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"Excessive" call wait times and disclosure violations led to $133,000 in fines for CenturyLink, according to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission . CenturyLink, also branded as Lumen Technologies or Lumen, was dinged for nine violations of failing to connect customers to a live representative within 60 seconds of them asking to speak with someone, as required by state law. The company is Washington's largest local telephone company, as well as a major internet service provider. Under state law, the automated phone system for a business or repair center "must provide a caller with an option to speak to a live representative within the first sixty seconds of the recorded message, or it must transfer the caller to a live representative within the first sixty seconds." The commission found an additional 169 infractions for failing to properly disclose business records to the commission as required by a 2017 law. The violations were recorded from March 2022 to November 2022, as well as March 2023 to February 2024, according to a news release. Each violation carries a $750 penalty that must be paid by Dec. 30. A spokesperson for Lumen Technologies did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This is not CenturyLink's first run-in with the commission tasked with regulating rates and services of utility companies. In July 2023, the company was fined almost $1 million for violating Gov. Jay Inslee's proclamation prohibiting telephone companies from disconnecting service due to nonpayment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Elon Musk’s Many 'Avatars': Time-Traveling Vampire Alien, Irony Man, And MoreQuick Links Titan Ambassador The passenger version Titan Courier The convertible passenger/cargo version Titan Freighter A dedicated cargo version Titan C-28A A United States Navy version Cessna 404 Titan operators The Cessna 404 Titan is a twin-engine light aircraft designed and developed by Cessna Aircraft, a Textron Aviation company. The type was developed from the Cessna 402 with a larger vertical tail and other performance improvements. During its development in the 1970s, it was Cessna's largest twin piston-engine aircraft. The first prototype (registration N5404J) performed its first flight in February 1975, followed by a flight test and certification campaign. The testing and certification process proved to be relatively straightforward and quick. With the tests beginning in early 1975, it took just over a year to complete. The aircraft received its Type Certificate A25CE in July 1976. The first deliveries of the plane began in October 1976. Two Continental Motors GTSIO-520 turbocharged piston engines powered the type, each generating 375 shaft horsepower (280 kW) at takeoff. Cessna initially offered two versions of the Titan, a passenger version and a utility version, widening its customer base. Corporate, commuter, and freight aircraft In service since 1976 Cessna's largest piston-engined twin Features an unpressurized cabin The fuselage has the same dimensions as the turbine-powered 441 Conquest The type has three main versions: Titan Ambassador for passenger operation, Titan Freighter as cargo aircraft, and Titan Courier for mixed operation. Wingtips were introduced in models after 1980 Production ceased in 1982 A turboprop version, REIMS F406 Caravan 2 is still in production The original Cessna 404 Titan is powered by two 375 hp/280 kW turbocharged Continental Motors GTSIO-520 piston engines Later production aircraft were fitted with Cessna I, II, or III factory-fitted avionics equipment as A standard. In the following years, the manufacturer introduced several other versions with greater improvements and applications. This article explores various variants of the Cessna 404 Titan and its operators. We take a look at the history and characteristics of the Cessna 404. Titan Ambassador The passenger version Height: 13 ft 3 in Wingspan: 46 ft 4 in Length: 39 ft 6 in External Baggage: 56 cu ft Crew: One Passengers: Up to 9 Max takeoff weight: 8,400 lb Operating weight: 5,685 lb Empty weight: 4,834 lb Fuel capacity: 2,064 lb Payload w/full fuel: 701 lb Max payload: 2,765 lb Range: 1,840 NM Service ceiling: 26,000 # Balanced field length: 2,367 ft Landing distance: 3,657 ft The Titan Ambassador is one of the original versions of the Cessna 404, a ten-passenger transport version. During the initial years of its launch, the Titan became popular among a range of customers for its reliability, versatility, and comfort. The aircraft features a spacious interior, offering comfortable flights to its occupants. According to Air Charter Service , “The Cessna 404 Titan is typically configured with nine passenger seats in the cabin. These are aligned in a 1-1 formation, with one ‘missing’ seat on one side to make space for the cabin door. There are variations to this standard configuration, with some retrofitted aircraft having fewer seats, but more legroom. While the cabin is unpressurised, it does offer air conditioning.” The aircraft has an impressive