DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ $22,000 per week? All-inclusive resorts go big to win over luxury travelers
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Erica Lamberg | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

All-inclusive hotels are making a big play for luxury travelers. In the wake of the pandemic, demand for all-inclusive resorts skyrocketed, according to a report by JLL Research Hotels & Hospitality. It was then that travelers discovered that the all-inclusive resorts of the past — known for bottom-shelf booze and quantity-over-quality dining — had changed. The numbers are even higher in Mexico, where upper upscale and luxury all-inclusive resorts accounted for more than half (55%) of its all-inclusive resorts in 2022. "In addition to elements that you receive by booking an all-inclusive resort, private and additional amenities help to elevate that experience."

Persons: Travelers —, Karina Arguello, Kelly Connor, they're, Saint Vincent, Cooper Organizations: JLL Research, Hospitality, Travelers, Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Casino, Med, AAA Club Alliance, Royal Locations: Dominican Republic, Mexico, JLL, DoubleTree, Maldives, Mauritius, Italy, France, Tignes, Caribbean, New Jersey, Grenadines, Royal Curacao, They're

☆ Goldman Sachs bought Joe Duran's wealth business and sold it 3 years later. The ex-partner spills on leaving, his new venture, and 'not living up to everything possible.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Hayley Cuccinello | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Three years prior, he had sold United Capital, a registered investment advisor, to Goldman Sachs for $750 million. Duran's mandate was to run United Capital as well as Ayco, the bank's workplace financial planning unit. Finding his next mountain to climbDuran described his time with Goldman Sachs as "a fantastic experience in almost every way." In working for nine months on that strategy, he realized how much the industry had changed since he sold United Capital in 2019. "He has been a good partner at Goldman Sachs, and we're excited to cross paths with him again soon."

Persons: —, Joe Duran, Goldman Sachs, David Solomon's, Duran, wasn't, Julian Salisbury, Dina Powell, McCormick, Goldman, it's, I've, United Capital Duran, Joe, Tucker, There's Organizations: Service, United Capital, Business, Goldman, Growth Partners, Ritz, Carlton, Westin, General Electric

☆ Microsoft's president meets with the Chinese government to discuss AI co-operation
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-07 | by ( Arjun Kharpal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Cezaro De Luca | Europa Press | Getty ImagesMicrosoft President Brad Smith met with China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao on Wednesday to discuss topics ranging from artificial intelligence to trade relations between Washington and Beijing, according to a Youdao-translated Chinese government announcement. The meeting underscores China's attempt to show it remains favorable to American businesses amid continued tensions with the U.S., as it looks to reinvigorate its economy. China's own technology giants — from Alibaba to Baidu and Tencent — have also been launching their own AI models and rival products. Washington has sought to restrict China's access to key technologies such as semiconductors, and U.S. export curbs recently targeted chips from Nvidia, which are used to train artificial intelligence models. During the Biden and Xi meeting, the two leaders "affirmed the need to address the risks of advanced AI systems and improve AI safety through U.S.-China government talks," according to a White House readout.

Persons: Brad Smith, Cezaro De Luca, Commerce Wang Wentao, Smith, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Wang, Xi Organizations: Europa Press, Getty, China's, Commerce, U.S, Ministry, Microsoft, Baidu, Technology, Nvidia, Biden Locations: Madrid, Spain, Washington, Beijing, China, U.S, Alibaba

☆ US drug shortages are forcing ‘impossible choices’ for Americans, experts tell Senate committee
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Dr. Jason Westin regularly witnesses the power of lifesaving cancer drugs. But because generic cancer drugs are often in shortage in the United States, he says, he and his patients have been put in a terrible position. Makers of generic drugs don’t have to share information about the supply chain, so buyers currently choose based only on price. Hernandez told the Senate committee that of the top 50 generic drugs paid for by Medicare Part D, 16 were marked up 1,000% or higher. Until there is some kind of legislation that addresses drug shortages, Wosińska and the other experts agreed, they will continue.

Persons: Jason Westin, ” Westin, that’s, they’d, Sen, Marsha Blackburn, Mike Crapo, Generics, ” Crapo, “, ”, Crapo, Inmaculada Hernandez, ” Hernandez, Dr, Marta E, it’s, ” Wosińska, Ron Wyden, ” Wyden, Hernandez, Sanjay Gupta Organizations: CNN, Anderson Cancer Center, US, Finance, Vanderbilt, Tennessee Republican, Food and Drug Administration, Westin, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Centers, Medicare, Medicaid Services, Brookings Institution, CNN Health Locations: M.D, Houston, United States, Nashville, Idaho, China, India, San Diego, Oregon, generics

The 41-year-old Ofarim must pay a fine of 10,000 euros ($10,950), and he apologized to the hotel manager who was a co-plaintiff in the case. “I would like to apologize to you," he said, addressing the hotel manager. "I am sorry.”Political Cartoons View All 1267 ImagesThe hotel manager accepted the apology, dpa reported. Ofarim had accused the Leipzig hotel of antisemitism in October 2021 in a video that quickly went viral on social media. “For two years, Gil Ofarim accused employees of a Leipzig hotel of antisemitism.

