SANTO DOMINGO.- La organización política dominicana Alianza por la Democracia (APD) opinó que eliminar o reducir la cesantía laboral traería una ola de despidos masivos en los principales sectores de la economía formal. Indicó que la propuesta en este sentido de empresarios locales afectaría primero a quienes al momento de ser aprobado el nuevo Código del Trabajo tengan más de seis años de labor con ingresos superiores al salario mínimo. Carlos Sánchez, secretario general de la APD, dijo que otra consecuencia sería la reducción o depresión de los pagos de los nuevos empleos. Con ello, precisó, será muy afectada la economía de la clase media, que en su mayoría ocupan los puestos laborales en sectores que, dijo, se han ido formalizando. Sánchez estimó que reducir los salarios de nuevos empleos estará favorecida por la gran cantidad de personas desocupadas en el país, las que por necesidad aceptarían un trabajo de sueldos bajos. El exdiputado sostuvo que los empleadores buscan eliminar la Cesantía para aumentar los niveles de rentabilidad y ganancias para sus empresas. Refirió que ese sector no defiende los derechos laborales, una tarea que, precisó, debe hacer la población mediante el movimiento sindical. Las élites empresariales, precisó, rompieron el acuerdo tripartito alcanzado en negociaciones con el Gobierno y ahora lograron abrir de nuevo el debate imponiendo sólo sus puntos de vista. «En la APD», dijo, «consideramos que si vamos a abrir el debate entonces hay que incluir el tema de la distribución de las ganancias de las compañías, según la remuneración del trabajo y el excedente». Los salarios de más del 80 por ciento de los trabajadores formales del país, expresó, son bajos, y según estadísticas de la Tesorería de la Seguridad Social, una mayoría gana menos de 30 mil pesos al mes. agl-sp pero... este imbécil sabe muy bien que la cesantía se formalizó en el 1992 porque no existía un régimen de seguridad social (tss) que le garantizara un seguro de vejez y de bienestar a los empleados. pero una vez llegó la tss, fue para sustituir la «cesantía». y punto..,.Gansu Transportation Department Launches Low-Temperature Defense to Address Blue Alert for Blizzard
President-elect Donald Trump called a federal judge's ruling that blocked the Biden administration from disposing of any southern border wall materials during the remainder of Biden's presidency a "crucial win" for the nation and national security in a social media post on Saturday. Newsweek reached out to Trump's communications team and the White House for comment via email on Saturday. Why It Matters Immigration and border security are key issues for Texas, a state that shares a border with Mexico. Republican Governor Greg Abbott and Republican Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn have frequently clashed with the Biden administration over border policy. Last year, Texas deployed large buoy barriers in the Rio Grande River to address a surge in undocumented migrants crossing into the U.S. from Mexico, prompting the Biden administration to sue Abbott. In July, a federal appeals court ruled the floating barriers could remain in place, but legal battles continue. The Biden administration has argued that Texas' use of buoys violates federal law, while Abbott continues to deploy more barriers. Meanwhile, Trump campaigned this election cycle on a crackdown on immigration and stricter border policy, including continuation of the physical wall on the U.S. southern border with Mexico. He has pledged to reshape the nation's immigration laws and processes as soon as he takes office in less than a month. What To Know A federal judge on Friday ruled in favor of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton , a staunch Trump ally, who filed a motion for a permanent injunction to block the Biden administration from disposing pieces or materials related to the U.S.-Mexico border wall ahead of Trump's second term. Paxton and Trump worked together on the case, according to an X, formerly Twitter , post from Paxton on Friday. The Biden administration confirmed it will uphold the order, a press release from Paxton's office noted. In May, U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton ruled in favor of Paxton finding that the Biden administration violated federal law by attempting to redirect funds statutorily obligated for border wall construction. The administration was directed to continue the construction with the appropriated funds. In the same case, Paxton filed a new motion on December 17 after reports and photos emerged alleging the Biden administration was selling materials intended for border wall construction. The filing specifically cites "videos obtained by The Daily Wire [that] show flatbed trucks hauling massive, unused border wall panels—each weighing over 16,000 pounds—away from construction sites in Arizona to government auction yards," according to court documents reviewed by Newsweek. The Biden administration previously sold border wall materials in 2023 . Since taking office, Biden has worked to minimize construction on the wall. The money for the wall had been