
ResQvision, the innovative creation of surf lifesaver Alex Piatek and his friends, Bryan Pakulski and Julian Kovacek, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor ocean activity. The platform scans waves, tides and swimmers and sends an emergency message to first responders if it detects a swimmer is struggling. The technology is set to be piloted at Sydney’s Bondi Beach over the 2024-25 summer period, where surf lifesavers will provide feedback to help refine the system. "This artificial intelligence platform utilises cameras already installed by the government and surf clubs," Pakulski told SBS Polish. There were 323 drowning deaths from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, 16 per cent higher than the 10-year average of 278, according to Royal Life Saving Australia's National Drowning Report 2024 . Of this statistic, 25 per cent were born overseas with the highest countries of origin being India, China, Nepal and the UK, while almost half occurred at coastal locations, including 84 at beaches. According to Life Saving Victoria's Drowning Report , 21 people who drowned in the same 2023-24 period were from culturally and linguistically diverse communities — the highest ever recorded. Credit: Supplied Life Saving Victoria's Doctor Hannah Calverley told SBS News there are many hidden dangers waterways can present. She said the common threat is risky behaviour undertaken away from the watchful eyes of lifesaver-patrolled areas. "And so what this means is it's not necessarily a dangerous beach or it might be a bay or a calmer looking beach but it's more of the activities people are doing in those areas and their ability to be able to deal with the water conditions that they're facing." Pakulski said Australia faces a significant issue with individuals drowning at beaches where no lifeguards are present. "Statistics show that areas monitored by lifeguards are very safe, with virtually no drownings occurring under their watch. "However, the situation is drastically different outside the flagged zones and designated patrol hours when no one is left on the beach to ensure safety. That’s where our focus lies — on the unpatrolled beaches and the times when no lifeguards are available to protect swimmers." Credit: Supplied Dr Calverley said a renewed community effort is needed to drive home the water safety message. "Look we're dealing with mother nature at the end of the day. "And as much as we can forecast conditions, it is unpredictable at times. And so the onus is on everybody for their own water safety to make sure they can stay safe." When a swimmer is identified as being in distress, ResQvision sends off-duty rescuers an alert via text message, including the swimmer’s exact location and a live video feed. "We now have access to incredibly powerful computers and high-quality cameras capable of spotting people in the water with remarkable clarity," Pakulski said. "This technology is still evolving, but it’s allowing us to build systems that can recognise when someone is in trouble and needs assistance." Record numbers of young people and migrants figure in drowning deaths 'We're pioneers' Pakulski and Kovacek met at the University of NSW in 2017 while studying computer science while Piatek was a volunteer surf lifesaver at Bondi Beach. Piatek says he conceived the technology after witnessing countless incidents outside patrol hours. "When it comes to ocean rescue, we’re leading the way. While others are researching and exploring ways to address similar challenges, our system is unique in its approach — it covers everything from identifying a person in distress to ensuring help is sent. In this sense, we’re pioneers." Living just two minutes from Bondi Beach, Piatek said he had heard of many tragic situations like intoxicated people jumping into the water at night and drowning within minutes. He realised that timely intervention could make all the difference. "Alex loved the idea and reached out to me," Pakulski added "I immediately saw its potential. We met, discussed it, and decided to give it a shot. That’s how this project began." Lifesavers issue urgent warning as summer drowning deaths hit 30
The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing . But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin , gold and other investments also drove higher. Here’s a look at some of the numbers that defined the year. All are as of Dec. 20. 1998 Remember when President Bill Clinton got impeached or when baseball’s Mark McGwire hit his 70th home run against the Montreal Expos? That was the last time the U.S. stock market closed out a second straight year with a leap of at least 20%, something the S&P 500 is on track to do again this year. The index has climbed 24.3% so far this year, not including dividends, following last year’s spurt of 24.2%. 57 The number of all-time highs the S&P 500 has set so far this year. The first came early, on Jan. 19, when the index capped a two-year comeback from the swoon caused by high inflation and worries that high interest rates instituted by the Federal Reserve to combat it would create a recession. But the index was methodical through the rest of the year, setting a record in every month outside of April and August, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. The latest came on Dec. 6. 3 The number of times the Federal Reserve has cut its main interest rate this year from a two-decade high, offering some relief to the economy. Expectations for those cuts, along with hopes for more in 2025, were a big reason the U.S. stock market has been so successful this year. The 1 percentage point of cuts, though, is still short of the 1.5 percentage points that many traders were forecasting for 2024 at the start of the year. The Fed disappointed investors in December when it said it may cut rates just two more times in 2025, fewer than it had earlier expected. 