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MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin public worker and teachers unions scored a major legal victory Monday with a ruling that restores collective bargaining rights they lost under a 2011 state law that sparked weeks of protests and made the state the center of the national battle over union rights. That law, known as Act 10, effectively ended the ability of most public employees to bargain for wage increases and other issues, and forced them to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. Under the ruling by Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost, all public sector workers who lost their collective bargaining power would have it restored to what was in place prior to 2011. They would be treated the same as the police, firefighter and other public safety unions that were exempted under the law. Republicans vowed to immediately appeal the ruling, which ultimately is likely to go before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. That only amplifies the importance of the April election that will determine whether the court remains controlled 4-3 by liberal justices. Former Gov. Scott Walker, who proposed the law that catapulted him onto the national political stage, decried the ruling in a post on the social media platform X as “brazen political activism.” He said it makes the state Supreme Court election “that much more important.” Supporters of the law have said it provided local governments more control over workers and the powers they needed to cut costs. Repealing the law, which allowed schools and local governments to raise money through higher employee contributions for benefits, would bankrupt those entities, backers of Act 10 have argued. Democratic opponents argue that the law has hurt schools and other government agencies by taking away the ability of employees to collectively bargain for their pay and working conditions. Union leaders were overjoyed with the ruling, which affects tens of thousands of public employees. “We realize there may still be a fight ahead of us in the courts, but make no mistake, we’re ready to keep fighting until we all have a seat at the table again,” said Ben Gruber, a conservation warden and president of AFSCME Local 1215. The law was proposed by Walker and enacted by the Republican-controlled Legislature in spite of massive protests that went on for weeks and drew as many as 100,000 people to the Capitol. The law has withstood numerous legal challenges over the years, but this was the first brought since the Wisconsin Supreme Court flipped to liberal control in 2023. The seven unions and three union leaders that brought the lawsuit argued that the law should be struck down because it creates unconstitutional exemptions for firefighters and other public safety workers. Attorneys for the Legislature and state agencies countered that the exemptions are legal, have already been upheld by other courts, and that the case should be dismissed. But Frost sided with the unions in July, saying the law violates equal protection guarantees in the Wisconsin Constitution by dividing public employees into “general” and “public safety” employees. He ruled that general employee unions, like those representing teachers, can not be treated differently from public safety unions that were exempt from the law. His ruling Monday delineated the dozens of specific provisions in the law that must be struck. Wisconsin Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he looked forward to appealing the ruling. “This lawsuit came more than a decade after Act 10 became law and after many courts rejected the same meritless legal challenges,” Vos said in a statement. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business lobbying organization, also decried the ruling. WMC President Kurt Bauer called Act 10 “a critical tool for policymakers and elected officials to balance budgets and find taxpayer savings." The Legislature said in court filings that arguments made in the current case were rejected in 2014 by the state Supreme Court. The only change since that ruling is the makeup of Wisconsin Supreme Court, attorneys for the Legislature argued. The Act 10 law effectively ended collective bargaining for most public unions by allowing them to bargain solely over base wage increases no greater than inflation. It also disallowed the automatic withdrawal of union dues, required annual recertification votes for unions, and forced public workers to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. The law was the signature legislative achievement of Walker, who was targeted for a recall election he won. Walker used his fights with unions to mount an unsuccessful presidential run in 2016. Frost, the judge who issued Monday's ruling, appeared to have signed the petition to recall Walker from office. None of the attorneys sought his removal from the case and he did not step down. Frost was appointed to the bench by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who signed the Walker recall petition. The law has also led to a dramatic decrease in union membership across the state. The nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum said in a 2022 analysis that since 2000, Wisconsin had the largest decline in the proportion of its workforce that is unionized. In 2015, the GOP-controlled Wisconsin Legislature approved a right-to-work law that limited the power of private-sector unions. Public sector unions that brought the lawsuit are the Abbotsford Education Association; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Locals 47 and 1215; the Beaver Dam Education Association; SEIU Wisconsin; the Teaching Assistants’ Association Local 3220 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 695.
