Latest news with #flawed
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Families of 737 crash victims urge rejection of Boeing deal
NEW YORK – Family members of people killed in two fatal crashes of Boeing's 737 Max jets urged a federal judge to reject a proposed deal the company reached with US prosecutors that would allow the planemaker to avoid a criminal charge. Lawyers for 15 families argued Boeing should stand trial for criminal conspiracy as the government had originally planned, to hold the company more accountable for the deaths of 346 people, according to a court filing on June 18. Some family members asked the judge to appoint a special prosecutor to oversee the case. 'The conspiracy charge against Boeing has been pending now for more than four years,' the families' lawyers said. 'Boeing has admitted all the facts necessary to prove it is guilty. And yet, the government now moves to dismiss the charge.' They added, 'It is difficult to imagine a case more deserving of a public trial than this one.' The US Justice Department in May asked US District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth to dismiss the case as part of a proposed settlement reached with Boeing. Under the deal, the planemaker agreed to pay more than US$1.1 billion (S$1.41 billion) in fees and fines, while taking steps to strengthen internal quality and safety measures. In return, the company will avoid criminal prosecution. Prosecutors have argued that the deal 'secures meaningful accountability' and ensures Boeing faces penalties and oversight, an outcome they say would not be guaranteed if they took the case to trial. Asked to comment on the relatives' objections, a Boeing representative pointed to a May 29 company statement. 'Boeing is committed to complying with its obligations under this resolution, which include a substantial additional fine and commitments to further institutional improvements and investments,' the company said. In June 18's filing, lawyers for family members who oppose the agreement said it would essentially allow the company to 'buy its way out of a criminal conviction'. The families also claimed language in the deal would obligate the government to not prosecute Boeing even if Mr O'Connor rejects the motion to dismiss the case, which would skirt full judicial review. 'If this court approves the parties' maneuver in this widely publicised case, then this unprecedented approach will likely become the blueprint for all future dismissal motions in federal criminal prosecutions,' they said in the filing. In a separate filing, some family members asked the judge to appoint an independent prosecutor to 'restore integrity to these proceedings and ensure that justice – rather than politics – guides the resolution of this matter.' Relatives of crash victims have spent years fighting for harsher penalties for Boeing following the two fatal crashes of its 737 Max jet in 2018 and 2019. Both crashes were linked to a flawed flight control system on the jets. The families said the fatal Air India crash earlier this month involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner shows that 'the stakes for aviation safety are very high'. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. To be sure, some families support the settlement. But those who want Boeing to go to trial said the company had dangled money 'in front of the families, apparently hoping that it will lead them to back off their efforts to hold Boeing accountable for killing their loved ones. And Boeing's offer appears to have had the desired effect, at least with respect to a few families'. If Mr O'Connor agrees to a dismissal, it would end the long-running criminal case against Boeing over the crashes. But it would also mark a notable reversal in the proceedings. Just in 2024, Boeing had agreed to plead guilty to the pending criminal conspiracy charge under a deal that was ultimately rejected by Mr O'Connor. Under the new settlement Boeing will admit to the underlying accusation of 'conspiracy to obstruct and impede the lawful operation of the Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Evaluation Group,' but that admission does not constitute a guilty plea. The government said it could refile criminal charges against the company if Boeing is accused of violating the terms of the two-agreement. Some family members dispute that claim, saying the statute of limitations has already expired. The agreement requires Boeing to pay a total of US$1.1 billion in assorted fines and fees. The total includes: US$487.2 million for a criminal penalty, half of which the company already paid to the government during an earlier phase of the case US$444.5 million for a new 'crash-victims beneficiaries fund' that will be divided evenly by crash victim US$455 million in investments to bolster its compliance, safety and quality programs Boeing would be required to retain a so-called independent compliance consultant to oversee its efforts to improve the effectiveness of its anti-fraud compliance and ethics program. The consultant will be expected to make recommendations for improvements and report their findings directly to the government. BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Families of 737 Crash Victims Urge Rejection of Boeing Deal
(Bloomberg) -- Family members of people killed in two fatal crashes of Boeing Co.'s 737 Max jets urged a federal judge to reject a proposed deal the company reached with US prosecutors that would allow the planemaker to avoid a criminal charge. Lawyers for 15 families argued Boeing should stand trial for criminal conspiracy as the government had originally planned, to hold the company more accountable for the deaths of 346 people, according to a court filing Wednesday. 'The conspiracy charge against Boeing has been pending now for more than four years,' the families' lawyers said. 