1,508 That’s how many points the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by the day after Election Day, as investors made bets on what Donald Trump’s return to the White House will mean for the economy and the world . The more widely followed S&P 500 soared 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. Aside from bitcoin, stocks of banks and smaller winners were also perceived to be big winners. The bump has since diminished amid worries that Trump’s policies could also send inflation higher. Related Articles Economy | Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices Economy | US applications for unemployment benefits hold steady, but continuing claims rise to 3-year high Economy | A million taxpayers will soon receive up to $1,400 from the IRS. Who are they and why now? Economy | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump Economy | How to avoid financial stress during the holiday season $100,000 The level that bitcoin topped to set a record above $108,000 this past month. It’s been climbing as interest rates come down, and it got a particularly big boost following Trump’s election. He’s turned around and become a fan of crypto, and he’s named a former regulator who’s seen as friendly to digital currencies as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, replacing someone who critics said was overly aggressive in his oversight. Bitcoin was below $17,000 just two years ago following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX. 26.7% Gold’s rise for the year, as it also hit records and had as strong a run as U.S. stocks. Wars around the world have helped drive demand for investments seen as safe, such as gold. It’s also benefited from the Fed’s cut to interest rates. When bonds are paying less in interest, they pull away fewer potential buyers from gold, which pays investors nothing. $420 It’s a favorite number of Elon Musk, and it’s also a threshold that Tesla’s stock price passed in December as it set a record. The number has a long history among marijuana devotees, and Musk famously said in 2018 that he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share . Tesla soared this year, up from less than $250 at the start, in part because of expectations that Musk’s close relationship with Trump could benefit the company. $91.2 billion That’s how much revenue Nvidia made in the nine months through Oct. 27, showing how the artificial-intelligence frenzy is creating mountains of cash. Nvidia’s chips are driving much of the move into AI, and its revenue through the last nine months catapulted from less than $39 billion the year before. Such growth has boosted Nvidia’s worth to more than $3 trillion in total. 74% GameStop’s gain on May 13 after Keith Gill, better known as “Roaring Kitty,” appeared online for the first time in three years to support the video game retailer’s stock, which he helped rocket to unimaginable heights during the “ meme stock craze ” in 2021. Several other meme stocks also jumped following his post in May on the social platform X, including AMC Entertainment. Gill later disclosed a sizeable stake in the online pet products retailer Chewy, but he sold all of his holdings by late October . 1.6%, 3.0% and 3.1% That’s how much the U.S. economy grew, at annualized seasonally adjusted rates, in each of the three first quarters of this year. Such growth blew past what many pessimists were expecting when inflation was topping 9% in the summer of 2022. The fear was that the medicine prescribed by the Fed to beat high inflation — high interest rates — would create a recession. Households at the lower end of the income spectrum in particular are feeling pain now, as they contend with still-high prices. But the overall economy has remained remarkably resilient. 20.1% This is the vacancy rate for U.S. office buildings — an all-time high — through the first three quarters of 2024, according to data from Moody’s. The fact the rate held steady for most of the year was something of a win for office building owners, given that it had marched up steadily from 16.8% in the fourth quarter of 2019. Demand for office space weakened as the pandemic led to the popularization of remote work. 3.73 million That’s the total number of previously occupied homes sold nationally through the first 11 months of 2024. Sales would have to surge 20% year-over-year in December for 2024’s home sales to match the 4.09 million existing homes sold in 2023, a nearly 30-year low. The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. A shortage of homes for sale and elevated mortgage rates have discouraged many would-be homebuyers.
The collaboration between Liu Shishi and Celine is a testament to the brand's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. By selecting Liu Shishi as their global ambassador, Celine is embracing the cultural richness and global appeal of the Chinese market, recognizing the growing influence of Chinese celebrities on the international stage.
Another aspect of healthy competition in the energy storage industry is the emphasis on diversification and innovation. Instead of focusing solely on price competitiveness, companies are now looking to differentiate themselves through product innovation, service quality, and customer-centric approaches. By investing in research and development, exploring new markets, and embracing emerging technologies, industry players can stay ahead of the curve and meet the evolving needs of customers and the market.Sharp Corporation and KDDI Corporation have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to launch an AI data center by the year 2025. This strategic partnership between the two technology giants aims to revolutionize the way data is processed and utilized, paving the way for futuristic innovations in artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Why aren’t mobile homes considered among affordable housing fixes?