Minnesota Twins Farm System Among MLB’s Most ImprovedMid-inclination orbit provides more SAR-imaging opportunities at middle latitudes of the globe for ICEYE customers. HELSINKI, Finland , Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ICEYE, the global leader in SAR satellite operations for Earth Observation and persistent monitoring, announced today that it has launched two new satellites to its constellation of SAR satellites. Both satellites expand the availability of ICEYE's latest imaging technology to deliver additional 25 cm imaging capacity. The satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and launched as part of the Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA . Both satellites have established communication, and early routine operations are underway. With today's launch, ICEYE has successfully launched 40 satellites into orbit since 2018, with nine satellites launched in 2024 alone. The new SAR satellites were launched into mid-inclination orbits; compared to a polar orbit, these mid-inclination orbits provide more than twice the collection opportunities at middle latitudes of the globe. ICEYE customers have many areas of interest in these middle latitudes (+/- 45 degrees), and these customers will benefit from increased persistence over these regions. Customers with imaging interests outside these middle latitudes will continue to benefit from the frequent revisit enabled by ICEYE's dozens of satellites in polar orbits. ICEYE's unique mix of mid-inclination and polar orbits provides its customers with deep revisit capabilities for targets all around the globe. The new satellites will serve ICEYE's commercial missions as part of the world's largest SAR satellite constellation owned and operated by ICEYE. Rafal Modrzewski , CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE said: "This launch marks another significant milestone in ICEYE's ability to provide our customers with a rich diversity of collection opportunities. We bolster our industry-leading SAR constellation and expand our customers' collection opportunities in the areas most important to them." Today's launch is another step forward in ICEYE's steady drumbeat of innovative breakthroughs in Earth Observation. This year alone, ICEYE has, for example, introduced Dwell Precise, a new 25 cm imaging mode that offers its customers the highest-fidelity 25cm imaging capability, and adds advanced capability to ICEYE's line of Dwell products; launched an API that allows customers to directly task its SAR satellite constellation; and launched ICEYE Ocean Vision to provide actionable intelligence for maritime domain awareness. About ICEYE ICEYE delivers unparalleled persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth, faster and more accurately than ever before. Owning the world's largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, ICEYE provides objective, near real-time insights, ensuring that customers have unmatched access to actionable high-quality data, day or night, even in challenging environmental conditions. As a trusted partner to governments and commercial industries, ICEYE delivers intelligence in sectors such as insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring, and finance, enabling decision-making that contributes to community resilience and sustainable development. ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland , Poland , Spain , the UK, Australia , Japan , UAE, Greece , and the US. We have more than 700 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation. Media contact: press@iceye.com Visit www.iceye.com and follow ICEYE on LinkedIn and X for the latest updates and insights. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iceye-expands-its-earth-observation-capabilities-with-launch-of-two-sar-satellites-for-mid-inclination-orbit-on-the-bandwagon-2-mission-with-spacex-302337876.html SOURCE ICEYEMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis retained the Home department in the state cabinet, while deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar bagged important portfolios like Public Works and Finance respectively. The allocation of portfolios among the ministers and ministers of state was issued by the Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday evening, a week after leaders were sworn into office in Nagpur. The Home department, which has the state police and intelligence agencies under its fold, was a priced portfolio that became a sore point between allies Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena. As per reports, after Shinde was made to join the government as a deputy CM, the party was bargaining hard with its senior ally for the Home department. The BJP staked claimed on the portfolio, which Fadnavis held in his two previous stints as chief minister. Fadnavis also has energy (excluding renewable energy), law and judiciary, general administration, information and publicity and departments not alloted to any other minister. Besides PWD, Eknath Shinde has got urban development and housing departments. Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar will handle finance and planning as well as state excise departments. Other notable leaders like BJP's Ashish Shelar has got Information Technology and Cultural Affairs; Shiv Sena heavyweight Uday Samant has got Industries and Marathi Language; state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule will handle revenue department.
