7 aces The entrance of the main offices of the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. The State ... [+] Department’s decision to update the J-1 Exchange Visitors Skills List may prevent many researchers from being pushed out of the United States due to immigration law. (Photo by Greg Mathieson/Mai/Getty Images) The State Department’s decision to update the J-1 Exchange Visitors Skills List may prevent many researchers from being pushed out of the United States due to immigration law. The policy change allows more J-1 researchers, trainees and others, particularly from India and China, to work in the United States and not be forced to leave the country due to a foreign residence requirement. Attorneys report increased employer interest in the J-1 category after the State Department’s action. The announcement follows favorable changes by the Biden administration that increased approvals for O-1A visas and policy guidance that will make it easier for employment-based immigrants to qualify as individuals with extraordinary abilities . The State Department’s Immigration Change The U.S. Department of State has published a public notice that updates the Exchange Visitors Skills List. “The Skills List is a list of countries designated by the Secretary of State as clearly requiring the services of persons engaged in certain fields of specialized knowledge or skills,” according to the notice. “This list is used by the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether an individual who has been admitted into the United States as a ‘J’ nonimmigrant exchange visitor, or who acquired such status, is subject to the two- year foreign residence requirement” under U.S. immigration law. Steve Plastrik, a senior associate at BAL, said the most significant aspects of the J-1 change are that individuals from China and India are no longer on the Skills List and subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement, and that the notice applies retroactively. Under the law, certain J exchange visitors must live two years in their home country after their exchange program ends or obtain a waiver “to be eligible for change of status to H or L status, adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident or receive an H, L, K or immigrant visa,” notes Plastrik. J-1 visas are unlike H-1B and L-1 visas, which involve employers filing with the government for a direct employer-employee relationship. “For J-1s, an employer or ‘host’ would work with a program ‘sponsor’ organization designated by the State Department to get the foreign national’s DS-2019 issued (like an I-20 for F-1 students), which the foreign national uses to obtain a J-1 visa,” said Plastrik. “The program sponsor helps throughout the process and monitors the host’s compliance with program requirements.” He notes that the State Department had not updated the Skills List in nearly 15 years, and it no longer reflected the needs of the countries on the list, which is the premise for requiring J-1 visa holders to return home. Analysts say removing China and India from the list made sense, given the high scientific and technical base of those countries. “The outdated Skills List made it more challenging or delayed certain J-1 exchange visitors from obtaining H-1B, L-1 or lawful permanent resident status,” said Plastrik. iOS 18.2 Release Date: iPhone’s New Upgrade Is Hours Away FBI Warns iPhone, Android Users—Change WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal Apps KG Of VCHA Exits Girl Group With Lawsuit Against JYP USA Alleging Child Labor Abuse “So far, U.S. industry—which funds and performs about 90% of America’s experimental STEM R&D [research and development] and just under 60% of America’s applied STEM R&D—has barely tapped the tremendous potential of the J-1 visa program,” according to Amy Nice, who worked on technology policy in the White House during the Biden administration and is now a distinguished immigration counsel at the Institute for Progress and distinguished immigration scholar at Cornell Law. “Instead, the J-1 category for researchers, which allows up to five years of authorized stay in the U.S. and no per-country limits, has been utilized almost exclusively by U.S. universities, hospitals, government and major nonprofit research institutions.” She said the State Department would like to connect more designated exchange sponsors with U.S.-based host businesses in science and technology (i.e., STEM fields), especially small and medium-sized companies “that may benefit from the global perspective added by a J-1 researcher.” Nice coauthored a paper with Michael Clemens and Jeremy Neufeld for the Institute for Progress arguing restrictions on the J-1 visa category, including requiring individuals to return home for two years unless obtaining a waiver, reflected outdated academic research on “brain drain.” Current research shows that emigration, including by highly educated individuals, can lead to a greater exchange of goods, knowledge and investment that benefits the home country. A view of the Duke University Chapel on February 19, 2022, in Durham, North Carolina. The State ... [+] Department's update of the J-1 Visa Skills List may help U.S. universities retain top researchers. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) Reactions From Employers And Immigration Attorneys Immigration attorneys say that the State Department announcement has generated interest. “Since word came out on Friday, I am getting many inquiries from companies and universities about this really important development,” said Dan Berger of Green & Spiegel. “The new announcement does not change how the J-1 would be used for research scholars,” he said. “But it does mean that the scientists will be more likely to accept a J-1 position now that the Skills List is updated.” He notes postdoctoral researchers might not want to accept a J-1 if it means they must return to their home country for two years. “The updated policy creates more flexibility for STEM talent to do high-level research and build toward a successful career without being tied to spending two years early in their career in their home country.” “This is terrific news for countries like India and China who have been historically oversubscribed in categories like the H-1B,” according to Dagmar Butte of Parker Butte and Lane. She advises employers also to look at entry-level positions to see if individuals might qualify in the trainee or intern category. “That would allow the employer to train the worker and see if there is a long-term opportunity or provide the worker the chance to take the skills learned back to their country.” She cautions that even if the State Department has lifted the home residence requirement for an individual from a particular country, the underlying J-1 rules have not changed. “For employers, this change makes the J-1 a more viable option for international workforce development,” said Kevin Miner of Fragomen. “Employers that have international operations and want to give employees working abroad the opportunity to gain training in the United States are now able to use the J-1 as a potential option for more individuals. In particular, individuals from China, India and other countries that were removed from the Skills List have the option of obtaining J-1 training without triggering the two-year home residence requirement.” Miner thinks the State Department making the policy retroactive could be significant for many people. “This means that if there are individuals who came to the United States for J-1 training whose plans have now changed, they can explore options such as H-1B or L-1 without the need to first satisfy the two-year home residence requirement or obtain a waiver.” Attorneys agree that the State Department’s announcement is a welcome, modest step, but it does not solve the U.S. immigration system’s shortcomings on retaining talent. According to Dan Berger, “It is important that it is clear this is a resumption of regular updates to the Skills List, which the State Department had not updated in 15 years, rather than a free pass for J-1s to stay in the United States.”Aaron Rodgers suggests a 'curse' might be the reason for the Jets' losing ways