The FIFPRO Best 11 lineup serves as a reminder of the incredible talent that exists in the world of football today. While some may be surprised by the absence of Messi and Ronaldo, the inclusion of rising stars like Mbappe and Haaland shows that the sport is constantly evolving and producing new stars to capture the imagination of fans.
advansix CEO Erin Kane sells $161,450 in company stockU.S. stocks have outperformed all the other developed markets over the last decade by quite a margin, with the S&P 500 ( NYSEARCA: SPY , IVV , VOO ) delivering an annualized total return of ~ 13.3% . The S&P 500 is the most popular stock market Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Taiwan’s technology companies showcased cutting-edge solutions aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s smart manufacturing sector during the Taiwan Smart Manufacturing Pavilion at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) on November 19, 2024. This event is part of the SMART NATION 2024 initiative, running from November 19 to 21, and features six leading Taiwanese firms demonstrating their latest advancements in smart manufacturing, smart mobility, and automation technologies. Key Takeaways Innovations in Smart Manufacturing The event featured a range of technologies designed to modernize Malaysia’s industrial landscape. Among the highlights was the NexAIoT Data Acquisition System (nDAS), presented by Gred Teh, ASEAN Managing Director of IPC System BU NexAIoT Co. Ltd. This system is tailored for industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, which are vital to Malaysia’s economic growth. Teh emphasized the importance of real-time data collection and processing, stating, "By connecting sensors directly to our hardware, data from machines is stored and transmitted to the cloud, enabling real-time insights and decision-making in smart manufacturing processes." AI-Driven Solutions for Urban Transport S-LINK Systems Inc. also made a significant impact by introducing AI-driven solutions aimed at revolutionizing urban transport networks in Malaysia. Vice President Steven Chen explained how their technology could optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion, contributing to environmental sustainability goals. Chen noted, "Deploying intelligent transportation solutions can be complex, involving multiple devices and systems. Our Mobitrack system integrates all of these functions into one unit, making it easier for enterprises to deploy AI-powered traffic management solutions." Collaborative Ecosystem Development The Taiwan Smart Manufacturing Pavilion, themed ‘Taiwan Smart Manufacturing Leads the Future,’ aims to foster collaboration between Taiwanese and Malaysian businesses. The goal is to build a smart manufacturing ecosystem that enhances productivity and supports digital development in Malaysia’s manufacturing sector. This initiative not only showcases Taiwan’s technological prowess but also positions Malaysia as a regional leader in advanced manufacturing technologies. By leveraging these innovations, Malaysia can further modernize its industrial landscape and improve its competitive edge in the global market. In conclusion, the Taiwan Smart Manufacturing Pavilion at SMART NATION 2024 serves as a vital platform for showcasing innovative technologies that can significantly impact Malaysia’s manufacturing and transportation sectors, paving the way for a smarter, more efficient future. Sources
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to a Brazilian firm and one of the world’s leading meat processing companies, JBS S.A, to invest in the country’s $2.5bn livestock sector, assuring the company of a good return on their investment. Speaking at the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Nigerian Government and the JBS S.A in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday, Tinubu said his administration was focused on driving both international and local investments into the sector to resolve the prevalence of farmer-herder crisis. He described the partnership as a significant step towards eradicating hunger, reducing poverty, and fostering economic prosperity in the country. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday. In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed escalating conflicts between nomadic herders and sedentary farmers, particularly in the Middle Belt region. These clashes, primarily driven by competition over land and water resources, have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. For instance, in 2018, approximately 2,000 fatalities were recorded due to such conflicts, according to the Africa Centre. Additionally, incidents such as the 2023 Mangu violence in Plateau State led to over 100 deaths and displaced thousands of residents. Since the previous administration, the government’s move to implement various measures, including establishing grazing reserves and promoting ranching, has suffered from inadequate infrastructure and resistance from some communities, with pundits calling for a comprehensive policy framework that balances the interests of both farmers and herders. Related News HOSTCOM urges Tinubu to ignore calls for NUPRC boss suspension Tinubu eyes livestock sector reform, investment to curb farmer-herder clashes UPDATED: Senate approves Tinubu’s $2.2bn loan request However, Tinubu argued that Thursday’s agreement in Brazil would work, saying the Federal Government believed in the company’s existing reputation. The President called on the company to see the considerable potential in what he called Nigeria’s $2.5bn livestock investment, especially with its vast population and tap into it, given JBS S.A’s globally recognised expertise in guaranteeing food security. He said, “We’ve heard so much about you regarding the reputation, and we believe in the partnership we are forging today. “Food security is extremely important. As we talk right now, there is hunger. However, there is huge hope. And you are one of those hopes that we are looking at.” Before he visited Brazil, the President had commissioned a team of Nigerian officials and private sector players to take advantage of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio to conduct a study tour of Sao Paulo, Brazil and explore the opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, seed development and multiplication for key grains. In his remarks, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mahia, who led the delegation, reported