential loans, structured multi-family investments, mortgage-backed securities and other assets in which we invest. These and other risks, uncertainties and factors, including the risk factors and other information described in the Company's reports filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements the Company makes. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time and it is not possible to predict those events or how they may affect the Company. Except as required by law, the Company is not obligated to, and does not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For Further Information AT THE COMPANY Investor Relations Phone: 212-792-0107 Email: InvestorRelations@nymtrust.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rinnai America Corporation , a leading brand of tankless water heaters in North America , strongly opposes U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) amended final rule on efficiency standards for tankless water heaters and urges the incoming administration to consider all implications and reverse the rule. The final rule will unreasonably restrict consumer access to certain tankless water heater products, disproportionately impact middle-income households and small businesses, and jeopardize hundreds of American jobs. The DOE's final rule raises standards for tankless to a condensing level of 91 percent, while tanked gas-fired water heaters remain subject to significantly lower non-condensing standards. While tankless water heaters are the more environmentally friendly option, achieving 91 percent efficiency with non-condensing technology is technologically impossible. "As published, the DOE's rule will create an uneven market that favors less energy efficient gas-fired tanked water heaters," said Frank Windsor , president of Rinnai America Corporation. "Consumers who rely on access to affordable tankless water heaters will see their options limited, forcing many to switch back to traditional tank-style water heaters, which are far less efficient at around 70 percent. This shift will result in higher energy bills and maintenance costs, while undermining the very environmental goals that prompted this rule. It will also potentially impact hundreds of American jobs that have been created in recent years. We urge the incoming administration to reconsider this egregious government overreach and reverse this rule that negatively impacts consumers, American workers, and the environmental goals it is intended to achieve." Rinnai America Corporation employs over 550 people across the United States at its headquarters, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers. In the last five years, Rinnai has invested more than $100 million as part of its commitment to developing a strong domestic manufacturing base to serve the North American market. For more information on Rinnai and its portfolio of products, visit www.rinnai.us . About Rinnai: Rinnai America Corporation, a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation in Nagoya, Japan , was established in 1974 and is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia . Rinnai Corporation manufactures gas appliances, including tankless water heaters, a wide range of kitchen appliances, and heating and air conditioning units. As the technology leader in its industry, Rinnai is the largest gas appliance manufacturer in Japan and is a top selling brand of tankless gas water heaters in the United States and Canada . Annual corporate revenues, including those of its subsidiaries, are in excess of $3 .3 billion. With a global perspective to create 21st-century products for the home and business, Rinnai Corporation commits itself to safety and Creating a healthier way of living®. For more information about Rinnai's entire product line, visit rinnai.us . Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Rinnai® and Creating a healthier way of living® are the registered trademarks of Rinnai Corporation used under license by Rinnai America Corporation. SOURCE Rinnai America CorporationHyperconnected employees experiencing ‘dark side’ of digital work

Once cold and lonely, ‘snow management’ at Tahoe resorts goes high-tech with lasers

