#Bankruptcy Petition

[lexlawuk]

HMRC Debts and Winding-Up Petitions: Your Top FAQs Answered 

  Dealing with HMRC debts and Winding-Up Petitions can be tough.These petitions are a serious legal action that can have major consequences for both the company and its directors. In 2023, the High Court received nearly 6,000 Winding-Up Petitions, with HMRC accounting for almost 46% of them. Understanding how to manage HMRC debt and the associated winding-up petitions is essential for…

[ljcrestview]

Debt Consolidation Petition Lawyer in Crestview, FL - (850) 409-3350

Martin Lewis and Steven Jurnovoy joined as partners in 1998 to create the law firm of Lewis & Jurnovoy, P.A. The primary emphasis of the law firm is in the representation of individuals and sole proprietors in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy ("Debt Consolidation") and Chapter 7 Straight Bankruptcy.

Lewis and Jurnovoy 1501 S. Ferdon Blvd. Crestview, FL 32536 (850) 409-3350 https://www.LewisandJurnovoy.com/

[qiraniwo]

We have embarked on our dedicated Bankruptcy petition preparation solution for attorney firms. We team up to help attorneys for preparing pruned and accurate bankruptcy petitions for review with the client and file subsequently. As bankruptcy filings increase nationwide, more and more attorneys are seeking help from outsourced bankruptcy petition preparer, also called "typing services" or "paralegals to draft bankruptcy petitions.

[reagan-was-a-horrible-president]

In order to collect on the $1.5 billion in defamation judgments they won against Alex Jones, the families of the victims of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut have voted to liquidate the far-right conspiracy theorist’s assets.

The unanimous decision was filed on the docket at the federal bankruptcy court in Texas where the Infowars host’s empire — which also includes the company Free Speech Systems — is being picked over more than a year after he first filed a petition for personal bankruptcy protection. He filed for bankruptcy for Free Speech Systems while he was on trial in July 2023. Ultimately, he was held liable for his defamatory comments about the 2012 mass shooting in Newton, including repeatedly calling the tragedy a “giant hoax.”

In fact, the massacre left 26 people dead and two injured. Twenty children who attended the primary school and six adults were killed.

As Law & Crime previously reported, Jones is not able to cast off the staggering award ordered by Judge Christopher Lopez because his conduct was formally considered “willful and malicious,” and under bankruptcy laws in the United States, when an individual debtor causes such an injury of intentional emotional distress, there is no relief.

As part of the liquidation process, items like real estate, cars, cash and more are expected to be sold off. According to Bloomberg Law, there will be a hearing next month where a detailed plan for the liquidation will be sorted out.

.......

[rainedragon]

I'm kind of confused about the history of ETC, Did it basically start out as a offshoot of Shirley Temple cute in larger sizes for older kids/teens?

Shirley Temple started out as a kid's brand in 1974. They have had a bunch of sublines, but the important ones here are Emily Temple and Emily Temple Cute. Emily Temple was launched as a juniors (older kid's / tweens line) in 1983 and they produced children's size 150 & 160. In the US, this is like how we have the 14 & 16 size in little girl's clothing which can still fit teens and petite adults. Emily Temple 150 and 160 sizing tends to be shorter and more boxy.

Emily Temple 2001

In 1999 they launched Emily Temple Cute which was an adult's line. This was likely either aimed at young people who grew up wearing Shirley Temple and were sad they were sizing out of it, or the mom's of the kids wearing Shirley Temple so they could match, it's not super clear.

Emily Temple Cute in Kera 2002 Emily Temple and Emily Temple Cute were both in production at the same time from 1999-2001. Around this time both also would use Shirley Temple custom textiles.

Emily Temple in 1999

Shirley Temple in 1999 with the same print Around 2002, Shirley Temple restructured their sublines and dropped Emily Temple. They still made some size 150-160 stuff, but they color coded their stuff by how formal / casual it was instead. Their blue line which made things that looked more like formal wear still made 150-160 size items most seasons, but it was less common from their red and pink casual lines.

Emily Temple Cute made casual and more formal pieces, and continued to do so until 2012.

Emily Temple Cute, Kera 2003 In 2012 / 2013, Shirley Temple was doing really badly. They closed a bunch of stores, filed for bankruptcy and in 2012 Emily Temple Cute became Emily Temple Co., Ltd. and no longer was part of Shirley Temple. After that point, the two are separate businesses. The new Emily Temple Cute launches an online store in 2013 and becomes much easier to buy overseas at this point.

Emily Temple Cute Webshop 2013

In 2017, Shirley Temple launched Shirley Temple for Ladies, which is another adult's brand. ST for Ladies is much more "grown up" than ETC, with more toned down motifs.

Shirley Temple for Ladies 2022-2023 Shirley Temple Sister, which exists today, is their current size 150 & 160 brand. However, the current models for the brand are quite young.

The middle model is a model for their toddler (children's) line, while the left and right models are modeling their sister (tween) line, I believe.

Emily Temple and Shirley Temple Sister are both shorter and more boxy shaped than Emily Temple Cute and Shirley Temple for Ladies. tl;dr version - Yes, Emily Temple Cute is an adult's brand that is an offshoot of Shirley Temple, the children's brand.

[gretahayes]

soo obviously tim would never kill, but what crimes do you think he *would* commit

I think he’s committed or would commit (under the right circumstances) a lot. Here's a list;

Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Assaulting or Killing Federal Officer

Assisting or Instigating Escape

Aggravated Assault/Battery

Aggravated Identity Theft

Bankruptcy Fraud/Embezzlement

Blackmail

Coercion

Concealing Escaped Prisoner

Concealing Person from Arrest

Conspiracy to Impede or Injure an Officer

Conveying False Information

Credit/Debit Card Fraud

Cyber Crimes

Damage to Religious Property

Destruction of Records in Federal Investigations and Bankruptcy

Destruction of Corporate Audit Records

Disclosure of Confidential Information

Domestic Terrorism

Embezzlement

Extortion

False Information and Hoaxes

False Pretenses

False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters

Falsely Claiming Citizenship

False Declarations before Grand Jury or Court

Fraud Against the Government

Hacking Crimes

Harboring Terrorists

Hostage Taking

Identity Theft

Illegal Possession of Firearms

Impersonator Making Arrest or Search

Injuring Officer

Insurance Fraud

Interference with the Operation of a Satellite

International Terrorism

Larceny

Mailing Threatening Communications

Motor Vehicle Theft

Narcotics Violations

Obstructing Examination of Financial Institution

Obstruction of Court Orders

Obstruction of Federal audit

Obstruction of Justice

Obstruction of Criminal Investigations

Perjury

Pirating

Possession of Narcotics

Private Correspondence with Foreign Government

Racketeering

Receiving the Proceeds of Extortion

Recording or Listening to Grand or Petit Juries While Deliberating

Retaliating Against a Federal Judge by False Claim or Slander of Title

Retaliating Against a Witness, Victim, or an Informant

Robbery

Sabotage

Sale of Stolen Vehicles

Searches Without Warrant

Shoplifting

Smuggling

Stalking (In Violation of Restraining Order)