to the President that the team embarked on guided, extended and intensive tours of companies on the scale of their global reach, the integrated nature of their operations as well as the deployment of advanced technology. The company employs over 200,000 people across its subsidiaries in more than 50 countries in the world, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia, among others. Meanwhile, the founder and President of the JBS group, Wesley Batista, said the company remained the largest employer of labour in Brazil with over $79bn in revenue already in 2024.DENVER, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medicine Man Technologies, Inc., operating as Schwazze, (OTC: SHWZ) (Cboe CA: SHWZ) ("Schwazze" or the "Company"), is providing an update on its previously announced delayed filings. On November 29, 2024, the Audit Committee of the Company determined, following discussions with Baker Tilly and the Company's management, that the Company's previously issued audited consolidated financial statements for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, audited by BF Borgers, and the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto as of and for the fiscal periods ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023 included in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal periods ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023 that were filed with the SEC (collectively the "Subject Periods”) will be restated due to the identification of certain accounting adjustments needed primarily relating to technical accounting areas. The Company has concluded that the impact of these corrections is material and as a result, the Subject Periods should no longer be relied upon. Similarly, any previously issued or filed reports, press releases, earnings releases, investor presentations or other communications of the Company describing the Company's financial results or other financial information should no longer be relied upon to the extent that they are related to the Subject Periods. Schwazze does not currently believe that the foregoing corrections will have any negative material impact on the Company's revenue, adjusted EBITDA, cash from operations or cash position. Additional details on the impact of these adjustments can be found in the Company's related Form 8-K filed earlier today. About Schwazze Schwazze (OTC: SHWZ) (Cboe CA: SHWZ) is building a premier vertically integrated regional cannabis company with assets in Colorado and New Mexico and will continue to explore taking its operating system to other states where it can develop a differentiated regional leadership position. Schwazze is the parent company of a portfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale. Schwazze is anchored by a high-performance culture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test, measure, and drive decisions and outcomes. The Company's leadership team has deep expertise in retailing, wholesaling, and building consumer brands at Fortune 500 companies as well as in the cannabis sector. Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. was Schwazze's former operating trade name. The corporate entity continues to be named Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. Schwazze derives its name from the pruning technique of a cannabis plant to enhance plant structure and promote healthy growth. To learn more about Schwazze, visit https://schwazze.com/ . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements include financial outlooks; statements regarding the expected impact of the restatements and change in accounting treatment, including on the Company's overall business operations, previously reported cash and cash equivalent balances, and strategic outlook; statements regarding the Company's internal controls over financial reporting and ongoing internal reviews and assessments; any projections of net sales, earnings, or other financial items; any statements of the strategies, plans and objectives of our management team for future operations; expectations in connection with the Company's previously announced business plans; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; and statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of our management team. Such statements may be preceded by the words "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "intends," "plans," "strategy," "prospects," "anticipate," "believe," "approximately," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," or the negative of these terms or other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future events or future operating or financial performance, although the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. We have based our forward-looking statements on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and trends affecting our business and industry. Although we do not make forward-looking statements unless we believe we have a reasonable basis for doing so, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. Therefore, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control and cannot be predicted or quantified. Consequently, actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, that the Company has underestimated the scope and impact of the restatements, risks and uncertainties around the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, the risk that the Company's restated financial statements may take longer to complete than expected, as well as those risks and uncertainties risks and uncertainties associated with (i) regulatory limitations on our products and services and the uncertainty in the application of federal, state, and local laws to our business, and any changes in such laws; (ii) our ability to manufacture our products and product candidates on a commercial scale on our own or in collaboration with third parties; (iii) our ability to identify, consummate, and integrate anticipated acquisitions; (iv) general industry and economic conditions; (v) our ability to access adequate capital upon terms and conditions that are acceptable to us; (vi) our ability to pay interest and principal on outstanding debt when due; (vii) volatility in credit and market conditions; (viii) the loss of one or more key executives or other key employees; and (ix) other risks and uncertainties related to the cannabis market and our business strategy. Any such risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect the Company's results of operations, its profitability and its cash flows, which would, in turn, have a significant and adverse impact on the Company's stock price. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov . The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law. As noted above, investors are cautioned that the Subject Periods, and related investor communications, should no longer be relied upon; such communications include earnings releases, press releases, shareholder communications, investor presentations and other communications describing relevant portions of the Subject Periods. Investor Relations Contact Sean Mansouri, CFA or Aaron D'Souza Elevate IR (720) 330-2829 [email protected]