appropriated in 2019 before he took office and though he attempted to get the funding redirected, Congress had refused. Paxton's press release also noted that "the court stated that Texas is entitled to documentation proving that the Biden Administration has not violated an injunction" from May. "If it is shown that the Biden Administration disposed of border wall materials purchased with funds subject to that injunction in violation of a court order—or that the Department of Justice made misrepresentations regarding the border materials that have been auctioned off—this would constitute unethical and sanctionable conduct, and the responsible parties could be held in contempt of court," the attorney general added. In his Saturday post on Truth Social, Trump called the court order "a major, crucial WIN for America, and our National Security." He also pledged to rebuild the wall "in order to protect our Country from violent migrant crime, fentanyl smuggling, sex trafficking, terror attacks, and other heinous, Nation ending disasters." The president-elect added that the court's order "will expose just how corrupt and anti-American Radical Democrats are." He concluded his post: "We have to protect our Borders, and Save America. MAGA!" What People Are Saying Nick Sortor, conservative commentator and internet personality, wrote on X on Friday night: "HUGE win! Biden attempted to blatantly subvert the will of the American people by racing to auction off border wall materials for just pennies on the dollar, which would force Trump to buy them back at EXPONENTIALLY higher markups." Gunther Eagleman, a political commentator and MAGA supporter, praised Paxton in an X reply on Friday: "Ken Paxton is one of the best AG's in the country." What Happens Next Trump is expected to implement changes to the nation's immigration policies and border security measures once he takes office on January 20. On Saturday, he voiced support for H-1B visas for specialized foreign workers, amid Republican infighting over the issue earlier in the week. "I've always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That's why we have them," Trump told the New York Post in a phone interview on Saturday. "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great program," he said.Upon arrival at the scene, emergency medical response teams worked swiftly to stabilize the individuals and transport them to nearby medical facilities for further treatment. The quick and efficient response played a crucial role in ensuring that the affected individuals received the necessary care promptly.
Imagine waking up on a cold morning feeling stiff, only to realize that your skin has been burnt by the hot water bottle you cuddled with throughout the night. The warmth and comfort you sought turned into a painful ordeal, leaving your skin scalded and sensitive. This scenario may sound alarming, but it is not uncommon, especially when proper precautions are not taken.he have hit a new low, securing their first losing season since took over as head coach in 2020. Sunday's humiliating 41-7 defeat to the cemented their fate, with a current record that guarantees they'll finish below .500. For a franchise with sky-high expectations, this collapse has left fans and players alike in utter disbelief. "Nobody plans to lose," said quarterback after the game. "Nobody plans to have a losing season. You expect playoffs every year. You expect to win this division. It sucks. It's frustrating." disappointment reflects the sentiment across the locker room. , however, chose a more pragmatic approach, focusing on finishing strong despite the team's struggles. "I'm here to finish the race," he said, referring to the season-ending matchup against the What went wrong? injuries, declining performance, and lost momentum The ' downfall has been nothing short of dramatic. After three consecutive seasons finishing 12-5 with top-five rankings on both offense and defense, has taken a significant step back. This year, the team's offense has plummeted from averaging 29.5 points per game to just 20.7, while the defense has fallen to 30th in the league, allowing a staggering 27.8 points per game. Injuries have played a critical role in this decline. Key players like , , and have all spent time on injured reserve. Even defensive standout missed several games, further crippling the team's chances. The end of a championship window? For a team that entered the season with hopes of playoff redemption after another postseason loss in 2023, the ' inability to recover has sparked questions about their future. Eliminated from playoff contention last weekend, is now staring down its worst season in four years. With one game remaining, focus is on salvaging pride, but the disappointment is palpable. "We expected so much more," said . "This is not who we are." The face a long offseason of hard questions and tough decisions. Whether they can rebound from this nightmare season will depend on addressing glaring weaknesses, regaining health, and finding the spark that once made them contenders. For now, though, fans can only wonder how it all went so wrong so fast.
