A Canadian Navy vessel with the name HMCS Protecteur will again set sail, nearly a decade after the last supply ship with its respected legacy was taken out of service. The new joint support ship — the longest naval vessel ever to be built in Canada — was launched at a rainy ceremony at shipbuilder Seaspan’s shipyards in North Vancouver, B.C., attended by dignitaries, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It is the first of two joint support ships being built in British Columbia for the Canadian Navy, and Seaspan says work is “well underway” for a second vessel, the HMCS Preserver, scheduled for delivery in 2025. The previous supply ship bearing the name was taken out of service in 2015 after a crippling engine-room fire in the waters off Hawaii the year before, marking the end of service for almost 46 years in conflicts, including the Gulf War. Trudeau participated in the traditional christening ceremony on Friday, but it was HMCS Protecteur sponsor Teri McKinnon who swung and broke a bottle of champagne on the vessel after several previous attempts couldn’t smash the bottle. With the new vessel looming high over attendees, Trudeau called the launch a “historic moment,” praising workers who built the ship as an example of Canada’s greatest selling point in drawing investment globally. “In a world that is so interconnected and so filled with opportunities and good places to go, people keep choosing to come and invest in Canada,” Trudeau told the crowd in attendance. “People keep showing up because of our greatest competitive advantage — that is Canadians themselves,” he said. “Our workers are the best in the world. Smart, ambitious, driven, hard-working. They are the pitch we make when people everywhere around the world want a reliable partner.” Speaking after the ceremony, Royal Canadian Navy Commander Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee said it was an emotional day for naval officers to see the ship’s name return to the sea. “There’s a tremendous legacy of 45 years of service of the original HMCS Protecteur, and so we’re really proud to carry on that tradition,” Topshee said. “It was tough for us to have the fire on board Protecteur, but it’s also a reminder that the business of going to sea is a difficult, risky and dangerous-at-times business. We always have to be vigilant and ready for fires or floods or other challenges at sea, let alone the threat and potential for warfare.” The Protecteur is the fifth vessel designed and constructed by Seaspan under the National Shipbuilding strategy launched in 2010. Joint support vessels such as the HMCS Protecteur supply fuel, food, water and ammunition for other navy ships, allowing them to remain at sea for extended periods of time without needing to return to port.Chargers crush Patriots, clinch return to playoffs
Two weeks from today, the official 12-team College Football Playoff bracket will be unveiled on ESPN. This weekend featured some wild results that shook up the playoff projections, including Oklahoma blowing out Alabama 24-3 and Florida shocking Ole Miss. The Crimson Tide and Rebels now have three losses on the season and have all but been officially eliminated from CFP contention. However, that doesn't mean every three-loss SEC team would be done for. ESPN's Heather Dinich, who has brought up the possibility of a three-loss SEC program cracking the field before, mentioned it again on X/Twitter this morning. In particular, Dinich sees a pathway for Georgia to get in with three defeats if the last one comes in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 7. Icon Sportswire/Getty Images "So here we are. Back to what I said to @PatMcAfeeShow about a 3-loss SEC team possibly getting in," Dinich said . "UGA is playing in the SEC title game. You mean to tell me if they lose to Texas - a team they beat during the regular season in a true road game - they aren’t getting consideration?" Surely, everyone on social media is reacting to Dinich's idea of a possible three-loss SEC playoff participant with level heads. Georgia is 9-2 after yesterday's non-conference romp over UMass with a rivalry matchup with Georgia Tech still to come to close out the regular season. The Bulldogs' two losses came at Ole Miss and Alabama, but they have a road win over Texas, a potential opponent in the SEC title game. Justin Ford/Getty Images The winner of Saturday's Texas-Texas A&M game will take on Georgia in Atlanta in two weeks. “Yeah, I'm worried about Georgia Tech,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said of looking ahead . “That's all I'm thinking about. I could care less about anybody else in the world but my team and how we get ready in six days for Georgia Tech." The next installment of College Football Playoff rankings will be released Tuesday night on ESPN. Related: ESPN's Computer Releases Top 25 Rankings After Week 13Ilkay Gundogan insists 'EVERY Man City player has to question themselves' and blames 'mental issues' as Juventus defeat puts Champions League hopes in jeopardy The former club captain was offered a grim assessment after European defeat Man City have now recorded just one win in their last 10 matches played LISTEN NOW to It's All Kicking Off! : Why can't Chelsea win the league? They made seven changes and still scored five. Do you think Liverpool could do that? By TAMARA PRENN Published: 17:59 EST, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 17:59 EST, 11 December 2024 e-mail View comments Ilkay Gundogan has called upon 'every single Manchester City player to question themselves' and fix the team's 'mental issue' after another underconfident performance saw the side fall 2-0 to Juventus in the Champions League . Pep Guardiola 's side were frustrated by the hosts on Wednesday night in a cagey first-half, before Dusan Vlahovic opened the scoring in the 53rd minute. Second-half substitute Weston McKennie doubled the Old Lady's lead at the Allianz Stadium with a superlative acrobatic strike, for which the visitors had no reply. Worryingly for the serial champions, Wednesday's result leaves Man City sitting 22nd in the league standings, well outside the automatic qualification places, and in danger of failing to qualify for the knockout stages all together. In their last 10 games, the English champions have won only once, and in Gundogan's eyes, the team's issue is 'a mental issue'. 'It's very disappointing,' Gundogan told TNT Sports. 