Persons: David, Gil Ofarim, ” Ofarim, “, Ofarim, Abi Ofarim, Esther, Germany's, ” Organizations: BERLIN, dpa, Westin, Central Council Locations: Israeli, German, Leipzig, Germany

☆ I'm a housekeeper at a hotel where a 1-night stay costs more than I make in 2 weeks
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Two housekeepers at luxury hotels told BI they're after fair wages and humane working conditions. One said a single-night stay at the hotel where she works costs more than she makes in two weeks. "I want them to understand and to realize that we have families," Reyes told Business Insider through a translator, Maria Hernandez, with the communications department of Unite Here Local 11. Those that have reached agreements have provided hotel workers with wage increases, staffing agreements to prevent shortages, as well as pension increases that Unite Here Local 11 says will help workers "retire with dignity." "Everybody is very enthusiastic," Galindo told Business Insider.

Persons: —, They've, Maribel Reyes, she's, Reyes, Maria Hernandez, Elizabeth Galindo, Galindo Organizations: Service, Workers, Waldorf, Le, Westin Bonaventure, Biltmore, Loews Hollywood, Cliffs, Hilton Anaheim, Business Locations: Los Angeles, Los Angeles , California, Beverly Hills, Unite, Santa Monica, Dana Point, Anaheim

LONDON (AP) — A man who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in the death of American ice hockey player Adam Johnson, whose neck was cut by a skate during a game, was released on bail Wednesday. He was arrested on Tuesday, and released on bail on Wednesday pending further inquiries. Petgrave skates toward Johnson and collides with another Panthers player. Petgrave's left skate kicks up as he begins to fall and the blade hits Johnson in the neck. It would be rare, but not unprecedented, for a hockey player to be charged.

Persons: Adam Johnson, Johnson, Matt Petgrave, Petgrave's, Petgrave, Adam, Becs Horsfall, Giacinto, Jim ” Boni, Miran, Schrott, Boni, Marty McSorley, Todd Bertuzzi, McSorley, Donald Brashear, Bertuzzi, Steve Moore, Westin Michaud, Matt, " Michaud, Let’s, ”, Rod Pasma, Pasma, we’re, ” Pasma, “, Dr, Willem Meeuwisse, ” Meeuwisse, Stephen Whyno, ___ Organizations: Nottingham Panthers, Sheffield Steelers, Elite Ice Hockey League, South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield, NHL, Steelers, Panthers, Nottingham, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ice Hockey Association, Elite League, AP, Canadian Press Locations: England, Italy, Canada, Minnesota, Toronto, Washington

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Daytime Emmys are back on after being postponed by the Hollywood writers' strike. The Daytime Emmys, originally set for June 16, were postponed in May because of the strike by the Writers Guild of America. The actors union joined the writers' strike on July 14 and ended their labor action late Wednesday. Soap actor Susan Lucci will receive her lifetime achievement award at the ceremony at the Westin Bonaventure hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Political Cartoons View All 1240 Images___For more coverage of the actors and writers strike, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/

Persons: Kevin Frazier, Nischelle Turner, Susan Lucci, ”, Adam Sharp Organizations: ANGELES, Hollywood, CBS, Paramount, “ Entertainment, Writers Guild of America, Westin Bonaventure, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Locations: Los Angeles, hollywood

NEW YORK (AP) — The physical pain of nearly dying when shrapnel from a roadside bomb in Iraq tore through his head 17 years ago was hard enough for ABC newsman Bob Woodruff. A couple of inches either way, Woodruff was told, and he would have been killed instantly. He has constant contact with veterans through the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which raises money for military families. That allowed for some gallows humor when Woodruff and Magnus Macedo, the sound technician on Woodruff’s 2006 trip, tried to cross it. Woodruff reunited with Saad Al-Dulaimi and Ghassan Al-Mohammadawi, Iraqi military men who had accompanied him in 2006.