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Pamela Anderson isn’t naming names, but she tells me that she’s heard from “a lot of great directors” following her awards buzzy work in “ The Last Showgirl .” “It’s exciting because I want to keep working,” Anderson said Tuesday at the Golden Globes First-Time Nominee Luncheon at the Montage in Beverly Hills. However, she insists all the praise and attention isn’t going to her head. “I’m going to pretend that I belong here,” Anderson said. “It’s all so surreal. Sometimes I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and I’m like, ‘I’m a Golden Globes nominee – how did that happen?’” She said she’s feeling more secure as awards season ramps up. “It’s getting better, but it’s still a little hard to walk into these rooms and and see people who you’ve admired for so long,” Anderson said. “You put out your hand, shake their hand, and have a conversation. It’s scary and hard, but it’s exciting. I’m challenging myself to do that.” She continued, “Time is an illusion. Sometimes it’s feels like it’s just been one day between ‘Baywatch’ and now. It’s hard to think about how much time has passed. What was I doing these last few decades and now I’m here? Again, it’s all very surreal, but I’m very happy to be here in this moment right now.” Anderson credits her “Last Showgirl” co-star Jamie Lee Curtis for providing guidance and support . “She’s a force,” Anderson said. Anderson wore a vintage champagne color dress to the afternoon celebration, a look she planned as an homage to “Hitchcock blondes.” Just a couple of days after the event, Anderson’s son Brandon Lee, who served as a producer on “The Last Showgirl,” told Variety ‘s Jazz Tangcay that he has been on a “personal mission” to shatter Hollywood’s views and feelings about his mom. ... Someone please get Tim Cook on the line – Kathryn Hahn can use your help. Or maybe the help of a magical witch. “Patti LuPone left me a voice note singing ‘Happy Birthday’ – in full amazing voice! – and I freaking don’t know where it is,” Hahn told me. “I thought I had saved it but it’s nowhere to be found.” Their “Agatha All Along” co-star Joe Locke tried to comfort Hahn. “I texted Joe because technologically I’m not great. I was like, ‘What do I do?’” Hahn said. “He was like, ‘Ask her to do it again or she’ll probably do it every year for you.’” Fans are anxiously waiting to find out if “Agatha” is getting a second season. “That is a good question,” Hahn said. “We have yet to get anything. We’ll be the last to know.” Hahn definitely wants more: “I love this part. I love this group.” Fun fact: Hahn told me that the cast’s group chat name is “My Pretty Coven.” ... I also talked to “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” star Cooper Koch. When I caught up with him at Academy Museum Gala in October, he said he would love to play Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s new adaptation of “American Psycho.” But as Variety exclusively reported Dec. 11, it looks like the part is going to Austin Butler. “Here’s the thing, I never really wanted it. I just had seen it in the trades right before I had gotten to [the gala], and was like, ‘Oh, that would be cool,’” Koch said me at the Globes luncheon. “I think Austin Butler is going be amazing in that role. It’s perfect for him. I’m excited to see it.” Koch has yet to announce his follow-up to “Monsters.” He said he is still considering different projects. While we were chatting, “Wicked” star Ariana Grande stepped onto the carpet . “I would love to work with Ariana Grande,” Koch said. He’d even consider a musical. “I could sing. I’m a baritone,” Koch said. “I heard they’re doing ‘Spring Awakening.’ That would be cool.” But he also joked, “Maybe I’m done with acting. I’m retiring. I’m moving to a farm. I’m going to ride horses and raise cows.” ... Mikey Madison addressed naysayers who question if her film “Anora,” from writer-director Sean Baker, qualifies for the Globes’ comedy category. Madison is nominated for best actress in a musical or comedy motion picture and the movie is up for best musical or comedy motion picture. “It is absolutely a comedy. It’s a dark comedy,” she said. “I think that Sean sees the humor in darkness. I think that you see a lot of humanity through this film, but you have to laugh at it because some of the things that happen are just so absurd and ridiculous. And there’s a lot of physical comedy.” She continued, “I’ve been in theaters and people are howling.” Variety parent company PMC owns Dick Clark Prods. in a joint venture with Eldridge.Men’s basketball: RJ Smith looks to bring hot start to Big 12 play for CU BuffsLAHORE: The 18th two-day international conference on ‘Open Source Systems and Technologies’ was held at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore. Organized by the Al-Khwarizmi Institute of Computer Science (KICS) researchers and scientists from