'I feel like we had chances to score actually a few goals, but at the moment, it just feels like every attack we concede is so dangerous. I don't know. Ilkay Gundogan did not mince words after Man City's Champions League loss to Juventus The former club captain called upon his team-mates to look within themselves to stamp out 'careless' play Pep Guardiola's side have now recorded only one win in their last 10 matches home and abroad Read More Man City lose a SEVENTH game in 10 to leave Champions League knockout hopes hanging in the balance 'I have a feeling sometimes we are a bit careless on the duels and instead of playing simple, we overcomplicate things. '(Confidence) is a big part of it and obviously that's a mental issue as well. I feel like you can see we are, one action we miss the ball or lose the duel and you see we drop immediately and lose the rhythm. 'They are able to break our rhythm with the smallest of things. In the crucial moments right now we are always doing the wrong things. 'I feel like we know exactly what is going wrong and the reasons, and still if you look at the most part of the games, we don't play bad, (we play) quite good football, we just miss to score and it is not that easy to come back it is so obvious what is going wrong but it is trying to find the switch. This is my personal opinion and how I feel. In a rallying cry to his team-mates, Gundogan added: 'Every single player individually has to question themselves and how they can sacrifice more to contribute.' Man City will now return to England with a view to turning around their lacklustre run against a side with a similarly spotty recent record, crosstown rivals Manchester United. Ilkay Gundogan Champions League Manchester City Share or comment on this article: Ilkay Gundogan insists 'EVERY Man City player has to question themselves' and blames 'mental issues' as Juventus defeat puts Champions League hopes in jeopardy e-mail Add commentGold rally may slow down in 2025: WGC
Every mouse is a little different—some accelerate faster than others, for example—and that can get annoying (and even disorienting) if you use one mouse at home and another at work. The Mac's mouse panel in System Settings lets you adjust things like tracking speed, sure, but changing the setting for one mouse changes it for all of them, meaning you can't really get the two devices to meet in the middle. LinearMouse is a free app that lets you choose different settings for every mouse and touchpad you connect to. This can help you solve the acceleration problem I just mentioned and also lets you do things like use natural scrolling on one device and not others. It can also customize all the buttons on your mouse. To get started, you need to download the application and launch it. You will be asked to grant Accessibility permission, which is necessary in order for the application to function. After that you can start configuring your devices. By default, the application will configure whichever device you've used most recently—you can configure a specific device instead by clicking the name of your current device in the top toolbar and unchecking the "Auto switch to the active device" option. Do that and you can choose which of your currently connected devices you want to configure. The app allow you to configure scrolling, pointer movement, and all the buttons on your mouse. The scrolling section has a modifier keys section that I particularly like, which allows you to do things like hold the Command key while scrolling to zoom in. The buttons section, meanwhile, can re-map the back and forward buttons your mouse may have so that it emulates the swiping motion on a trackpad. You might find that this allows you to use the buttons in more applications. There's also the ability to customize any button on your device to a wide variety of actions, from Mission Control to media playback. You can even trigger a Terminal command, if you want to get fancy. There's one more level of customization here. You can choose settings for any mouse that are specific to a particular application. So if you want to map the buttons on your mouse to do certain things while you're using a particular application, or playing a particular game, you can do that. You can also have your mouse behave differently on different displays. You might, for example, want your mouse to move faster on your giant widescreen without speeding it up on the smaller ones you sometimes use. That's possible. Basically, this is an application you can tweak endlessly to get exactly the experience you want. It's also completely free. Check it out if you wish your mouse worked differently.I’ve known my friends for 20 years. We’ve weathered divorces, raising kids, changing jobs and the loss of parents. Yet every single year, without fail, they forget my birthday. Social media will occasionally save the day with a last-minute nudge, but most years, radio silence. Should I just accept my fate as The Forgotten One? S.H., Caringbah, NSW Credit: Illustration by Simon Letch Lots of people – some of them even over the age of 12 – are really into celebrating their birthdays. But not me: I see no pleasure in celebrating my rapid decline into decrepitude. I’m terrible at faking gratitude for crap gifts. I have intimacy issues when it comes to birthday hugs, kisses or direct eye contact. Cake makes me bloat. Balloons freak me out. And I’m sickened by all the trees that were slaughtered to make disposable birthday wrapping paper (some of it even decorated with green-leaf patterns in a cruelly ironic botanical twist). Personally, I’d be thrilled if friends forgot my birthday, as long as they were okay with me forgetting theirs – and anniversaries and the names of their kids. Look, I don’t know a thing about you. You may be unmemorable, unlikeable, unhygienic – but maybe this is the direction you need to take, too. Just become a birthday non-acknowledger and if friends ask why you forgot theirs, say, “Oh, I thought we weren’t doing that any more. Happy to start again. Mine first!” Otherwise, you’re going to have to force your friends to give you birthday love. Post a birthday countdown on social media, hourly. Share a Google calendar with nothing on it but your birthday. Host your own birthday party, bake your own cake, invite everyone around and then pretend it’s a big surprise. Although if you’re the only one whose birthday is being forgotten, and it happens consistently, maybe it’s time to find new friends. Ones who love birthdays. But maybe stick to over-12s. guru@goodweekend.com.au To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald , The Age and Brisbane Times .