HICKSVILLE, N.Y. , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Flagstar Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FLG) ( the "Company"), today announced the appointment of Lee Smith as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective December 27, 2024 . The appointment follows the decision of current CFO Craig Gifford to step down to reengage in personal endeavors outside of the banking industry. Gifford will remain with the Bank through March 31, 2025 , and work closely with Smith during the transition period, ensuring a seamless hand-over and continued support for the Bank's ongoing initiatives. "For more than a decade, Lee has been an instrumental member of Flagstar's executive team. He is a proven leader with a strong track record, has the requisite experience and expertise, and possesses deep knowledge of the Company. The Board of Directors and I have full faith and confidence in Lee to continue to help guide the Company in this financial leadership position," said Joseph M. Otting , Chairman, President, and CEO. Smith joined legacy Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. in 2013 as Chief Operating Officer and his transition to CFO comes after serving on Flagstar's executive management team for more than a decade, most recently as President of Mortgage. He has an extensive background in accounting, finance, mortgage, private equity, and operations, spanning more than 25 years. His experience in managing large-scale transactions, optimizing financials and operations, and working with regulators demonstrates a strong ability to drive financial performance, ensure compliance, and lead financial operations. Additionally, his leadership in M&A deals, capital markets, and financial management positions him well to oversee financial strategies, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency at a senior financial level. His prior roles include Partner at Matlin Patterson Global Advisers LLC, a private investment firm. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) since 1998 and has a BSc in Economics and Accountancy from Loughborough University in England . Otting added, "I want to express our sincere appreciation to Craig for his impactful contributions over the past year. His leadership during this time has been invaluable, and we wish him all the best. As all of our stakeholders know, we have been working relentlessly to elevate Flagstar to new heights. I also recognize the personal sacrifices and time commitment required away from our personal lives for this journey. Given the substantial progress we've made as a Company, I am comfortable that this is a good time for this transition, and I am confident the momentum we've gained will only strengthen as we move forward." About Flagstar Financial, Inc. Flagstar Financial, Inc. is the parent company of Flagstar Bank, N.A., one of the largest regional banks in the country. The Company is headquartered in Hicksville, New York . At September 30, 2024, the Company had $114.4 billion of assets, $73.0 billion of loans, deposits of $83 .0 billion, and total stockholders' equity of $8 .6 billion. Flagstar Bank, N.A. operates over 400 branches, including a significant presence in the Northeast and Midwest and locations in high growth markets in the Southeast and West Coast. In addition, the Bank has approximately 80 private banking teams located in over 10 cities in the metropolitan New York City region and on the West Coast, which serve the needs of high-net worth individuals and their businesses. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release may include forward‐looking statements by the Company and our authorized officers pertaining to such matters as our goals, beliefs, intentions, and expectations regarding (a) revenues, earnings, loan production, asset quality, liquidity position, capital levels, risk analysis, divestitures, acquisitions, and other material transactions, among other matters; (b) the future costs and benefits of the actions we may take; (c) our assessments of credit risk and probable losses on loans and associated allowances and reserves; (d) our assessments of interest rate and other market risks; (e) our ability to execute on our strategic plan, including the sufficiency of our internal resources, procedures and systems; (f) our ability to attract, incentivize, and retain key personnel and the roles of key personnel; (g) our ability to achieve our financial and other strategic goals, including those related to our merger with Flagstar Bancorp, Inc., which was completed on December 1, 2022, our acquisition of substantial portions of the former Signature Bank through an FDIC-assisted transaction, and our ability to fully and timely implement the risk management programs institutions greater than $100 billion in assets must maintain; (h) the effect on our capital ratios of the approval of certain proposals approved by our shareholders during our 2024 annual meeting of shareholders; (i) the conversion or exchange of shares of the Company's preferred stock; (j) the payment of dividends on shares of the Company's capital stock, including adjustments to the amount of dividends payable on shares of the Company's preferred stock; (k) the availability of equity and dilution of existing equity holders associated with amendments to the 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan; (l) the effects of the reverse stock split; and (m) transactions relating to the