Florida stiffed Texas company $7.5M for work on Haiti rescue flights, lawsuit says
TAD Recovery Services, LLC, filed the lawsuit Wednesday in the federal Northern District of Florida.
The lawsuit described the company's services as moving 'materials, supplies and personnel in and out of various locations around the USA and elsewhere in the world, often on an emergency basis due to catastrophic weather situations and/or rapidly developing geopolitical conflicts.'
The lawsuit said the Division of Emergency Management contacted the company in March 2024 'to get involved with helping to evacuate children from the Tim Tebow Foundation in Haiti.'
It said that 'morphed' into the Division of Emergency Management asking the company to provide broader services related to evacuating Floridians and other people from Haiti.
The lawsuit alleges the company is owed $7,544,031. Gov. Ron DeSantis said in an April 24, 2024, news release that the state had rescued 722 Americans from Haiti.
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USA Today
9 minutes ago
- USA Today
Worried about AI at work? Avoid these 5 leadership mistakes with your team
Artificial intelligence may be transforming the workplace, but for many employees, it's fueling uncertainty instead of excitement. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center study, 52% of U.S. workers worry AI could disrupt or replace their jobs. And an August 2024 SHRM survey found that nearly half feel unprepared for automation, while 95% say they don't trust their organization to manage the shift in a way that benefits everyone. How managers address these concerns can make or break team morale and productivity. Experts say clear, honest communication is critical, but the wrong message can backfire, fueling fear instead of trust. Whether you're rolling out new tools or just starting the conversation, it's important to engage your team with transparency, context and empathy. Below, two human resources experts break down five common mistakes to avoid when discussing AI with your team and provide guidance on navigating the discussion more effectively. 1. Acting like it's no big deal According to the World Economic Forum, when managers dismiss or avoid discussing AI concerns, they often create bigger problems down the road. 'Business leaders can't bury their heads in the sand and hope for the best,' says Eric Mochnacz, director of operations at Red Clover HR in New Jersey. 'They must have up-front discussions about the benefits of AI in their business, the drawbacks, the potential impacts and the areas where they'll not allow AI usage.' Chad V. Sorenson, president of Florida-based Adaptive HR Solutions, agrees that direct communication is key. 'Employees may feel AI threatens their jobs and may question leaders' motives for introducing AI tools,' he explains. So, 'address the fear and explore how AI can augment workflows and streamline repetitive tasks rather than replace workers.' Takeaway: Don't downplay concerns about AI. Acknowledge employee fears openly and explain how AI will support, not replace, their work. 2. Throwing around 'AI' without defining it AI isn't just one thing. Mochnacz explains that there's a significant difference between using generative AI to enhance email communications and utilizing AI chatbots to manage all customer interactions. Without these distinctions, employees don't understand what to expect from their workplace changes or how they can remain relevant. 'AI is such a buzzword, and leaders haven't taken the time to define it and understand the differences,' says Mochnacz. 'I've been in meetings where people ask, 'Can you do this with AI?' or 'Everyone's talking about AI, so we have to do something with it.'' He emphasizes the importance of clarifying the fundamentals: Takeaway: Don't use 'AI' as a vague catchall. Clearly define what types of AI you're using, what they do and why they matter to your team. 3. Failing to explain the why 'Any time leaders announce a new program or procedure without employee buy-in, there could be fear, skepticism or anger,' Sorenson cautions. Instead of simply telling employees what's changing, explain why the company needs AI. How does it fit into broader business goals? This context helps employees understand their role in the transition rather than viewing it as a threat. 'Ongoing two-way feedback is critical for continued refinement of how teams use AI to improve workflows, processes and results,' notes Sorenson. Takeaway: Don't skip the context. Explain why AI is being adopted and how it supports your team's goals to build trust and buy-in. 4. Overhyping what AI can do 'Leaders promising that AI will handle everything don't have a clear understanding of its possibilities and limitations,' Sorenson says. For instance, AI can help employees understand benefit plans. But it can't handle nuanced harassment complaints or mental health concerns. 'AI systems must be trained to understand when a human must intervene,' he adds. Mochnacz says the problem gets worse when leaders promise capabilities that may never materialize. 'We have no idea what AI is going to be able to do in a month, three months or a year,' he emphasizes. So, it's better to focus on specific, tested use cases rather than grand predictions about AI replacing everything. Takeaway: Avoid making big promises. Focus on what AI can realistically do today, not speculative future capabilities. 5. Leaving people out of the process 'Whenever there's a business, industry or technology shift, involve those it may impact,' stresses Mochnacz. 