Stolen Property; Buying, Receiving, or Possessing

Tampering with a Witness, Victim, or Informant

Tampering with Vessels

Torture

Transportation of Stolen Vehicles

Transportation of Terrorists

Trespassing

Treason

Unauthorized Removal of Classified Documents

Use of Fire or Explosives to Destroy Property

Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction

Vandalism

Violence at International airports

Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering Activity

And possibly more! Hope this helps

[crimswnred]

no like walk with me for a minute.

litg is a real show in its 5th season. they are flopping hard, ratings are on the floor, no one is doing their job, someone thought it was a good idea to cast Eddie, rant was due, the most loveable character is being cheated on left and right, bad management allegations, there's a new petition to close fusebox studios every day, bankruptcy rumours they HAD ONE CHANCE AND THEN someone has an idea:

"what if we give Bobby McKenzie a call?"

[theculturedmarxist]

War Games

You need to be ready because war between the United States and China is inevitable.

I hate to use the word "inevitable" because it implies that it is preordained, a foregone conclusion irrespective of circumstance or volition. In this instance it is apt because the US has crafted the circumstances and shaped itself internally and externally so that it has no other choice but to engage in conflict.

To fully explain why this is would require a substantially longer post, several posts in fact, at the very least. In summary though, the welfare state created by the New Deal and the activist sentiment cultivated by the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement spurred a reaction by the bourgeoisie, which resulted in the "Reagan Revolution." Proletarian empowerment was to be checked and dismantled at every opportunity and any impediment to corporate power was to be removed. Unions were dismantled. Public Education was attacked. Trusts were to be facilitated in the name of "efficiency."

Over the course of forty years, the players of the US political and economic system have taken steps favorable to themselves which have made reform impossible. Aberration from the desires of the ruling class is treated with extreme intolerance and the heterodox are expelled from "polite society." Alternative conceptions to the current state of things are portrayed as quixotic at best and foreign or evil at worst.

The result is such that any attempt to reform or ameliorate the social, economic, or political status quo of the United States is virtually impossible.

The US's foreign policy goals since the fall of the Soviet Union has been the dissolution of the Russian Federation and the subjugation of the People's Republic of China, as set out in the policy document "Project for a New American Century." 9/11, the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, the destruction of Libya, occupation of Syria, etc, etc, have all been stepping stones on the war towards those ultimate goals. Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden have all facilitated those goals.

The problem is that the "United States," by which I mean the bourgeoisie which represent its interested parties, its political facilitators, and its petite-bourgeois factions which occupy its implementation mechanisms, have crafted the internal and external national circumstances so that novel responses to emerging circumstances are impossible.

To give an example, the war in Ukraine proves that its patently impossible for the US to wage war directly against Russia. In terms of production capacity, the United States simply cannot compete. Case in point, the Russian Federation is producing 4.5 million artillery shells per year. The US meanwhile is producing somewhere in the neighborhood of 450,000. The reason this is is because monopolies have hollowed out the US's production capacity. Increasing production would mean decreasing profit, and that would mean bankruptcy, and then no production. So the US government has to guarantee profit in order to guarantee production. Russia and China don't have this defect currently. Part of the reason Russia has been able to out-produce the US is that its production companies and facilities are state owned. The Russian government says "jump" and their MIC says "how high?" Profit isn't the goal, but rather production.

These circumstances aren't entirely alien to the US. During World War 2, the US government intervened heavily in its domestic economy, dictating wages and benefits, ordering production in support of its war effort. Now though the tail is wagging the dog. In the name of the "economy," monopolies dictate economic and state policy. We saw this recently when the CEO of Delta airlines got the isolation period for covid cut from two weeks to five days.

So we have is a situation where the US can't achieve its goals because of its own inadequacies. If the US wanted to achieve parity with its rivals, it would have to at the very least assume the sort of state-directed production that its rivals have. However, currently that isn't possible because the monopolies which control economic production enjoy control over the state which is ostensibly supposed to regulate it. Put another way, in Russia and China, the state dictates economic activity. In the US, the economy dictates political activity. To use an American saying, "the inmates are running the asylum."

These circumstances cannot be reformed as they currently are. We saw in 2016 that attempts to do so were legally thwarted. If the political system cannot be restructured so that the people's will is preeminent before the will of the bourgeoisie, then the will of the bourgeoisie will dominate. That means that economic monopolies will continue their stranglehold over policy, and profit will retain preeminence before any other consideration, including militaristic victory.

The significance of Taiwan currently is that it accounts for at least half of the planet's semiconductor microchip production. This produces a dilemma for the United States. This essential resource is at least de jure in the hands of an ideological enemy and a presumed economic subordinate. Furthermore, it has no way of ameliorating this state of affairs without military intervention. To the first part, this state of affairs would give China de facto control over US economic policy, both foreign and domestic, as it would give Beijing control over how many microprocessors the US has access to to put into its various domestic products as well as the military hardware it requires to enforce its domestic policy. To the second part, in its efforts to crush the working class all those skilled trades necessary to facilitate its own domestic production, along with the educational institutions necessary to impart the knowledge and expertise for their creation, have been systematically gutted by the bourgeoisie.

In short, if the United States started today to try and achieve the productive capacities currently existing in China and Russia, it would be at least ten years before it could accomplish what either of its adversaries are currently capable of. It lacks the skilled personnel. It lacks the machinery necessary. Its institutions lack the candidates or the program to train its citizens at scale. It very simply lacks the capability to produce more than its limited quantities of boutique weaponry, which means it cannot possibly compete with its chosen adversaries.