Jim Leach, who represented Iowa in Congress for 30 years, has died at 82. Leach served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 2007, a tenure rivaled only by two other U.S. representatives in Iowa history. Only Iowans Neal Smith at 36 years and Gilbert Haugen at 34 years served longer than Leach. Former Congressmen Jim Leach, R-Iowa, center, and Dave Loebsack, right, D-Iowa, talk about their support for Christina Bohannan, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress, during a press conference at the MLK Interpretive Center Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. Leach was born Oct. 15, 1942, in Davenport, Iowa. He was a Davenport High School wrestling standout, winning the state championship in 1960 at the 138-pound weight class. He would later be inducted into the Quad-City Sports Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo. Jim Leach He continued wrestling at Princeton University, graduating cum laude in 1964 with a degree in political science. He went on to study at Johns Hopkins University and the London School of Economics. With a master's in Russian studies, he enlisted in the U.S. Foreign Service. But in 1968, Leach resigned in protest of the "Saturday Night Massacre," President Richard Nixon's firing of Attorney General Eliot Richardson and Archibald Cox, the independent counsel investigating Watergate. People are also reading... Instead of going to Moscow, where he'd been assigned, Leach came home to Davenport and began working for his father's businesses. Leach first ran for office in 1974 to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Ed Mezvinsky for Iowa's 1st Congressional District seat. Leach, who had no experience running for elected office, was defeated. Congressman Jim Leach and George H.W. Bush. Tuesday, Oct. 28, 1986 (Photo by Brent Hanson/Quad-City Times) "I've always said it was the best race I ever ran," he told the Quad-City Times in a 2007 interview. He ran against Mezvinsky again two years later and won, launching his three-decade career in Congress. During that time, he chaired the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. He quickly became known as a moderate Republican who worked across the aisle. Leach was one of six House Republicans who voted against using force against Iraq in 2002. Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, speaks Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, to members of the League of Women Voters at the Rogalski Center on the campus of St. Ambrose University, Davenport. A Congressional Quarterly study in 2005 found Leach voted with most members of his party against most Democrats at the lowest rate among House members at the time — 63%. In addition to his vote against invading Iraq, he admonished the Republican congressional campaign arm for sending flyers in the 2006 campaign targeting his opponent Dave Loebsack for his stance on gay marriage. His career in Congress ended with a 2006 loss to Loebsack in a Democratic wave across the country. James Estes, second from right, was among those at the opening of the Quad-City Times building in January 1990 because his company built it. Other dignitaries were, from left, Don Decker, Rejuvenate Davenport; Thom Hart, Davenport mayor; Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, and W. Stephen Burguss, Times publisher. Leach then taught at Princeton and Harvard before being appointed as chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities by Barack Obama, where he served in that role from 2009 to 2013. In 2008, Leach broke with his party to endorse Obama for president. He spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of the future president. After his time as endowment chair, Leach joined the University of Iowa College of Law as a faculty member and at one point as interim director of the Stanley Museum of Art. “Jim Leach contributed significantly to the College of Law after he left Congress,” said Kevin Washburn, dean of the UI College of Law in a prepared news release. “Though not a lawyer, he wrote many laws during his 30 years in Congress, and that made his teaching a rich resource for students and faculty. We will miss him.” Leach donated his public and private papers to the UI Libraries. Leach holds 13 honorary degrees, has received decorations from two foreign governments, and is the recipient of numerous awards. Christiana Bohannan, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congress and former Congressman Jim Leach, R-Iowa, talk to each other before the start of a press conference Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022 Ahead of the 2020 general election, Leach endorsed Joe Biden . Afterward, he criticized then-President Donald Trump in the wake of his denial of the 2020 election results and the events of Jan. 6, 2021. In 2022 said he had changed his party registration to Democrat for the first time in a further rebuke to his former party. He endorsed Christina Bohannan for Congress over Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks. “My own view is that there is no excuse whatsoever for an insurrection," Leach told the Quad-City Times in 2022. "And that we're in one of the most profound challenges to American democracy ever, excepting the Civil War." Former Congressmen Jim Leach, R-Iowa, center, and Dave Loebsack, right, D-Iowa, talk about their support for Christina Bohannan, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress, during a press conference at the MLK Interpretive Center Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. 'An all around good guy' Ed Winborn wrestled with Leach in high school, and the two remained friends through life milestones and politics. His daughter babysat the Leaches' children while they were in D.C. and talked frequently. Jim Leach "He's just absolutely wonderful, extremely bright, very humble, just an all-around great guy," Winborn said. "And very honest. You know, people say politicians aren't honest. But Jim's just an extremely honest fella." Winborn hadn't thought about going into politics until Leach suggested it — Winborn went on to become the mayor of Davenport and a long-time Scott County Supervisor. Debby Stafford, a Bettendorf resident who volunteered, then managed his campaign in the 1970s and 1980s said Leach "was everything you would expect a statesmen would be." "He was honest, articulate, hard-working, he cared deeply about his constituents," Stafford said. "He had such moral fiber. You never had to doubt he would do the right thing." She said he refused to accept money from political action committees and didn't take more than $500 from an individual, which she said challenged campaign operations because others financed their campaigns with larger donations. "He wouldn't give an inch on that," Stafford said. "...20 years ago, he was talking about civility in government and importance of civility in government. Every year it seems we get less civil in our politics and I wish more people like Jim would run for office." An obituary for Leach posted by Lensing Funeral and Cremation Services said a celebration of life would be held in the spring. He is survived by his wife Elisabeth, two children and two grandchildren. Iowa leaders react to Leach's death Sad to hear of the passing of former Cong Jim Leach I served w him for many yrs & he was a friend He served the ppl of Iowa well Barbara & I are praying for his family Sad to hear of the passing of former Congressman Jim Leach, a true statesman who represented Iowa in Congress for 30 years and was known for his bipartisan efforts. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this time of loss. pic.twitter.com/ikajWEKpfT Kevin and I are saddened to hear of the passing of long-time public servant Jim Leach. As a member of U.S. Congress for 30 years, Jim dedicated his life to serving his country and the state of Iowa. Our prayers are with Jim’s family. I am very saddened by the passing of Jim Leach. Jim served Iowa in Congress for 30 years. He was principled and thoughtful, so much so that he ran afoul of his own party leadership on several issues. Terry and I send our condolences to Deba and the rest of his family. Deeply saddened to hear that Jim Leach passed away. He dedicated his life to serving Iowans & reaching across the aisle. My prayers are with his family during this time. My statement on the passing of former Iowa Congressman Jim Leach: pic.twitter.com/Slltzput5h Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Bettendorf, East Moline, and Silvis Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026 WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats failed in their bid to confirm a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board after the Senate rejected a razor-thin vote that hinged on the pivotal rejections of independent Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. If the nomination had been successful, the board would have had a Democratic majority until 2026. President-elect Donald Trump will now have a chance to nominate a replacement. The NLRB is a government agency that handles labor relations and unionization in the workplace. It also has the power to investigate potential unfair labor practices, meaning its leadership is highly scrutinized by business interests and labor groups. The failed vote is another blow to Senate Democrats and outgoing President Joe Biden's agenda. Arizona AG sues Saudi firm over 'excessive' groundwater pumping, saying it's a public nuisance PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes says she is suing a Saudi Arabian agribusiness over what she calls “excessive pumping” of groundwater. She alleges that the Fondomonte alfalfa farm in western Arizona is violating a public nuisance law even though the area has no groundwater pumping regulations. Mayes said Wednesday that Fondomonte's use of groundwater threatens the public health, safety and infrastructure of local communities in rural La Paz County. It's Arizona's latest action against foreign companies that use huge amounts of groundwater to grow thirsty forage crops for export. The Associated Press emailed Fondomonte seeking a response to the lawsuit. US inflation ticked up last month as some price pressures remain persistent WASHINGTON (AP) — Fueled by pricier used cars, hotel rooms and groceries, inflation in the United States moved slightly higher last month in the latest sign that some price pressures remain elevated. Consumer prices rose 2.7% in November from a year earlier, up from a yearly figure of 2.6% in October. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, so-called core prices increased 3.3%. Measured month to month, prices climbed 0.3% from October to November, the biggest such increase since April. Wednesday’s inflation figures are the final major piece of data Federal Reserve officials will consider before they meet next week to decide on interest rates. The November increase won’t likely be enough to discourage the officials from cutting their key rate by a quarter-point. Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger Kroger and Albertsons’ plan for the largest U.S. supermarket merger in history has crumbled. The two companies have accused each other of not doing enough to push their proposed alliance through, and Albertsons pulled out of the $24.6 billion deal on Wednesday. The bitter breakup came the day after a federal judge in Oregon and a state judge in Washington issued injunctions to block the merger, saying that combining the two grocery chains could reduce competition and harm consumers. Albertsons is now suing Kroger, seeking a $600 million termination fee, as well as billions of dollars in legal fees and lost shareholder value. Kroger says the legal claims are “baseless.” Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange for the first time and be named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Thursday's events will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who has long seen praise from the business world and media as a sign of success. Four people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press that Trump was expected to be on Wall Street on Thursday to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, while a person familiar with the selection confirmed that Trump had been selected as Time's Person of the Year. Supreme Court allows investors' class action to proceed against microchip company Nvidia WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is allowing a class-action lawsuit that accuses Nvidia of misleading investors about its past dependence on selling computer chips for the mining of volatile cryptocurrency to proceed. The court’s decision Wednesday comes the same week that China said it is investigating the the microchip company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. The justices heard arguments four weeks ago in Nvidia’s bid to shut down the lawsuit, then decided that they were wrong to take up the case in the first place. They dismissed the company’s appeal, leaving in place an appellate ruling allowing the case to go forward. Apple's latest iPhones get the gift of more AI as holiday shopping season heats up SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple is pumping more artificial intelligence into the latest iPhones during the holiday shopping season. It comes in the form of a free software update that includes a feature that enables users to create customized emojis within a matter of seconds. The Wednesday release of the iPhone’s upgraded operating system extends Apple’s expansion into AI months after rivals such as Samsung and Google began implanting the revolutionary on their devices. The update builds upon another one that came out in late October. The latest round of AI tricks includes “Genmojis,” Apple’s description of emojis that iPhone users will be able to ask the technology to create and then share. EU targets Russia's ghost fleet shipping oil in a new round of sanctions BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union envoys have agreed a new raft of sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine. The EU's Hungarian presidency said Wednesday that the measures will target in particular a vast shadow fleet of ships that Moscow is exploiting to skirt restrictions on transporting oil and fuel. The sanctions are aimed at about 50 of what are routinely decrepit ships. The sanctions will hit more officials and entities alleged to be helping Russia to improve its military technology by evading export restrictions. EU foreign ministers are set to formally adopt the sanctions package on Monday. Can ordinary citizens solve our toughest problems? BEND, OREGON (AP) — Research shows Americans are frustrated with what they perceive as aloofness and gridlock within civic institutions. Citizen assemblies may be able to help. The groups which have direct involvement in decision-making can help “overcome polarization and strengthen societal cohesion,” says Claudia Chwalisz, founder of DemocracyNext. Her nonprofit, launched in Paris in 2022, champions such assemblies worldwide, hoping they can “create the democratic spaces for everyday people to grapple with the complexity of policy issues, listen to one another, and find common ground.” In Europe, examples of such changes abound. In the United States, results are spottier. Making a $1B investment in the US? Trump pledges expedited permits — but there are hurdles WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is promising expedited federal permits for energy projects and other construction worth more than $1 billion. But like other Trump plans, the idea is likely to run into regulatory and legislative hurdles, including a landmark law that requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impact before deciding on major projects. Environmental groups called the plan a clear violation of the National Environmental Policy Act. The chief policy advocacy officer at the Natural Resources Defense Council says Trump should be careful what he wishes for. She said, "What if someone wants to build a waste incinerator next to Mar-a-Lago or a coal mine next to Bedminster golf course?”None