Persons: Bob Woodruff, Woodruff, “, ”, “ It’s, you’re, Mack, Bruce Springsteen, David Westin, ” Westin, it’s, Lee, ” Woodruff, Magnus Macedo, “ Don’t, Saad Al, Ghassan, ” Al, Mohammadawi, Doug Vogt Organizations: ABC, Hulu, Associated Press, Disney, Bob Woodruff Foundation, ” Locations: Iraq, Taji, Mosul

☆ How I Get Eight Free Hotel Nights Every Year Without Doing Anything
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Ben Luthi | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +10 min

So long as you pay the annual fee, many hotel credit cards offer one free night each year. Before discovering free night credits, I stayed at my fair share of motels with rock-hard beds and paper-thin walls. However, as my life and finances evolved, the benefit of my free night certificates has become about more than saving money. My hotel credit card collectionYou probably don’t need eight hotel cards. Key perks: Annual free night award, fourth night free on consecutive award redemptions, automatic IHG® Platinum status, $100 trusted traveler program application fee credit every four years.

Persons: Ben Luthi, I’ve, ”, you’ll, ’, we’ve, I’m, you’re, Wyndham Wyndham, Wyndham Organizations: Nintendo, Card, Marriott Marriott, Marriott, California — Marriott, Marriott Bonvoy, Business, Residence, Ritz, Carlton, Hilton Hilton Honors Aspire, Hilton, Hilton Resort, Honors, Diamond, Las, Hyatt, Hyatt Credit, Hyatt House, Hyatt Card, Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Wyndham Locations: Sandy , Utah, Hilton, Park City, Marriott, California, Fairfield, Vegas, Seattle, Alaska, Grand, Wyndham

☆ Analysis: Middle East throws central banks yet more unknowns
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Mark John | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Now, to complicate matters for a professional caste which prides itself on being data-driven, the Middle East is throwing a new set of real but unquantifiable risks into their equations. Unless the picture changes dramatically in coming days, the European Central Bank, U.S. Federal Reserve, Bank of England and Bank of Japan are already expected to keep their policy rates on hold in meetings over the next two weeks. ECB rate-setter Yannis Stournaras, the governor of the Greek central bank, argued that Europe had broadly managed to absorb the effects of rising energy costs triggered by the Ukraine war and hoped it could do the same if further shocks emerged. For now, the conflict remains largely confined to Israel and Gaza, something S&P Global Market Intelligence said in a study this week was already "muddying the waters" for central banks. As the Fed's Powell put it: "Our institutional role at the Federal Reserve is to monitor these developments for their economic implications, which remain highly uncertain".

Persons: Jerome Powell, David Westin, Brendan McDermid, Powell, Huw Pill, Yannis Stournaras, Tetsuya Hiroshima, Fed's Powell, Dan Burns, Balazs Koranyi, Francesco Canepa, Maria Martinez, Leika, Kevin Yao, David Milliken, Tomasz Janowski Organizations: Federal, Anchor, Bloomberg, Street, Economic, of New, REUTERS, Bank of England, International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank, U.S, Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, Fed, ECB, Reuters Graphics, Reuters, Tokai, Toyota Motor Corp, P Global Market Intelligence, Thomson Locations: of New York, New York City, U.S, Israel, Ukraine, Iran, Hormuz, Europe, United States, Japan, Gaza, Washington, Frankfurt, Berlin, Tokyo, Beijing, London

Here's a rundown of some of the largest strikes taking place in the U.S. today. 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers walk off the jobPolitical Cartoons View All 1199 ImagesIn the health care sector, a major strike kicked off this week — with some 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers walking off the job Wednesday in multiple states. Doctors are also not participating in the strike, and Kaiser said it was bringing in thousands of temporary workers. After five months on the picket lines, the writers strike was declared over after their union approved a contract agreement with studios last week. During the staggered strikes, workers have also called for solidarity and a boycott of hotels in the Los Angeles area.

Persons: — It's, isn't, Johnnie Kallas, Michelle Gaskill, Hames, Kaiser —, Kaiser, Ford, Shawn Fain, Fain, —, Hilton —, walkouts Organizations: Cornell University’s Labor, Kaiser Permanente, Strikers, The Coalition, Kaiser Permanente Unions, Kaiser, UAW, United Auto Workers, General Motors, Stellantis, Associated Press, Ford, U.S, Hollywood, American Federation of Television, Radio Artists, Alliance, Television Producers, Marriott, United, Biltmore, —, Westin Bonaventure Hotel Locations: U.S, Hollywood, California , Colorado , Oregon, Washington, Virginia, The Oakland , California, Southern California, Los Angeles, Orange, Biltmore Los Angeles

☆ Number of billion-dollar weather disasters in US blows through annual record with four months left in the year
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Ella Nilsen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

This year’s billion-dollar disasters have caused 253 direct and indirect fatalities and have resulted in $57.6 billion in damage, NOAA data shows. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Ken Kruse looks out at floodwaters surrounding his apartment complex in Tarpon Springs, Florida, on August 30. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Florida's Fort Myers Beach is seen during high tide ahead of Hurricane Idalia on August 29. Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg/Getty Images Shelves are left empty at a Target store in Gainesville, Florida, on August 29. Sarah Salmonese sits where her apartment once stood in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday, August 11.