various international universities presented their research papers at the conference. This year’s conference, like previous ones, stood out due to its unique features, attracting researchers, academics, industrial experts, and public and private sector professionals from around the globe. The experts showed great interest in research papers, panel discussions, and exhibitions. The conference’s opening ceremony was graced by Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Engr. Waseem Nazir, while Executive Director of Federal Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum was the chief guest at the closing session. Speaking at the event, they highlighted the importance of open-source software, which is essential for communication networks, inventory systems, accounting, personal productivity tools, contact management, and operating systems. Vice Chancellor UET Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir welcomed distinguished guests, invited speakers, industrial experts, and representatives of public and private institutions. He commended Dr. Waqar Mahmood and his team for their efforts in making the conference successful. The event saw over 200 researchers from Pakistan, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other countries submitting their research papers. The Technical Evaluation Committee only accepted high-quality papers based on merit. Renowned speakers from major universities in Pakistan, Canada, Malaysia, Estonia, the USA, Qatar, and China were invited to discuss key topics, including Artificial Intelligence, Cyber security, Big Data and Cloud Computing, Robotics, Block chain, and the Internet of Things. The conference featured panel discussions on various topics and also organized competitions among students. Copyright Business Recorder, 2024
West Yellowstone police did not release new information as of 3 p.m. Friday regarding the recent death of one of their officers. However, officials did post information online offering help on getting through the grieving process. “The family of Officer Ashlee Stoneburner has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to bluehelp.org , an organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement officers and their families who are affected by trauma and loss,” the department stated on Facebook. West Yellowstone Police Officer Ashlee Stoneburner “Your generosity can help honor Officer Stoneburner’s legacy and provide vital support to those who serve and protect our community,” the Thursday posting states. Also, on Thursday, West Yellowstone police reminded the public about the 988 suicide and crisis hotline. “It's important to know that there is someone to listen and support in your grief,” officials said. “You are not alone, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength,” the posting states. “Let's spread the word and make sure that everyone knows about this important resource. Take care of yourselves and each other.” The West Yellowstone Police Department announced Stoneburner’s death on Wednesday, adding that an investigation is underway. Circumstances surrounding her death are being investigated by the Madison County Sheriff's Office/Coroner's Office, officials said. Officials said updates will be posted on the West Yellowstone Police Department’s official social media. The department is staffed by 13 people, including a police chief and five officers, with one being a school resource officer, the department's webpage states. The department has seven 911 telecommunicators, one serving as the 911 center manager. If you or someone you know are in a mental health crisis, the Montana Crisis Lifeline is free and staffed 24 hours by trained crisis responders who answer every call and text message. Dial 988. Online: https://dphhs.mt.gov/suicideprevention/988 Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Assistant editor/reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.M3 Group Joins MEDIROM Mother Labs' Series A Financing Round at JPY9 Billion (as of December 1, 2024, approximately USD $59,000,000) Pre-Money ValuationAll’s well that ends well
Wall Street Today: US stocks trade lower after markets reopen post Christmas break; Nvidia, Amazon down nearly 1%The is a winter essential now available at a fantastic discount of 50% on . These overalls are packed with features designed to keep your little ones warm, safe, and comfortable as they enjoy their winter escapades. A major highlight of the is its THERMALOCK technology, which offers a remarkable 8000mm WP WR resistance. The critical seams are sealed to provide enhanced protection against harsh weather conditions such as cold, snow, rain, and wind. This ensures your child stays dry and comfortable, making it perfect for all-weather protection. The THERMATECH insulation further sets it apart. By effectively removing the bulk and weight traditionally associated with insulation materials, it