Donald Trump has vowed to impose 25 percent tariffs on imported goods from Mexico and Canada unless, he says, those neighbors stem the flow of illegal migrants and drugs into the United States. Chinese imports, he adds, will be taxed an extra 10 percent unless Beijing cracks down on the production of the narcotic fentanyl. Perhaps Trump is bluffing; it’s always hard to separate his bluster from his true intentions. But if he carries out his threats, the big losers will be American consumers – including a great many people who voted for him. As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said recently, “I think people south of the border are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive.” Chinese President Xi Jinping had a similar take: “Tariff wars, trade wars, and technology wars go against historical trends and economic rules, and there will be no winners.” There is a larger question here: How will Trump approach economic decisions – indeed, all critical policy choices – during his second term? Will he pay attention to “real reality” and “historical trends”? Or will he root his judgments in falsehoods and in campaign slogans that delight his voters but defy validity? The early signs are not encouraging, since he told the Economic Club of Chicago in October: “The word ‘tariff’ is the most beautiful word in the dictionary. I think it’s more beautiful than ‘love.’ ... I love tariffs!” But “the vast majority of credentialed economists” feel differently, writes the independent fact-checking website PolitiFact. These experts “say consumers in the tariff-levying country lose in these deals, paying higher prices directly for foreign goods, and indirectly because of higher prices for foreign-sourced raw materials used in domestic goods. Also, if the other country retaliates by raising tariffs on U.S. goods, sales can decline for U.S. producers.” If Trump does follow through, for example, food prices would shoot up because Americans get more than half of their fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico. Construction costs would rise, as well, because one-quarter of the lumber used in the U.S. comes from Canada. This is not guesswork. Trump tried tariffs, on a much lower scale, during his first term, and while he maintained on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that those duties “cost Americans nothing,” PolitiFact labels his assertion “false.” So do most economists, including Alan S. Blinder of Princeton, who wrote in the Wall Street Journal: “No matter how many times Mr. Trump denies it, tariffs are (discriminatory) sales taxes. Discriminating against imported goods is their purpose. Sales taxes, of course, raise prices for consumers, and research says American consumers have paid for almost 100 percent of recent tariff hikes.” The United States International Trade Commission, a bipartisan entity that analyzes trade issues, studied Trump’s record, and Bloomberg summarized its findings: “U.S. importers bore almost the entire burden of tariffs that Donald Trump placed on more than $300 billion in Chinese goods during his presidency, raising costs for American companies. ... “The conclusions back the longtime assertion of U.S. Chamber of Commerce and independent academic economists that the cost of the tariffs hurt American firms, and contradict Trump’s claim that China paid the ultimate cost of the duties,” reported Bloomberg. Republicans who actually study economic rules have tried, and failed, to dissuade Trump from his faith in tariffs. “No country has ever tariffed its way to prosperity,” wrote former Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, a Republican, in the Wall Street Journal. “I understand the emotional appeal of trade-rules reciprocity – it satisfies an urge for revenge. But that revenge will be less satisfying for the working-class Americans facing unemployment and higher prices if Mr. Trump carries through on his import-tax promises.” Tariffs are only one example of Trump’s counter-factual approach to economic decision-making. He claimed that the massive tax cuts he engineered in 2017 would not only pay for themselves, but generate a surplus. “We’ll start paying off that debt like water,” he declared. But that assertion, like his claims on tariffs, turned out to be dead wrong. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that Trump’s tax policies will actually add $1.9 trillion to the national debt over 10 years, and if the law’s temporary reductions in estate and income taxes are made permanent, they would cost another $400 billion a year starting in 2027. “Real reality” and “economic rules” cannot be ignored. If Trump insists on doing that, if he embraces the fantasies of “alternative facts,” then all American families will pay the price. Steven Roberts teaches politics and journalism at George Washington University. He can be contacted by email at stevecokie@gmail.com.NEW YORK , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tannenbaum Helpern is pleased to announce that Anne-Mette Elkjær Andersen has joined the Firm as partner in the Firm's Corporate practice. Anne-Mette is a highly qualified corporate attorney focusing on cross border and U.S. mergers and acquisitions, international business transactions, and corporate transactions and corporate compliance for engineering & architecture firms. Her decades of experience include advising clients on strategic purchases and sales in many sectors, including engineering, architecture, and other licensed professional design professions; defense; software; renewable energy; oil and gas; technology; retail and manufacturing; service; aviation; and shipping and rail, among others. Anne-Mette comes to Tannenbaum Helpern from the New York office of Holland & Knight, where she counseled clients on international M&A, financing and securities, performed regulatory and licensing work for professional design corporations, and assisted startup and emerging growth companies enter the U.S. market. Her clients include U.S. and foreign established privately and publicly held corporations and emerging companies on stock and asset sales, joint ventures, and SPAC matters, among others. Her experience also includes advising foreign bank clients on loan and financing agreements involving U.S.