Persons: CNN — It’s, Idalia, Hilary, Rachel Cleetus, ” Cleetus, Cristobal Herrera, Shutterstock, Sean Rayford, Cheney Orr, Reuters Jewell Baggett, Ulashkevich, EFE, Thomas Simonetti, Jack Lemburg, Richard Burkhart, Douglas R, Clifford, Zuma Press Donnye Franklin, Joe Raedle, Rebecca Blackwell, Ron DeSantis, Savannah Alderman Nick Palumbo, Ken Kruse, Hurricane Idalia, Eva Marie Uzcategui, Christian Monterrosa, Stephen M, Dowell, Reagan Ortagus, Tyler, Bob Self, NOAA Ana Iris Aguiar, Alexandre Meneghini, Marco Bello, Adrees Latif, Samson, Victor Cassano's, Chris O'Meara, Yamil Lage, Sharon Walsh, Doug Engle, Christine Willis, Andrew West, Harvey, Irma, Maria, Adam Smith, Michael, Laura, Ida, Ian, ” Smith, Deanne Criswell, Sarah Salmonese, Go Nakamura, Ken Alba, Jae C, Yuki Iwamura, Patrick T, Fallon, Bryan Anselm, Mike Blake, Matthew A, Foster, Rick Bowmer, Lauren Haley, Makalea Ahhee, Justin Sullivan, Max Whittaker, Zoltan Balogh, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, Evelio Contreras, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Matthew Thayer, Criswell, It’s, ” Criswell, Cleetus, ” Organizations: CNN, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, Idalia, NOAA, Tropical, Union of Concerned, “, Tampa Bay Times, ZUMA Press, Reuters, Press, Washington Post, Angels Episcopal Church, Savannah Morning, USA, Network Rescue, Zuma Press, AP Florida Gov, Savannah, Bloomberg, Getty, Duke, Orlando Sentinel, Florida Times, Union, AP, Reuters Pike Electric, Southwest Airlines, Tampa International Airport, Reuters Home Depot, Reuters Fort Myers, Federal Emergency Management, FEMA, Senate, Ukraine, New York Times, Staff, US Army National Guard, Maui Police, Facility, AP Volunteers, Grace Baptist, Volunteers, Los Angeles Times, Kahului Airport, Technologies, Kahului, AP Helicopters, Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Maui News Locations: United States, South, Midwest, California, Horseshoe Beach , Florida, Bend, Tampa, Horseshoe Beach, Perry , Florida, Keaton Beach , Florida, Madison , Florida, Steinhatchee , Florida, Samarra, St, Savannah , Georgia, Savannah, Steinhatchee, Crystal River , Florida, Perry, Crystal, Tarpon Springs , Florida, Mayo , Florida, Tarpon Springs, Myers, Hurricane, Gainesville , Florida, Sumterville , Florida, Johns County , Florida, Florida, NOAA, La Coloma, Cuba, Clearwater , Florida, Playa Majana, Suwannee , Florida, Batabanó, AFP, Guanimar, Ocala , Florida, USA, Reuters Fort Myers Beach, Gulf, Lahaina , Hawaii, Lahaina, Hawaii, Maui, Wahikuli, Wailuku, Kula , Hawaii, Kula, Kihei, West Maui, Grace, Napili, Honokowai, Honolulu, Maalaea, Kahului, Las Vegas, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji

☆ In a US showdown with China, there are some missions with no special-operations 'easy button'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Stavros Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Special-operations forces have been a centerpiece of US military operations for two decades. US leaders should remember that special operators aren't suited for some tasks, one expert says. But in an era of strategic competition with China, there are some missions with no special-ops "easy button," according to David Ucko, a professor and expert on irregular warfare. First, the US special-operations community should consolidate its core strengths, particularly irregular warfare, which is "highly relevant" to strategic competition with China. US Navy SEALs train with Philippine Navy special-operations and Australian army special-operations troops in Palawan in April 2022.