sale of our mortgage business and mortgage warehouse business. Forward‐looking statements are typically identified by such words as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "outlook," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "should," "confident," and other similar words and expressions, and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, which change over time. Additionally, forward‐looking statements speak only as of the date they are made; the Company does not assume any duty, and does not undertake, to update our forward‐looking statements. Furthermore, because forward‐looking statements are subject to assumptions and uncertainties, actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in our statements, and our future performance could differ materially from our historical results. Our forward‐looking statements are subject to, among others, the following principal risks and uncertainties: general economic conditions and trends, either nationally or locally; conditions in the securities, credit and financial markets; changes in interest rates; changes in deposit flows, and in the demand for deposit, loan, and investment products and other financial services; changes in real estate values; changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios, including associated allowances and reserves; changes in future allowance for credit losses, including changes required under relevant accounting and regulatory requirements; the ability to pay future dividends; changes in our capital management and balance sheet strategies and our ability to successfully implement such strategies; recent turnover in our Board of Directors and our executive management team; changes in our strategic plan, including changes in our internal resources, procedures and systems, and our ability to successfully implement such plan; changes in competitive pressures among financial institutions or from non‐financial institutions; changes in legislation, regulations, and policies; the imposition of restrictions on our operations by bank regulators; the outcome of pending or threatened litigation, or of investigations or any other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future; the success of our blockchain and fintech activities, investments and strategic partnerships; the restructuring of our mortgage business; our ability to recognize anticipated expense reductions and enhanced efficiencies with respect to our recently announced strategic workforce reduction; the impact of failures or disruptions in or breaches of the Company's operational or security systems, data or infrastructure, or those of third parties, including as a result of cyberattacks or campaigns; the impact of natural disasters, extreme weather events, military conflict (including the Russia / Ukraine conflict, the conflict in Israel and surrounding areas, the possible expansion of such conflicts and potential geopolitical consequences), terrorism or other geopolitical events; and a variety of other matters which, by their nature, are subject to significant uncertainties and/or are beyond our control. Our forward-looking statements are also subject to the following principal risks and uncertainties with respect to our merger with Flagstar Bancorp, which was completed on December 1, 2022 , and our acquisition of substantial portions of the former Signature Bank through an FDIC-assisted transaction: the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the transactions will not be realized when expected or at all; the possibility of increased legal and compliance costs, including with respect to any litigation or regulatory actions related to the business practices of acquired companies or the combined business; diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the possibility that the Company may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies in or as a result of the transactions within the expected timeframes or at all; and revenues following the transactions may be lower than expected. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the Community Benefits Agreement entered into with NCRC, which was contingent upon the closing of the Company's merger with Flagstar Bancorp, Inc., will achieve the results or outcome originally expected or anticipated by us as a result of changes to our business strategy, performance of the U.S. economy, or changes to the laws and regulations affecting us, our customers, communities we serve, and the U.S. economy (including, but not limited to, tax laws and regulations). More information regarding some of these factors is provided in the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10 ‐ K/A for the year ended December 31, 2023, Quarterly Report on Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 , June 30, 2024 , and September 30, 2024 , and in other SEC reports we file. Our forward ‐ looking statements may also be subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those we may discuss in this news release, on our conference call, during investor presentations, or in our SEC filings, which are accessible on our website and at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov . Investor Contact: Salvatore J. DiMartino (516) 683-4286 Media Contact: Steven Bodakowski (248) 312-5872 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flagstar-financial-inc-names-lee-smith-as-chief-financial-officer-302331680.html SOURCE Flagstar Financial, Inc.