Russian security officials say they foiled a plot by one of their own citizens to kill a high ranking officer and a pro-Russian war blogger. The Russian citizen was working with Ukraine’s military intelligence agency and planned to detonate a bomb hidden in a portable speaker, according to Russia’s Federal Security Service. The citizen got in contact with a Ukranian Defense Ministry officer over the messaging service Telegram, received instructions and then retrieved a bomb from a hiding place in Moscow, the FSB said. Russian officials did not name the official or blogger that were being targeted. Amid the nearly-three year war following Russia’s invasion, Ukraine has said the targeted killings of those it deems guilty of war crimes are legitimate, while Russia has called them “acts of terrorism.” Earlier this month, Ukraine’s intelligence service killed a Russian lieutenant it said promoted the use of banned chemical weapons. President-elect Trump’s designated Ukraine envoy, retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg, said the attacks were “not really smart” and going “a little bit too far.” Separately, the Financial Times reported that a new Russian ballistic missile fired at Ukraine in November was developed using manufacturing equipment from Western companies, despite sanctions aimed at stopping the flow of such equipment to Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the missile was in response to Ukraine’s use of Western weapons to strike Russia and that it has “stock” of such weaponry, but the report indicates that the country is still heavily dependent on foreign technology. Moscow made significant gains on the front lines in 2024, but as the war drags into its third year, some Ukrainians still hold out hope for prisoner swaps, which have dropped sharply. There were only 10 prisoner exchanges this year, the lowest number since the invasion began and over 8,000 prisoners of war are thought to still be held in Russia, according to the BBC . Families and activists gathered in Kyiv on Christmas to call for the release of Ukrainian prisoners. “We hope for a Christmas miracle,” Tetiana, whose 24-year-old son Artem was captured almost three years ago, told the outlet. “My son’s release is my deepest wish.” With Post wires
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Robert Anderson wrote numerous stories on high school athletes for The Roanoke Times. Now it’s his turn to be recognized. The Virginia High School League announced Wednesday that Anderson has been chosen for the 2025 class of the Virginia High School Hall of Fame. Anderson graduated from Martinsville High School in 1974. The class’ 50th anniversary reunion was held earlier this year at the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville. “We were in there with all the old bones and dinosaurs. It wasn’t until we left that I looked up and saw that the name of the room we had it in was called the hall of ancient life,” Anderson, 68, cracked Wednesday in a phone interview. “I guess this is what happens when you become a dinosaur, these kind of awards.” Anderson was a sports writer for The Bristol Herald Courier from 1978 to 2001, covering high school sports, NASCAR and Virginia Tech football and basketball. He was hired by the Roanoke Times in 2001 to oversee its high school sports coverage. He informed and dazzled readers of The Roanoke Times with his writing until he retired in June 2022. “I think I could find unusual stories that lay a little bit below the surface,” he said. “Telling some stories a little bit different than your ballgame scores.” The Roanoke County resident is part of an eight-person class that will be inducted in April at a Charlottesville hotel. Anderson learned a few months ago that he was chosen for the media category. He was nominated by former Salem High School athletic director Sandy Hadaway for consideration for the hall. Anderson played basketball and tennis for Martinsville. “I’m obviously not getting inducted for that,” he cracked. Anderson is embarrassed that he will be the first Martinsville graduate to enter the Virginia High School Hall of Fame. “Ridiculous,” he said. “The reason is, mostly people don’t nominate their athletes or their coaches. “Good Lord, (Martinsville has worthy candidates such as) Shawn Moore, Jeff Adkins, ... Lou Whitaker, Carl Hairston, Sonny Wade, Dennis Mahan. “People, I don’t think they know the history of their schools. ... People are busy in their day-to-day life, and I don’t think it’s on a lot of people’s radar. “I wish people would really make an effort to get your folks nominated.” Anderson loved being a sports writer. “A lot of jobs, you’re looking at the clock and you’re wondering when it’s ever going to get to 5 o’clock,” he said. “I never looked at it that way. I was the opposite. I always looked up and wished there were a little more time left in the day to get done what I needed to do. “It was exciting in a lot of ways.” Anderson’s favorite high school team to cover was the Cave Spring boys basketball squad that won the 2002 Group AAA state title. The star of that squad was former Duke and NBA guard and current NBA coach J.J. Redick. Redick missed six games that season with a foot injury. The team was just 9-9 when he rejoined the lineup in February 2002. After losing Redick’s first game back, the Knights won their final nine games, including the title games of the district, regional and state tournaments. “I ranked them No. 1 in Timesland with a 9-10 record when he came back and some guy from somewhere called and just raised hell about it,” Anderson said. “And then of course they won the whole thing that year. The guy didn’t call me back.” Anderson considers his most memorable high school sports article to be the one he wrote in 2007, 10 years after Pulaski County’s Lee Cook collapsed on the ground following a routine on-field collision with William Fleming’s Jamie Penn in a football game at Victory Stadium. Cook died of cardiac arrest triggered by a blow to the front part of his body. Penn was shot to death in 2005 at the age of 23. “It’s a sad story,” Anderson said. “There’s just something about that story and talking to (the late football coaches) Joel Hicks and Kila Miller about their memories of that and (talking to) the families of both those young guys and how that whole thing intertwined.” Anderson also remembers the article he wrote for The Roanoke Times in 2005 on the late Surry County boys basketball coach Joseph Ellis, who guided his team to a state title while battling cancer. Ellis died two months after the article was published. Anderson is also proud of the All-Timesland special sections he put out at the end of each school year, saluting standouts in every sport. He said his favorite high school athlete to cover was Calvin Talford, who was a multi-sport star at Castlewood High in Russell County before playing basketball at East Tennessee State and minor-league baseball in