The rational response to these facts would be to adjust its course in relation to the existing circumstances. The period of American hegemony outlined in the PFANAC is as unrealistic as traveling to the moon on a hot air balloon, so rational course of action would be to adjust policies and expectations accordingly. Unfortunately, these adjustments cannot be made. They would require upsetting the dominance of the monopolies over the American political and economic status quo, and the monopolies are unwilling to let that happen and the US government is incapable of making that happen. For the American economy to continue, the monopolies must continue to exist as monopolies, and also for American politics to continue. It is a reciprocal relationship, where reformers that endanger corporate profits like Sanders are kept out of positions of power, so that those in power can continue to guarantee corporate profits. One hand washes the other, and nothing is allowed to fundamentally change.

The problem, as any Marxist could tell you, is that change is the fundamental state of things. In spite of the war and sanctions, Russia's economy is strengthening while Europe's is weakening. China alone has more than twice the consumers as all of NAFTA combined. The bottom line is that the United States simply cannot compete, and what's more is that it has fashioned itself into such a state so that it can never, ever do so, because the necessary changes are simply impossible to achieve and implement while also keep profits up and proles down. To keep things as they are, change is utterly impermissible, in spite of how devastatingly necessary it might be.

Yet regardless, the status quo is not only viewed by the bourgeoisie as the natural state of things, but totally essential. Unable to escape their own ideology, they are restricted by its prescriptions. The United States must, must, dominate not only Russia, and China, but the entire world. It cannot do so economically, and yet it cannot alter itself so that it may do so. In terms of production the US can never, ever surpass China in its current state, but at the same time it cannot realistically alter itself to do so. The American bourgeoisie has achieved victory over the American working class, but in so doing it has forfeited the struggle to dominate internationally. It has very little to offer in terms of real goods. Its only useful product is its currency and the ascendance of BRICS severely limits that's lifetime. Since 2001 the US has let its diplomatic strength atrophy, and in its hubris reality has increasingly passed it by.

If it has no real goods to offer, no useful currency, and no means of persuasion, then the only thing left that the US has to ensure its necessary, is essential dominance is its military weaponry. While much of it is dated and inherited from the First Cold War, it still has the capacity to wreak fearful destruction, especially its nuclear arsenal.

We see the evidence of this fact even now. The US's puppet Ukraine cannot possibly win against Russia. This was a fact even before the start of the most recent phase of this conflict in 2022. Yet in spite of the unrelenting slaughter of the Ukrainian people the conflict continues because the US as instigator of this war has no other alternative. It cannot allow peace to break out. It cannot pursue an alternative to war. It cannot even fathom a world where it doesn't dictate the state of affairs. So in spite of bleeding itself dry trying to wear down an enemy that surpasses it in virtually every capacity, it insists on continuing, because the alternative cannot possibly be countenanced.

Russia, in spite of its growing strength, is nowhere near the level that China currently enjoys. If the United States cannot even defeat Russia, it would be absurd to court conflict with China, especially considering how much the US relies on Chinese goods for, well, practically everything. The pandemic "shutdown" saw the US practically on the verge of collapse and panic as essential goods grew scarce. Still, the US continues to ratchet up tensions with China, provoking it, while preparing itself for war insofar as its capable. For the United States and its controlling monopolies, there is no other choice. Profit must be assured, which can only come at the expense of its imperial subjects, and without any other alternative those subjects must be maintained at the barrel of a gun—or the tip of a nuclear weapon.

[angryraptor13]

Welp. Shapeways filed for bankruptcy. Shame, I just got some more sets of articulated Bionicle hands to check the tolerances on their other colors. No Galva Kanohi for me, I guess ☹️

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Edward Helmore at The Guardian:

The Infowars host Alex Jones has asked a court to sell off his assets to help meet a $1.5bn defamation judgment against him and his companies over public comments he made claiming that the 2012 Sandy Hook elementary school shooting was faked. In a court filing, Jones dropped his petition merely to go into bankruptcy, admitted that he has to pay the Sandy Hook families, and asked the judge to convert the bankruptcy into a Chapter 7 liquidation.

If agreed to by a court in Texas, the move could end Jones’s ownership of Infowars, the influential rightwing business and platform he founded in the late 1990s that he used to broadcast conspiracy theories – and enrich himself with millions of dollars by marketing herbal supplements in the process. On Thursday, lawyers for Jones told the bankruptcy court that “there is no reasonable prospect of a successful reorganization” of his debts and liquidation would be a more streamlined procedure for selling his assets under the supervision of a court-appointed trustee. Earlier this week, the relatives of the Sandy Hook elementary school victims called for the court to reject Jones’s petition to financially reorganize his company, arguing that Jones’s Free Speech Systems, which includes Infowars, has “no prospect” of getting a reorganization plan approved and had “failed to demonstrate any hope of beginning to satisfy” the judgment.

Depraved far-right conspiracist Alex Jones is set to liquidate key assets to his empire, including the conspiracist outlet InfoWars, to help pay for the $1.5BN defamation judgment as a result of his Sandy Hook Trutherism comments that got him sued by the tragedy's victims.

See Also:

HuffPost: Alex Jones Moves To Liquidate Assets To Start Paying Sandy Hook Families

[lexlawuk]

Amanda Staveley fails to Set Aside Victor Restis' £3.5 Million Statutory Demand

British financier labels demand an ‘abuse of process’ that should be settled through arbitration. A recent ruling of the High Court has left Amanda Staveley, the co-owner of Newcastle United football club, facing payment of her substantial debt of nearly £3.5 million following a legal dispute with the Greek shipping tycoon Victor Restis. Victor had issued a statutory demand against Staveley,…

[notbeingnoticed]

Rubio’s blamed the closings on “the rising cost of doing business in California.”

[beardedmrbean]

A UCLA professor was suspended for not providing special treatment to black students in the light of George Floyd's death. The professor is suing the University of California Los Angeles for more than $19 million over the well-publicized incident that garnered national notoriety.

Gordon Klein – a lecturer of accounting at the Anderson School of Management – made headlines in June 2020 when he refused to give preferential treatment to black students.

As Blaze News previously reported, Klein was asked by a student if black students would be given special accommodations because of George Floyd's death and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests.

"The student requested a no-harm and shortened final exam, and extended deadlines for final assignments and projects in consideration of black students' well-being in light of nationwide protests against police brutality," the Daily Bruin reported.

Klein responded by writing:

Thanks for your suggestion in your email below that I give black students special treatment, given the tragedy in Minnesota. Do you know the names of the classmates that are black? How can I identify them since we've been having online classes only? Are there any students that may be of mixed parentage, such as half black-half Asian? What do you suggest I do with respect to them? A full concession or just half?