-based subsidiaries of foreign clients. Anne-Mette's primary experience is with private strategic buyers and sellers, and she also has experience in public and private securities offerings and initial public offerings (IPOs), including simultaneous offerings both in the U.S. and internationally. Anne-Mette began her career in Denmark as a lawyer with the Danish Ministry of Justice. She also spent four years with the Danish law firm Reumert & Partners (now Kromann Reumert), primarily in the areas of general corporate law, M&A and insolvency law. While practicing in Denmark , Anne-Mette represented, among others, U.S., Canadian, and Danish corporations in M&A transactions and other corporate matters. Managing Partner Andrew W. Singer commented, "Anne-Mette will expand our Corporate and M&A practices, facilitate increased opportunities for our clients and increase our ability to pursue new client relationships, especially in overseas markets and the professional design professions. Welcome, Anne-Mette!" "Anne-Mette is a welcome addition to Tannenbaum Helpern . Her capabilities and international reach add to our existing platform and relationships, both in the U.S. and globally," said Drew Jaglom , Chair of Tannenbaum Helpern's Corporate practice. Regarding her arrival, Anne-Mette added, "It's my privilege to join Tannenbaum Helpern . I'm excited to be a part of such a talented team of attorneys, and a Firm that is focused on the future!" About Tannenbaum Helpern Since 1978, Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP has combined a powerful mix of insight, creativity, industry knowledge, legal talent and experience to successfully guide clients through periods of challenge and opportunity. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality legal services in a practical and efficient manner and to provide the judgment, common sense and legal acumen of well trained, business minded lawyers, all within a culture that fosters an inclusive and respectful workplace. Through our commitment to exceptional service and driven by a focus on results, Tannenbaum Helpern continues to earn the loyalty of our clients and a reputation for excellence. For more information, visit www.thsh.com . Jennifer Papantonio Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer papantonio@thsh.com 212.702.3147 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anne-mette-elkjaer-andersen-joins-tannenbaum-helpern-as-partner-in-the-firms-corporate-practice-group-302320136.html SOURCE Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP

With Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s slopes now open, its management is placing confidence in a standout season for snow-savvy athletes amid the uncertainty of La Niña’s impact these next months. In October, the resort to positive outcomes that the upcoming cooling of the Pacific Ocean’s surface, a recurring once every few years, could produce for ski season on Mount Mackenzie. “La Niña typically brings colder and wetter conditions to our region, which translates to above-average snowfall across all elevations at the resort,” said Mike Verwey, the resort’s mountain operations director. “Fresh snow provides an ideal base for creating softer, perfectly groomed corduroy, which makes for easier carving and smoother riding.” Compared with Mount Mackenzie’s average annual snowfall, La Niña’s presence during the 2010-11, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2021-22 seasons often meant between 100 and 200 extra centimetres of snow from November to April, according to the resort’s data. Anticipating colder temperatures and more precipitation, Verwey envisions more consistent skiing and snowboarding conditions for the season that give athletes a “long window of opportunity” to traverse the mountain’s 1,713-metre vertical drop. “In preparation for this, we've expanded our snow removal team and fleet to efficiently manage increased snow accumulation at the base areas,” he said. The resort’s arsenal for smoothing out extra heavy snowfall has added staff and grown to 10 Prinoth snow groomers, which all use GPS visualization. Four are specialized for steep terrain. Verwey said the fleet has been re-stationed higher up the mountain to ensure vehicles can reach all areas quickly. The resort has also invested