Martinsville. Anderson enjoyed covering VHSL state championship games, meets and matches. “Probably the most intense event in high school to cover is that packed state wrestling tournament at Salem Civic Center,” he said. He especially loved covering the state high school track and field championships. “I’ve always liked track and field,” he said. Anderson was named the winner of the sports-writing portfolio category by the Virginia Press Association in 2018 and 2022, finishing second in that category three other times. The former Emory & Henry tennis standout was named a top-10 finalist in the sports feature category by the Associated Press Sports Editors for a 2017 story on the late Roanoke tennis legend Carnis Poindexter. He was given the E.B. Whitmore Award by the Southwest Virginia Coaches Association and the 2006 Marshall Johnson Award by the Virginia High School Coaches Association. Anderson still writes about once or twice a month for The Cardinal News website. He also writes occasionally for VirginiaPreps.com . The new class also includes former Fluvanna County football, basketball and track and field standout Luther Bates; former Petersburg football and track and field standout Jerome Mathis; Heritage-Leesburg gymnastics coach and former Broad Run gymnastics coach Jennifer Aubel; former Mills Godwin tennis and basketball coach and former Douglas Freeman tennis coach Mark Seidenberg; Tabb field hockey coach Wendy Wilson; the late Tabb athletic director Willard Hunt; Virginia Beach City Public Schools athletic administrator David Rhodes; and VHSL state debate director Bob Seabolt.SAN DIEGO, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a groundbreaking move, Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and Lucky Eagle Casio & Hotel have announced a strategic enterprise partnership that will revolutionize the gaming and hospitality industry in the Washington market, setting the stage for a dynamic synergy between technology and hospitality. The software deployment has been completed and training will begin soon. The state-of-the-art platform is expected to enhance operations, optimize service and ensure guests have an unparalleled experience. JaNessa Bumgarner, CEO of Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, "We at Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with QCI. The QCI platform is a game-changer, and we believe it will not only streamline our operations but also elevate the level of service and entertainment we provide to our valued guests. With QCI's innovative solutions, we are confident in our ability to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience in the Washington market. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence and innovation." Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, echoed this sentiment, expressing his satisfaction with the newly formed partnership, "At QCI, we value partnerships that are built on mutual respect, shared vision, and commitment. Our collaboration with Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is the epitome of such a relationship. We've been deeply impressed by the Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel team, their passion for excellence, and their unwavering dedication to enhancing guest experiences. I'm proud and excited about the journey ahead and confident that together, we'll set new standards in the Washington market." ABOUT Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is proudly owned and operated by The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation. The Chehalis Tribe is a vital community with rich cultural traditions that have endured for centuries. They honor their proud history and advance their vision by expanding business opportunities, educational resources and healthcare and outreach services. Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is an award winning casino resort located in Rochester, Washington. We offer the newest in slots, table games, bingo, sportsbook, pet friendly hotel, award winning restaurants and much more! To learn more about us, please visit our website luckyeagle.com. ABOUT QCI Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 175 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com . About Andrew Cardno Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master's level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew's innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today's mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew's impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew's work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors. Contact: Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence Phone: 858-349-8354In the weeks after Ballot Measure 1 passed by a hefty margin, many Alaska employers are beginning to understand its impacts. The measure, effective July 1, will raise the minimum wage and establish the state’s first sick leave requirement. It will prohibit employers from holding mandatory meetings about political or religious issues. The changes will likely affect every employer in Alaska, at the very least requiring new workplace policies and training for managers, said Mike O’Brien, an attorney with Davis Wright Tremaine who is advising businesses about the measure’s impact, along with other attorneys. The vast majority of Alaska employers already pay above the minimum wage, especially after the pandemic caused labor shortages, O’Brien said. But fewer businesses provide sick leave. Many business owners say they anticipate higher expenses from that portion of the measure. They’re grappling with ways to avoid passing the costs onto customers or thinning employee hours, they say. Brock Wilson, research assistant professor of economics at the Institute of Social and Economic Research at University of Alaska Anchorage, said studies indicate the measure could lead to reduced worker hours in the short-term, as businesses respond to higher costs. Prices for customers could rise for businesses with lots of minimum-wage workers, such as restaurants where tips are combined with pay, Wilson said. But the measure will have clear benefits for employees, such as higher pay for some, reduced turnover in the long run, and lower rates of worker illness, he said. Mark Robokoff, owner of AK Bark pet supply store in Anchorage, was part of a coalition of small businesses that supported the measure. He said he believes the measure will improve the Alaska economy — more people will have more money to spend at local businesses because more people will be better-paid. “It doesn’t work until everyone does it,” he said. “Then we all get more money to help us pay for our