Klein asked the student if "a white student" from Minneapolis "might be possibly even more devastated" by the death of George Floyd.

Klein then quoted Martin Luther King Jr., and asked, "Remember that MLK famously said that people should not be evaluated based on the 'color of their skin.' Do you think that your request would run afoul of MLK's admonition?"

A student took a screenshot of the email conversation, and it quickly circulated online.

UCLA students claimed Klein's email was "backhandedly racist" and that it undermined the Black Lives Matter movement.

The same day as Klein wrote the email, a Change.org petition was launched, and it demanded Klein be "terminated for his extremely insensitive, dismissive, and woefully racist response to his students’ request for empathy and compassion during a time of civil unrest."

The petition — with more than 21,000 signatures — read, "His behavior is not reflective of the equity, respect, and justice that UCLA stands for as an institution."

Two days later, Anderson School Dean Antonio Bernardo announced that Klein was suspended and an investigation was initiated into the "troubling conduct."

"Providing a safe, respectful and equitable environment in which students can effectively learn is fundamental to UCLA’s mission," Bernardo declared. "We share common principles across the university of integrity, excellence, accountability, respect, and service. Conduct that demonstrates a disregard for our core principles, including an abuse of power, is not acceptable."

"I deeply regret the increased pain and anger that our community has experienced at this very difficult time," Bernardo added. "We must and will hold each other to higher standards."

Klein was reinstated less than a month after the incident.

However, Klein alleges that the public backlash had caused irreparable damage.

Klein derives significant income from his expert witness practice.

The College Fix reported, "He has testified, for example, in several high-profile court cases, including Michael Jackson’s wrongful death, Apple’s acquisition of Dr. Dre’s Beats headphones, and the valuation of General Motors’ assets in bankruptcy."

Klein’s attorney – Steve Goldberg – told the College Fix this week, "He was one of the top damages experts in the country who was historically bringing in well over $1 million dollars a year and trending upwards when it happened."

"That practice went to ashes right after he was suspended," said Goldberg, a member of the Markun, Zusman & Compton law firm.

Klein, who continues to teach as a full-time lecturer at UCLA, is suing the university for "well over $19 million in damages."

Klein's lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial on March 4 at the Santa Monica Courthouse.

Klein, who joined the UCLA Anderson School of Management in 1981, first filed a lawsuit against the school in September 2021.

UCLA did not respond to repeated requests for comment by The College Fix.

[heykoonsy]

Word Count:  4.3k

Pairing: Husk x Angel Dust (HuskerDust/AngelHusk), slight Angel Dust x OC

Summary: “Give him everything but your ass.” Angel Dust was tasked with one job: convince the investor to subsidize Valentino’s agency. Angel was more of a closer to Valentino, enticing the wealthier of his associates into funding projects for him. However, this latest pitch didn’t go as planned and Angel’s hubris prevented him from seeing the potential drawbacks of a one night stand with someone Valentino marked. In this slow burn love story, Angel must confront the worst parts of himself if he is going to win back his career.

Content Warnings: Rated 18+ for foul language

Author's Note: Happy Saturday everyone! Please enjoy!

Tezan stood in the hallway, swirling his cup of water absentmindedly as he waited for Mr. Jullien to finish the conversation he was having with a colleague in his office. Their conversation was hushed, but clearly heated. Tezan wondered if he should move away from the door and find something to occupy his time until Jullien was ready for him. Maybe he’d find that petite assistant and chat him up. 

Before he had a chance to act on that thought, he heard a few parting words come from the office. He stood straighter, eyes going to the door as it opened. He looked down at the demon exiting–all tux and not much else. Tezan didn’t mince words with the man as he stepped around him to get inside Jullien’s office. If the demon was put off, he didn’t stick around to notice. 

“Tezan,” Jullien said from his desk with about as much enthusiasm as a man facing bankruptcy could muster. 

“Another investor?” Tezan asked as he sat down in one of the chairs in front of Jullien’s desk. 

“Our accountant,” Jullien said with little emotion. 

Tezan knew that he was getting on board a sinking ship when he invested in Jullien and his latest script. He was betting on this new feature to surprise them both in sales. With Jullien back on top, he might be grateful to whoever put him there. Maybe Tezan would get a bigger stake in the company, maybe even a title and an office.

“What’s the damage?”

“With Valentino blacklisting us and,” he hesitated, looking away from Tezan for a moment, “another setback, this next production will need to make well over three million to keep us above water.”

Tezan nodded along, ignoring the comment, “I’ve read the latest script myself, it’s amazing.”

Jullien gave a solemn nod. 

Tezan leaned back in the chair, “If some hack like Guerrero is still raking in the cash, then you won’t have any trouble.”

Jullien nodded again, and it seemed that Tezan’s attempts at reassuring him were working. He managed to smile a little. 

Tezan stood quickly, knowing that now that his job was accomplished. Before he left Jullien’s office, he looked back at him. “It’s not over yet,” Tezan said with a reassuring smile.

As he left, he brought the cup up to his mouth and took a sip. Now that he’d left a good taste in Jullien’s mouth, he was free to do as he pleased. When he caught the receptionist out of the corner of his eye, he smirked. That’ll do, he thought as he began following him. 

Tezan followed quickly behind him, watching as he walked from the copier to an office down the hall. He waited outside of the office for him to come out–leaning up against the wall. When the receptionist showed himself again, Tezan spoke. 

“I don’t believe I’ve introduced myself yet,” Tezan said, his voice deep and alluring. 

“I know who you are,” the receptionist said, putting a hand on his hip. He was blunt, but not rude. “Tezan, former investor to Mr. Valentino.”

“And you are?” Tezan asked, coming a bit closer and offering his hand. 

“Unger,” he said quickly. 

“Unger,” Tezan repeated with a smile. “Do you think you could show me around? I’m still pretty new here.”

Tezan watched as his body language changed. Truth be told, he’d been watching Unger for a while from a distance. He took note when he was being genuine and when he wasn’t. Like right now for example. The smile he wore was tight and he smiled with his eyes. His posture was excellent. Unger had switched from his “normal” self to his customer-service persona. 

“Yeah, I can show you around,” he said. “For as long as I still have a job.” 

Tezan chuckled, “Yeah, from what I’ve heard things are lookin’ pretty grim.”

Unger shrugged as he started walking towards the front of the building again with Tezan in tow. “Well, it was fun while it lasted.”