provides the warmth you need for temperatures ranging from -20 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, without hindering mobility. Durability is another compelling reason to invest in the today. Constructed with 100% Polyester Ballistic 600 Denier Oxford fabric on the ankles, hem, and scuff guards, these overalls are tough enough to withstand daily wear and tear. This makes them an ideal choice for active toddlers who love to play outdoors, regardless of the terrain and conditions. In addition to its technical benefits, these snow bibs come with several practical features. An O-ring is included to conveniently carry keys, gloves, and lift tickets, while the boot gaiters with grippers integrate seamlessly with boots to keep warmth in and moisture out. With adjustable shoulder straps and a customizable waist, these overalls offer a comfortable, secure fit for most toddlers. If keeping your toddler warm, comfortable, and protected during colder months is a priority, you shouldn't miss this opportunity to purchase the on at just half the price. Upgrade your little one's winter wardrobe today and enjoy peace of mind as they explore the winter wonderland.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Eric Dailey Jr. scored 18 points, making four 3-pointers, and No. 22 UCLA edged 14th-ranked Gonzaga 65-62 on Saturday in the first college basketball game played at Intuit Dome, the new home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers. Ryan Nembhard’s basket tied it at 60 before the Bruins (11-2) scored five points in a row. Nembhard then drove the length of the court and scored while getting fouled. After a timeout, he missed the potential tying free throw with 8 seconds remaining. Graham Ike fouled Skyy Clark, who made both free throws for a 65-62 lead with 5 seconds left. Nembhard's 3-point heave from halfcourt missed at the buzzer. Ike led the Bulldogs (9-4) with 24 points and eight rebounds. Nembhard had 16 points and eight assists. Graham was 11 of 16 from the floor on a day when both teams struggled offensively in the 18,000-seat arena. It was a tough shooting day for UCLA's Tyler Bilodeau, who was limited to seven points — well under his team-leading 15.1 average — while going against Ike. Gonzaga: The Zags fell to 3-4 on neutral courts. UCLA: The Bruins improved to 2-2 on neutral courts. They were coming off a two-point loss to North Carolina in New York City last weekend. The Zags lost starter Khalif Battle (five points) when he was ejected with 4:12 remaining in the first half for a flagrant-2 foul against Dailey. Before it was reviewed, UCLA coach Mick Cronin tore off his jacket. Early in the second half, Dailey and Nembhard were called for double technicals when things got heated between the teams. The Zags went 2 of 11 on 3-point attempts in the first half, when they trailed by 11. They made five 3s in the second half. Gonzaga stays in the Los Angeles area to visit Pepperdine on Monday. UCLA visits Nebraska on Jan. 4 in Big Ten play. Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Fan theories are running wild after Cindy Beale was the victim of a brutal EastEnders Christmas Day attack. The love rat was left horrified when daughter-in-law Lauren Branning revealed to the whole of Albert Square that Cindy had been sleeping with her ex-husband, George Knight's son, Junior – behind her fiancé, Ian Beale's back. As the drama continued to unfold, Cindy unleashed hell as she lashed out at her family including son Peter Beale and daughters, Gina and Anna Knight, the Mirror reports. But the drama was far from over, after the affair was revealed in a dramatic way, Cindy pleaded with Ian to take her back and hoped the pair could make a new life in France. But Ian had a crafty trick up his sleeve, the local businessman had played Cindy at her own game and rejected her when she went in for a kiss. He later launched her out of the family home, leaving her flat on her face in the snow as her life continued to crumble. However, as the episode came to a dramatic end, an anonymous attacker whacked Cindy over the head with a snow shovel from behind – leaving her unconscious in the middle of the Square. As Cindy lay out cold, she was discovered by Kathy Beale and her former husband, George, who confirmed that she was still alive, although she was bleeding from her head. But seconds after the discovery, Elaine walked in to the kitchen to find Cindy and George's daughter Anna rapidly washing her hands. In a state of shock, Anna claimed her dog, Tyson, had thrown up on her hands in an attempt to cover her tracks. However, it emerged that Cindy's fate was "not looking good" as she was rushed for a CT scan on her head. Gina, Kathy, George and Gina started discussing who the attacker may be, with George falsely claiming he had an alibi when Cindy was attacked. When Gina suggested that Ian was responsible, Elaine instantly leapt to the