'Have up-front, direct conversations with your people about their roles and how they see AI helping them be more effective.' A recent MIT Sloan working paper finds that the most successful generative AI deployments consistently involve frontline workers from the earliest stages through rollout. Drawing on over 50 in-depth interviews, MIT researchers demonstrate that when employees help define the problem, co-design workflows, experiment with tools, and shape fair transition policies, not only does adoption improve, but worker productivity and job quality also rise. The key here is framing AI as a collaboration partner rather than a threat. Mochnacz explains that when leaders present AI as a good reality for everyone, employees will engage with the technology. But when the message becomes "prove AI can't replace you," workers resist because it feels like an ultimatum. Takeaway: Don't make AI decisions in a vacuum. Engage employees early and frame AI as a tool to support their work, rather than compete with it. What successful AI communication looks like Sorenson says poor AI communication shows up in obvious ways. You might notice more pushback in meetings, higher employee turnover or a spike in anxious watercooler conversations. These signals suggest that employees feel excluded or uncertain and may be bracing for the worst. In contrast, when communication is clear and inclusive, team engagement improves. 'If your AI communication strategy is successful, employees should engage in the conversation,' Sorenson notes. 'They'll make suggestions to continue to refine its use, and demonstrate an increased productivity level.' Look for those signs of healthy adoption: employees asking questions, suggesting improvements and using AI to work more efficiently. When teams feel empowered, not threatened, you know you've struck the right balance. What is USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2025? Do you work for a great company? Each year, USA TODAY Top Workplaces, a collaboration between Energage and USA TODAY, ranks organizations across the U.S. that excel at creating a positive work environment for their employees. Employee feedback determines the winners. In 2025, over 1,500 companies earned recognition as top workplaces. Check out our overall U.S. rankings. You can also gain insights into top-ranked employers by checking out the links below.
New York Post
9 minutes ago
- New York Post
Major hotel chain faces backlash for allegedly outsourcing check-ins — to India
A Miami hotel is facing backlash over a viral video that claims the front desk was staffed by an outsourced worker to welcome new guests during the check-in process. In the video, a guest who booked a stay at a La Quinta by Wyndham was welcomed by a tall screen displaying a virtual front-desk employee — who allegedly was in India. 'Do you need one room key or two room key?' the worker can be heard asking in the video, which has more than 2 million views since being posted on Saturday. The guest replies: 'Two, just in case I lose one.' The hotel customer then signs a form on the screen using their finger. 3 A traveler staying at a La Quinta by Wyndham hotel was allegedly checked in by an outsourced, virtual worker. @languageguy1/Instagram The interaction led social media users to slam the hotel chain for outsourcing jobs to overseas workers. 'More American jobs outsourced overseas. At some point this should just become illegal. If you make money in America, you should hire Americans,' one user wrote in a post on X. Another sniped: 'What hotel, so I can be sure to avoid it?' Some frustrated users even called on President Trump to target the practice by slapping tariffs on US-based companies that outsource jobs to overseas staffers. A spokesperson for La Quinta Inn, which is owned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, told the Daily Mail that it is actively investigating the matter. 3 'Do you need one room key or two room key?' the worker can be heard asking. @languageguy1/Instagram 'All La Quinta hotels are independently owned and operated under franchise agreements and required to have a team member at the front desk at all times.' Representatives for Wyndham did not immediately respond to The Post's request for comment. The chain has several La Quinta locations in the Miami area. It's unclear how widespread the practice of outsourced virtual front-desk employees is at La Quinta hotels and other chains. Wyndham does offer mobile check-in for some guests, according to its website. A video posted to YouTube in February appears to show the same large tablet screen being used by an outsourced worker in a Wyndham hotel in Bonita Springs, Fla. 3 Outraged social media users were quick to slam the hotel chain on social media. @languageguy1/Instagram 'I checked into a hotel by talking to a man on a screen in the entryway. I scanned my ID, swiped my credit card, and the machine provided me a key,' the user who posted the video wrote in the caption. Another social media user said they had a similar experience with a virtual front-desk employee at a hotel in Dublin. 'Honestly, it was a lot quicker than dealing with front desk staff, and it prints out your keycard,' the hotel guest wrote in a post online. Meanwhile, a hotel in Amsterdam allegedly used a fully-automated check-in process, where guests fill out a form on an iPad, take a key card from a pile and tap it on a reader to activate it, according to another user on X. 'There's really no reason for these jobs at all in today's age,' they added.