Tezan followed a few steps behind Unger during the tour–but if he were honest, he wasn’t paying much attention to their surroundings. He looked up occasionally, mostly at name plates on doors. He’d seen a few that rung a bell, but no one that really intrigued him. 

Unger led him around for a few minutes, turning on lights in lesser traveled areas as they went. He rattled off a funny story about last year’s Holiday party. 

“The funniest part was Grish didn’t even remember anything after,” Unger said with a smile in his voice. “Oh, speak of the Devil.”

Tezan stopped abruptly as Unger stood in the doorway of a conference room they were passing on their tour. Unger poked his head in to say hello. 

“I didn’t see you sneak in,” Unger said, placing his hands at his sides. 

“I was avoiding you,” he deadpanned but then let his facade break. He smiled Unger’s way. “You’re not corrupting our newest member are you?”

Unger shrugged, “Like I have the time.”

Grish looked at Tezan up and down. “Welcome to the team,” he said, giving Tezan a knowing nod. “Though I can’t say for how long,” he added.

“I guess I was right to set my expectations low,” Unger remarked bitterly, leaning against the table in the center of the room. “Despite our upcoming picture.”

Tezan did the same, eyes following Grish as he went back to typing away at his keyboard. He was another sinner like the rest of them if not more polished. His suit was fresh and he smelled like a rich cologne. For a moment, he wondered just how high he was on the totem pole.

“Well, there’s only so much a new release can do,” Grish said leaning back in his chair. 

Tezan followed him with his eyes, watching every slight movement he made. “It’s not like Jullien saw the blacklist coming either,” Tezan added. 

Grish stayed quiet–and it seemed that Unger picked up on it. 

“You know something,” Unger said, lifting his ass up onto the table and looking over at Grish. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Unger leaned his upper body over Grish’s laptop. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” Unger said dramatically, “I thought we were friends.”

“Yeah, what are you talking about?” Tezan asked nonchalantly. 

Grish took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment. 

“Please please please?” Unger begged, using what Tezan could only assume was a puppy-dog face. 

“Fine, but you didn’t hear this from me,” Grish gave in immediately.

Tezan got closer and Grish looked towards the door of the conference room. When he didn’t hear any footsteps or echoes of conversation, his eyes met theirs. 

“A few months ago, a lot of the big players in the industry were invited to a party. From what I heard, something went down between Valentino’s lead star and some investor.”

Tezan’s eyes got wide as Grish went on. 

“The investor got blacklisted, and so does everyone that works with him.”

“You’re talking about Spitzers right? The guy that was here before…” Unger trailed off. 

Tezan looked over at him, knowing why he’d suddenly gone quiet. It seemed that a lot of the missing pieces were falling into place. Val whored out Angel Dust to entrap an investor, things got messy, and Val blacklisted Spitzers. “The investor that was here before me?”

“That’s the one,” Grish said. “The thing that bothers me most is, Jullien was going to tell him to fuck off.”

“He bailed?”

Grish nodded. “Before we could reject him, Spitzers said that he was no longer interested in investing in other production companies.”

“But we were still blacklisted,” Unger said, confused.

“Guilty by association, I guess.” Grish said more to himself than them.

Before long, Unger and Tezan left Grish to finish his work undisturbed. They made their way out of the conference room and down the hallway. Tezan dropped Unger off at his desk without so much as a peep out of him. It seemed that both of them were still processing everything that Grish revealed. 

After all he’d heard, there was only one nagging question in his mind. Why would Spitzers turn tail all of a sudden? With his money and status, he was practically unphased by Valentino’s blacklist. He boarded Jullien’s lifeboat long enough to stab holes into it–and then he returned to the water. 

Tezan smiled wickedly as he passed reception on his way to the elevator. He watched as the doors opened–reflecting his warped expression back at him. He could only think of one reason that explained Spitzers’ actions. 

He wanted to watch everyone drown.

Angel Dust sat in the back of the limousine that Valentino had sent to collect both him and Vercelli. Tonight was a big night for the two of them–it was the release party honoring their talents as director and star. Normally, Valentino would go in Angel’s stead–but seeing as how he’s been such an asset recently–Valentino allowed him to attend. Truth be told, Angel had never been to one before, so he was excited to finally experience a celebration of his work. 

He looked out of the tinted window, watching as several neon signs rushed past his view. He could hardly contain his excitement. 

“You look amazing,” Vercelli said as he handed off a glass of champagne to him. 

Angel took it, watching as the bubbles collided with the gentle foam atop the yellow liquid. He brought his glass up to Vercelli’s, clinking the crystal together. “Thank you,” Angel said with a smile. He brought the glass to his lips and felt the bubbles popping against his fluff. “I love you in that color,” Angel said as he took a sip–returning the compliment. 

“Mr. Valentino sent a tailor to my office–he is very generous. I mean, this bottle of champagne alone must have cost a fortune.”

"He's the best," Angel answered absentmindedly.

He let his eyes go half-lidded as he stared into his glass, the limousine filling with a comfortable silence. He swirled the champagne absentmindedly as he thought of Valentino’s “generosity”. That tailor was sent to ensure that Vercelli didn’t wear rags to what could be his biggest payday. And this champagne? He recognized the green gift bag that Vercelli pulled the bottle out of. It was the NV Krug Grande Cuvee that he’d bought for Valentino’s gift basket. The one that he snuck that recorded message of Tezan talking shit in. 

Valentino wasn’t generous–and Angel had worked with him long enough to recognize this. His gifts were currency–and he bought you in exchange for them. Vercelli hadn’t worked with Val long–that’s why he appreciated these small gestures from the bottom of his heart. For a moment, Angel saw himself in Vercelli–and he didn’t understand the odd feeling that was welling in his chest. 

He took another sip of the champagne to wash it back down. 

Angel decided to think of something else–anything else–like the dress that Vercelli complimented earlier. Angel Dust looked down at the garment that Valentino had tailored for him this evening. From the sheer illusion neckline there was delicate black lace sewn all around the bodice that left much of his torso up to imagination. The black crepe skirt was ruched in the center and tapered off towards the flounce. His stilettos were completely covered as the hem of the dress fell well beyond his height creating a long train that was currently bunched up at his ankles.

Angel wondered bitterly if Valentino wanted him to trip over it all night. Instead, he pushed the thought out of his mind. He looked amazing–just like Vercelli said. 

“Nervous?” Vercelli asked, coming closer to him, if only a little. 

Angel smiled sheepishly, playing into his comment. “It’s my first time going to a release party.”