chippy owners defence. Kathy explained to Peter that Ian had taken off in a rage moments after kicking Cindy out of the house, with him later admitting he went "for a walk" to Lucy's grave after suffering from palpitations. Cindy's daughter Gina was also thrown into the mix as she returned home as Elaine was rushing to take blankets outside. When questioned on her whereabouts, she told her step-mum that she had been "nowhere" and had snuck off for fresh air. Junior was also missing, with Peter and Kathy suggesting that Junior may have been responsible. "You better prepare yourself – for the worst," Kathy told Ian. It emerged that Cindy had suffered "blunt force trauma to the head," and was later taken in for surgery. Medics revealed that the extent of Cindy's injuries were so brutal she was required to be placed in a medically induced coma as she was "not out of the woods." Denise Fox dropped a major bombshell to George, revealing that she saw Junior "lurking in the shadows" as people gathered around Cindy in the Square, acting suspiciously as people attempted to help her. George later caught Junior rapidly packing a suitcase and gathering his passport before an apparent attempt to escape the country to Dubai. George confessed to Kojo that he didn't have an alibi for while he was at the boxing den before asking his brother to lie to the police for him. Fans have since expressed their theories on who may have attacked Cindy due to many local residents having issues with her. Taking to X, one said: "It makes sense that Anna Knight whacked Cindy," as another penned: "Her mother is exposed as sleeping with her brother, and Anna reacts with a degree of nonchalance. What is this?" "It makes sense, Anna Knight whacked Cindy," commented a third. But others believe that two other characters may be behind the attack. Some believe Bobby Beale, the son of Ian may be behind the attack. Fans will remember that Cindy and Bobby had a volatile relationship after she returned, knowing Bobby had killed her daughter, Lucy in a similar attack in 2014. "Who hit Cindy? I'll say Bobby . Jewellery box, lacrosse stick... snow shovel?" asked one. A second echoed this, penning: "EastEnders Bobby whacked Cindy over the head with a shovel." But some also believe it may have been Kojo, George's brother. Before the affair was revealed, Kojo had found out, causing him distress as he fled from Cindy. As Cindy followed Kojo up a flight of stairs, he became even more distressed and eventually fell, leading him to spend time in hospital due to the severity of his injuries. After he regained consciousness, Cindy threatened Kojo, saying if he spoke about the affair, George and Elaine would send him back to Ghana – resulting in him staying silent and isolating himself from his family. But fans will have to wait several weeks to find out who attacked Cindy. Bosses have now confirmed that the attacker will be unmasked during the upcoming 40th anniversary episodes . Executive producer, Chris Clenshaw said: "Our 40th anniversary storylines have been in the works for some time, but even at the very start of planning, we knew that we wanted to reveal the identity of Cindy's attacker as part of this. Many characters currently find themselves in the line of question, but over the coming weeks, the audience can look out for clues themselves to who may be the culprit. " Cindy's attacker reveal is just one of many stories we have planned for the anniversary as it is set to be a week of explosive drama for the audience to remember." Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile , select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .4 reasons to buy Telstra shares for 2025
Wokeness is in retreat, but its stench will be hard to eliminate. Consider the curious case of the bone-headed “Nasdaq diversity rules” — edicts by the stock market giant to force every company that “lists” there to choose a board of directors that stresses intersectionality — racial, sexual and gender diversity — as opposed to competence. Sure, diversity is a worthy goal, but demanding outcomes in hiring through practices such as Diversity Equity and Inclusion is the most counterproductive way to run a business that woke mankind ever thought of. Forcing it on corporate boards as Nasdaq has been doing since 2020 is particularly scary. And now it’s illegal. Boards perform a vital function of oversight of public companies, and the C-suite. Making sure the CEO isn’t robbing the place blind is what the law — established through the Depression-era Securities and Exchange Act — demands from directors. Nasdaq turned decades of corporate law on its head at the height of the so-called social justice movement. It came at a particular hysterical time in American history, when the left tried to convince the country it was inherently racist because of the police killing of an ex-con named George Floyd as he was resisting arrest. That