more in parking infrastructure, by paving the main lot, adding parking spaces and improving shuttle drop-off areas, to help reduce backlog when visitors arrive. Verwey added that the resort’s snow canons can artificially pad the stretch of the first gondola from top to bottom as necessary, “allowing us to maintain our full vertical drop and provide reliable snow coverage throughout the season.” When athletes hit the slopes, they may notice improved glade skiing trails in the Ripper zone along Salley Alley, the Simmer Down extension, Chopper and Big Woody thanks to recent blasting and grading work, Verwey said. “Our renowned glade skiing areas will also benefit from consistent snow top-ups.” Last winter, the resort its opening by a into December 2023 due to “unseasonably low snowfall” that November, calling it a “dynamic situation” that “continues to evolve as weather patterns change.” Across B.C., provincial government cited “very low” and often “extremely low” snowpack levels this year between Jan. 1 and May 1, averaging 62 per cent of normal levels. During November and December 2023, temperatures hung “well above normal” while precipitation fell “well below normal,” with four snow stations in the Upper Columbia snow basins all-time lows. But Verwey noted that despite drier-than-average conditions that season, “fantastic” storm cycles still ensured a steady stream of quality skiing and snowboarding. “Thanks to our varied terrain, elevation, and different slope aspects, we were able to adapt to changing conditions better than many other resorts in the region,” he said, adding he expects “favourable snow coverage” and higher attendance this season “given the excitement around the forecasted La Niña conditions.” Visitors can follow the resort’s website, , and social media for frequent real-time updates on weather patterns and snowfall. “As a business that relies heavily on weather patterns, we must embrace what comes our way and make plans to ensure we continue to offer the best possible product,” Verwey concluded. “We remain cautiously optimistic, as the La Niña snow will help us to deliver exceptional skiing from top to bottom.”The First Solana Layer 2 Meme Coin Arrives: Could Solaxy Become the Best Crypto Presale Launch Ever?NEW YORK — Stoli Group USA, the owner of the namesake vodka , has filed for bankruptcy as it struggled to contend with slowing demand for spirits, a major cyberattack that has snarled its operations and several years of fighting Russia in court. The company in its bankruptcy filing said it is “experiencing financial difficulties” and lists between $50 million and $100 million in liabilities. Stoli vodka and Kentucky Owl bourbon will continue to be available on store shelves while the company navigates the Chapter 11 process, which only pertains to its U.S. business. Until 2022, Stoli was sold as Stolichnaya in the United States, which loosely translates to “capital city” in Russian. The company shortened its title following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and boycotts against Russian-branded vodkas . Stoli Group’s founder, Russian-born billionaire Yuri Shefler, was exiled from that nation in 2000 because of his opposition to President Vladimir Putin. People are also reading... 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I lost all my food: FEMA goes door-to-door in Hickory with Hurricane Helene aid From the earth, for the earth: Why plant-based eating is here to stay Intel announced on December 2 that CEO Pat Gelsinger has resigned after a difficult stint at the company. The once-dominant chipmaker’s stock cratered as it missed the AI boom and was surpassed by most of its rivals. The liquor has long been marketed as a Russian vodka, but its production facilities have been in Latvia for several decades. Stoli Group is a unit of Luxembourg-based SPI Group, which owns other spirit and wine brands. “The Stoli Group has been targeted by the Russian Federation since it was formed nearly 25 years ago,” said Stoli Group CEO Chris Caldwell in a statement. “Earlier this year the company and our owner were both named by the Russian state as ‘extremist groups working against Russia’s interests.’” Its ongoing legal battle with the Russia government has forced Stoli to “spend dozens of millions of dollars on this long-term court battle across the globe with the Russian authorities,” according to its court filing. Caldwell also said that Stoli’s global operations has been a “victim of a malicious cyber attack” that has forced the company to operate “entirely manually while the systems are rebuilt.” A slowdown in demand for alcohol has crushed several company’s bottom lines following the pandemic when people were stuck at home and stocked up. Stoli’s filings said that it has seen a “decline and softening of demand for alcohol and spirits products post-Covid and especially beginning in 2023 and continuing into 2024.” Stoli Group USA, maker of Stoli vodka, has filed for bankruptcy due to slowing demand for spirits, a major cyberattack, and ongoing legal battles with Russia. The-CNN-WireTM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Holdings Increased by Pallas Capital Advisors LLC