Vercelli made a noise like he was surprised. “I thought you would have gone to a dozen of these by now,” he laughed.

Angel shrugged, taking another sip of his champagne. 

“You can hang on me tonight, I’ll show you the ropes.” 

Angel Dust nodded–and he was thankful for the support. He understood that this gesture was not given out of self-interest–but in genuine concern. He smiled timidly. “When was the last time you went to one of these?”

“It’s been a while, partnering with Valentino has helped garner intrigue for this latest picture. You’re going to love the food–it’s always my favorite.”

“Not the screening?” 

Vercelli shrugged. “By the time we’re done editing I’ve seen the damn thing twelve times,” he smiled. 

Angel laughed at that, understanding his frustration. Then, he felt the limousine stop. After a few seconds, Angel watched as Jax opened the door and reached for Angel’s hand as he was the closest. Angel reached for it quickly, making eyes towards Vercelli that it was game-time. 

Vercelli stepped out of the limousine alongside Angel and led him towards the venue. Luckily, any paparazzi were behind the cordoned off sections of the building. Still, Angel’s eyes stung from the flashes of their cameras. He put on a poised smile and walked arm in arm with Vercelli until they got to their destination. 

Once inside the building, they were greeted by several sinners in the industry. All of them were exceptionally excited to meet and shake hands with Angel. 

“I might be underdressed,” one sinner said after looking at Angel’s gown. 

“You’re tellin’ me,” Vercelli said incredulously. 

Angel Dust thought his cheeks were going to fall off with how wide he was smiling. It was then that he decided something. He wasn’t going to dwell on the little things tonight. So what if Valentino arranged this event tonight to show off his wealth and power? Angel was going to be celebrated by colleagues, directors and investors alike tonight, no matter what.

Angel Dust brushed his hands along the bouquet of roses he received at tonight’s release party. Just before they were welcomed on stage before the screening, someone handed him the flowers–offering her praise and admiration. Vercelli made a quick speech–thanking everyone for their attendance–but mostly the caterers. He wasn’t kidding when he said the food was the highlight of the event. 

Angel Dust took one bite of the meatballs and knew that he was in heaven. He then sampled everything else on the table–but only a little bit at a time–he was wearing possibly the smallest dress in existence. But goddamn did he look like a million bucks standing on stage as Vercelli addressed the room. 

Everyone clapped–and after that Vercelli led Angel off stage where they could view the film alongside the audience.  

Angel had watched his own films before–mostly for fun and to study where he may have overacted. But, it was different this time. He was up there on the large screen–and his appreciation for his work grew. He was full of pride looking at something that he helped create. In that auditorium, he fell in love with his career all over again. 

He closed his eyes, taking a moment to commit tonight to memory. Every moment of it would be stored away in the place that his most cherished memories went. When he was done, he took a step towards the hotel. He smelled the lingering smoke of a cigarette and he would be lying if it didn’t give him a craving. But his smokes were upstairs; not wanting to bring them to such a fancy party.

After crossing the threshold, Angel looked towards the bar almost on instinct. He wanted to share the good news, to gush about the amazing time he’d had. But, as he scanned the bar, he realized that the person he most wanted to talk to wasn’t there. Angel stopped dead in his tracks, the disappointment welling in his chest for a good minute.

He wondered if Husk took the night off–or finally did as Angel said and didn’t wait up for him. The thought made him a little lonely, which was why he could only stand there in the dim light of the hotel lobby instead of moving on towards his room. Angel Dust took a deep breath and shrugged. 

He could still help himself to a celebratory drink.

Angel didn’t bother going to his stool–instead he walked on the other side of the bar, where Husk usually stood. He tossed his roses off to the side, eyes finding the bottles below the bar. He saw rows and rows of flavored liqueurs, mixers and cans of juice lined behind the bar–tucked away from Angel’s usual point-of-view. He hesitated over a few bottles, trying to think of what he could make now that he had limitless options in front of him. 

Before he could settle on a cocktail, Angel heard the door to the hotel open and close. When he looked up, he saw Husk make his way towards the bar. 

“I was wondering where you went,” Angel said, leaning his elbows against the bar. 

Husk stopped, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Angel behind the bar. “I saw you come back, figured I’d put the smoke break on hold.”

Angel tried to hide his smile.

Husk made his way up the bar slowly and paused before sitting down in Angel’s stool. “So what are we drinking tonight?” Husk asked, gesturing towards the bottles below him. 

Angel shrugged, “I don’t know, I lied on my resume.”

Husk laughed, the comment catching him off guard. Husk leaned on the bar, resting his head on one of his hands. “Make me something sour, Legs.”

Angel looked at him, his eyes narrowing at the nickname. Then, Angel picked up on what he was doing. There Husk was, sitting in his stool, using nicknames and ordering him around. He smirked and reached for a bottle of white rum and a glass. After finding the shaker, he scooped in some ice, syrup, mint, lime juice and the rum. He shook a couple of times and poured out the cocktail into the waiting highball glass. Afterwards, he topped it off with some club soda and a lime on the side of the glass. 

“Somethin’ sour,” Angel said as he put his hands on his hips in accomplishment. 

Husk grabbed the glass and took a sip. “Classic mojito, pretty good for a newbie.”

“I’m better with sweet stuff,” Angel said defensively.

Husk gave him a side-eye, “I got somethin’ sweet for ya.”

Angel Dust was caught off-guard–and did everything he could not to burst out laughing. He stuttered out a quick, “Fuck off,” in the gruffest tone he could manage. 

There was a pause as the two of them laughed. 

“So what’s got you lookin’ like that?” Husk asked, and Angel took a moment to decipher if they were done with their role reversal yet or not. When the question wasn’t accompanied by a wink he figured that their game was over.

“Release party,” Angel said, his chest swelling with the same pride as before. “I actually got to go this time.”

Husk sipped on his drink again, his head going to the side. Angel knew him well enough to know that that was his queue to go on.

Angel smiled, his hands moving around the bar to make himself a drink. He whipped himself up a malibu bay breeze quickly and leaned towards Husk. “It was amazing,” Angel gushed, “there was great food and there were a ton of whispers about me possibly being nominated for an award for my performance.” Angel smiled as he squeezed the juice of his lime into his finished drink.

Husk nodded along, “Bet you looked the best out of everyone there.”

Angel Dust took the compliment in stride, “At first I thought it was a little much,” he said, gesturing towards the bodice. “But I felt better when I saw that no one else looked as good as me.”

“There’s the Legs I know,” Husk smirked.