performance and high payload capability. With a maximum takeoff weight of 8,400 lbs (3,800 kg), the aircraft achieved a cruise speed of 165 knots (190 mph). The aircraft features retractable landing gear and three-bladed, constant-speed, fully feathering propellers. The twin-engine configuration increases the reliability and safety of the aircraft, particularly for the passenger version. According to GlobalAir , "With its robust design and twin-engine configuration, the Titan offered enhanced safety, range, and load-carrying capacity, making it suitable for various operations such as air cargo, regional transport, and special missions. Over the years, Cessna Aircraft Company has continued to refine and improve the Titan, incorporating advancements in technology and avionics. The Cessna 404 Titan remains a respected and sought-after aircraft, appreciated for its reliability, versatility, and comfortable cabin." The manufacturer subsequently released Titan Ambassador II and Titan Ambassador Ill, with minor improvements, including the addition of a factory-fitted avionics suite. Different aircraft manufacturers have built single-engine aircraft that simple and fuel-efficient for use in transportation, training, and recreation. Titan Courier The convertible passenger/cargo version The Titan Courier version of the Cessna 404 is another early variant introduced along with Titan Ambassador, for utility applications. The Titan Courier is a convertible passenger/cargo version allowing customers to utilize it according to their needs. A number of civilian and military operators used the Titan Courier to transport personnel and - essential cargo, as well as for humanitarian missions. The aircraft has improved low-speed stall characteristics, giving it a smooth bonded metal three-piece wet wing. The aircraft is attached between the two engines at the center wing box, making it a structurally stable design. The large four-piece semi-Fowler flap ensures greater control at varying altitudes. The combination of wet wing, Fowler flaps, and a unique trailing-link landing gear will be used on future Cessna aircraft, including the Cessna Citation series. The robust design allowed an efficient use and transfer of both passenger and cargo. The aircraft was capable of carrying approximately 2,500 pounds of cargo with a stripped interior and could fly short distances (60-90 minutes). The Titan Courier variant enabled operators to switch between operations while making the best use of their equipment. Cessna introduced the Titan Courier II with slight improvements and factory-fitted avionics. The Cessna 150 and 152 are single-engine aircraft popular in flight schools and private aviation due to their reliability and low operating costs. Titan Freighter A dedicated cargo version The pure cargo version was introduced in the late 1970s with specialized floor and fittings for freight transport. The Titan Freighter featured a strengthened floor, securing elements, and specialized cargo doors for usability. Impact-resistant polycarbonate materials were used on the aircraft's interior walls and ceiling to minimize handling and other damage. In case of an unconstrained failure of cargo, the internal materials are robust enough to withstand the impact. Freight operators utilized the Titan Freighter for transport of mail, small equipment, and other essential cargo. The French aircraft manufacturer has a rich history, building various Cessnas with some of their notable models, including the F406 Caravan II. Titan C-28A A United States Navy version The United States Navy operated two Titan C-28As, a designation given to the Titan aircraft by the Navy. The Titan was fitted with two 375 horsepower GTSIO-520-M engines with no cowl or intercooler flaps. The aircraft’s forward fuselage and nose section are almost identical to the Cessna 402. The type’s hydraulic system is based on the Cessna 402C model. The hydraulic system supports the high-power requirements of the Navy’s Titan C-28As. The aircraft’s substantial increase in payload compared to the 402 made it ideal for various applications, particularly for military missions. With the aircraft’s service ceiling of 26,000 ft, it could be flown at higher altitudes for special missions. In such cases, though, oxygen masks are necessary as the Titan has an unpressurized cabin. The aircraft has extraordinary low-temperature flying capabilities. According to Air Charter Service, “The 404 Titan can fly in icy conditions. It can fly in similar conditions as a Boeing 737. The Titan underwent minor modifications from 1980. These included a redesign of the wingtips, increasing the wing span and adding features, such as a pressurised cabin and optional lavatory.” The aircraft can carry 700 pounds more than its closest competitor, the Piper Navajo Chieftain, and can fly a range of over 2,000 NM. Cessna used this comparison as a selling point and established its marketing strategy around it. Most civilian and military operators preferred the Titan over the competition. The push-pull Cessna twin engine that captivated civilian pilots and the military. Cessna 404 Titan operators Civilian operators Aero Logistics East Coast Airlines Airlines of Tasmania Coastal Air Flint Air Service Air UK Military operators Royal Bahamas Defence Force Bolivian Air Force Colombian Air Force - 2 used by SATENA Dominican Republic Air Force Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force – 1 acquired 1979 Jamaica Defence Force Mexican Navy Nicaraguan Air Force Swedish Air Force Tanzania People's Defence Force United States Navy (as the C-28A) Puerto Rico Police Department Two C404
