Kamala Harris's chief of staff becomes latest to leave her team


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Kamala Harris’s chief of staff is leaving the Old Executive Offices, a White House official said, in the latest shake-up of the vice president’s senior staff.

Tina Flournoy, who served as chief of staff since Ms Harris was sworn in, is the highest-ranking aide to leave amid a stream of departures.

Deputy chief of staff Michael Fuchs announced his departure from the team this month. Other officials to have left include national security adviser Nancy McEldowney and communications director Ashley Etienne. Chief spokeswoman Symone Sanders left in December after signing a deal with MSNBC.

Media reports have detailed discontent within the team during Ms Flournoy’s tenure.

Aides for Ms Harris said the departures were routine, The Washington Post reported.

In a statement, Ms Harris hailed Ms Flournoy as a “valued adviser and confidant to me and tremendous leader for the office".

“From day one, she led our team during a historic first year as we made progress rebuilding our economy here at home and our alliances around the world,” Ms Harris said.

“Tina is the consummate public servant and I will continue to rely on her advice, counsel and friendship.”

Ms Flournoy's exit comes amid a slump in Ms Harris's approval ratings. The vice president's average rating has dipped below 40 per cent, according to data compiled by RealClearPolitics.

Replacing Ms Flournoy will be senior adviser Lorraine Voles, who previously served as communications director for former vice president Al Gore and as an adviser during Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign.

Ms Voles was brought on to the vice president's team in the summer, The Washington Post reported.

Agencies contributed to this report

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Jos Buttler, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, David Miller, Tabraiz Shamsi, Josh Hazlewood, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mustafizur Rahman, Shaheen Afridi

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

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Married Malala

Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.

The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.

Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

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December 28
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Milos Raonic v Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm

December 29 - semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Stan Wawrinka / Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Milos Raonic / Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm

December 30
3rd/4th place play-off, 5pm
Final, 7pm

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Updated: April 22, 2022, 6:06 PM