“I had a ton of fun, and I was able to meet a ton of people in the industry.”

Husk sat there for a while and let Angel talk for another round of cocktails. For a moment, Angel wondered if he might be bored out of his mind listening to him go on and on–but Husk would ask him another question and he’d forget about his worries. When he was done, Angel leaned against the bar, eyes going to Husk.

“You ready for another one?” Husk asked, raising a devious brow.

Angel nodded, hands going to his hips. “Hit me,” he said.

“Give me a Malibu Bay Breeze.”

“Yeah?” Angel raised an eyebrow. “I didn't know you were such a fan.”

Husk shrugged, “Well, you don't waste much time suckin’ ‘em down, I figured they had to be good.”

Angel Dust worked hard to craft the ultimate bay breeze. He needed to get the ratio of cranberry and pineapple juices just right or else the whole cocktail was in risk of being too tart or too sour. He took a deep breath and poured the juices into the shaker–followed by the coconut rum. He shook the drink and then quickly poured it over ice. To garnish, he slapped a lime on the rim and slid it across the bar to Husk.

“One Malibu Bay Breeze.”

Husk seemed to copy Angel to a tee, choosing in that moment to squeeze the juice of the lime into it and stir. Without another second's delay, he put the straw in his mouth and sampled the concoction. Husk pulled away from the glass and a smile tugged at his lips. “Amazing,” he said.

Angel smiled, “Thanks, I've ordered it enough to know how to make the perfect one by now.”

“You said before that nobody has been able to make it just the way you like,” Husk said, and Angel remembered the conversation they'd had a few weeks ago.

“Yeah, no one's been able to top yours. It's always the best.”

Husk let Angel's comment hang in the air for a moment. He didn't reject his praise –but he certainly wasn't going to acknowledge it.

“Do you have any drinks like that?” Angel asked suddenly. 

Husk looked up from his glass. “What do you mean?”

“Drinks that only taste right when a certain someone makes them.”

Husk took a moment to consider the question. There was an ocean of drinks he'd asked for while top-side, whether they were made in a ritzy joint like the casino or a nothing pub he couldn't recall the name of. He’d spent decades of time and thousands of dollars over the years and there was only one drink that came to mind that even closely met Angel’s criteria.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had a decent Manhattan,” Husk shrugged. 

Angel beamed, he stood there for a moment. “Okay, wait, don't tell me. That’s a rye whiskey with vermouth right?”

“And?”

“Well, the cherry garnish,” Angel said as he put his hand to his chin trying to recall the recipe.

Husk leaned back, taking his bay breeze with him as Angel struggled. 

“Oh! I remember, bitters!” Angel wasted no time getting to work. “Husky, where–

“Rye whiskey is on your right,” he took another sip of his bay breeze. “Bitters are here,” he pointed to just under where he was sitting at the bar. “Sweet vermouth is on your left.”

Angel grabbed the bottles as he pointed them out. Without any further delay, he set a glass tumbler full of ice on the bar. Then, he filled the shaker with ice as well as all the ingredients. He stirred everything together using the bar spoon and strained the drink into the waiting tumbler. Angel then skewered a cherry with a toothpick and dropped it into the cocktail. He slid it over just in time for Husk to polish off his bay breeze.

“One Manhattan,” Angel said, taking a step back so that Husk could marvel at his creation. 

Husk grabbed the tumbler and smelled the rim. He took a sip–and failed to hide the grin spreading across his face. “You got a knack for this, kid.”

Angel Dust gasped–like he wasn’t expecting the compliment. “You mean it?”

Husk nodded and took another sip. “It’s really good.”

Angel began clearing his workstation, a smile making its way onto his face incrementally. “I’m glad,” he said quietly as he turned his back to Husk. 

Angel took a moment to collect his thoughts as he ran his fingers along his knuckles. “I wanted to thank you, actually, which is why all the drinks.” Angel explained. 

“I haven’t done anything to deserve thanks, kid.” 

Angel shook his head with a chuckle, “The shit I get up to ain’t easy to live with, but when you fix me a drink, even if I can’t dig myself out of the shame, you bein’ there helps.”

Husk didn’t say anything–which prompted Angel to continue.

“I wanted to be that person for you, too. If I can’t dig you out of the pits, at least I can sit with ya, y’know?”

There was a long silence between them and if Angel were honest, he was made more uncomfortable with each second that passed. He wondered if maybe unloading all of that on Husk was a bad idea. Should he have just kept his mouth shut? Why did he have to–

“You can sit with me,” Husk said quietly.

Angel Dust put a hand on his hip and walked over. Once he was standing in front of Husk, he leaned over the bar. His eyes swept over him quickly, noticing the change in his body language. Even the encounters that Husk willingly took part in, he was always stiff. This time however, it appeared that he was relaxed–his shoulders were slumped and his face wasn’t scrunched up in an ever-present scowl. 

Angel rested on his elbows, lowering his head into his hands. “Okay Husky,” he smiled.

[ PREVIOUS ] [ MASTERLIST ] [ NEXT ]

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

In the case of People of the State of New York v Donald J Trump, Justice Engoron's decision is out, a 92-page decision: damages award in excess of $364 million, 3 year ban on business in state. Add to this the two other judgments, totaling $88.4 million... for a total of $452 million. Add pre-judgment interest and we're likely well over $500 million. Former federal judge Barbara Jones will assume authority as receiver ("independent monitor") of the Trump Organization. Trump is a bankrupt. https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/fbem/DocumentDisplayServlet?documentId=CJKA2EOIiTRatUAYz6FyeA==&system=prod

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Trump's immediate dilemma: how to come up with supersedeas bonds in total value of about a half billion. There may be such bonding capacity in theory, but it's hard to see a path for Trump here. His alternative is the one that Texaco used after the huge damages award for Pennzoil: file a bankruptcy petition and use the automatic stay under 11 USC § 362 as a substitute form of stay as he pursues an appeal. The risk in this: given the fraud findings in two separate cases, there is a probability that the bankruptcy judge would appoint a trustee to run the case, dispossessing Trump and his management team.

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At this point, the only part of the Trump business operations not in receivership would appear to be the Republican National Committee... indeed, this may explain why he was so eager to seize control of it.

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Trump now goes to his first criminal trial starting on March 25 with two courts making heavy adverse comments on his credibility as a witness... This makes his trial even more uphill than it was before.

[Robert Scott Horton]

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

Three years after receiving a $700 million pandemic-era lifeline from the federal government, the struggling freight trucking company Yellow is filing for bankruptcy.

