Horizon cutting-room links: Tuesday, 17 December 2024
DC weather: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. North wind around 2 mph.
Federal agencies in the Washington, DC area are Open. Employees are expected to begin the workday on time. Normal operating procedures are in effect.
“Trump and SoftBank CEO Unveil $100 Billion Investment in U.S.,” in the Journal
“The Japanese internet and telecommunications company estimates that its U.S.-based investments will create 100,000 jobs focused on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies and plans to complete the work before Trump leaves office in 2029. … It is unclear how SoftBank intends to fund the commitment. The global tech investor has roughly $30 billion of cash on hand.”
“The FTC is officially banning hidden junk fees from hotel and ticket prices,” the Verge
“The rule, which was first proposed last year, targets the “resort,” “convenience,” and “service” fees that often covertly raise the final price of a hotel stay or tickets for a live concert or sporting event.”
“Additionally, businesses must display the total price of a purchase ‘more prominently than most other pricing information’.”
“Dems push ‘right to repair’ mandate after proposal was stripped from NDAA,” from NextGov
“The bill — introduced on Dec. 12 by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash. — would require that defense contractors provide military personnel with the ability to service their hardware outside of the restrictions that often limit or block non-provider repairs.“
“The Long Game: Why Family-Owned Hotels Are Redefining Luxury,” Skift
“The Baur au Lac has had only five general managers in its 175+ year history. The family follows two guiding principles: only one family member runs the business at a time, and profits are continually reinvested back into the hotel.”
“The emerging “post-luxury” traveler has sophisticated expectations. They want properties that demonstrate intentional design, feel homespun, create meaningful local economic impact in creating jobs and sourcing, and, importantly, offer personalized, heartfelt service. … Increasingly, this approach resonates most with younger, globally minded travelers. They’re less impressed by extravagance and value the softer skills and the intangible spirit of a place.”
“Major developments in 2024 pave the way for the future of Union Station, “in the Washington Business Journal
“The National Railroad Passenger Corp. has already shaken things up a bit at 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE with moves including relocating Uniqlo to another part of the historic rail station and converting the vacated retail space temporarily into a passenger waiting area. Meanwhile, Amtrak's weighing other potential changes that could help fill some of the station’s retail and restaurant vacancies, while creating a better passenger experience for its rail riders at the same time.”
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