Persons: David Ucko, David Devich, Ucko, US Army John F, Mario A, Ramirez, Jared N, Stavros Atlamazoglou Organizations: Service, US Special Forces, US Army, Royal United Services Institute, China, Air Force, RAF Mildenhall, US Air Force, Tech, Westin Warburton, Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, State, Justice, Treasury, US Navy, Philippine Navy, US Marine Corps, Army Green Beret, Philippine National Police, Coast Guard, British SAS, Commonwealth, Group, SAS, Allies, Army Delta Force, Delta Force, US Army Rangers, US Army Green Berets, Psychological Operations, Boat Service, Hellenic Army, 575th Marine Battalion, Army, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins, School, International Locations: China, Wall, Silicon, SOF, Afghanistan's Ghazni, British, Russia, North Carolina, Palawan, Ukraine, Taiwan, North Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, Johns

☆ At Taser maker Axon, ex-staff say loyalty meant being tased, tattooed
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Scottsdale | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +34 min

Reuters also interviewed 63 current and former Axon employees, including nine former executives. No one with whom Reuters spoke was aware of deaths or lawsuits stemming from tasings of Axon staff. Axon has faced fewer lawsuits since 2009, the year it introduced a new Taser model with a lower charge. Screenshots from an Axon promotional video show CEO Rick Smith taking a Taser hit in 1993, the year he co-founded the business. And that’s off-putting.”Gorman, the former Axon lawyer, said he “vividly” remembers an executive asking him if he was going to be tased.

Persons: Ross Blank, Blank, Steve Tuttle, Shawn Gorman, ”, Jennifer Chatman, Rick Smith, Andrea James, ” James, Axon’s, tasings, ” Blank, Tuttle, Staff tasings, “, Valencia Gibson, Gibson, Reuters –, Axon’s “, Bro, Josh Isner, Isner, James, –, Ann Rosenthal, Rosenthal, ” Rosenthal, Sigma Chi, Smith, ” Smith, ” Michael Church, Hans Marrero, Marrero, ” Marrero, “ I’m, ’ ” Smith, “ It’s, ” Gibson, ” ‘, impressionable, squinting, Keara, Rylan, Mihir Shah, ” Shah, Mario Barth, “ Willing, It’s, Isaiah Fields, Wayne Guay, Lamar Cousins, Cousins, Kevin De Rosa Jr, De Rosa, ” Isner, Smith’s, De Rosa bellowed, They’re, ” Gorman, You’re, Jeffrey Dastin, Paresh Dave Art, John Emerson, Julie Marquis Organizations: Enterprise Inc, Reuters, Haas School of Business, University of California, Staff, Scottsdale, Yorker, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, . Occupational Safety, Health Administration, federal, Safety, Health, Labor, Sigma, Harvard, Sigma Chi, Boston Magazine, Harvard’s Sigma Chi, U.S . Marine Corps, YouTube, Employment, Los, Keara Berlin, ” Employees, Los Angeles Police Department, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, strapping, Culture Locations: Berkeley, Rome, United States, Arizona, U.S, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, “, Berlin, Sacramento, San Jose , California, tasings, Mandalay, Scottsdale, wasn’t

☆ How forensic investigators use DNA, fingerprints and other methods to identify remains after a fire
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-26 | by ( Eric Levenson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

“DNA has been really extremely helpful for us, with the Rapid DNA,” said Alison Galloway, professor emerita of anthropology at the University of California-Santa Cruz, who helped identify remains during the Camp Fire. “If you don’t have that … then it’s a lot more difficult.”In general, forensic experts rely on DNA, dental analysis, fingerprints, medical hardware or circumstantial evidence to try to identify remains. “We’re still diligently working trying to make sure that we can identify (remains), and that’s why that DNA is so important, because we got fingerprints from three,” he said. Galloway, the forensics professor, said one of the advantages of the Rapid DNA technology is in quickly determining whether a DNA swab is usable. Maui asks for family members to come forwardFor Rapid DNA to work, family members of the missing have to willingly submit to DNA swabs.

Persons: ”, Alison Galloway, Santa Cruz, Josh Green, CBS’s, Sarah Salmonese, Go Nakamura, Ken Alba, Jae C, Yuki Iwamura, Patrick T, Fallon, Bryan Anselm, Mike Blake, Matthew A, Foster, Rick Bowmer, Lauren Haley, Makalea Ahhee, Justin Sullivan, Max Whittaker, Zoltan Balogh, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, Evelio Contreras, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Matthew Thayer, John Pelletier, “ We’re, Stephen Meer, Sudhin, –, Meer, we’ve, you’ve, you’re, ” Meer, Jonathan Masaki Shiroma, what’s, …, Robert Quinn, “, Robert Quinn’s Organizations: CNN, University of California, New York Times, Getty, Reuters, Staff, US Army National Guard, Maui Police, Facility, AP Volunteers, Grace Baptist, Volunteers, Los Angeles Times, AP, Washington Post, Kahului Airport, Technologies, Kahului, AP Helicopters, Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Maui News, ANDE Corp, Forensic Science, Fire, FBI, Maui Emergency Management Agency Locations: Maui, California, Santa, Hawaii, Lahaina , Hawaii, Lahaina, AFP, Wahikuli, Wailuku, Kula , Hawaii, Kula, Kihei, West Maui, Grace, Napili, Honokowai, Honolulu, Maalaea, Kahului, Las Vegas, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji, Paradise , California, Galloway, Ukraine, ”, Butte County