NoneMutual of America Capital Management LLC decreased its stake in Harley-Davidson, Inc. ( NYSE:HOG – Free Report ) by 8.6% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 64,022 shares of the company’s stock after selling 6,059 shares during the period. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC’s holdings in Harley-Davidson were worth $2,467,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Harley-Davidson in the 3rd quarter valued at $38,000. Signaturefd LLC lifted its holdings in Harley-Davidson by 46.8% during the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 1,872 shares of the company’s stock valued at $63,000 after purchasing an additional 597 shares during the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its position in Harley-Davidson by 19.5% in the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,970 shares of the company’s stock valued at $66,000 after buying an additional 322 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in Harley-Davidson by 19.0% during the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,008 shares of the company’s stock worth $67,000 after buying an additional 320 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Harley-Davidson by 14.7% during the third quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 3,505 shares of the company’s stock worth $135,000 after buying an additional 448 shares in the last quarter. 85.10% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently commented on HOG. Citigroup decreased their price target on Harley-Davidson from $39.00 to $34.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 25th. Baird R W lowered Harley-Davidson from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 2nd. Robert W. Baird downgraded shares of Harley-Davidson from an “outperform” rating to a “neutral” rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $44.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 2nd. UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of Harley-Davidson from $40.00 to $35.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Harley-Davidson from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 19th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, Harley-Davidson currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $42.57. Insider Buying and Selling at Harley-Davidson In related news, Director Maryrose Sylvester sold 4,278 shares of Harley-Davidson stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.25, for a total transaction of $137,965.50. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 17,687 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $570,405.75. The trade was a 19.48 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link . Corporate insiders own 0.87% of the company’s stock. Harley-Davidson Stock Up 2.2 % Shares of NYSE:HOG opened at $33.55 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38, a current ratio of 1.41 and a quick ratio of 1.25. The stock has a market cap of $4.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.56, a P/E/G ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 1.46. The company has a 50 day moving average of $34.79 and a 200-day moving average of $35.08. Harley-Davidson, Inc. has a one year low of $29.67 and a one year high of $44.16. Harley-Davidson Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th were issued a dividend of $0.1725 per share. This represents a $0.69 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.06%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 16th. Harley-Davidson’s dividend payout ratio is presently 15.54%. Harley-Davidson Company Profile ( Free Report ) Harley-Davidson, Inc manufactures and sells motorcycles in the United States and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Harley-Davidson Motor Company, LiveWire, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company segment designs, manufactures, and sells motorcycles, including cruiser, trike, touring, standard, sportbike, adventure, and dual sport, as well as motorcycle parts, accessories, and apparel, as well as licenses its trademarks and related services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Harley-Davidson, Inc. ( NYSE:HOG – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Harley-Davidson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harley-Davidson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

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FlexShares Ultra-Short Income Fund (NYSEARCA:RAVI) Sees Unusually-High Trading Volume – Time to Buy?Luxembourg – 11 December 2024 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced the award of a substantial 1 contract for a subsea tieback development in the US Gulf of Mexico. Subsea7's scope of work includes the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of subsea equipment, including structures, umbilicals, production risers, and flowlines. Project management and engineering work will start immediately at Subsea7's office in Houston, Texas, with offshore activities expected to begin in 2026. Craig Broussard, Senior Vice President of Subsea7 Gulf of Mexico, said, “ We are proud to be part of this high-pressure deepwater subsea tieback development. This project builds on our strong track record of successfully delivering oil and gas projects in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico .” Subsea7 defines a substantial contract as being between $150 million and $300 million. ******************************************************************************* Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industry’s partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs. Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Børs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62. ******************************************************************************* Contact for investment community enquiries: Katherine Tonks Investor Relations Director Tel +44 20 8210 5568 ir@subsea7.com Contact for media enquiries: Ashley Shearer Communications Manager Tel +1-713-300-6792 ashley.shearer@subsea7.com Forward-Looking Statements: This document may contain ‘forward-looking statements’ (within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, assumptions or strategies regarding the future and are subject to known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘future’, ‘goal’, ‘intend’, ‘likely’ ‘may’, ‘plan’, ‘project’, ‘seek’, ‘should’, ‘strategy’ ‘will’, and similar expressions. The principal risks which could affect future operations of the Group are described in the ‘Risk Management’ section of the Group’s Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements. Factors that may cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to): (i) our ability to deliver fixed price projects in accordance with client expectations and within the parameters of our bids, and to avoid cost overruns; (ii) our