Wall Street stocks surged to fresh records Wednesday on hopes about easing US monetary policy, shrugging off political upheaval in South Korea and France. All three major US indices scored records, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average finishing above 45,000 for the first time. "The market at this point is looking for excuses to go up, and there's not really anything that might work against that narrative," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. "Over the last couple of days, it's managed to ignore all sorts of inconvenient things and decided that the situation in France doesn't matter for them," Sosnick said of the stock market. "The situation in Korea doesn't matter." South Korea's stock market fell less than feared and the won rebounded from earlier losses after President Yoon Suk Yeol swiftly reversed a decision to impose martial law. In Europe, Paris stocks managed to advance as France's government faced looming no-confidence votes. Late Wednesday in Paris, French lawmakers voted to oust the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier after just three months in office, pushing the country further into political uncertainty. For the first time in over sixty years, the National Assembly lower house toppled the incumbent government, approving a no-confidence motion that had been proposed by the hard left but which crucially was backed by the far-right headed by Marine Le Pen. "Political turmoil in both France and South Korea provide a uncertain backdrop for global markets, with the likely removal of both Barnier and Yoon bringing the potential for both countries to find a fresh direction," said Joshua Mahony, chief market analyst at Scope Markets. Thomas Mathews, head of Asia-Pacific markets at Capital Economics, said the losses in Seoul could have been "much worse" had the president not aborted his plan. "Rarely does a combined sell-off in a country's stocks, bonds and currency feel like a relief rally," he said. Oil prices turned lower after surging around 2.5 percent Tuesday, mainly after the United States sanctioned 35 companies and ships it accused of involvement with Iran's "shadow fleet" illicitly selling Iranian oil to foreign markets. Major producers at the OPEC+ grouping led by Saudi Arabia and Russia were set to meet Thursday to discuss extending output limits. Back in New York, major indices were led by the Nasdaq, which piled on 1.3 percent to finish at a third straight record. Wednesday's gains came after payroll firm ADP said US private-sector hiring in November came in at a lower-than-expected 146,000 jobs, while a survey from the Institute for Supply Management showed weaker sentiment than expected in the services sector. But the lackluster data boosts expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates later this month. At a New York conference, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell refrained from tipping his hand, but he "didn't say anything that would scare the market," said Briefing.com analyst Patrick O'Hare. O'Hare noted that Wednesday's gains were led by large tech names such as Nvidia and Microsoft, which are major AI players. The boost followed strong results from Salesforce, which was the biggest gainer in the Dow with an 11 percent jump. New York - Dow: UP 0.7 percent at 45,014.04 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.6 percent at 6,086.49 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 1.3 percent at 19,735.12 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.3 percent at 8,335.81 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.7 percent at 7,303.28 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: UP 1.1 percent at 20,232.14 (close) Seoul - Kospi Index: DOWN 1.4 percent at 2,464.00 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.1 percent at 39,276.39 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: FLAT at 19,742.46 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.4 percent at 3,364.65 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0510 from $1.0509 on Tuesday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2702 from $1.2673 Dollar/yen: UP at 150.56 yen from 149.60 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 82.71 from 82.92 pence Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 1.8 percent at $72.31 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 2.0 percent at $68.54 per barrel burs-jmb/jgcTRON, BNB Holders Diversify into Lightchain AI to Turn $100 into $10,000
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