☆ Maui wildfires: Nearly 400 remain unaccounted for in Maui after deadly wildfires, FBI-curated list shows -- a big decline from prior estimates
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Michelle Watson Kelly Mccleary Cheri Mossburg Anna-Maja Rappard Natasha Chen | Michelle Watson | Kelly Mccleary | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Search crews and cadaver dogs have searched 100% of single-story homes in the disaster area, Maui County officials said Tuesday. Sarah Salmonese sits where her apartment once stood in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday, August 11. “Our primary focus in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy has been to do everything we can to support not just the people of Maui, but also Maui County. Hawaiian Electric Company serves 95% of the state’s customer base. CNN has reached out to Maui County and the Maui Police Department for comment on Krau’s claims.

Persons: who’s, “, John Pelletier, Josh Green, geolocating, Steven Merrill, Sarah Salmonese, Go Nakamura, Ken Alba, Jae C, Yuki Iwamura, Patrick T, Fallon, Bryan Anselm, Mike Blake, Matthew A, Foster, Rick Bowmer, Lauren Haley, Makalea Ahhee, Justin Sullivan, Max Whittaker, Zoltan Balogh, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, Evelio Contreras, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Matthew Thayer, John Moore, it’s, Jim Kelly, ”, Darren Pai, “ inexcusably, John Fiske, ‘, Nicholas Krau, ” Krau, Krau Organizations: CNN, FBI, ” Police, ”, Analysis, New York Times, Getty, Reuters, Staff, US Army National Guard, Maui Police, Facility, AP Volunteers, Grace Baptist, Volunteers, Los Angeles Times, AP, Washington Post, Kahului Airport, Technologies, Kahului, AP Helicopters, Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Maui News, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Electric Company, ATF, Electric, National Weather Service, Watch, State of Hawaii Organization of Police, Maui Police Department Locations: Maui, Maui County, ” Hawaii, Lahaina –, Hawaii, Lahaina , Hawaii, Lahaina, AFP, Wahikuli, Wailuku, Kula , Hawaii, Kula, Kihei, West Maui, Grace, Napili, Honokowai, Honolulu, Maalaea, Kahului, California, Las Vegas, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji, Olinda

Josh Green insisted Friday that the years-long undertaking of rebuilding Maui’s historic Lahaina community will prioritize residents’ desires over those of property developers. The western Maui community – once a lively economic and cultural hub – has been decimated by the wildfires that began tearing through the island on August 8. Sarah Salmonese sits where her apartment once stood in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday, August 11. Matthew Thayer/The Maui News/AP In pictures: The deadly Maui wildfires Prev NextSports teams pitch in to helpWith the stark task ahead of rebuilding leveled communities, some sports teams are contributing to ongoing relief efforts. Proceeds from the game on October 29 in Champaign, Illinois, will be donated to the Hawai’i Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund, which provides financial resources towards Maui’s recovery, according to the schools.

Persons: Josh Green, ” Green, Jaime Kanani Green, ”, “, they’ve, Tiare Lawrence, Green, he’s, Herman Andaya, Andaya, Sarah Salmonese, Go Nakamura, Ken Alba, Jae C, Yuki Iwamura, Patrick T, Fallon, Bryan Anselm, Mike Blake, Matthew A, Foster, Rick Bowmer, Lauren Haley, Makalea Ahhee, Justin Sullivan, Max Whittaker, Zoltan Balogh, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, Evelio Contreras, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Matthew Thayer, WNBA’s Sparks, Bill Self, Brad Underwood Organizations: CNN, Hawaii Gov, Maui’s Emergency Management Agency, New York Times, Getty, Reuters, Staff, US Army National Guard, Maui Police, Facility, AP Volunteers, Grace Baptist, Volunteers, Los Angeles Times, AP, Washington Post, Kahului Airport, Technologies, Kahului, AP Helicopters, Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Maui News, Angeles, Angels, Dodgers, NFL’s Chargers, Rams, NBA’s Clippers, Lakers, NHL’s, Ducks, Angel City Football Club, LA Galaxy, University of Kansas, University of Illinois ’, Hawai’i, Strong, Maui Invitational Locations: Hawaii, Lahaina, Maui, –, Maui County, Lahaina , Hawaii, AFP, Wahikuli, Wailuku, Kula , Hawaii, Kula, Kihei, West Maui, Grace, Napili, Honokowai, Honolulu, Maalaea, Kahului, California, Las Vegas, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji, “ Despite California, Southern California, NHL’s Kings, Champaign , Illinois, Kansas, Illinois