The new LNP government claims Cross River Rail will cost more than $17 billion and not be ready until 2029. Labor had promised Cross River Rail would be delivered with a budget of $5.4 billion, with most construction finished by 2025 and passenger services starting in 2026. But the LNP says when finished, the tunnel must be independently certified by the National Safety Regulator, which would take at least two years, and also pointed the finger at lost workdays due to industrial action. The government says $5 billion was “hidden” and included integration works to connect the tunnel with the existing rail network, stabling to park the trains, a new signalling system, buses to carry passengers while stations and tracks were being built, and additional maintenance equipment. But opposition transport spokesman Bart Mellish accused Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg of “cooking the books”. “No government, business or person has included the cost of maintenance for the life of an asset when calculating the cost to build the project,” he said. “It’s also concerning that the new government isn’t committed to a 2026 opening of the project. “Also, adding the cost of buses to be used across the whole of south-east Queensland to the project is also laughable.” In a first for the state, Logan City Council has rolled out AI-powered surveillance systems at a town pool to safeguard against drowning. The technology at Gould Adams Park Aquatic Centre uses cameras focused on the pool to identify signs of struggle in the water, then sends real-time alerts on smart watches worn by lifeguards. Mayor Jon Raven said the alert system would give “greater peace of mind” to swimmers. “For those in our community who can’t swim or are not confident in the water – this could help save someone’s life,” he said. “While there’s no replacement for adequate supervision from parents, caregivers and lifeguards, this technology will be an extra layer of safety around pools.” The council said the cameras only detected generic behaviours, and could not capture facial or body imagery. It expected to continue rolling out the technology to other pools it managed across the next few years. Debate has kicked off in Queensland parliament over the government’s youth justice bill, with Labor trying – and failing – to have key parts delayed until early next year. Shadow attorney-general Meaghan Scanlon moved opposition amendments after the dinner break last night to address many stakeholders’ concerns about consultation lasting just days, and adverse outcomes. The amendments, voted down by the LNP and Katter’s Australian Party, would have returned more than a dozen clauses for “full and proper examination” by a committee. “While we acknowledge the outcome of the election and the policy that was taken to it by the LNP, that policy was in slogan and infancy form at best,” Scanlon said. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington accused Labor of simply trying to delay the laws and “laughing about victims ... about the people of Queensland who want to be safe in their homes over Christmas”. “All they want to do with this amendment is say to the people of Queensland, ‘Be afraid over Christmas. Be afraid on Boxing Day.’” Debate resumes today, with the bill set to pass by 5.30pm on Thursday with what Frecklington described as “technical amendments”, yet to be detailed, she would introduce to “strengthen and clarify the bill”. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered an extended defence of his response to antisemitism, in the wake of the terror attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne on Friday, and the vandalism in Sydney this morning. Facing criticism from the Coalition, including Liberal senator Jane Hume’s accusation that he had “emboldened and enabled” antisemtic crimes”, the prime minister detailed his initial response to the Adass synagogue firebombing. [On Friday], I’d been briefed by the AFP. I’d rung in to ... ABC Melbourne and responded publicly. We put out a statement. I’d spoken to Josh Burns, I’d spoken to Mr Spiegelman. I’d spoken to other Jewish community leaders as well. I visited a synagogue in Perth. On Saturday evening, we received a request for additional security funding, because the $20 million we had provided was almost expended. On Sunday morning, less than 24 hours later, I responded with support for $32.5 million of additional funding.” He continued that on Monday the National Security Committee met, and the authorities formally declared the firebombing an act of terrorism. The AFP operation Avalite was then formed and announced at a press conference. Albanese also