'Boeing has admitted all the facts necessary to prove it is guilty. And yet, the government now moves to dismiss the charge.' They added, 'It is difficult to imagine a case more deserving of a public trial than this one.' The US Justice Department in May asked US District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth to dismiss the case as part of a proposed settlement reached with Boeing. Under the deal, the planemaker agreed to pay more than $1.1 billion in fees and fines, while taking steps to strengthen internal quality and safety measures. In return, the company will avoid criminal prosecution. Prosecutors have argued that the deal 'secures meaningful accountability' and ensures Boeing faces penalties and oversight, an outcome they say would not be guaranteed if they took the case to trial. A representative of Boeing didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. In Wednesday's filing, lawyers for family members who oppose the agreement said it would essentially allow the company to 'buy its way out of a criminal conviction.' The families also claimed language in the deal would obligate the government to not prosecute Boeing even if O'Connor rejects the motion to dismiss the case, which would skirt full judicial review. 'If this court approves the parties' maneuver in this widely publicized case, then this unprecedented approach will likely become the blueprint for all future dismissal motions in federal criminal prosecutions,' they said in the filing. Relatives of crash victims have spent years fighting for harsher penalties for Boeing following the two fatal crashes of its 737 Max jet in 2018 and 2019. Both crashes were linked to a flawed flight control system on the jets. The families said the fatal Air India crash earlier this month involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner shows that 'the stakes for aviation safety are very high.' The cause of the crash remains under investigation. To be sure, some families support the settlement. But those who want Boeing to go to trial said the company had dangled money 'in front of the families, apparently hoping that it will lead them to back off their efforts to hold Boeing accountable for killing their loved ones. And Boeing's offer appears to have had the desired effect, at least with respect to a few families.' If O'Connor agrees to a dismissal, it would end the long-running criminal case against Boeing over the crashes. But it would also mark a notable reversal in the proceedings. Just last year, Boeing had agreed to plead guilty to the pending criminal conspiracy charge under a deal that was ultimately rejected by O'Connor. Under the new settlement Boeing will admit to the underlying accusation of 'conspiracy to obstruct and impede the lawful operation of the Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Evaluation Group,' but that admission does not constitute a guilty plea. The government said it could refile criminal charges against the company if Boeing is accused of violating the terms of the two-agreement. Some family members dispute that claim, saying the statute of limitations has already expired. The agreement requires Boeing to pay a total of $1.1 billion in assorted fines and fees. The total includes: Boeing would be required to retain a so-called independent compliance consultant to oversee its efforts to improve the effectiveness of its anti-fraud compliance and ethics program. The consultant will be expected to make recommendations for improvements and report their findings directly to the government. The case is US v. Boeing, 21-cr-005, US District Court, Northern District of Texas (Fort Worth). --With assistance from Allyson Versprille. (Updates with outreach to Boeing for comment.) More stories like this are available on
Tatler Asia
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
What Korean dramas can teach us about modern fatherhood
The imperfectly evolving: Seo In-ho in 'Doctor Cha' Above Seo In-ho in 'Doctor Cha' (Photo: JTBC) Seo In-ho (played by Kim Byung-chul) in Doctor Cha (2023) starts as a rather flawed husband and father, entangled in an affair and seemingly oblivious to his family's emotional needs. However, as the drama unfolds, he undergoes a significant, albeit often comedic, transformation. While his journey is messy and filled with missteps, he eventually confronts his shortcomings and genuinely attempts to be a more present and supportive father to his children. His evolution shows that fatherhood is also about the willingness to learn, adapt and strive for improvement, even when it's uncomfortable. He offers a relatable, if sometimes frustrating, portrayal of a dad trying to find his way back to his family. Related: From panels to screen: Korean dramas based on webtoons to watch on the weekends The quietly resilient: Bong Gwi-ju in 'The Atypical Family' Above Bong Gwi-ju in 'The Atypical Family' (Photo: Netflix) Bong Gwi-ju (played by Jang Ki-yong) in The Atypical Family presents a unique take on fatherhood. A man with the ability to time travel, he loses his powers after his wife's death, succumbing to depression. His journey isn't just about regaining his abilities, but about rediscovering his purpose as a father to his daughter, Bok I-na. He is living proof of the quiet resilience of a father grappling with loss and mental health, demonstrating that true strength lies in confronting one's vulnerabilities for the sake of one's children. His efforts to connect with I-na and protect her, even in his weakened state, are truly poignant. The unexpected healer: Lee Jang-hyun in 'My Dearest' Above Lee Jang-hyun in 'My Dearest' (Photo: MBC TV) While not a biological father, Lee Jang-hyun (played by Namkoong Min) in the historical epic My Dearest becomes a profound father figure in the tumultuous backdrop of Joseon. His enigmatic nature and deep-seated trauma initially make him seem unapproachable, but his quiet acts of protection and selfless sacrifice for those he cares for, especially the younger, more vulnerable characters caught in the ravages of war, solidify his place. He exemplifies a paternal bond forged not by blood, but by shared hardship and unwavering compassion. The steadfast sentinel: Jang Ju-won in 'Moving' Above Jang Ju-won in 'Moving' (Photo: Disney+) In the fantastical world of Moving , Jang Ju-won (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) stands out as a father whose superhuman healing abilities are matched only by his unwavering devotion to his daughter, Hui-soo. A former black ops agent, Ju-won is a man of few words but profound actions. He runs a fried chicken shop to provide for Hui-soo, always putting her safety and well-being