Low-cost, no-frills: How budget airlines changed air travel in Singapore over 20 years
The power struggle between the U.S. and Israel over claiming credit for al-Assad's ouster has raised concerns about the future stability of Syria and the broader Middle East region. Both countries have vested interests in shaping the post-al-Assad era to serve their own geopolitical agendas, which could potentially lead to further instability and conflict in the region.This picturesque seaside village in regional Victoria lures food lovers for its annual Wild Harvest Seafood Festival and, year round, delights those looking for a stay that combines the bush, fishing and relaxation. The cruise Take a cruise on the historic M.V. Loch-Ard. To really appreciate the beauty and size of the surrounding lakes get on board the MV Loch-Ard, which has been beetling around the Victorian waterways since it was first built, from Huon pine and kauri, in 1910. It is a snugly romantic vessel and during a sunset cruise you can watch the changing colours of the skies, see white sea eagles dive for an evening meal and hear some great local stories from Captain Dale Winward. See mallacootacruises.com The historic stay Karbeethong Lodge was built in 1922 and offers a slice of nostalgia. Karbeethong Lodge has the distinction of being favourably compared to heaven by A Sentimental Bloke author C.J. Dennis when he stayed here in 1932. It is hard to argue with him as you sit on the balcony of this 1920s-built seaside guesthouse with a local Gippsland drop in hand, looking across the grassy slope of a yard to the tranquil East Gippsland waters. Owners Graeme and Jenny Mitchell keep things warm and inviting with a retro collection of furnishings that populate the communal spaces of the huge living room and the help-yourself kitchen. Rooms are quirky and often have more beds than you need, but this is a very special place from which to explore the region. See karbeethonglodge.com.au The local dinner Lucy’s Cantonese fare is legendary in Mallacoota. Lucy’s, on the main street of Mallacoota, is an order-at-the-counter, family-working-all-stations affair that is packed on a weekend with visitors and locals sharing tables full of simple but utterly delicious dishes in serves that often require a take-away container. The go-tos here are the fresh, handmade noodles teamed with locally caught abalone and homegrown herbs, generously stuffed prawn har gau and rolled-up newspaper-sized spring rolls. The museum Mallacoota’s Bunker Museum was once part of a group of World War II-era military installations. The Bunker Museum was originally part of a chain of military installations that protected this exposed easterly part of the Australian coast during World War II. Now visitors descend the stairs into the rainbow-roofed bunker for a taste of military and local history with displays of “trench art” made from shell casings, the story of the sinking of British ship the SS Cumberland and a full-scale replica of home life in the 1940s complete with a mannequin looking like she has come off the set of Dad’s Army . See mallacootabunker.com.au The market Located near The Muddie, the mud brick pavilion at the centre of the Lions Park in town, this local market is full of the freshest local produce, local arts and crafts and community groups. It is a regularly changing roster of stallholders but keep an eye out for The Travelling Squid with its signature salt-and-pepper calamari and “prawn twists”. See mallacootamarkets.com The festival The Wild Harvest Seafood Festival was created to celebrate some of the less-loved creatures of the sea, such as the abalone and sea urchin that Mallacoota is known for. Started in 2022 (after some delays), the “whelk-om” dinner might have local oysters cooked over fire by Noel Butler from First Nations social enterprise Black Duck Foods, and pesce crudo using locally caught fish by guest chefs such as Stefano de Pieri. You might catch a live band, learn a sea shanty or enter a sandcastle making competition. It is an intimate introduction to this special part of Victoria. See wildharvestseafoodfestival.com The creative hub The Mallacoota Art Space, inside the Croajingolong Centre, often hosts an artist-in-residence. Tucked in behind the local radio station, inside the Croajingolong Centre, is the Mallacoota Art Space that is not only hung with works from local artists but, more often that not, will have an artist-in-residence producing works who is up for a chat about the local area and the wild coast that provides much of the inspiration for the local makers and creators. See visitmallacoota.com.au The nature walk Croajingalong National Park is great for bathing, walking or just taking in the view. It is a short drive to Genoa Falls in the Croajingolong National Park, just outside of Mallacoota, where the water runs down a long, flat slope packed full of water dragons that dart away into the rocks as soon as they see you. It is a great