So far, at least 111 deaths have been confirmed in the wildfires, according to a release from Maui County. Names of other victims have been released by familiesFirefight continues : Crews are still battling the fires on Maui. “The people that were trying to put out these fires lived in those homes – 25 of our firefighters lost their homes,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said Wednesday. “They watched their homes burn as they fought the fire for other homes in their neighborhood,” she explained. “That is a scar that we will carry for a very long time.”Sarah Salmonese sits where her apartment once stood in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday, August 11.

Persons: John Pelletier, ” Pelletier, ”, Pelletier, Josh Green, CNN’s Wolf, “, Brenda Keau, ” Keau, Jeff Hickman, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, ” Hickman, Melva Benjamin, Virginia Dofa, Alfredo Galinato, Robert Dyckman, Buddy Jantoc, Benjamin, Crews, Brad Ventura, ” Biden, Herman Andaya, would’ve, Matthew A, Foster, Richard Bissen, Aina Kohler, I’ve, Kohler, “ It’s, Jonny Varona, They’re, Wade Ebersole, it’s, who’s, ” Ebersole, ” Sarah Salmonese, Go Nakamura, Jae C, Patrick T, Fallon, Rick Bowmer, Justin Sullivan, Lauren Haley, Bryan Anselm, Makalea Ahhee, Yuki Iwamura, Mike Blake, Max Whittaker, Zoltan Balogh, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, Evelio Contreras, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Matthew Thayer, Bob Marshall, ” Marshall, Marshall, Jim Kelly, ” Kelly, ” Darren Pai Organizations: CNN, Maui Police, Authorities, Hawaii Gov, Hawaii Department of Defense, Fire, White House, Maui, Maui Emergency Management, Tuesday . U.S . Army National Guard, Staff, KITV, Maui Health, Maui Memorial Medical, New York Times, AP, FBI, Facility, Getty, AP Volunteers, Grace Baptist, Reuters, Volunteers, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Kahului Airport, Technologies, Kahului, AP Helicopters, Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Maui News, Whisker Labs, Maui Bird Conservation Center, The Washington, Hawaiian Electric, CNN Sunday Locations: Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, Lahaina, Tuesday ., ”, Lahaina , Hawaii, Wailuku, AFP, Kula , Hawaii, Kaanapali, Kula, Kihei, West Maui, Grace, Kahului, Napili, Honokowai, Honolulu, Maalaea, California, Las Vegas, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji, Makawao, Western Maui

You can earn up to 200,000 Marriott points, but to unlock the most points you'll need to stay six nights at Marriott Bonvoy properties. Marriott Credit Card Offers: Earn up to 200,000 PointsTwo of these cards (the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card) are from American Express, and two (the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card) are issued by Chase. Details Rewards Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.

Persons: Marriott, we've, We're, Chase, Regis, it's, you'll, You'll, you'd, Cardholders Organizations: Marriott, Orlando . Marriott, Service, American Express, American Express Marriott, Chase Marriott, Villas, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott Vacation, Residence, Vacation, Westin Vacation, The Ritz, Carlton Club, Regis Residence Club, Express, Ritz, Carlton, TSA, Global, TSA PreCheck, New Hampshire Insurance Company, AIG Company, Reading Chevron, Chevron, Business, Cardholders, Chase, Sapphire, United Airlines, Hyatt, American Locations: Grande Lakes, Orlando, Marriott, Wall, Silicon, Marriott Bonvoy, St, Regis, U.S, Chevron, airfare

A new Indonesian private island, named ONE°15 Marina Nirup Island, opened in July nine miles south of Singapore. The hotel will have 94 rooms and 52 villas, according to the representative. Rendering of a hotel lobby and lounge on Nirup Island, Indonesia, set to open in late 2024. Fifty villas will be for sale, while an additional 30 will be managed by the island's Westin hotel, according to the representative. Arthur Tay, CEO of SUTL Enterprise, said the opening of the marina will ease demand for yachting berths in Singapore.