ability to collect receivables, negotiate variation orders and collect the related revenue; (iii) our ability to recover costs on significant projects; (iv) capital expenditure by oil and gas companies, which is affected by fluctuations in the price of, and demand for, crude oil and natural gas; (v) unanticipated delays or cancellation of projects included in our backlog; (vi) competition and price fluctuations in the markets and businesses in which we operate; (vii) the loss of, or deterioration in our relationship with, any significant clients; (viii) the outcome of legal proceedings or governmental inquiries; (ix) uncertainties inherent in operating internationally, including economic, political and social instability, boycotts or embargoes, labour unrest, changes in foreign governmental regulations, corruption and currency fluctuations; (x) the effects of a pandemic or epidemic or a natural disaster; (xi) liability to third parties for the failure of our joint venture partners to fulfil their obligations; (xii) changes in, or our failure to comply with, applicable laws and regulations (including regulatory measures addressing climate change); (xiii) operating hazards, including spills, environmental damage, personal or property damage and business interruptions caused by adverse weather; (xiv) equipment or mechanical failures, which could increase costs, impair revenue and result in penalties for failure to meet project completion requirements; (xv) the timely delivery of vessels on order and the timely completion of ship conversion programmes; (xvi) our ability to keep pace with technological changes and the impact of potential information technology, cyber security or data security breaches; (xvii) global availability at scale and commercially viability of suitable alternative vessel fuels; and (xviii) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this document. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This information is inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 11 December 2024 at 23:25 CET. Attachment SUBC Gulf of Mexico Dec 2024

Panthers bring losing streak into matchup with the CapitalsMetLife Investment Management LLC trimmed its position in TeraWulf Inc. ( NASDAQ:WULF – Free Report ) by 11.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 117,576 shares of the company’s stock after selling 15,550 shares during the quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC’s holdings in TeraWulf were worth $550,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. FMR LLC boosted its holdings in shares of TeraWulf by 22.0% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 7,803 shares of the company’s stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 1,408 shares in the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its stake in TeraWulf by 66.7% in the third quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 145,554 shares of the company’s stock valued at $681,000 after buying an additional 58,235 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in TeraWulf by 258.2% in the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,363,951 shares of the company’s stock valued at $11,063,000 after acquiring an additional 1,704,013 shares during the last quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in TeraWulf during the third quarter worth about $340,000. Finally, Chesapeake Capital Corp IL lifted its holdings in shares of TeraWulf by 6.6% in the third quarter. Chesapeake Capital Corp IL now owns 27,500 shares of the company’s stock worth $136,000 after acquiring an additional 1,700 shares during the last quarter. 62.49% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. TeraWulf Price Performance Shares of WULF stock opened at $8.12 on Friday. TeraWulf Inc. has a 1-year low of $1.24 and a 1-year high of $9.30. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $6.35 and a 200-day moving average of $4.92. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades View Our Latest Report on WULF About TeraWulf ( Free Report ) TeraWulf Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a digital asset technology company in the United States. The company develops, owns, and operates bitcoin mining facilities in New York and Pennsylvania. It is also involved in the provision of miner hosting services to third-party entities. The company was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Easton, Maryland. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WULF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for TeraWulf Inc. ( NASDAQ:WULF – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for TeraWulf Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TeraWulf and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Washington Capitals (13-6-1, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Florida Panthers (12-8-1, in the Atlantic Division) Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Washington Capitals (13-6-1, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Florida Panthers (12-8-1, in the Atlantic Division) Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Washington Capitals (13-6-1, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Florida Panthers (12-8-1, in the Atlantic Division) Sunrise, Florida; Monday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Florida Panthers take on the Washington Capitals as losers of three straight games. Florida is 12-8-1 overall and 6-4-1 at home. The Panthers are fourth in league play serving 10.2 penalty minutes per game. Washington has a 13-6-1 record overall and a 6-2-0 record on the road. The Capitals have a +26 scoring differential, with 81 total goals scored and 55 allowed. Monday’s game is the first meeting between these teams this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Aleksander Barkov Jr. has four goals and 15 assists for the Panthers. Uvis Balinskis has over the last 10 games. Connor McMichael has 13 goals and seven assists for the Capitals. Ivan Miroshnichenko has over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Panthers: 5-5-0, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.7 assists, 4.7 penalties and 12.2 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game. Capitals: 5-4-1, averaging 3.7 goals, 6.1 assists, 3.4 penalties and 7.4 penalty minutes while giving up 2.4 goals per game. INJURIES: Panthers: None listed. Capitals: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementTiming is everything for Apple going into 2025. Apple's stage is set for the new year, with big plans for expansion in generative AI, reports of a home device lineup launching soon, and talks of a more affordable iPhone in the pipeline. The "biggest story" for 2025 will be the impact of the new on iPhone sales, Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, said. Apple was criticized for being late to the game when it came to introducing its own generative AI, but the hype around Apple Intelligence has some expecting a "super cycle." And iPhone sales will have "more aggressive expectations" in 2025 after analysts adjusted their hype around iPhone 16 demand in the final months of 2024, William Kerwin, tech analyst at Morningstar, said. "We expect Apple will ship more than 240 million iPhones in 2025, breaking its annual record," Wedbush Securities analysts wrote in their 2025 tech wish list. To do that, though, Munster says Apple will have to figure out how to get Apple Intelligence onto all eligible iPhones. In Greater China, it will have to partner with a local tech company and adhere to the rules to bring AI to Chinese iPhones. It's a move that Apple is discussing with Tencent and ByteDance, according to . Apple Intelligence will roll out to iPhone users in the European Union in April, Apple said on its website. Meanwhile, its competition isn't slowing down. There's pressure to produce "more affordable mixed reality devices while maintaining its slim smartphone market share lead over Samsung," Jacob Bourne, tech analyst at Business Insider sister company EMARKETER, said. Outside the iPhone, the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro launched to great fanfare but faced low demand in 2024. Meanwhile, Meta saw its (cheaper) gain popularity. Munster predicts that Apple will ditch the Vision Pro in favor of a form factor more like smart glasses. Then there's the pressure in China — a key region for sales production for Apple. Donald Trump will be sworn in as president in January, and he's been threatening a . The company reportedly relies on China for production of 95% of its If Trump makes good on his tariff promise, Apple could face retaliatory levies affecting its sales in the country. Apple's legal battles will continue into 2025. The federal judge presiding over its antitrust lawsuit from the US Department of Justice said he hopes to decide whether or not the case will go to trial by January, Bloomberg . Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment by Business Insider. The tech giant has had an eventful 2024, including its new iPhone launches and the introduction of AI. There are further reports of tech devices that could come out in 2025, including smart home products and a cheaper iPhone. Bloomberg that a new version of the could be released in 2025, bringing Apple Intelligence to a more affordable smartphone than the iPhone 16. Bloomberg reported in November that there's a in Apple's production lineup that could use Apple Intelligence, operate home appliances, and access Apple apps. It could be announced as early as March, according to the report. Expectations are high for Apple in 2025. It made smart moves by partnering with OpenAI and bringing its own AI on iPhones, but analysts say the true payoff of its bets in 2024 is still to come. "Apple needs to carefully time — and price — new products and features to align with consumer demand rather than just technological capability," EMARKETER's Bourne said. Read the original article on

Voters in Ireland were more than usually busy in 2024, casting their ballot in five different polls – for two referenda in March, local and European ballots in June and a general election in November. The country’s political comings and goings were further punctuated by an emotional announcement in March from former premier Leo Varadkar that he was resigning as taoiseach and Fine Gael leader. He was succeeded the following month in both roles by Simon Harris. But the year had so much more to offer than just politics, and PA news agency photographers were on hand to capture some of the highlights.

The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.PLEASANTON, Calif. , Dec. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This holiday season, DermRays invites you to redefine the spirit of giving with gifts that bring radiant confidence and timeless beauty. December 9-31 , enjoy our exclusive Christmas Season Promotion : $100 OFF all purchases, plus a chance to receive a limited-edition LED Neck Mask - absolutely free . This groundbreaking product will be gifted randomly to customers while supplies last, ensuring your holiday surprises are as unique as your loved ones. Discover the Magic of DermRays LED Light Therapy Masks Designed to transform your daily skincare routine, the DermRays LED Light Therapy Mask for Face, Neck, and Décolletage delivers clinic-grade results in the comfort of your home. Key features include: For more information, visit https://www.dermrays.com/ and join us in making this Christmas unforgettable. About DermRays DermRays combines innovation and technology to empower individuals with at-home skincare devices that deliver professional-grade results. Media Contact: Facebook: @dermraysofficial Instagram: @dermrays_global YouTube: @DermRays TikTok: @dermrays.official Email: [email protected]

Cooper Rush passed for two touchdowns, Dallas returned two kicks for scores and the visiting Cowboys held off the Washington Commanders in a wild fourth quarter for a 34-26 win. Dallas led 10-9 after three quarters. With Washington trailing 27-26, Jayden Daniels hit Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds left, but Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game. Juanyeh Thomas of the Cowboys then returned the onside kick 43 yards for a touchdown. Rush completed 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards for Dallas (4-7), which snapped a five-game losing streak. Rico Dowdle ran 19 times for 86 yards and CeeDee Lamb had 10 catches for 67 yards. Jayden Daniels was 25-of-38 passing for 274 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for reeling Washington (7-5), which has lost three straight. He ran for 74 yards and one score. McLaurin had five catches for 102 yards. Trailing 20-9 late in the fourth quarter, Daniels drove Washington 69 yards in nine plays and hit Zach Ertz for a 4-yard touchdown. Daniels ran for two points and Washington trailed 20-17 with 3:02 remaining. KaVontae Turpin muffed the ensuing kickoff, picked it up at the one, and raced 99 yards for a touchdown to make it 27-17. Austin Seibert's 51-yard field goal pulled the Commanders within 27-20 with 1:40 left, With the score tied 3-3, Washington took the second half kick and went 60 yards in 10 plays. On third-and-three from the Dallas 17, Daniels faked a handoff, ran left and scored his first rushing touchdown since Week 4. Seibert missed the point after and Washington led 9-3. Dallas answered with an 80-yard drive. A 23-yard pass interference penalty gave the Cowboys a first-and-goal at the 4. Two plays later Rush found Jalen Tolbert in the end zone and the extra point made it 10-9. Brandon Aubrey's 48-yard field goal made it 13-9 with 8:11 remaining in the game. On the next play, Daniels hit John Bates for 14 yards, but Donovan Wilson forced a fumble and Dallas recovered at the Washington 44. Five plays later, Rush found Luke Schoonmaker down the middle for a 22-yard touchdown and Dallas led 20-9 with 5:16 left. The first quarter was all about field goals. Aubrey's field goal attempt was blocked on the opening drive and Michael Davis returned it to the Dallas 40. Washington later settled for Seibert's 41-yard field goal. On the next Dallas drive, Aubrey hit the right upright from 42 yards out, and then Seibert missed from 51 yards. With 14 seconds left in the half, Rush found Jalen Brooks for a 41-yard gain to the Washington 28. On the next play Aubrey connected from 46 yards to tie it. --Field Level Media

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect wants to turn the lights out on daylight saving time. In a post on his social media site Friday, Trump said his party would try to end the practice when he returns to office. “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” he wrote. Setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall is intended to maximize daylight during summer months, but has long been subject to scrutiny. Daylight saving time was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942. Lawmakers have occasionally proposed getting rid of the time change altogether. The most prominent recent attempt, a now-stalled bipartisan bill named the , had proposed making daylight saving time permanent. The measure was , whom Trump has tapped to helm the State Department. “Changing the clock twice a year is outdated and unnecessary,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said as the Senate voted in favor of the measure. Health experts have said that lawmakers have it backward and that standard time should be made permanent. , including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said that