was then. These days, sanity is returning and woke is in retreat. Courts are ruling that DEI is illegal. The Fifth Circuit federal court did just that, telling Nasdaq it will have to end the insanity. Yes, the ruling is a sign wokeness is dying. But it’s not quite dead. The rules will likely find an afterlife because of a quirk in the disclosure system, and the way the securities regulators might interpret the court finding, The Post has learned. Reminder: Nasdaq, like its main competitor, the New York Stock Exchange, is a stock market; it wasn’t created to serve as a lefty NGO. One of its functions is to make sure people can buy and sell shares, in an orderly fashion, of the companies that “list” to trade there. Another is to ensure that listed companies follow basic corporate-governance rules that protect investors, including hiring competent directors. Under CEO Adena Friedman, Nasdaq joined the social justice movement that was all the rage in 2020. She demanded that listed companies stock their board with directors who were not the target of progressive ire during that eerie time, aka straight white men. “Each Company, except as described below in, must have or explain why it does not have, at least two members of its board of directors who are Diverse, including at least one Diverse director who self-identifies as Female; and at least one Diverse director who self-identifies as an Underrepresented Minority or LGBTQ+,” the Friedman-led Nasdaq said in its edict. As I point out in my book on progressivism run amok, “Go Woke Go Broke; The Inside Story of the Radicalization of Corporate America,” the idiocy of this rule isn’t confined to the very real fact that it’s illegal by any fair reading of the securities laws or various civil rights acts. There are also very real studies with control groups, margins of error, etc., that show that there’s no link between performance and diversity. Plus, this rule doesn’t apply to all those Chinese companies that Nasdaq lusts for to pay its listing fees. Companies hailing from one of the world’s most oppressive regimes — that are literally controlled by the repressive Chinese Communist Party — get a free pass. No members of the persecuted Uyghur minority need apply, according to Friedman & Co. Chinese listings can get away with placing a couple of women from the CCP to be directors. Nasdaq has argued to me the rules weren’t totally mandatory — though it always reserves the right to reject a listing. It also stressed that the rules were about disclosure, which sounds quaint until you realize that companies are supposed to disclose stuff investors care about like earnings, not their social justice preening. On top of that, the disclosure part had an interesting compulsory element. A company board’s diversity data, listed in its public disclosure filings, could be easily downloaded on the SEC’s website known as EDGAR. This enabled powerful social activist groups with ties to the lefties who run the Biden White House — the Human Rights Campaign, the Center for American Progress — to jump into the debate and pressure companies to up their diversity game as a de facto woke enforcement staff of the Nasdaq. Then something brilliant happened. Someone sued. Not Nasdaq, but its regulator, the equally woke Securities and Exchange Commission, which approved the measure. The lawsuit argued that stock markets weren’t created as political tools of the left. A federal court agreed. Case closed, right? Not quite. The mandates could live on in a perverse way because of the disclosure system that each public company must comply with. The way the people at the Nasdaq explained it to me, the rules were legal until the courts ruled they weren’t. That means the EDGAR system likely continues to keep a record of thousands of companies that compiled the useless and illegal data the Nasdaq asked for, they tell me, even after the Nasdaq is supposed to vacate the mandates in early February. They could be around well into perpetuity for the likes of the Human Rights Campaign to enforce their brand of social justice, securities lawyers I speak to say. As one corporate lawyer told me: “Just think how dumb it was to have a stock exchange telling companies what slots you have to fill while giving the Chinese a pass. Then they will just sit there, which is even dumber.”Lorenz scores 20, Wofford downs Kentucky Christian 100-55WASHINGTON — H.W. Crocker III thinks Western civilization is in trouble. He supports conservative Christian moral values and has decried the rise of a new, secular America where a growing number of people answer “none” to surveys asking which religion they practice. He’s lauded the Confederacy and its soldiers and generals in books like the “Politically Incorrect Guide to the Civil War” and “Robert E. Lee on Leadership.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
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