Persons: Sinar, Arthur Tay Organizations: Westin Hotels, Resorts, PT, SUTL, CNBC Travel Locations: Singapore, Indonesian, Nirup, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Philippines, Riau

☆ Taylor Swift urged to postpone LA shows amid hotel strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —“Swifties” heading to Los Angeles to see Taylor Swift concerts this week may find a large number of staff at their hotels on strike when they get there. Some California politicians wrote to Swift this week urging her to cancel her shows in LA, which run from Thursday through August 9. The politicians said Swift’s shows would be money makers for the hotels they are battling. Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/Getty ImagesThe open letter addressed to Swift said, “We are writing in support of the hotel housekeepers across Los Angeles. “In Los Angeles, hotels are doubling and tripling what they charge because you are coming… but many workers cannot afford to live close to where they work.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Swift, Gov, Eleni Kounalakis, JW, Beverly Hilton, Seasons Regent Beverly Wilshire, Irfan Khan, “, – CNN’s Chris Isidore Organizations: New, New York CNN, SoFi, Westin LAX, Democrat, CNN, Ritz, Carlton, JW Marriott LA, Anaheim Hilton, Seasons Regent, Hyatt Regency LAX, Los Angeles Times Locations: New York, Los Angeles, LAX, California, LA, Southern California, Orange, Fairmont Miramar, Anaheim, Los Angeles , CA

LOS ANGELES, July 2 (Reuters) - Thousands of Los Angeles-area hotel workers went on strike on Sunday demanding pay hikes and improved benefits in a region where high housing costs make it difficult for low-wage earners to live close to where they hold jobs, union officials said. Unite Here Local 11, which represents 15,000 workers at more than 60 major hotels in Los Angeles and Orange counties, declared the strike a day after the workers' contract expired. [1/4]People protest in front of Hotel Indigo as unionized hotel workers in Los Angeles and Orange County go on strike, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 2, 2023. Los Angeles has been a flashpoint for labor strife on several fronts this year, including the protracted writers strike and a three-day walkout in March by education support staff for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles and Gabriella Borter in New York; Editing by Mary Milliken and Josie KaoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Kurt Petersen, Maria Hernandez, David Swanson, Hernandez, Steve Gorman, Gabriella Borter, Mary Milliken, Josie Kao Organizations: Southern, Hollywood, InterContinental, Hotel, Millennium Biltmore, JW Marriott, Fairmont, Sheraton Universal, Universal, REUTERS, Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Coordinated, Westin Bonaventure, Los Angeles City News Service, Los Angeles Unified School District, Thomson Locations: ANGELES, Los Angeles, Orange, Fairmont Miramar, Santa Monica, Universal City, Laguna Cliffs, Dana Point, Indigo, Orange County, Los Angeles , California, U.S, L.A, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, West, New York

☆ Los Angeles hotel workers strike over wages, housing
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LOS ANGELES, July 2 (Reuters) - Thousands of hotel workers in Los Angeles, California, went on strike on Sunday morning as they pushed for better wages and benefits, kicking off what was expected to be one of the largest U.S. hotel strikes in recent history. [1/4]People protest in front of Hotel Indigo as unionized hotel workers in Los Angeles and Orange County go on strike, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 2, 2023. REUTERS/David SwansonContracts expired June 30 at 62 Southern California hotels, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Westin Bonaventure, the biggest hotel in Los Angeles, came to an agreement with its workers just a day before the expiration, the union said. The Los Angeles area has been the scene of other strikes or walkout threats in recent months.

Persons: David Swanson, Gabriella Borter, Mary Milliken, Josie Kao Organizations: Orange Counties, InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, Resorts, Hotel, REUTERS, Los Angeles Times, Westin Bonaventure, SAG, Thomson Locations: ANGELES, Los Angeles , California, U.S, Los Angeles, Orange, Indigo, Orange County, California, Hollywood

☆ Los Angeles Hotel Workers Go on Strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-02 | by ( Jill Cowan | Kurtis Lee | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

Dockworkers disrupted operations for weeks at the colossal ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach until they reached a tentative deal in June. “I think people are understanding those issues in a much more palpable way.”The hotel workers’ strike comes just as the summer tourism season ramps up, and labor leaders say they are hoping to capitalize on that momentum. Last year, tourism in the city reached its highest levels since the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board. But for many workers like Diana Rios-Sanchez, who works as a housekeeping supervisor at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, the pay has not helped to keep up with inflation. On Thursday, the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, a large hotel in downtown Los Angeles, announced that it had staved off a walkout of its workers with a contract deal.

Persons: Hugo Soto, Martinez, ”, “, Diana Rios, Sanchez, Ms, Rios, Grossman, Petersen, Anna Betts Organizations: Workers, Los Angeles City Council, Los Angeles Tourism, InterContinental, Downtown, housekeepers, Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Hotel Association of Los Locations: Southern California, Los Angeles, Long, Hollywood, InterContinental Los, El Sereno, California, Beverly Hills, Hotel Association of Los Angeles

Search resuls for: "Westin"

25 mentions found