pointed to other responses including the “landmark” ban on the Nazi salute and hate symbols, and the appointment of Jillian Segal as the special envoy to combat antisemitism. “We criminalised doxxing, something that was called for, but which unfortunately, the opposition voted against,” Albanese said. “We now have legislation before the parliament to criminalise hate speech, including the urging or threatening, of course, or violence against other individuals or groups because of who they are and what their beliefs are.” Bringing the man believed to have seriously scalded a Brisbane baby with hot coffee to justice will likely be a “slow burn” after he escaped to an unknown country. The suspect reportedly came up behind a young mother at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner about midday on August 27, and tipped the contents of a Thermos on her nine-month-old boy before running away. Four days later – and just hours before investigators say they confirmed his identity – the man flew out of Sydney Airport to an unknown country. “That remains an active investigation, so you know that may well be a slow burn,” Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski told Brisbane Times yesterday. When asked for a rough time frame, he said it would be inappropriate to comment. “I can’t speculate on that. It’ll depend on the offender and our ability to identify, locate and bring him back to justice.” Labor Minister Clare O’Neil says reports that claimed the prime minister was heckled on his visit to the Adass synagogue in Melbourne on Tuesday were overblown. In an interview on Seven’s Sunrise , it was put to O’Neil that people yelled phrases at Anthony Albanese including “You’re late” and “Nice day for tennis,” referring to the tennis match Albanese played in Perth the day after the firebombing of the synagogue. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Adass Israel synagogue on Tuesday. Credit: Justin McManus “I’d just say I saw some of the reporting of that, I think, you know, some of those people weren’t even from that local community,” O’Neil said. “I was actually at the Adass synagogue a little bit later that afternoon speaking to members of the community. People were grateful that the prime minister was there, they were pleased to have him there and of course to see him make that commitment to help rebuild the synagogue there and to invest to try to rescue those sacred Torahs that have been damaged in the fire.” O’Neil said that while she was “sure there angry and upset people”, she did not think that was the “universal experience of having the PM there”. “The PM, in my view, has shown real leadership, he’s come to the synagogue, done the things people want a prime minister to do, he has made that commitment to rebuild the synagogue, has set up this task force to show we’re cracking down on any of this behaviour.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the antisemitic vandalism in Sydney’s east, the second time the suburb of Woollahra has been targeted in a month. Albanese said the incident was an “outrage” and “another antisemitic attack”. He said he would be briefed by the Australian Federal Police’s Operation Avalite, the task force that was assembled this week in response to the Adass Israel Synagogue terror attack in Melbourne on Friday. “I stand with the Jewish community and unequivocally condemn this attack. There is no place for hatred or antisemitism in our community.” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke also posted a statement to X, calling the attack an “abhorrent attempt to intimidate our Jewish community”. “It will not be successful,” Burke wrote. Don’t forget your umbrella today – the Bureau of Meteorology predicts more rain across Brisbane, this morning and this afternoon, following the downpour late yesterday, although it should be clearing by this evening. The top temperature isn’t expected to hit 30 degrees – warmer days are ahead, however. Here are the stories making the rounds beyond Brisbane this morning: The organisers of alternative music festival Good Things have been accused of ignoring allegations of sexual assault, harassment and anti-social behaviour – including men groping women, filming up girls’ skirts, and abusing those who turned down their advances. A group of Australian women who underwent hysterectomies after reporting severe side-effects from a permanent sterilisation device has lost a class action against pharmaceutical giant Bayer , with a judge noting that chronic pelvic pain was common for many women. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called out the influence of News Corp’s alleged bias, warning colleagues during a cabinet meeting that Rupert Murdoch’s media empire was openly working to back Opposition Leader Peter Dutton . ‘An insult to the intelligence of the American people’: The alleged shooter of a CEO in the US has broken his silence after his arrest. Tourists at the famous monkey forest in Bali have been crushed to death by falling branches . New York prosecutors have filed a murder charge against Luigi Mangione, 26. In the hours since his apprehension, his baffling journey from star student to murder suspect has begun to come into focus. Good morning, thanks for joining us for Brisbane Times’ live news blog. It’s Wednesday, December 11, and we’re expecting more rain today and a top temperature of 28 degrees. In this morning’s local headlines: A culture of discrimination in Queensland Police is making it harder to recruit and retain officers, according to a 236-page Queensland Human Rights Commission report which identified ingrained prejudice against female, Indigenous and minority officers. Premier David Crisafulli has moved to make good on his campaign promise there would be no changes to abortion laws under an LNP government: by stopping parliament from discussing the topic . What began as a trickle has become a flood, with Brisbane’s sunny climate, a vibrant hospitality scene and the looming Olympics luring Melbourne restaurateurs north . Dolphins forward Josh Kerr has declared Max Plath will go where Plath’s famous father could not, and help Queensland regain the State of Origin shield as early as the 2025 series.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has named billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to Britain, a prestigious posting for the Republican donor whose contributions this year included $2 million to a Trump-backing super PAC. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social site Monday evening, announced he was selecting Stephens to be the U.S. ambassador to the Court of Saint James. The Senate is required to confirm the choice. “Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full time. I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top Diplomat, representing the U.S.A. to one of America’s most cherished and beloved Allies,” Trump said in in his post. Stephens is the chairman, president and CEO of Little Rock, Arkansas-based financial services firm Stephens Inc., having taken over the firm from his father. Trump has already named many of his nominees for his Cabinet and high-profile diplomatic posts, assembling a roster of staunch loyalists. Over the weekend, Trump announced he intends to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner , father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. During his first term, Trump selected Robert “Woody” Johnson, a contributor to his campaign and the owner of the New York Jets football team, as his representative to the United Kingdom. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Union threatens strike claiming government-backed pay rise is ‘barely above cost of living’

Everlaw Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction in Ediscovery by Legal TeamsLeBron James 'Quitting' Lakers Over Diddy Controversey? Theories SurfaceBoopie Miller scored 24 points and Yohan Traore added 20 points and 11 rebounds as SMU was at its best after halftime in a 98-82 win over Longwood on Sunday afternoon in Dallas. The Mustangs (11-2) have won seven straight games but this one was not without a serious scare from Longwood. SMU led by just a bucket after a seesaw first half but took charge with a 15-3 run to open the second. The Lancers pulled to within 69-62 on a tip in by Elijah Tucker with 11:37 to play before SMU put away the game with a 14-1 run capped by Chuck Harris' 3-pointer with 6:57 remaining. Matt Cross added 19 points while Harris hit for 12 for the Mustangs, who shot 62 percent from the floor. Tucker led Longwood (11-4) with 20 points, with Colby Garland adding 19 and Emanuel Richards scoring 12 points in the loss. The Lancers allowed their most points of the season and surrendered 32 points more than their season average. The teams went back and forth in a contentious first eight minutes that featured 11 lead changes and three ties with neither team up by more than three points. Harris' jumper with 11:55 left in the first half pushed the Mustangs to a 21-19 lead but that was quickly answered by a 3-pointer from Jefferson to put Longwood back on top at 22-21. SMU then reeled off 17-4 run, with Kario Oquendo contributing two free throws, a 3-pointer and a bucket to that surge and two free throws from Traore put the Mustangs up 38-26 with 5:34 to play in the half. Just when it seemed like SMU had found the formula to dispatch the feisty Lancers, Longwood rallied to tie the game at 43 on pull-up jumper by Garland with 8.9 seconds left before halftime. That gave Harris enough time to get down the floor and into the paint for a short jumper that gave the Mustangs a 45-43 lead at the break. Traore led all scorers with 15 points and seven rebounds before halftime while Miller added 11 for SMU. Garland and Tucker had 10 points apiece to pace the Lancers. --Field Level Media