Newsweek
11 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Student Loan Borrowers in This State May Be Eligible for Up to $5K Credit
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The state of Maryland is offering a student loan tax credit worth up to $5,000, but time is running out to apply. The Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit is offered through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and is available to state taxpayers who took on at least $20,000 in loans. Why It Matters Student debt remains a major financial burden for millions of Americans, with recent Pew Research indicating that one in four U.S. adults under 40 carries student loan debt, usually between $20,000 and $25,000. The resumption of student loan interest for more than 7 million borrowers in SAVE forbearance has put additional pressure on repayment efforts nationwide. Harvard graduates celebrate at their commencement ceremony on May 29, 2025. Harvard graduates celebrate at their commencement ceremony on May 29, 2025. Libby O'Neill/Getty Images What To Know For Maryland residents, the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit provides a targeted opportunity to ease this burden, potentially saving individuals thousands of dollars. However, the application window for 2025 closes on September 15. As loan balances and monthly payments rise, state-sponsored programs like this are of growing relevance to borrowers and the broader economy, offering a model for how states might alleviate student financial challenges. Eligible applicants can receive an average tax credit of about $1,870, with awards reaching up to $5,000 for the 2025 tax year. The pool for this year's credits is $9 million, with priority given to state employees. "This is an incredible opportunity for in-state borrowers, especially those who are seeing interest starting to accrue after years of a pause on accumulation," Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. Last year, nearly 85 percent of applicants qualified for some level of relief, and applicants may apply each year without a cap. "This is for Maryland residents who took on at least $20,000 in student loans and still have a balance of $5,000 or more," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "You've also got to be actively paying on your loans—so if you're in deferment or default, you may not qualify." Eligibility Requirements Be a Maryland taxpayer who maintains Maryland residency for the 2025 tax year. File a Maryland state income tax return for 2025. Have initially incurred at least $20,000 in undergraduate or graduate student loan debt. Have at least $5,000 in outstanding student loan debt at the time of application. Be actively making student loan payments. "Most people that apply do qualify for some amount of money, so we want to make sure that people know, don't count yourself out, because it is very likely that you will qualify for at least some amount of money," Kristin Clarkson, communications director at MHEC, told Baltimore station WMAR-2 News. Applicants should gather necessary documents from their loan servicers and tax preparers as soon as possible. Recipients must apply the awarded credit directly to their student debt and provide receipts to the MHEC. Borrowers have three years to show proof that the full credit amount was paid toward their loan. Failure to submit proof by the stated deadlines for any given year results in the state recapturing the tax credit through the Comptroller's Office. Further details and application materials can be found on the MHEC website Alongside the state credit, borrowers may also be eligible for federal tax deductions of up to $2,500 in student loan interest, subject to income limits. For 2024, those who paid $600 or more in interest should receive a Form 1098-E from their lender and can review IRS rules on the IRS website. What People Are Saying Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "Some states have leftover funds from previous programs, and Maryland is putting those dollars to work. It makes sense—if you're buried in student debt, you're probably not spending much, and that means less tax revenue for the state. By freeing up some of that burden, the state hopes folks can spend more, maybe save more, and eventually put more money back into the local economy." Bobbi Rebell, a certified financial planner and consumer finance expert at told Newsweek: "This is a great resource for so many borrowers but the clock is ticking. The key here is to go back into student mode and make sure you study all the rules and make sure to follow every single one, leaving no room for error. The slightest technical mistake will cost you dearly." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "For residents of other states, this Maryland-based program is undoubtedly one that will make them envious of those who qualify. The amount varies per filer, but the amazing thing of the credit is the already outlined qualifications are the only rules. There are no additional income requirements." What Happens Next Applicants must submit all required materials by September 15. "Pay attention to the deadline and the details," Rebell said. "Get started now because you may be dependent on others like your accountant or tax preparer to give you the proper documentation and they may be on vacation." The Maryland Higher Education Commission will notify successful candidates by December 2025. Recipients then have three years from the close of the applicable tax year to demonstrate that the awarded funds were directly applied to their student loan, or risk having the credit recaptured by the state. "It won't fix everything—wages and living costs are still rising—but it's a start. And it might help people get ahead just a little faster," Thompson said.