above his own. When danger looms, he transforms into a formidable protector, facing down any threat to his child with raw strength and relentless determination. His journey is one of sacrifice and unconditional love, proving that some heroes wear aprons and carry the weight of the world for their children. The quietly supportive: Lee Ik-jun in 'Hospital Playlist' Above Lee Ik-jun in 'Hospital Playlist' (Photo: TVN) Lee Ik-jun (played by Jo Jung-suk) in Hospital Playlist is a prime example of a modern, single father who excels at balancing a demanding career as a liver surgeon with devoted parenting. His relationship with his son, U-ju, is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the series. Ik-jun treats U-ju not just as a child, but as a trusted friend, engaging in playful banter, listening intently to his thoughts, and always making time for him despite his hectic schedule. Their daily video calls, filled with U-ju's adorable updates and Ik-jun's patient responses, paint a picture of a father who prioritises emotional connection and fosters an environment of open communication. He demonstrates that being a great dad isn't about grand gestures, but consistent presence and genuine affection. The unwavering protector: Sung Dong-il in 'Reply 1988' Above Sung Dong-il in 'Reply 1988' (Photo: iQIYI) Perhaps the quintessential K-drama dad, Sung Dong-il, playing a character bearing his own name, is the heart and soul of Reply 1988 . As the perpetually stressed but deeply loving father of three, he embodies the everyday struggles and profound joys of fatherhood in a working-class Seoul neighbourhood. His gruff exterior often masks a heart of gold, always ready with a witty retort or a surprisingly profound piece of advice. He may seem miserly, meticulously tracking every penny, but his sacrifices for his children are immense and often unspoken. His unwavering belief in his eldest daughter, Deok-sun, even when she doubts herself, is a testament to his profound paternal love. He's the sort of dad who might scold you for leaving the lights on but would secretly give you his last won for a treat. NOW READ 11 Korean dramas you loved—but didn't know were remakes From 'Buried Hearts' to 'Doctor Slump': Must-see Park Hyung-sik Korean dramas across genres 9 new, exciting Korean dramas to watch in 2025—from thrillers to tearjerkers
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cynthia Lummis slams 'flawed' tax rules
Cynthia Lummis slams 'flawed' tax rules originally appeared on TheStreet. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) thinks crypto assets, including Bitcoin, are being unfairly targeted because of "flawed tax rules." Lummis wrote on X on June 10: We need crypto revisions in reconciliation. Lummis is a well-known crypto advocate in the U.S. political space who famously introduced the BITCOIN Act that aims to turn Trump's executive order to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve into legislation. Her latest salvo against crypto tax policy is part of the broader pro-crypto policy pursued by the Trump administration. In the U.S., the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats cryptocurrencies as property for tax purposes. Every crypto transaction, if it incurs gains, is taxed as capital gains by the IRS. While the short-term crypto capital gains tax ranges from 10% to 37%, the long-term crypto capital gains tax is 0%, 15%, or 20%. Earlier in May, Sen. Lummis proposed re-examining how the 2022 Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT) from the Biden era applied to digital asset holdings, forcing crypto companies to pay taxes on unrealized crypto gains. However, the Wyoming senator has also taken a step in the direction of rescinding the exemption of the wash sale rule to crypto assets. What a wash sale means is that if you believe your crypto holding which has gone down in value will surge later, you can sell it for a loss during a financial year and again purchase it during the beginning of the next financial year. Since the IRS doesn't view crypto as security, the wash sale rule doesn't apply to it. But Lummis recently made an effort to the upcoming tax-and-spending bill to apply the wash-sale rule to crypto. The proposal also urged exempting Bitcoin miners from reporting gains and losses. Crypto tax reporting remains a complex issue in the U.S. and the world, and the evolving status of the crypto assets makes it more complicated. Cynthia Lummis slams 'flawed' tax rules first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Focus Malaysia
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
MTUC slams Steven Sim over fiasco of workers' representation at ILC Geneva
THE Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has escalated criticism of Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, accusing him of misusing government resources to exclude MTUC from the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, June 2-13, 2025. MTUC's J Solomon claims Sim deliberately blocked worker representation to avoid scrutiny of Malaysia's labor laws, which allegedly violate ILO Convention 98. 'The fact remains that the minister has failed to ensure that Malaysian workers' representatives were registered at the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC),' Solomon said in a statement today. According to the MTUC, the minister's actions were designed to sidestep scrutiny of Malaysia's labor laws, which the report allegedly highlights as flawed, particularly in terms of anti-union discrimination and other shortcomings. Additionally, Solomon asserted that if Sim were 'sincere' in wanting to ensure workers' representation at the ILC, the minister would have contacted the MTUC as soon as it received the invitation from the ILO. 'The minister did not do so then, but is giving excuses now. Instead of focusing on what the important issues are for Malaysia in this ILC, to improve the labour laws for better industrial relations and national development, his attention is on denying MTUC its rightful place in the ILC,' he alleged. In response, the ministry argues the MTUC joint special committee lacks authority to appoint delegates, a stance Solomon calls misleading and intrusive. —June 8, 2025 Main image: J Soloman (Facebook)