it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology. do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do, the date that clocks are changed varies, creating a complicated tapestry of changing time differences. Arizona and Hawaii don’t change their clocks at all.Aaron Rodgers suggests a 'curse' might be the reason for the Jets' losing waysFormer Florida congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Republican's announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Here's the latest: As incoming White House chief of staff, one of Susie Wiles ’ vexing challenges will be policing the buffet line of powerful interests who want something from Donald Trump. It’s a world she knows well. During Trump’s first presidency, she lobbied for many of them. Trump was first elected on a pledge to “drain the swamp” in Washington. But his transactional approach to the presidency instead ushered in a lobbying boom that showered allies, including Wiles, with lucrative contracts, empowered wealthy business associates and stymied his agenda after his administration was ensnared in a series of influence-peddling scandals. Now, as Trump prepares to return to power , his victory is likely to embolden those who think they can get his ear, raising the prospect that his second administration could face many of the same perils as his first. That will test the ability of Wiles to manage a growing number of high-powered figures — including Trump’s children, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and billionaires like Elon Musk — who will not be dependent on her for access to the president. ▶ Read more about Susie Wiles and her new role Vance accompanied Matt Gaetz in meetings with GOP senators on Wednesday. “I’m extremely grateful for the work Matt put into the nomination process,” the Ohio senator posted on X. “Matt is a patriot, and I look forward to seeing what he does next.” President Joe Biden still believes President-elect Donald Trump is a dangerous figure in U.S. democracy, his top spokesperson said Thursday. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “his thinking on that has not changed” even as the Biden White House emphasizes its commitment to the “peaceful transfer of power.” Jean-Pierre told reporters there is no double-speak in Biden’s approach. Biden framed Donald Trump as a “fundamental threat” to the nation’s identity as a democracy and its stability as a global superpower when he defeated Trump in 2020. He did it as a candidate for reelection. He did it again when he dropped out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. But Jean-Pierre said Biden recognizes the legitimacy of Trump’s election to another term, even if it’s not the result he wanted. “The American people spoke,” she said, adding that Biden wants to be an example of how to respect U.S. elections. That was an opaque reference to Trump’s refusal to accept Biden’s victory in 2020 and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters as Congress met to affirm the results. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says she hasn’t spoken to her designated successor, Karoline Leavitt. Jean-Pierre told reporters gathered Thursday at the White House that she hopes the second Trump administration will be forthright with the public by talking to reporters. Trump’s first White House dramatically curtailed its initial interactions with the White House press corps, and Jean-Pierre said Biden and his staff “worked really hard to bring back the norms” with press briefings and interactions. “We’ve tried to do this in a very respectful way,” she said. Jean-Pierre declined to “speak to what any administration is going to do” in the future, but added that the back-and-forth with the press is part of “what democracy is all about.” In other presidential transition news, Trump is urging federal lawmakers to kill a bill that would protect journalists from having to disclose information about anonymous sources or other records obtained during reporting. The proposal that passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, but is pending in the Senate, also bars the government from requesting data from phone or email providers. The bill includes exceptions such as when there’s a reasonable threat of imminent violence or an act of terrorism. As of now, only some states grant absolute protection from disclosing sources or other records. “Republicans must kill this bill!” Trump posted on Truth Social and shared a video from PBS News Hour interviewing the CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalist, Jodie Ginsburg, talking about the proposal. Last month, The Associated Press, along with more than 100 news outlets and organizations, signed a letter authored by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press asking senators to support the bill. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre isn’t commenting on Matt Gaetz withdrawing his nomination as president-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general in the new administration. “We really, truly want to respect the transfer of power,” Jean-Pierre said Thursday during a White House press briefing, explaining her steadfast refusal to comment on Trump personnel moves. But Jean-Pierre nonetheless used the matter to take a subtle jab at how Trump, who was twice indicted by the federal government, has reacted to federal law enforcement. “Look, the president has said when it comes to investigation, that department should be independent. there should be no partisanship. There should be no loyalty to one party or the other,” she said. “The loyalty should be to the Constitution, and the loyalty should be to the rule of law.” Trump has insisted that it was Biden and his lieutenants who weaponized the Justice Department by indicting him for his role in trying to overturn Biden’s 2020 election victory and for hoarding national security documents after Trump left the White House in January 2021. That latter case has been thrown out by a Trump-appointed judge. The former case is still pending. Taken together, there are a striking number of incidents in which potential high-ranking government officials in Trump’s second administration face allegations of sexual abuse. Here’s a look at some of the cases: President-elect Donald Trump: He was found liable by a New York City jury for sexual abuse and defamation and eventually ordered to pay the woman, E. Jean Carroll , $83 million in damages. Pete Hegseth, nominee for secretary of defense: A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police the encounter had been consensual and denies wrongdoing. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for secretary of health and human services: A woman who babysat for Kennedy and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine he groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation, telling a podcast: “I had a very, very rambunctious youth.” He texted the woman an apology after the story was published. Linda McMahon, nominee for secretary of education: A lawsuit filed last month alleges McMahon knowingly enabled sexual exploitation of children by a World Wrestling Entertainment employee as early as the 1980s. She denies the allegations. Elon Musk, Trump’s choice to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency: The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX was accused of sexual misconduct by a flight attendant contracted by SpaceX who worked on his private jet in 2016. He denied the claim. ▶ Read more about the allegations of sexual misconduct Among those who were seen as contenders before Gaetz was picked is former acting attorney general Matt Whitaker , who Trump chose earlier this week to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Story continues below video Other names that were floated as potential attorney general nominees include Jeff