spot for bathing or simply wandering through the walking trails. If you have extra time the walk to Genoa Peak gives you a killer view of the surrounding bush and waterways. See visitmallacoota.com.au One more thing ... Abalone is now being processed locally. Mallacoota is the abalone capital of Victoria and the Australian Wild Abalone plant recently opened after the previous operation was devastated by the 2019 Gippsland bushfires. In the past, most of the popular aquatic meat was sent straight to Asia, but there is a renewed interest in using the fresh meat at home, so keep an eye out for it on local menus and at markets. See ex1191.com.au Loading Paul Chai was a guest of Wild Harvest Festival and Destination Gippsland. How we travel Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Victoria Gippsland Australia Paul Chai has been a travel writer, editor and author for over 20 years. He is more of an indoors than outdoors type, is Melbourne-based and writes on eating and drinking. Connect via Twitter . Most viewed on Traveller Loading
Dec 12 (Reuters) - Apple (AAPL.O) , opens new tab is planning to switch to a homegrown chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections for its devices starting next year, a move that will phase out some parts currently supplied by Broadcom (AVGO.O) , opens new tab , Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. The chip, code-named Proxima, has been under development for several years and is now slated to go into the first iPhones and smart home devices produced in 2025, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. The iPhone maker's in-house chips will be produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (2330.TW) , opens new tab , the report added. At its annual developer conference in June , Apple said that it plans to use its own server chips to help power artificial intelligence features on its devices. The move is separate from Apple's reported plans to launch its long-awaited series of cellular modem chips next year, which will replace components from longtime partner Qualcomm (QCOM.O) , opens new tab , the report added. However, the two parts will eventually work together, Bloomberg said on Thursday. Apple did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. The company is working with Broadcom to develop its first server chip, which is internally code-named Baltra, specifically designed for AI processing, the Information reported on Wednesday . The iPhone maker, along with some other big technology companies, has found it hard to cut reliance on Nvidia's (NVDA.O) , opens new tab pricey and short-in-supply processors despite in-house efforts to develop their own chips to power compute-heavy AI services. Last year, Broadcom, a major supplier of wireless components to Apple, had signed a multi-billion-dollar deal with the company to develop 5G radio frequency components. Sign up here. Reporting by Priyanka.G in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab
The images circulating online depict rows of large, fully grown Chinese cabbages in what appears to be a rural village setting in Jiangsu Province. The size and maturity of the cabbages seem unusually fast and out of the ordinary, raising skepticism among netizens about the authenticity of the photos. Many have questioned whether the cabbages were genetically modified or artificially enhanced to achieve such rapid growth.
Another notable signal in Jack Ma's speech was the call for sustainability and responsibility in business practices. He highlighted the importance of ethical conduct and social impact, urging companies to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains. This signal reflects a growing global awareness of the need for responsible and conscientious business practices in today's interconnected world.
In a quiet neighborhood, a woman known for her generosity and kind heart opened her doors to a male postgraduate who knocked on her door seeking shelter. The man claimed to have organized banquets and events in the past and was in need of a place to stay for the night. As news of this incident spread, it sparked a wave of curiosity and speculation among the local community.
Speaker decides to step down
The increased Chinese military presence in the Taiwan Strait has raised concerns among regional stakeholders, including Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries. China's growing military assertiveness in the region has raised fears of an escalation of tensions and the potential for a military confrontation.
Midfielders:AI Names and Ranks the 20 Greatest British Football Managers of All Time
Liverpool's star forward, Mohamed Salah, has found himself surrounded by speculation and uncertainty regarding his future at the club as talks of a contract extension continue to linger. However, a revelation from one of his teammates sheds light on Salah's true state amidst the contract saga – he has always been happy within the team.