After monthslong negotiations between Yellow’s management and the Teamsters union broke down, the company shut its operations late last month, and said on Sunday that it was seeking bankruptcy protection so it could wind down its business in an “orderly” way.

“It is with profound disappointment that Yellow announces that it is closing after nearly 100 years in business,” the company’s chief executive, Darren Hawkins, said in a statement. Yellow filed a so-called Chapter 11 petition in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

The downfall of the 99-year-old company will lead to the loss of about 30,000 jobs and could have ripple effects across the nation’s supply chains. It also underscores the risks associated with government bailouts that are awarded during moments of economic panic.

Yellow, which formerly went by the name YRC Worldwide, received the $700 million loan during the summer of 2020 as the pandemic was paralyzing the U.S. economy. The loan was awarded as part of the $2.2 trillion pandemic-relief legislation that Congress passed that year, and Yellow received it on the grounds that its business was critical to national security because it shipped supplies to military bases. Government watchdogs have scrutinized the loan because of the company’s financial turmoil and close ties to the Trump administration, which awarded the loan.

Since then, Yellow changed its name and embarked on a restructuring plan to help revive its flagging business by consolidating its regional networks of trucking services under one brand. As of the end of March, Yellow’s outstanding debt was $1.5 billion, including about $730 million that it owed to the federal government. Yellow has paid approximately $66 million in interest on the loan, but it has repaid just $230 of the principal owed on the loan, which comes due next year.

The fate of the loan is not yet clear. The federal government assumed a 30% equity stake in Yellow in exchange for the loan. It could end up assuming or trying to sell off much of the company’s fleet of trucks and terminals. Yellow aims to sell “all or substantially all” of its assets, according to court documents. Mr. Hawkins said the company intended to pay back the government loan “in full.”

The White House declined to comment.

Yellow estimated that it has more than 100,000 creditors and more than $1 billion in liabilities, per court documents. Some of its largest unsecured creditors include Amazon, with a claim of more than $2 million, and Home Depot, which is owed nearly $1.7 million.

Yellow is the third-largest small-freight trucking company in a part of the industry known as “less than truckload” shipping. The industry has been under pressure over the last year from rising interest rates and higher fuel costs, while customers have been reluctant to accept higher prices.

Those forces collided with an ugly labor fight this year between Yellow and the Teamsters union over wages and other benefits. Those talks collapsed last month and union officials soon after warned workers that the company was shutting down.

After its bankruptcy filing, company officials placed much of the blame on the union, saying its members caused “irreparable harm” by halting its restructuring plan. Yellow employed about 23,000 union employees.

“We faced nine months of union intransigence, bullying and deliberately destructive tactics,” Mr. Hawkins said. The Teamsters union “was able to halt our business plan, literally driving our company out of business, despite every effort to work with them,” he added.

In late June, the company filed a lawsuit against the union, asserting it had caused more than $137 million in damages by blocking the restructuring plan.

The Teamsters union said that Yellow’s executives unjustly blamed the union for the demise of the company, which had been “plagued with financial trouble for nearly two decades,” officials said in a statement.

“Teamster families sacrificed billions of dollars in wages, benefits and retirement security to rescue Yellow,” said Sean O’Brien, the union’s general president. “The company blew through a $700 million government bailout.” Calling Yellow’s top executives “dysfunctional” and “greedy,” he blamed them for failing to “take responsibility for squandering all that cash.”

The bankruptcy could create temporary disruptions for companies that relied on Yellow and might prompt more consolidation in the industry. It could also lead to temporarily higher prices as businesses find new carriers for their freight.

“Those inflationary prices will certainly hurt the shippers and hurt the consumer to a certain extent,” said Tom Nightingale, chief executive of AFS Logistics, who suggested that prices would probably normalize within a few months.

In late July, Yellow began permanently laying off workers and ceased most of its operations in the United States and Canada, according to court documents. Yellow has retained a “core group” of about 1,650 employees to maintain limited operations and provide administrative work as it winds down. Yellow said it expected to pay about $3.4 million per week in employee wages to operate during bankruptcy, which “may decrease over time.” None of the remaining employees are union members, the company said.

The company also sought the authority to pay an estimated $22 million in compensation and benefit costs for current and former employees, including roughly $8.7 million in unpaid wages as of the date of filing.

Yellow had readily accessible funds of about $39 million when it filed for bankruptcy, which it said would be insufficient to cover its wind-down efforts, and it expected to receive special financing to help support the sale process and payment of wages.

Jack Atkins, a transportation analyst at the financial services firm Stephens, said that Yellow’s troubles had been mounting for years. In the wake of the financial crisis, Yellow engaged in a spree of acquisitions that it failed to successfully integrate, Mr. Atkins said. The demands of repaying that debt made it difficult for Yellow to reinvest in the company, allowing rivals to become more profitable.

“Yellow was struggling to keep its head above water and survive,” Mr. Atkins said. “It was harder and harder to be profitable enough to support the wage increases they needed.”

David P. Leibowitz, a Chicago bankruptcy lawyer who represents several trucking companies, said Yellow had found itself in a “perfect storm, and they have not managed that perfect storm very well.”

The company’s financial problems fueled concerns. It lost more than $100 million in 2019 and was being sued by the Justice Department over claims that it defrauded the federal government during a seven-year period. Last year it agreed to pay $6.85 million to settle the lawsuit.

Congressional oversight committees have scrutinized the company’s relationships with the Trump administration. President Donald J. Trump tapped Mr. Hawkins to serve on a coronavirus economic task force, and Yellow had financial backing from Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm with close ties to Trump administration officials.

Democrats on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis wrote in a report last year that top Trump administration officials had awarded Yellow the money over the objections of career officials at the Defense Department. The report noted that Yellow had been in close touch with Trump administration officials throughout the loan process and had discussed how the company employed Teamsters as its drivers.

In December 2020, Steven T. Mnuchin, then the Treasury secretary, defended the loan, arguing that had the company been shuttered, thousands of jobs would have been at risk and the military’s supply chain could have been disrupted. He predicted that the federal government would eventually turn a profit from the deal.

“Yellow had longstanding financial problems before the pandemic, was not essential to national security and thus should never have received a $700 million taxpayer bailout from the Treasury Department,” Representative French Hill, Republican of Arkansas and a member of the Congressional Oversight Commission, said in a statement. “Years of poor financial management at Yellow has resulted in hard-working people losing their jobs.”