employees.” Questions about sick leave The sick-leave requirements are generating most of the questions from businesses, people familiar with the measure say. The measure increases the hourly minimum wage to $13 in July, $14 a year later, and $15 in July 2027. Increases after that will be tied to inflation. The minimum wage will bump to $11.91 an hour on Jan. 1, from $11.73 under existing law. Under the measure, nearly all employees in Alaska will receive at least one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Larger employers will have a higher sick-leave requirement. Employers with 15 workers and more must allow workers to accrue a minimum of 56 hours annually. Employers with less than 15 workers must allow them to accrue 40 hours annually. Businesses can exceed those levels if they choose. They can also combine sick leave with paid time off, as some already do, as long as employers meet the sick leave minimum. Under the initiative, areas covered by sick leave are broad. They include physical and mental issues, plus support for matters involving domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Workers can take sick days to support ailing relatives or someone “whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship,” according to the measure. The Wage and Hour section at the state labor department plans to post information about the measure on its website early next year, addressing frequently asked questions, said Jeremy Applegate, chief of the section. Applegate spoke at an educational event about the measure, held early this month by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Many businesses attended. The agency will write the regulations for the ballot measure. It will look to clarify questions, such as how to measure employment at a company with annual numbers that bounce around the 15-worker threshold. Draft regulations are expected to be available for public comment in March. Trying to figure it out The measure was funded primarily by the Fairness Project, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that has worked on several ballot measures in other states to raise minimum wages or guarantee paid time off. The group spent about $2.6 million on the campaign, about 25 times more than opponents such as The Alaska Chamber and other organizations. Celeste Hodge Growden, president of Alaska Black Caucus, said she voted for the measure because everyone deserves a decent wage. But she’s grown concerned about the sick leave requirement, which will add costs for the caucus. “Now, I’m like, ‘Oh shoot, what did I do?’ ” she said. Growden said she doesn’t want to reduce programs. And cutting worker hours could lead to turnover, she said. One solution may be finding more volunteers. “I just want to support our employees, and so I have to make good business decisions to make this happen,” she said. Josh Howes, president of Premier Alaska Tours, which shuttles tourists in motor coaches, said the measure is positive for many workers in Alaska because it sets a better baseline wage. His business and many others in tourism already pay well above the minimum wage, he said. Premier employs about 800 people, mostly seasonal employees. Expanding the company’s sick-leave to include those seasonal employees could add close to $500,000 in annual expenses, he said. Tracking leave time will add administrative duties and costs, too. The extra expenses can’t quickly be passed on to consumers, if that’s even possible, he said. Contracts in the industry are often locked in for two years. How will Premier Alaska absorb the changes? “That’s what we have to figure out,” he said. “We’ll have to find ways to save money to cover that expense.” ‘The impact will be dramatic’ Laile Fairbairn, president of Locally Grown Restaurants, which manages four Anchorage restaurants including Snow City Cafe, said the company will need to expand its sick leave to 56 hours, from 40 hours, for an employee’s first year. The minimum wage will also need to rise for the servers, baristas and other staff that also receive tips. “The impact will be dramatic, and the numbers are really challenging,” she said. “We offer extensive benefits, like 401(k), health insurance and paid time off. We’ll have to look at all our benefits and see what makes the most sense in light of the changes.” Fairbairn said Alaskans clearly supported the new employee benefits. It’s up to businesses like hers to figure out how to implement them, she said. But the higher costs can’t entirely be passed onto customers, she said. The restaurant group, with about 300 employees, will look for ways to operate more efficiently, she said. But Fairbairn said she worries the changes could be “crippling” for smaller businesses with few employees and less flexibility to find savings, she said. Those extra costs will come atop already thin profit margins in the restaurant industry, often around 3-4%, she said. “We’ll all have to tighten our belts,” Fairbairn said. Goldie’s Coffee Roasters, which operates a coffee hut off the Old Seward Highway near 76th Avenue, has six part-time employees. Owners Jenna Frederic and Kristen Redfield said they pay their staff more than the minimum wage so that won’t immediately be an issue. But the sick leave requirement will add costs for the business starting this summer, they said. They’re letting customers know that in June they will end the loyalty program for a discounted or free cup of coffee, Redfield said. “This will help us avoid raising everyone’s coffee prices,” Redfield said. The owners, who are sisters, said they want to continue operating while supporting employees and customers. “We’re just adapting,” Jenna Frederic said. “It’s part of being a small business owner. We’ve been in business for 11 years, and every year we have to make adjustments.” Derrick Green, who owns Waffles and Whatnot restaurant at 500 Muldoon Rd. and was an early supporter of the measure, said his employees already make more than $15 an hour and receive paid sick leave. He does that by reducing his pay, he said. “I am literally the least-compensated member of the staff,” he said. When he takes care of the workers, they take care of everything else, he said.