In conclusion, Ian Wright's assessment of Chelsea's defensive needs and his endorsement of Aaron Ramsdale as the perfect choice to address them highlight the importance of a strong defense in achieving sustained success in football. With Ramsdale's skills, leadership qualities, and potential for growth, Chelsea could significantly strengthen their backline and solidify their position as title contenders. As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Chelsea's pursuit of Ramsdale and the potential impact his arrival could have on the team's defensive capabilities.The state comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, faulted the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for failing to do enough to save money, as promised, by consolidating purchasing. Under a "Transformation Plan" approved in 2019 , support functions were to be merged to improve service at lower costs by getting rid of duplication and redundancy, with processes standardized and simplified. DiNapoli’s office found the MTA “was mostly operating under the same practices” years after consolidation of purchasing went into effect. “Procurement Function officials stated that, while the consolidation of staff has been completed, Transformation is a continuous, ongoing process and there is no set timeline for completion,” a report summary said. WHAT NEWSDAY FOUND The MTA, which operates the region’s subways, buses, commuter rails like the Long Island Rail Road, and bridges and tunnels, spends over $7 billion a year on procurement. And while some progress had been made, the office found, more work has yet to be done. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . For example, the MTA unit that directs purchases of items like bus and train parts reported savings of $152 million in 2022, but part of what was claimed as saved was due to “[c]anceled orders and services that were no longer needed.” Also, the unit that manages about 85 warehouses and storerooms for the Long Island Rail Road among others “still uses procedures for the operations and management of its inventory assets that date back to the 1990s.” New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's report found the MTA has work to do to improve savings through consolidation. Credit: Jeff Bachner In a statement, DiNapoli said: “More savings may be possible if it does more to coordinate purchasing among its agencies instead of the status quo of having them procure their needs independently. Consolidation, efficiency, and savings in this area was promised years ago, but has yet to be fully realized.” In an email, MTA spokeswoman Joana Flores wrote: “The MTA successfully consolidated and reorganized the agency per the Transformation Plan, forging ahead with less redundancy and red tape. The MTA is still continuously improving business practices with more cost savings and has achieved reduced costs — identifying an additional $100 million in annual recurring savings for a total of $500 million annually, all while providing more subway, bus, and railroad service than ever before.” The MTA also responded to the findings, disagreeing throughout, according to DiNapoli’s report. “In response to our preliminary findings, MTA officials advised us that they are not required to define which, if any, portions of cost savings and cost avoidances at the MTA are related to the Transformation, including any cost savings or avoidances cataloged by the Procurement Function for any purpose.” Spending at the MTA has long been unusual. Per-mile costs paid to expand the region’s transit network are the highest in the world, according to a 2017 investigation by The New York Times, which cited antiquated rules, unwarranted staffing, bountiful contracts, and barely any competition. Costs are also driven up by union rules: unlike almost every other subway system around the world, where just one worker operates the train, rules here require under almost all circumstances that one worker, the operator, drives the train and another, the conductor, opens and closes the doors. Token booth clerks still staff posts, even though fares are now sold by vending machines or paid via tap-and-go. (Recent changes require the clerks to emerge, but just occasionally.) While some commuter rails use, or are moving to use, fare gates to check for payment, the LIRR still staffs trains with conductors who walk the train aisles to inspect tickets, driving up labor costs. Newsday reported earlier this year that the MTA spent $1.42 billion in overtime last year, beating the previous record. “The MTA’s costs both for building and operating the highest in the world,” said John Kaehny, executive director of the group Reinvent Albany . “Really key thing here is that the high costs are the result in our view of state laws that require the MTA to go through contracting processes that are more based on politics than they are efficiency.” Kaehny said that many of the 2019 transformation are "completely unrealistic." Still, Kaehny said, the money at issue in the audit is a drop in the bucket. "The amount of claimed savings discussed in the audit by both MTA and the Comptroller is truly dinky, near irrelevant," he said. "In 2022, the MTA spent or contracted to spend about $30 billion. The audit includes a dispute of savings that add up to a few hundred million." Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.
"Melody Quest" is now available for purchase on all major gaming platforms. Join the chorus of heroes and become a legend in this unforgettable tale of music, mystery, and redemption. Let the power of song guide you on your quest to save the world and discover the true meaning of harmony.
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Who is FBI Director Christopher Wray?
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