Jensen, a former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. Trump last week chose Todd Blanche , an attorney who led the legal team that defended the Republican at his hush money criminal trial , to serve as the second-highest ranking Justice Department official. Emil Bove, a former federal prosecutor, was chosen to be the principal associate deputy attorney general. An attorney who represents two women who say they were paid by Gaetz for sex says his clients are “relieved to have this chapter behind them.” “They’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives,” said Joel Leppard, whose clients testified before the House Ethics Committee. “They’re hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved.” Leppard revealed earlier this week details about his clients’ testimony to House Ethics Committee to release its report on the Gaetz investigation. Leppard said his clients were paid a total of $10,000 by the congressman. One of his clients testified that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in 2017, while he was in Congress. Though Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration for attorney general, he isn’t Trump’s only appointee in hot water. A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report made public late Wednesday. Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and Trump’s nominee to be defense secretary, told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. Earlier today, Hegseth held a round of private meetings alongside incoming Vice President JD Vance in an attempt to shore up support and told reporters afterward: “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared, and that’s where I’m gonna leave it.” ▶ Read more about the allegations against Hegseth In his Nov. 13 resignation letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Gaetz said, “I hereby resign, as United States Representatives for Florida’s First Congressional District, effective immediately, and I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress, to pursue the position of Attorney General in the Trump Administration.” He transmitted a similar letter to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the state began a special election process to fill the vacancy. Attorneys involved in a civil case brought by a Gaetz associate were notified this week that an unauthorized person accessed a file shared between lawyers that included unredacted depositions from a woman who said Gaetz had sex with her when she was 17 and a second woman who says she saw the encounter, according to attorney Joel Leppard. Leppard said that two women he represents told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017 when Gaetz was in Congress. The files the person was able to access were part of a defamation case filed by a Gaetz associate against the former representative’s onetime political ally Joel Greenberg , who pleaded guilty in 2021 to sex trafficking of a minor, and admitted that he had paid at least one underage girl to have sex with him and other men. The apparent breach was first reported Tuesday by The New York Times. Gaetz has denied all the allegations. ▶ Read more about the apparent file breach Trump had announced last week that he’d chosen Todd Blanche, an attorney who’s defended him in some of his criminal cases, to serve as deputy attorney general. That’s the second highest ranking position at the Justice Department. A former federal prosecutor, Blanche has been a key figure defended him both in the New York hush money criminal trial that ended in a conviction in May, and the federal cases brought by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said Thursday in a post on X that he believes the now-former congressman “will continue to contribute to our nation’s wellbeing for years to come.” Graham, a member of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, also said he looks forward to working with Trump “regarding future nominees to get this important job up and running.” The caption of the Instagram photo reads “The end of an era. No one loves America more than this guy.” The Florida representative was once embroiled in a sex trafficking investigation involving underage girls by the Justice Department, the very department President-elect Trump had tapped him to lead. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and in February 2023 said the investigation ended with no federal charges against him.He was also being investigated by the House Ethics panel, but Republicans declined yesterday to release the committee’s findings over objections from Democrats in a split vote. ▶ Read more about the Justice Department’s investigation into Gaetz He had abruptly resigned from his congressional seat upon being nominated as attorney general amid a long-running House Ethics investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, which was seen as a way to halt the probe. The House Ethics panel’s Republicans declined this week to release the committee’s findings into Gaetz over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter. However, Gaetz did win re-election earlier this month for the new Congress which convenes Jan. 3. But it’s unclear if he would take office. There’s also been plans for a special election in Florida for his seat. “President Trump remains committed to choosing a leader for the Department of Justice who will strongly defend the Constitution and end the weaponization of our justice system,” said Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team. In a message on his Truth Social network, Trump also said he was looking forward to seeing what Gaetz will do next after withdrawing as his pick. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump posted. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” Matt Gaetz has just withdrawn as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following continued scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on the former congressman’s ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The Florida Republican’s announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party.

ServiceNow, Inc. ( NYSE: NOW ) Barclays 22nd Annual Global Technology Conference Call December 11, 2024 3:10 PM ET Company Participants Gina Mastantuono - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Raimo Lenschow - Barclays Raimo Lenschow Welcome to our next session. I see this year we do like more the buffet style, which basically means there's going to be more movement than in previous years, but I hope we still okay. Gina, thanks for joining me. Gina Mastantuono Thanks for having me. Question-and-Answer Session Q - Raimo Lenschow Let's start. It's funny because so much has changed or has in the last few weeks and months. So, it's like -- it's almost I want to kind of take like the polls from you as well to see like, okay, how has the last few weeks kind of played out for you guys? And there's like the typical questions like post-election and what happened and et cetera. Like, maybe just frame us a little bit like what have you seen? Gina Mastantuono Yeah. Great question. Not surprising. From our perspective, the quarter has been shaping as we had expected. And we feel good about our guide that we gave in last quarter. Post election -- and by the way, our pipelines are strong. We had a really solid knowledge pipeline generation. Q4 for us also we do a lot of our World Forums, which are kind of smaller customer events, and building pipeline has been good there. What I'd say post-election and I said this last week at one of the conferences, and I think you're hearing it a lot online in the news as well, I think yesterday they talked about small business sentiment being the highest in three years. Raimo Lenschow Yeah. Gina Mastantuono Certainly the conversations that I'm having with industry