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Tina Knowles is coming to her daughter Beyoncé’s defense after online trolls criticized her NFL halftime show performance on Christmas Day. Knowles clapped back at critics by reposting a message about her famous daughter on her Instagram Friday. In the screenshot, user @iamkrisiman praised Beyoncé and wrote that “no matter how undeniably talented you are, people will always, ALWAYS, always have some negative ish to say.” Knowles cosigned the post in a lengthy caption. “It is mind-boggling to me that you would take your precious Christmas day and watch a performance of someone you hate and you don’t think has talent so that you can go talk ish about it later,” she wrote. “Obviously you are so obsessed with them, addicted to them, and secretly admire them,” she added. According to the New York Post, Knowles’ post came after some social media users called Beyoncé “overrated.” Fans and celebrities in the comments of Knowles’ response seemed to love her mama bear energy. “Period!!! Ms. T,” singer LeToya Luckett wrote. “All. Of. This!!!!!!” Oscar winner Octavia Spencer added. A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinaknowles) Elon Musk appeared to borrow a line from the 2008 film Tropic Thunder in an ongoing social media fight about H1B visas. Musk hit back against MAGA’s top players in a series of X posts, alleging that H1B visas are the reason why he, “and hundreds of other companies that made America strong,” are in the country. To a skeptical X user, Musk blasted: “Take a big step back and F--- YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.” Although some were shocked by Musk’s sudden escalation—with former Trump strategist Steve Bannon calling him a “toddler”—others noticed that the disparaging remark was similar to a line in Tropic Thunder . Character Les Grossman, played by Tom Cruise, says in the film: “First, take a big step back, and literally, F--- YOUR OWN FACE ... I don’t know what kind of pan-pacific bulls--t power play you’re trying to pull here, but Asia, Jack, is my territory. So whatever you’re thinking, you’d better think again.” In response to Musk’s comment, the X user tweeted, “Bro was just memeing. I wouldn’t take it too seriously.” Nothing beats the classics pic.twitter.com/MRSdXifhH5 Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Boxing Week sales are still in full swing, folks! As an avid J.Crew fan , I can honestly say that the brand’s discount-laden factory store (the brand’s online outlet) is a great way to get high-quality wardrobe staples without the big price tag. J.Crew Factory always offers discounts up to 40 percent off J.Crew, but for a limited time, you can unlock even more savings from already discounted items. Right now, J.Crew Factory is offering 70 percent off clearance items with the code SALE70 at checkout. Now’s the time to invest in evergreen staples like jeans and office-friendly blazers while they’re half off, or grab a few outwear essentials to round out your cold-weather lineup. The sale also includes tons of denim for just $50, pure cotton crewneck T-shirts for $20, and even new arrivals like NYE frocks and cashmere items. And the sale is not just for women; the gents’ and kids’ sections are equally full of additional savings. Charles Shyer, the writer-director best known for directing the 1991 Steve Martin comedy Father of the Bride has died at 83. According to Deadline, Shyer died Friday and no cause of death was given by his family in a statement. “His loss leaves an unfillable hole in our lives, but his legacy lives on through his children and the five decades of wonderful work he’s left behind. We honor the extraordinary life he led and know there will never be another quite like him,” his family told the outlet. In addition to directing, Shyer gained notoriety for his screenwriting and nabbed an Oscar nomination in 1981 for co-writing the Goldie Hawn-led military comedy Private Benjamin alongside Harvey Miller, and fellow writer-director Nancy Meyers. Meyers and Shyer married in 1980 before calling it quits in 1999. They share two daughters. Other notable films co-written by Shyer include Jumpin’ Jack Flash , The Parent Trap , and Baby Boom , which he also directed. His most recent credit behind the camera was co-writing and directing the 2023 Netflix Holiday film Best. Christmas. Ever. A Norwegian chess champion left mid-tournament after refusing to change his outfit for judges. Magnus Carlsen, a five-time World Chess Champion, was competing in New York’s Fide World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships on Friday when he was asked to change. According to The Telegraph , Carlsen was first fined $200 for the wardrobe rule break before being told he would have to leave if he didn’t change. “I said, ‘I’ll change tomorrow if that’s OK.’ I didn’t even realize it today, but they said, ‘Well you have to change now.’ At that point it became a bit of a matter of principle for me,” Carlsen told chess outlet Take Take Take in an interview. “Honestly, I am too old at this point to care too much. If this is what they want to do,” he added. As for why he wore the jeans in the first place, Carlsen said he had little time to change before the tournament as he was coming from a meeting. The grandmaster made light of the debacle on X where he tweeted a photo of the now notorious jeans. “OOTD,” he captioned the snap. OOTD pic.twitter.com/9reOP6zuJv Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. If you’re looking to revamp your at-home fitness lineup ahead of 2025 and don’t have hours to commit to exercising each day, allow us to introduce you to the CAROL Bike . The science-backed and AI-powered fitness bike is engineered to give you maximum results in the shortest time possible—and by the shortest time, we mean as little as five minutes. In fact, according to the brand, the CAROL bike is “proven to deliver double the health and fitness benefits in 90 percent less time compared to regular cardio.” Free Returns | Free Shipping Not only is it a huge time-saver, but the CAROL Bike is also designed to be personalized to the rider’s individual fitness levels, goals, and preferences, making the workouts easy to follow, time-efficient, and super effective. CAROL’s AI and Reduced Exertion HIIT (REHIT) technology optimizes the workout to your ability and fitness level, so every second matters. The personalized, optimal resistance levels are automatically adjusted as you work out—at exactly the right time—making the most efficient workouts easy to follow. “ CAROL Bike is designed to maximize training efficiency, with the shortest, most effective workouts, backed by science. And new rider-inspired features that give riders more flexibility to exercise their way,” says Ulrich Dempfle, CEO & Co-Founder at CAROL. You can try the CAROL Bike for yourself risk-free for 100 days, and the brand offers free shipping (7-10 business days) in the U.S. Gossip Girl star Chanel Maya Banks , who made headlines last month after denying her family’s claims that she had gone missing, has filed a restraining order against her mother and cousin. The 36-year-old submitted the request in Los Angeles on Thursday, alleging her mom, Lutchmin Judy Kumar, and cousin, Danielle Singh have harassed her, TMZ reported. The actor also claimed that her mother and cousin were working to destroy her credibility. In October, Banks’ family reported her missing. She denied the claims in a post days later. Banks wrote in the restraining order filing that Kumar and Singh broke into her apartment in November while she was gone and attacked her husband. She also alleged that an Apple AirTag was put on her car to track her. After the attack, she alleged that her mother and cousin accused her husband of murder and said that Banks should be in a psychiatric hold. Sources told TMZ that they’re happy she is safe and are “moving on with their lives.” R&B singer Ne-Yo announced Friday that a popular professional boxer under his management has died at age 35. In a joint statement posted by the Grammy-winner and the boxer’s family, Ne-Yo, real name Shaffer Chimere Smith, announced “the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives.” Hailing from Puerto Rico, Bamba became one of the first boxing talents to sign to Ne-Yo’s management company in 2024. Bamba won all of his bouts in 2024 by knock out and recently claimed WBA’s secondary “gold” cruiserweight title after knocking out Rogelio Medina. “He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness. But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual who inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination,” the statement added. Bamba was the No. 12 ranked contender by the WBA and seemed set on fighting in more high profile matches—challenging boxer Jake Paul to “holla at us” in one post. Paul shared his condolences on X, writing, “RIP Paul Bamba.” RIP Paul Bamba https://t.co/ovu7egrGHn Argentine-born British actress Olivia Hussey, known primarily for her role as Juliet in director Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , and as final girl Jess Bradford in the 1974 slasher Black Christmas , died Friday. She was 73. Friend and filmmaker Marc Huestis confirmed the news to the San Francisco Chronicle . A post on Hussey’s Instagram profile informed fans: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones. Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.” Hussey was born in Buenos Aires to opera singer Andrés Osuna and Joy Hussey, a legal secretary from England. Hussey studied drama at London’s Italia Conti Academy, and was a professional actress by the time she was 13. She was 16 when she starred opposite Leonard Whiting in Romeo and Juliet —roles that earned each a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. Hussey later appeared in the films Death on the Nile, Virus, and the 1990 horror miniseries It , based on the Stephen King novel. A Democratic Florida state representative announced she is defecting from her party and joining the Republicans because the Democrats are too open to “extreme progressive voices.” Hillary Cassel, who is Jewish, said in a statement on X that she was “increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel” in its war with Hamas. “I’m constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians,” she added. “I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values. I know I won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican, but I do know that I will always have input, collaboration, and respect.” Cassel first won office in Florida’s 101st district in 2022, beating out her Republican opponent by seven points, according to Ballotpedia. She won re-election two months ago, running unopposed. Earlier this month, another Democrat in Florida’s house, Susan Valdes, announced that she would join the Republicans because she felt “ignored” by her party, according to the Tallahassee Democrat . Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. 2025 is quickly approaching, and there’s no better way to celebrate the new year than with 2024’s cocktail du jour—the espresso martini. It’s the perfect way to toast 2025 with sophistication, flavor, and an energy boost. Think you can’t make the buzzy beverage at home because you’re not a bartender? Think again. You can create this beloved cocktail effortlessly with just a cocktail shaker, fresh espresso, vodka, coffee beans, and Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur . It all starts in the land Down Under—Australia. Mr Black sources its ingredients, including 100 percent specialty-grade Arabica coffee, from local farmers and cooperatives. The liqueur is then slowly brewed with purified cold water to preserve its delicate, complex flavors. The result? A bittersweet masterpiece with bold flavor, balanced sweetness, and a lasting coffee kick. Its rich, coffee-forward taste is a crowd-pleaser, and the sleek bottle design adds a touch of elegance to any bar cart. Making an espresso martini is simple. Combine Mr Black , vodka, and freshly brewed espresso in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously until cold. Then, strain the mixture into a martini glass and finish with three coffee beans as a garnish. Skip the champagne toast this year and ensure you stay awake for the countdown to 2025 with a Mr Black espresso martini. Legendary sportscaster Greg Gumbel has died at age 78, his family confirmed in a statement Friday, according to CBS News . “He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” they wrote. “Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.” The veteran CBS Sports journalist, who spent more than 50 years in broadcasting, approached his job with the same regard, according to his colleagues who nicknamed him “Gumby” for his grace in front of the camera and behind the scenes. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” added the post, authored by his wife Marcy and daughter Michelle. “Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him.” No further details were given about his diagnosis. Gumbel is the older brother of fellow sportscaster and NBC host Bryant Gumbel, who is nicknamed “Never Stumble Gumbel.” Yet another billionaire is clambering to get into President-elect Donald Trump’s hyper-rich inner circle, the MAGA chief has claimed. Trump, who will take the hot seat on Jan. 20, 2025, has seen his popularity surge among Silicon Valley types after he was endorsed by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk . The number two, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos , soon made a beeline for the big man too, after he was spotted dining with Musk and Trump at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month. Now Bill Gates wants a slice, according to Trump. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said the former CEO of Microsoft— whom Forbes says is the 16th richest in the world— personally asked for an audience with him. In a somewhat incoherent post, he said: “Where are you? When are you coming to the ‘Center of the Universe,’ Mar-a-Lago. Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Year’s Eve is going to be AMAZING!!! DJT.”JAMAICA, N.Y. , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) today announced that Turkish Airlines will begin operations at the new terminal when it opens in 2026. Turkish Airlines will also unveil a brand new, state-of-the-art lounge for its premium customers, launching the next phase of the award-winning airline's growth at its top U.S. gateway. The New Terminal One, set to be the largest international terminal in the United States , will offer best-in-class amenities and innovative technology for a transformational and efficient travel experience. The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, which will include two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network. Turkish Airlines, which currently flies 19 times weekly from JFK Airport to its hub at Istanbul , providing seamless connections to its extensive global network, will continue to offer top-tier service from the new terminal. As part of its expansion in the JFK market, Turkish Airlines will open an 11,000-square-foot lounge in the New Terminal One – twice the size of the airline's lounge at the existing Terminal 1. The new lounge will feature premium amenities, expansive views of JFK Airport's airfield and provide direct boarding access to aircraft, offering unmatched convenience for Turkish Airlines' business class customers and top-tier frequent flyers. Recognized for its exceptional in-flight service, Turkish Airlines recently received the World Class Award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for the fourth consecutive year, placing it among just 10 airlines in the world to have received this prestigious recognition. Turkish Airlines was also chosen as the Best Airline in Europe nine times by Skytrax. Over the years Turkish Airlines also received accolades from Skytrax and other prestigious organizations numerous times for its Business and Economy Class offerings and Lounges. Turkish Airlines offers service to 351 destinations, including 25 in the Americas. Turkish is a member of the Star Alliance and will join other alliance members at the New Terminal One: LOT Polish Airlines, EVA Air and Air China. "We are thrilled to welcome Turkish Airlines to the New Terminal One at JFK, where their commitment to world-class customer service aligns perfectly with our mission to provide an unparalleled customer experience," said The New Terminal One Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Aument . "We look forward to working closely with our colleagues at Turkish Airlines to elevate the travel experience for customers from 2026 and beyond." Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: "We are excited to bring Turkish Airlines' world-class service to the New Terminal One at JFK, further enhancing our passengers' travel experience with a state-of-the-art-lounge. This move underlines our commitment to continue our growth in the U.S market." In addition to Turkish Airlines, the New Terminal One has partnered with several other global carriers, including Air France, KLM, Etihad, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Air Serbia, SAS, Neos and Philippine Airlines. Air China is also partnering with the terminal on elevating the travel experience for Chinese customers visiting New York . The New Terminal One is focused on improving the customer experience by collaborating with potential airline partners. This includes working with airline teams across all customer journey touchpoints. Set to be JFK Airport's largest terminal when complete, the New Terminal One will offer a world-class customer experience and additional widebody aircraft gate capacity – providing international airlines a unique opportunity to grow their service at JFK, the top global gateway to the U.S. About The New Terminal One The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is a bold and exciting project to develop a world-class international terminal that will serve as an anchor terminal in the Port Authority's $19 billion transformation of JFK into a global gateway to the New York metropolitan area and the United States . The New Terminal One will set a new standard for design and service, aspiring to obtain a Top 5 Skytrax ranking and be considered one of the finest airport terminals in the world. The New Terminal One is being built on sites now occupied by Terminal 1 and the former Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, where it will anchor JFK's south side. Construction is taking place in phases. The first phase, including the new arrivals and departures halls and first set of 14 new gates, is expected to open in 2026. At completion, anticipated in 2030, the New Terminal One will be 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK and nearly the same size as LaGuardia Airport's two new terminals combined. The New Terminal One will be a 23-gate, state-of-the-art, international-only terminal. Sustainably designed and future-focused, the terminal will feature expansive, naturally lit public spaces, cutting-edge technology, and an array of amenities, all designed to enhance the customer experience and compete with some of the highest-rated airport terminals in the world. The New Terminal One consortium of labor, operating, and financial partners is led by Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle. The New Terminal One is being built by union labor and is committed to local inclusion and labor participation, focusing on diversity and capacity-building opportunities, including ambitious participation goals of 30% for minority and women-owned enterprises, 10% for local business enterprises and 3% for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. To learn more about the New Terminal One at JFK International Airport, visit https://www.anewjfk.com/projects/the-new-terminal-one/ About Turkish Airlines Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 491 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 351 worldwide destinations in 130 countries (298 international destinations and 53 domestic destinations within Turkiye). More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/turkish-airlines-to-begin-operations-at-the-new-terminal-one-at-jfk-and-unveil-world-class-lounge-302331710.html SOURCE The New Terminal One at JFK
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